UNBC Student Wins Award for Arctic Indigenous Research

A graduate student's research on Indigenous reindeer herders and Arctic energy development earns national recognition.

Award-winning research by University of Northern British Columbia graduate student Jenikka Kirkland is shedding light on how Indigenous Arctic communities navigate the pressures of large-scale energy development, earning the Marna Feldt Graduate Publication Award from the Association for the Advancement of Scandinavian Studies in Canada (AASSC).

Published research

Kirkland's essay, "Indigenous Reindeer Herders and Liquefied Natural Gas: The Cases of Hámmarfeasta and the Yamal Peninsula," will be published in the peer-reviewed journal Scandinavian-Canadian Studies as part of the award.

"Being given this award is very exciting for me because it signifies that my research work meets the rigorous academic standards demanded by the journal," Kirkland says. "This has been incredibly validating as a young academic that still has a lot to learn. It's also proof that I am capable of conducting thorough research that meets the expectations of the academic community."

Academic assessment

Adjudication committee members praised the paper's strong theoretical grounding and methodological rigour, noting its effective use of energy justice and just transition frameworks alongside a systematic literature review and comparative case study design.

The committee highlighted the essay's clear organization, persuasive analysis and well-supported conclusions, while also recognizing its thoughtful engagement with complex political dynamics affecting Sámi and Nenets communities as energy infrastructure expands across northern Norway and Russia.

Research focus

Kirkland's research explores how Indigenous reindeer herders navigate large-scale liquefied natural gas development projects and broader questions of colonialism, environmental policy and Indigenous rights in Arctic regions.

Their interest in the topic grew from a combination of personal background and academic study.

"Growing up in the Greater Edmonton area, I was always awestruck by the idea that people were creating flourishing lives in places even colder and further north," Kirkland says. "During my undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta, I studied Scandinavian culture and Russian language, which introduced me to Indigenous peoples who use reindeer herding as a means of surviving in the harsh Arctic climate. Combining those interests with the importance of continuing conversations about Indigenous rights brought me to this research."

Key takeaways

Kirkland hopes readers come away with a deeper appreciation for Indigenous resilience and a clearer understanding of global responsibility in addressing colonial legacies tied to resource development.

"One of the most important takeaways of my paper is the adaptability and resiliency of Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic," they say. "Indigenous Peoples are often portrayed as powerless victims, but even in extremely difficult circumstances in Russia the Nenets continue to show solidarity and bravery."

The research also challenges governments and industry to uphold commitments to reconciliation and environmental responsibility.

"Calling out hypocrisy and demanding change should not be the sole responsibility of Indigenous Peoples," Kirkland adds. "It is crucial that the international community steps up."