This one-week course explores current theories and policies guiding Indigenous peoples´ rights to their cultural heritage (CH). It provides students with perspectives of the central concepts of Indigenous peoples´ rights, and a framework of the interplay between Indigenous peoples’ CH, intellectual property rights regulation and data governance issues, and related ethical considerations. The course addresses the main challenges and developments of new policies and legislation in the field.

The International School “Indigenous Rights, Responsibilities and Ethics” is organised by the project “Indigenous Cultures in Evolution: Governing Rights and Responsibilities through Sustainable Law and Ethics (INCLUSION)”. INCLUSION is a project funded by the Team Finland Knowledge programme of Finnish National Agency for Education (Opetushallitus). It is coordinated by the University of Lapland (Faculty of Law and Arctic Center), with partners from the University of Helsinki (Indigenous Studies and Faculty of Law) and the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (Graduate School). The project aims to promote education, teaching and learning on the law and ethical issues at the crossroads of the regulation and governance of Indigenous peoples’ rights to their culture, with particular focus on the digitisation of Indigenous peoples’ cultural heritage. (see: https://research.ulapland.fi/en/projects/indigenous-cultures-in-evolution-governing-rights-and-responsibil).

A free of charge two-days trip to the city of Inari is included as part of the program. During this trip, students will have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Sámi people through a guided visit to the Sámi Museum Siida (https://siida.fi/en/). Additionally, the trip includes a visit to the Sámi Parliament (https://samediggi.fi/en/), where students will gain insights into the political and social aspects of Sámi governance and their role within the Finnish society.

The International School will be fully conducted in English. A proficient level of that language will be needed to fulfil its requirements.

Who can participate?

Students (advanced BA or Msc level), accepted Erasmus students (at advanced BA or Msc level) for the academic year 2024/2025, and/or BA and Msc level researchers from universities, research institutions or civil society organizations located in Finland, from the field of law or Indigenous studies. Indigenous representatives are particularly encouraged to apply to the programme. The course is free of charge for all the students that are accepted.

 

How to apply?

Please apply via a dedicated online application system (will be provided later) by submitting:

1. Application form accessible through this link:

   https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/81797E6E10172A64

2. Mandatory attachments:
   1. Motivation letter (maximum one page)
   2. CV (1 page)
   3. Certificates of studies (including grades). This requirement can be waived for Indigenous representatives without certificate of studies, who can submit a short statement to that effect (see below Selection Criteria).

 

When to apply?

Application period is from 19.08.2024 to 13.09.2024 at 23.59 hours EET (UTC +3).

 

Selection criteria

A maximum of 10 students will have the opportunity to attend the summer school.

The following criteria will be applied in selecting students to the programme:

• Interest and career outlooks on the topic;
• Number of credits and grades;
• Indigenous representatives can submit a statement on prior experience with issues related to the International School to fulfil this latter criterion;
• The school expects to assign about 20% of placements for Indigenous representatives, who are particularly encouraged to apply.

 

When will you be informed?

Selected students will be contacted individually by email by 18.09.2024.
 

Travel requirements

Students need to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

 

Transcript of credits and certificate

Upon successful completion of the summer school, students in partner Finnish universities will be granted 5ECTS by their own university. The University of Lapland will issue a certificate to all students that have successfully passed the course. Students must ensure that their university allows transfer of these credits.