Sacred Places in the Arctic and Beyond
Cultural and Existential Transitions
Patrick Dillon editor Dawid Bunikowski editor Francis Joy editor
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Published:22nd May '26
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Sacred Places in the Arctic and Beyond brings together indigenous and nonindigenous scholars, rightsholders, and practitioners to explore the status and management of sacred places, which are important as both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. It acknowledges the critical functions and roles that sacred places play in connection with local people, traditions, beliefs, and practices, as identity markers, places of cultural transmission and memory, and locations that support ecosystems and biodiversity.
An introductory chapter presents an organising framework for this book based in cultural ecology and law. Four chapters present case studies from the Arctic, and four more widen the geographical coverage to North America, South America, Africa, and Europe, each describing the cultural contexts and Indigenous cosmologies of sacred places in their respective regions. The studies raise issues of access to sacred places, destruction and disruption caused by extractive industries and tourism, and implications of these challenges for their management. This book concludes with three chapters that call for policy reappraisals. They address the problem of how Western‑orientated discourses and organisational structures frame legislation about, and management of, sacred places in ways which are seldom compatible with how Indigenous people understand these places and engage with them. Major themes from the case studies are integrated with ideas from cultural ecology and legal pluralism into a framework to inform future policy.
“Sacred Places in the Arctic and Beyond blends critical analysis with a global perspective in a deeply insightful examination of sacred places. It reveals both universal struggles and unique regional perspectives. It is a powerful call for policy reform that better respects Indigenous perspectives and practices.”
- Timo Koivurova, University of Lapland
“The authors of Sacred Places in the Arctic and Beyond sensitively draw important lessons from indigenous cultures, both in the Arctic and further afield. They provide insights into how we can share governance approaches across different cultures, and learn mutual lessons about organisational frameworks for living in harmony with the natural world.”
- Tom Oliver, University of Reading
“A brilliantly curated collection of case studies illustrating the importance of restorative, reciprocal relationships with sacred heritage. It integrates cultural ecology, heritage studies, and legal pluralism in promoting locally sensitive and inclusive protection of sacred places.”
- John C. Ryan, University of Notre Dame, Australia
“By combining Indigenous perspectives with cultural ecology and legal and policy debates, Sacred Places in the Arctic and Beyond offers important insights into how law and culture intersect in understanding and protecting sacred landscapes.”
- Reetta Toivanen, University of Helsinki
“Sacred Places in the Arctic and Beyond bridges Indigenous perspectives and academic insights in accounts of sacred places in the Arctic, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It is a powerful contribution to how we might protect cultural heritage amid social and environmental changes.”
- Nuccio Mazzullo, University of Lapland
ISBN: 9781032973739
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 760g
304 pages