Poverty and well-being

Paulus Utsi, the Saami poet, echoes the lament of many indigenous peoples about the ravages caused by industrial development upon nature and traditional cultural values. He describes a longing to maintain traditional lifestyles close to nature and the ensuing loss of meaning when engulfed by modern economic development. Captured in the poem are underlying cultural values and definitions of what constitutes indigenous peoples’ wellbeing and sustainable development and, in its absence, indigenous peoples’ despair.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Good Health and Well-Being

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions