The current body of research on the interplay between environmental shifts and the mental well-being of Circumpolar Indigenous Peoples predominantly adopts a ‘deficit’ perspective, focusing on risks and vulnerabilities. However, scant attention has been paid to exploring the protective and resilience-enhancing factors rooted in Indigenous strengths, particularly among populations such as the Sámi in the Circumpolar North.

Circumpolar Indigenous communities such as the Sámi possess rich traditional knowledge and cultural practices deeply intertwined with their environment and identity. Areas warranting deeper qualitative exploration encompass the dynamics of ‘strength-based factors’ interplay, the influence of community norms, individual coping strategies, and language for the Sámi community, as well as the distinctive variations and parallels among Circumpolar Indigenous peoples’ encounters and viewpoints regarding mental well-being amidst environmental shifts. In forthcoming mental health research and policy formulation, collaboration and inclusion of Indigenous communities stand as imperative steps to deepen comprehension of local adversities, vulnerabilities, and strengths alongside the intricate interplay of social, economic, and historical elements impacting mental well-being, as well as the (local) potential for adaptation.

By studying Indigenous people’s perspectives, public health efforts can identify and build on existing strengths within Indigenous communities and families to support their capacity to adapt to environmental changes and to promote and protect mental well-being. Integrating their perspectives can help tailor public health interventions to be culturally relevant, place-specific, and respectful of Indigenous values and knowledge. Moreover, this approach facilitates the identification of vulnerable groups and addresses disparities in mental health outcomes across the Circumpolar North. Circumpolar Indigenous communities such as the Sámi possess a distinctive holistic perspective on health, embracing mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions. By integrating these viewpoints into research and policymaking processes, involving Indigenous voices can yield more robust public health strategies, effectively addressing mental health within a broader framework.

Read the full paper here: Venhof, V.S.M., Stephens, C., Martens, P. (2024). Voices from the North: Exploring Sámi People’s Perspectives on Environmental Change and Mental Well-Being: A Systematic Literature Review. Challenges, 15, 30. https://doi.org/10.3390/challe15020030