معرفی
Maria Fedina is a Grant-funded Researcher and Doctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Department of Finnish, Finno-Ugrian and Scandinavian Studies. She is part of the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies (Urbaria), and Helsinki Inequality Initiative (INEQ). Her research focuses on Indigenous studies, urban Indigeneity, linguistic sustainability, and cultural preservation among the Komi people in Russia.
Education:
- Doctoral Student (2020–present): Doctoral Programme in Political, Societal and Regional Change, University of Helsinki
- Master’s Degrees:
- Criminal Law (2015–2017): Volga-Vyatka Institute of Moscow State Law University
- Border Crossings: Global and Local Societies in Transition (2015–2017): University of Eastern Finland, specializing in Human Geography
Research Interests: Maria’s work examines the intersection of urbanization, cultural identity, and language sustainability among Indigenous communities. She investigates how urban environments influence Indigenous identity formation, linguistic preservation, and self-determination. Her projects include analyzing Komi language attitudes in Syktyvkar, documenting the Izvatas cultural tradition, and creating digital platforms for cultural heritage preservation.
Recent Research Trends: Her publications emphasize the lived experiences of urban Indigenous populations, the impact of state policies on minority groups, and innovative methods for cultural documentation. Recent work highlights the tension between urbanization and Indigenous cultural continuity, as well as the role of technology in preserving endangered traditions.
Grants & Projects:
- Leading the project Construction of Urban Indigeneity in Russian Settings (2020–present)
- Participant in Biocultural Heritage and Nonlinear Time (2023–2026)
- Past project: Creation and Development of the Izvatas Web-Portal (2020)
Academic Engagement: Maria actively participates in international conferences, including the European Congress of Qualitative Inquiry (2024), Arctic Science Summit Week (2023), and the Arctic Congress Bodø (2024), showcasing her interdisciplinary approach to Indigenous studies.
