The network

THE ARCTIC PHILOSOPHY NETWORK

We believe that the Arctic has stories, knowledge and perspectives that can inspire new ways of thinking about how we live together, lead, learn and relate to nature.

The Arctic Philosophy Network is a community of Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers, leaders, artists, educators and others connected by an interest in the Arctic. We come together to share stories and experiences, exchange knowledge and explore ideas that can contribute to positive social and sustainable change in the Arctic and beyond.

Our work brings together culture, nature and people. We are inspired by Arctic and Indigenous knowledge and by the many ways people across the region understand community, wellbeing, leadership, sustainability and our relationship with the natural world.

Through storytelling, dialogue, research and collaboration, we turn shared knowledge into new ideas, learning and action.

The network is a place to listen, connect and co-create — and to bring the positive stories and perspectives of the Arctic into wider conversations about the future.

Our method

Ownership, co-creation and implementation are at the heart of the Arctic Philosophy Network. We believe that meaningful and sustainable change grows from the knowledge, experiences and stories of the people involved. Our activities therefore create space for people to contribute, learn from one another and turn shared knowledge into action.

Storytelling is an important part of how we work. We use the research-based and ethical change-management method True Storytelling™ and its seven principles as an inspiration and practical framework for our work. The method is based on Indigenous storytelling traditions.

We see stories not simply as a way of communicating, but as a way of sharing knowledge, creating connections and developing new understanding. Through storytelling, dialogue and reflection, we bring different perspectives together and create space for people to develop ideas and solutions collectively.

We therefore use storytelling and the principles of True Storytelling™ in research, workshops, leadership development, education and other activities of our network. We aim to create processes where people have ownership of their stories and where knowledge is developed with people rather than simply for them.

Founders

Jens Larsen

True Storytelling Institute.

Jens is a social entrepreneur, author, storyteller researcher and executive coach working with companies and organizations on leadership, the UN goals and sustainability. He is cofounder of the True Storytelling method.

Eva Ritter, PhD.

Nordic Perspectives Institute.

Eva is a speaker, freelance researcher, trainer and advisor for sustainability in education and leadership. She was honoured by the German Commission for UNESCO for her work in transformative education.

Core members

Bjørn Tegner Bay

Chief of Police, Greenland Police.

Inge Olsvig Brandt

Mindful Sila, Greenland.

Maria Øien, PhD.

Senior Curator, Alta Museum, World Heritage Rock Art Centre, Norway.

Prof. Jan-Erik Henriksen

Professor for Social Sork and Indigenous Knowledge, UiT The Arctic University of Norway.