Finland | University of Oulu researcher Sigga-Marja Magga has been awarded the prestigious Risto Pelkonen Human Rights Award 2026 for her significant contributions to promoting the rights of Sámi researchers and advancing academic freedom.The award, presented by the Finnish Academies, recognizes individuals and organizations that actively defend the human rights of scholars and raise awareness of these issues within the scientific community.Magga, who serves as Director of the Giellagas Institute, has played a key role in highlighting the importance of Indigenous participation in research. Her work emphasizes how respecting Sámi knowledge, traditions, and languages strengthens both research quality and human rights.She was also involved in developing ethical guidelines for Sámi research published in 2024, which stress cultural respect and inclusion. Her research, including studies on Sámi handicraft traditions, demonstrates how academic freedom and Indigenous rights are closely connected.According to Liisa Laakso, Chair of the Human Rights Committee, Magga’s work is especially timely following increased attention to Sámi rights after the 2025 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.The award ceremony will take place on 11 May 2026 in Helsinki and will also be available online for public viewing.
Source: University of Oulu
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