Practising postcolonial intersectionality:Gender, religion and indigeneity in Sámi social work

This article brings to light multiple manifestations of colonial power relations and the interplay of religion and indigenous culture by analysing Sámi women’s experiences of empowerment and subjectivity at the intersections of Firstborn Laestadianism, a conservative religious movement, and Sámi culture. The article argues that if we are to develop culturally sensitive research approaches and practices in social work, it is important to understand and take into account thecomplexity of religious and ethnic commitments and structures. The article thus deepens the cultural and communal knowledge needed to better inform social work practices and research with indigenous and religious communities.This article brings to light multiple manifestations of colonial power relations and the interplay of religion and indigenous culture by analysing Sámi women’s experiences of empowerment and subjectivity at the intersections of Firstborn Laestadianism, a conservative religious movement, and Sámi culture. The article argues that if we are to develop culturally sensitive research approaches and practices in social work, it is important to understand and take into account thecomplexity of religious and ethnic commitments and structures. The article thus deepens the cultural and communal knowledge needed to better inform social work practices and research with indigenous and religious communities