The Verdde Indigenous Education Thematic Network (TN) was initiated at the UArctic Council meeting in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2004 and is therefore one of the oldest thematic networks in UArctic. At that time, the Sámi University College, which is now the Sámi University of Applied Sciences, and Nunavut Arctic College (Canada) ran the Verdde Program as a pilot, and it became the permanent thematic network. Verdde Indigenous TN enacts the UArctic commitment that “In partnership with Indigenous peoples and communities, we seek to transform our education institutions and systems to be inclusive, relevant and responsive to Indigenous peoples, their perspectives, interests, and knowledge systems” (UArctic Congress, 2018).

The North Sámi word Verdde refers to an exchange that is mutually beneficial. In addition to Nunavut Arctic College and the Sámi University, there have been various other partner institutions in Verdde. This currently includes Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada),  University of Alaska Fairbanks and Juneau (USA), the Alaska Pacific University (USA) and Sámi University of Applied Sciences. The Arctic State Institute of Culture and Art (Russia), the North-Eastern Federal University (Russia) and the Ilisimatusarfik / University of Greenland (Denmark) are currently inactive.

There is a need to strengthen cooperation within Circumpolar North Indigenous education and UArctic plays an important role in bringing Indigenous educators together. The Verdde TN led by the Sámi University and is the only Indigenous-led TN. It promotes Indigenous self-determined and culture-based education that contributes to revitalizing and maintaining the rich Indigenous cultures and languages, as well as supporting Indigenous identities and voices across the Circumpolar. This work reflects the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) (2007), especially in relation to education: “Recognizing in particular the right of indigenous families and communities to retain shared responsibility for the upbringing, training, education and well-being of their children, consistent with the rights of the child.” UNDRIP includes references to education in the culture and language of the child (Article 14) and education for empowerment (Article 17). The Verdde TN supports and inspires Indigenous students, teachers and academics in collaborating, sharing knowledge, and learning about local cultural ways to ensure Indigenous knowledge systems inform and contribute to the wellbeing of local communities and people.

The Verdde Indigenous TN fosters strong relationships amongst the partner institutions and connects academic communities with local communities through all levels of education. In particular, Verdde connects Circumpolar Indigenous teacher education, Indigenous education, and Indigenous language education students, faculty and researchers. The Verdde TN strengthens Indigenous education through the teaching of Indigenous languages and cultures, promoting culturally relevant teacher education and professional learning, and strengthening education collaboration across the Circumpolar. This work includes a focus on Northern Indigenous-centric teaching philosophies that emphasize language, pedagogy, and local culture.