The conference Indigenous Journalism and Self-determination took place at the Sámi University of Applied Sciences/Sámi Allaskuvla on September 28–29, 2021. The conference brought together scholars and students of Indigenous Journalism, as well as Indigenous media leaders and Indigenous journalists. Professor Roy Krøvel of the Media, War and Conflict research group was one of the organizers of the conference. Keynote speakers included Professor Bronwyn Carlson is the Head of Indigenous Studies at Macquarie University, Folker Hanusch, Professor of Journalism at the Department of Communication, University of Vienna and Professor Katerina Tsetsura, Gaylord Family Professor at the University of Oklahoma, USA.
Professor Bronwyn Carlson demonstrated how social media is making it possible to construct “pan-indigenous movements”. According to Carlson, it is difficult to overestimate the importance of social media for indigenous peoples. Professor Folker Hanusch pointed out several themes and topics that needs more research, such as audiences and the impact of technologies.
Many speakers underlined the importance of media and journalism for growing local and global networks of indigenous peoples struggling to overcome discrimination. However, at the same time, the same technologies have made possible the growth of anti-minority groups and political parties leading to renewed discrimination, harassment, and violence against indigenous peoples.
The conference was part of the Sami University of Applied Sciences efforts to strengthen Sami education of journalists and Sami research on journalism.
