Bayanai : exploring the potential of a culturally revitalising online film workshop in Sakha

• Main Author: Kani, Hannu
• Other Authors: fi=Taiteiden tiedekunta|en=Faculty of Art and Design|
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: fi=Lapin yliopisto|en=University of Lapland| 2023
• Subjects: indigenous peoples; pedagogy; art; culture; art education; summer camps; arctic region; elokuvakasvatus; film culture; kulttuuri-identiteetti; cultural sustainability; kulttuurintutkimus; taiteellinen tutkimus; arts-based methods; alkuperäiskansat; kesäleirit; taidepedagogiikka; verkko-opetus; verkko-oppiminen; online communities; films; Kuvataidekasvatuksen maisteriohjelma; Arctic; Laaja; Sakha; Arktis*; Global warming; Republic of Sakha
• Online Access: https://lauda.ulapland.fi/handle/10024/65763; http://nbn-resolving.org/URN:NBN:fi-fe20231209152660

The cultural sustainability of the indigenous communities in the Arctic is a pressing matter. Global warming, globalisation, effects of colonisation and exploitation have a detrimental effect on these communities whose way of life and vast library of indigenous knowledge are connected to their surrounding nature. This research aims to develop and evaluate the implementation of an online film workshop that would support a community in exploring their cultural landscape and promote cultural sustainability. The workshop was part of ASAD-network's project conducted in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Republic of Sakha. The participants were local youth, with three local teachers also present. Utilising the methods of arts-based action research, active participation, interaction, and the functionality of culturally sensitive practices are highlighted. The theoretical framework focuses on local culture, film pedagogy and e-learning. Continuous evaluation and development of the process has produced practical information based on which a more functional workshop model has been presented. The research also hopes to offer a glimpse into how the Sakha experience and produce their culture. The research emphasises the ethical and practical challenges of e-learning, such as access to resources, yet recognises its potential in facilitating cultural exchange and affirmation. The collaboration of local knowledge-holders and the comprehensive evaluation of methods in case-by-case is imperative. Finally, film functioned as a multifaceted pedagogical medium for cultural observation promoting critical thinking, exploration, engagement and expression. Based on possibly the most unifying form of expression, storytelling, film is ideal for sharing and experiencing cultural experiences. Alkuperäiskansojen kulttuurinen kestävyys Arktisella alueella on ajankohtainen aihe. Ilmastonmuutos, globalisaatio, kolonialisaation vaikutukset ja riisto vaikuttavat näiden yhteisöjen hyvinvointiin, joiden elämäntavat ja laaja ...