The MAST Network- Making Knowledge for Sustainable Transformations is a network funded by Nordsfork. Together we are creating a unique space for exchange and capacity building across Indigenous and non-Indigenous academic institutions that incorporate knowledge through making. We work at the intersection between: indigenous knowledge-through-making and art and design knowledge-through making. By centering the discussions around shared forms of creative practice and ways of thinking things/objects of knowledge, the network will create opportunities for knowledge dialogues in rigorous, creative and respectful ways. Importantly the network aims to extend this exploration by connecting with indigenous issues in the global south.

The network partners gather regularly to share and make together, articulating capacity building actions in 3 face to face workshops and a series of network online encounters in the form of meetings and sharing circles during 2025 – 2026

Background:

Indigenous epistemologies and knowledges (pl.) are grounded on diverse ways of knowledge production and transmission that often include specific making practices and tangible material culture (see e.g García-Antón et al. 2020, Junka-Aikio et al. 2021, Magga 2024, Chicunque Agreda et al. 2024). These approaches to knowing-through-making are profoundly relational, often incorporating strong connections with environmental knowledge. Knowledge production through making is also dealt with in sites of contemporary western academic knowledge production. Of particular interest to members of this network are discussions about practice-led and practice-based research in art and design (see e.g.: Mäkelä 2007, Vega et al. 2024) and approaches to participatory design (see e.g.: Pinto et al. 2024, Muashekele 2024); researchers in these traditions are increasingly collaborating with Indigenous researchers and actively engaging with Indigenous issues across the globe but lack solid frameworks for collaboration (Kelly 2022). At the same time Indigenous research landscapes in the Nordic region work with basic research infrastructures and are far from main urban centers. Through the construction of this  network we aim to find ethical ways that safeguard Indigenous perspectives and build trust based co-operations. 

The Network is funded thought the Indigenous perspectives research area of Nordsfork the Nordic Council of Ministers organization that provides funding for and facilitates Nordic cooperation on research and research infrastructure