DOI: 10.1177/08445621261458085 ISSN: 0844-5621

Living and Caring in Arctic Landscapes: Collaborative Insights from North-Sámi, Rural and Remote Norwegian Communities

Nina Sivertsen, Katrine Brochmann, Berit Inger Anne Eira Buljo, June Brita Eira, Janne Isaksen Engnes, Jeanette Elise Huemer, Linda Okstad, Susan E. Smith, Trine Alice Hågensen, Andrea Kenta, Helene Victoria Smith, Siri Mykleby Storum, Ingvild Arntzen Sørbøe, Hanna Sørlie, Grete Mehus
Show PDF Cite

Introduction

This study explored the life, health, and wellbeing of individuals living in rural and remote Arctic and North Sámi areas.

Methods

A novel qualitative design was used, incorporating conversational interviews conducted in a rundprat (circle-talk) format. Data were collected from 55 participants across eight northern and Sámi rural and remote villages and townships, including 38 individual interviews, four focus groups (17 participants), and student field and reflection notes. The study was guided by a students-as-partners framework in which students and staff collaborated as co-researchers. A reciprocal, two-way learning process supported shared inquiry between students, academic researchers, clinicians, and nurse teachers. Through observation and interviews, students explored individual, group, and societal dimensions of rural health, deepening their understanding of both the community and the research process.

Findings

Three main themes were identified: (1) Quality of life, (2) The realities (3) ‘The Challenges We Face’. The findings reflect both the positive and challenging aspects of living in remote Arctic and North Sámi regions of Norway.

Conclusion

This study shows that involving nursing students in collaborative fieldwork can offer valuable perspectives on health and wellbeing in Arctic and North-Sámi areas. While residents chose to remain in these regions for the environment, community, and quality of life; they continue to face significant disparities in health service access alongside experiences of racism and colonial structures. The findings point to an urgent need for improved emergency preparedness and stronger cultural inclusion in remote healthcare.

More from our Archive