INREL | UiT

INREL studies articulations of indigenous religion(s) in different contexts around the world and explores the relations between local actualizations and globalizing discourses of indigeneity and religion.

Our approach consists of contemporary case studies, close collaboration, careful comparison, and critical analysis.

The research group is headed by professor Siv Ellen Kraft and professor Bjørn Ola Tafjord from the Department of Archaeology, History, Religious Studies, and Theology at UiT The Arctic University of Norway.

Between 2015 and 2020, most of our activities were organized around an international research project, also called INREL, funded by The Research Council of Norway (FRIPRO) and led by professor Kraft. Click here to read more about the project.

From August 2020, we embark on a new collaborative research project titled “The Governmateriality of Indigenous Religion(s)” (GOVMAT), funded by The Research Council of Norway (FRIPRO) and led by professor Tafjord. Click here to learn about the concept of governmateriality.

Researchers

May-Lisbeth Brew

Trude FonnelandProfessor

Brynhild GranåsAssociate Professor

Kjersti FjørtoftProfessor

Liudmila NikanorovaResearcher

Astrid HovdenAssociate Professor

Astrid Hovden – Associate Professor

Research interests:

Current research:
I am currently studying climate change adaptation in Himalaya, as part of the project “Himalayan Connections: Melting Glaciers, Sacred Landscapes and Mobile Technologies in a Changing Climate” (HimalConnect) funded by the Research Council of Norway.

The project explores the historical and current perceptions and responses to environmental hazards in two Buddhist communities in the Himalaya, and how they change with the introduction of new connectivities and new modes of governance. Particular focus is given to how knowledge about such management strategies can be scaled out and made relevant across the different decision-making levels of environmental management.

Further research interests: