Welfare services in enhancing good life for the Sámi: A reflection on conducting ethically responsible research and developing an improved sense of culture

Abstract

In this article, I reflect on the ethical and culturally sensitive aspects of knowledge production in research involving Indigenous peoples. I examine the key findings of a case study of Sámi welfare experiences and discuss their significance for the salient qualities of Indigenous methodology: the relational, reflexive and contextual. The aim is to gain insights into doing research ‘in a good way’ – that is competent, responsible and respectful and that contributes to culturally relevant knowledge from the Sámi perspective. The analysis indicates that a heightened sense of culture is needed together with enhanced opportunities for dialogue between the participants.