MultiBEING symposium: Indigenous relationships with time
The Centre of Excellence is organising a kick-off symposium at the University of Helsinki on 28 September. It brings together internationally renowned scholars, artists and knowledge holders to engage with diverse Indigenous conceptions of time, which shape how relationships with other beings are lived, valued and understood.
Event description
The MultiBEING kick-off symposium at the University of Helsinki engages with diverse Indigenous notions of time and explores the connections and lineages among beings. Conceptions of time shape how relationships with other beings are lived, valued and understood. Non-linear conceptions of time are key to understanding Indigenous relational onto-epistemologies. The speakers highlight philosophies of time, seasonalities, traditional calendars, ancestralities, astronomy, and diverse temporalities and timelines. What role do these play in rethinking multibeing flourishing and human responsibilities beyond humans?
Programme
Tekla Hultin, F3003 (Fabianinkatu 33, Main Building of the University of Helsinki)
8.45– Registration desk open
9.15–9.35 Welcome words by Vice-Rector Kai Norlund (University of Helsinki)
Opening and Introduction to the CoE Multibeing Justice in Indigenous Societies by Pirjo Kristiina Virtanen (University of Helsinki)
9.35–11.00 Keynote session: Carl Mika (University of Canterbury): When Time is of the Essence: On Resonance and Water, and Jelena Porsanger (University of Helsinki / RiddoDuottarMuseat): Sámi Temporalities in time-reckoning calendar and Multibeing Relations
11.00–11.20 Break
11.20–12.00 Francisco Apurinã and Pirjo Kristiina Virtanen (University of Helsinki): Multibeing Time from an Apurinã Onto-epistemological Perspective
12.00–12.30 Áile Aikio (University of Lapland): Duddjot áiggiid čađa – Making Relations across Time
12.30–13.30 Lunch
Small Hall, F4050 (Fabianinkatu 33, Main Building of the University of Helsinki)
13.00– Registration desk open
13.30–14.00 Jakop Janssønn (Arktisk Filharmoni) and Nicola Renzi (University of Helsinki): Rhythm beyond musical time in Sámi joik
14.00–14.30 Maria Fedina (University of Helsinki): Environmental Observations in Komi Oral and Calendrical Knowledge
14.30–15.00 Victoria Soyan Peemot (University of Helsinki): Sensing the Time: Changing Seasons in the Mongolian Taiga
15.00–15.20 Break
15.20–15.50 Sâkihitowin Awâsis (Western University): Anishinaabe Legal Resurgence, Moon Calendars, and Land-based Governance
15.50–16.30 Kyle Powys Whyte (University of Michigan): Time, Memory, Kin Relations, and Coordination for Collective Continuance
16.30–17.00 Shandin Pete (University of British Columbia): Relations Across Time: Salish Astronomy, Kinship, and Indigenous Temporalities
Final words
Post-symposium programme
17.15– University reception for all the participants (refreshments)
Evend details
Date and time: Monday 28 September 2026, 09.15–18.00
Venue: University of Helsinki Main Building, Tekla Hultin (F3003) and Small Hall (4050), Fabianinkatu 33
The symposium is organised onsite at the University of Helsinki, and it is open to everyone. For catering purposes, please register by 23 September via this form.
