Returning from Sweden and grateful for time with the Benevolent Food project with Kin Museum, Kiruna.

Bearing witness to extractive economies and of cycles of disruption and displacement on Sápmi land, in the arctic circle. The land under Kiruna is continuing to be excavated away as Europe’s largest iron ore mine expands, making the ground unstable above – pushing people out the old town as it slowly disappears. As a visitor trying to map your way around the town is a disorientating experience, landmarks such as streets and buildings no longer exist where they once were – what must this feel like to be a resident there and watch your neighbourhood vanishing away in front of your eyes?

Experiencing Sámi people resist neoliberal forces gently and powerfully through holding culture – reindeer herding is central to traditional ways of living and being – the mine continues to grow and disrupt the reindeer migration routes with growing impacts.

Magical times were had through conversations, gathering berries and mushrooms, admiring lichen, laying in a bog and walking through the mountain area of Nikkaluokta, the richness of the land and the importance of reindeer to the whole ecosystem is key – they are timekeepers and lead the Sámi people through their migration across seasons.

Ever grateful for the careful and caring program hosted by Maria Lind and curated along with Madeleine Collie – and for the wonderful group of artists and thinkers I have the joy of beginning this long term enquiry into food with and looking forward to what unfolds over time.