Abstract
Online Sámi language education experiences a booming interest, not least as large groups of Sámi live in diasporic communities outside the traditional area of Sápmi where Sámi language teachers are hard to find. Therefore, for many, online education is the only available educational option. From a philosophical perspective, this paper aims to contribute knowledge about online Sámi language education contextualised to the Swedish and Norwegian side of Sápmi. Information from conversations with six online 1-9 Sámi language teachers revealed that they operate within a colonial matrix underpinned by dominant perspectives expressed through legislation, policies, financial incentives etc. Within the matrix, teachers work hard at counteracting colonial consequences, such as pupils with a wide array of pre-knowledge leading to conflicting expectations, and a disconnection to land, animals and people. One consequence might also be embodied colonialism manifesting in different ways. The teachers’ work of applying Sámi philosophical and pedagogical perspectives is done with hardly any outside support and poor financial resources to the best of their ability. There is a need to digitally transform the practice to, amongst other reasons, counteract potential spatial limitations, as teachers need support structures to make the most of the epistemic space created through this mode of education. If Sweden and Norway continue to frame online education within the compulsory school system as a second-best option that should be avoided, if possible, it is unlikely that enough resources will be allocated without political pressure.
Published Version
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