معرفی
Carl-Gösta Ojala serves as Senior Lecturer at Uppsala University's Department of Archaeology, Ancient History and Cultural Preservation, where his research bridges archaeological practice with critical examinations of colonial history and indigenous heritage. His academic profile demonstrates deep engagement with Sámi communities across historical periods, from Bronze Age material culture studies to contemporary issues of cultural preservation and indigenous rights.
Dr. Ojala's research program centers on decolonizing archaeological methodologies through rigorous analysis of how colonial frameworks have shaped archaeological knowledge production in Northern Europe. His work particularly examines the historical collection of Sámi material culture and human remains, the impact of colonial infrastructure projects like hydroelectric dams on indigenous heritage sites, and the political dimensions of archaeological interpretation in Sápmi. He investigates how archaeological narratives have been constructed within colonial contexts and how contemporary practice can better incorporate indigenous perspectives.
An analysis of his recent publications reveals evolving scholarly attention from historical colonial practices to their contemporary implications for indigenous self-determination and cultural heritage management. His 2023-2025 works demonstrate increasing focus on Sámi mobilities, dammed heritage, and the politics of archaeological representation, reflecting a trajectory toward more applied, community-engaged scholarship that addresses ongoing colonial legacies in cultural heritage institutions.
Dr. Ojala has established himself as a critical voice in Nordic archaeological discourse through numerous book chapters, journal articles, and edited volumes including 'Archaeologies of "Us" and "Them": Debating History, Heritage and Indigeneity' (2017). His scholarship consistently challenges conventional archaeological paradigms while offering constructive frameworks for more ethical, collaborative research practices with indigenous communities in Northern Europe.
