Voyage, Sápmi and UK

The problem is, that what is happening in the river, it happens out of view, it is almost impossible to see or perceive, so people aren’t aware of what climate change is doing. How can you adapt when you don’t know the circumstances for adaptation?

Voyage is a long-term artistic and activist project responding to the decline of native Atlantic salmon and the fragile ecosystems of the Deatnu River. Developed by Ellos Deatnu/Jenni Laiti and Invisible Flock together with Sámi activists, local communities, scientists, and artists, the project foregrounds Sámi self-determination in the face of ecological crisis and systemic exclusion from decision-making.

In 2017, the native Atlantic salmon population in the Deatnu River ecosystem plummeted, threatened by climate change, warming seas and an invasive species of Pacific pink (humpback) salmon. Consequences are manifold, and local governments, communities and scientists are grasping for solutions.

In response, Finnish and Norwegian governments imposed fishing restrictions on the Deatnu River in 2017, implementing a complete ban in 2021. Another solution being tested by Norway involves building dams that use AI to identify native and invasive species of salmon, letting only the former through.

The Deatnu’s changing ecosystem and government responses to the issue have led to devastating consequences for Indigenous Sámi and river communities. For Sámi, salmon hold deep cultural and spiritual significance, and the fishing ban severed traditional Indigenous livelihoods and cultural practices. Similarly, the dams, which have been actioned without free prior and informed consent, are preventing Sámi from fishing Pacific pink (humpback) salmon and participating in the river’s stewardship.

In July 2024, we organised a 200 km rowing voyage taking place with Sámi families living along the river. Rowing in relay continuously for 2 days and 2 nights, and ending at the Barents Sea, the relay was a prayer for the Atlantic salmon to return. Rowed in 10 – 30 km sections of the river that held meaning for each family, rowers passed on a traditional rowing stick, and with it thoughts and wisdoms about the river. Through the action of the voyage, boats were repaired and used for the first time in many years. 48 hours of spatial audio and video was collated.

In July 2025, we documented the arrival of both Atlantic and Pacific pink (humpback) salmon to Deatnu amidst a fortified state-led response which involved multiple dams erected across river systems in Sápmi. The largest of these dams stretches 400 m across Deatnu, an impenetrable wall blocking migration pathways both up- and downstream.

As part of TidalArts we will co-create a film – depicting the situation from three perspectives; the river, the community and the salmon, created from extensive research data and documentation. It will be developed through a series of Indigenous-led workshops with Deatnu River communities, fisherpeople and scientists, and shared back at a community art space in Sápmi, marking the start of a regional and international tour.

The film will form part of an immersive, audio-visual and sculptural exhibition, to be completed and presented post June 2026.

GOALS

Creation of a film resulting from long-form collaboration with Indigenous artists, activists, knowledge-holders, freshwater scientists and river communities (citizens), forming an unprecedented understanding and articulation of Atlantic salmon decline and the Deatnu’s changing ecosystem. The film will form a part of an immersive artwork, currently envisioned as an audio-visual and sculptural exhibition, that can be presented further to a wide range of communities and settings;

Honouring and advocating for traditional Sámi fishing practices and technologies that centre ecological stewardship, and protection and restoration of the Deatnu River ecosystem and biodiversity;

Aiding communities to continue understanding, dialoguing and processing this complex situation through participation in artist-led workshops that forefront Indigenous knowledge-sharing, Sámi self-determination and equitable participation; sharing-back the artwork as a co-created starting point for dialogue and action;

Bringing a critical view to the sustainability of anthropocentric, technological solutions to Atlantic salmon decline and Pacific pink (humpback) salmon rise;

Raising awareness of the effects of salmon farms on Atlantic salmon, including escaped farmed salmon and salmon lice;

Examining the ethics and consequences – for communities and fish – of implementing AI-sorting technology to control salmon species’ rise and fall;

Presenting the artwork to ocean and freshwater scientists and communities regionally and internationally (during and post grant-period), inciting cross-water dialogue and solution-building.