Lávvuo is an interdisciplinary research and education environment focused on Sámi living conditions and health at Umeå University.
Vision
Lávvuo strives to be the leading research and knowledge hub for Sámi living conditions and health on the Swedish side of Sápmi, advancing research, education, and collaboration.
Purpose
The purpose of Lávvuo is to strengthen Sámi living conditions and health in Sweden through research, education, and collaboration.
Our Foundation
Sweden has recognised the Sámi as an Indigenous People. Umeå University is located within Sápmi, the traditional homeland of the Sámi people. Sámi communities have lived, worked, and developed their societies here since time immemorial. We operate within this context and are guided by respect for Sámi history, culture, languages, and knowledge. We are also guided by Indigenous Peoples’ rights, including the right to the highest attainable standard of health and the right to self-determination.
The name Lávvuo comes from Ume Sámi and refers to a traditional Sámi tent dwelling used as a summer home. For us, Lávvuo symbolises community, collaboration, and responsibility. These values guide our work.
Our Core Values
Community
Lávvuo is a place where people come together, share experiences, and learn from one another. In the same spirit, we strive to be an inclusive environment characterised by community, mutual respect, and the equal worth of all people. Contributing to greater equity in health and living conditions is a central motivation in our work.
Collaboration
A lávvuo is supported by poles that together create a strong and resilient structure. Likewise, our work is strengthened through collaboration among researchers, students, Sámi organisations, public authorities, civil society actors, and international partners.
Responsibility
The lávvuo symbolises a Sámi way of life characterised by sustainability, careful use of resources, and responsibility towards future generations. Similarly, we strive to conduct our work with care, long-term commitment, and respect for people, communities, and nature.
Our Objectives
Research
To conduct research on Sámi living conditions and health in Sweden in close dialogue and collaboration with Sámi communities, organisations, and knowledge holders and community experts.
To advance knowledge of Sámi living conditions and health through Sámi knowledge systems and interdisciplinary perspectives.
To develop and evaluate public health initiatives and other interventions aimed at improving Sámi living conditions and health.
Education and Capacity Building
To educate students and professionals about Sámi living conditions and health.
To support and develop the next generation of researchers in the field of Sámi living conditions and health.
Collaboration and Societal Impact
To collaborate with Sámi organisations, public authorities, and civil society.
To facilitate the use of research and disseminate knowledge about Sámi living conditions and health.
To generate knowledge that can support evidence-based policy development and service development relating to Sámi living conditions and health.
National and International Networks
To serve as a network for researchers in Sweden with an interest in Sámi living conditions and health.
To participate in international research networks focused on Indigenous Peoples’ living conditions and health.
To collaborate with other research centres concerned with Indigenous Peoples’ living conditions and health across Sápmi, the Nordic countries, the Arctic, and globally
How We Work
We strive to develop research and education characterised by mutual respect, relevance, scientific excellence, and societal benefit. Our work is grounded in dialogue and collaboration with Sámi communities, organisations, and knowledge holders and community experts, from the formulation of research questions through to the dissemination and use of findings.
We uphold principles of Indigenous participation and self-determination, including Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and support the development of responsible data governance in accordance with the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance.
Through co-creation, long-term relationships, and a strong ethical commitment, we seek to develop knowledge that is scientifically rigorous, relevant to Sámi communities, and useful for policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders. In doing so, we aim to contribute to strengthening Sámi living conditions and health, both today and for future generations.
