Aqqaluk Lynge pores over a map exhibiting the ice surrounding the island of Greenland and scoffs at U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims America ought to “personal” the territory.
“So, should you dream of a golf course, oh, you’re welcome,” he taunts, “You are able to do that in the center of the ice cap. It’s three kilometres thick. We will help you and produce you there by canine sled, and I’m positive that you’ll survive.”
One of many founders of the professional-Greenlandic independence occasion Inuit Ataqatigiit, Lynge can be the previous president of the Inuit Circumpolar Council.
He’s keenly conscious that the U.S. threats have thrust the debate over Greenland’s sovereignty into the worldwide highlight.
“We’re in the center of generational change,” says Lynge, an influential chief on the island, throughout a current interview at his house on the fringe of the capital.
“What you see at present is one thing that we, our era, constructed up. And now the younger folks have Greenland for themselves,” he says.
Lynge was as soon as a fierce advocate for separation from Denmark however now believes the governance construction developed over time provides the very best of each worlds.
In 2008, Kalaallisut, an Inuit language on the island, was made the territory’s official language. Greenland has its personal parliament and prime minister and controls its personal schooling, atmosphere and fisheries sectors, in addition to mineral and oil income.
“We now have obtained the very best settlement between a former colonized folks and our colonizer,” says Lynge.
“Inside that, there’s a lot risk to broaden our political and financial future. We now have a proper to talk our personal language. Additionally, we’ve got a proper to all dwelling and non-dwelling assets,” he explains.
Former Greenlandic politician and previous president of the Inuit Circumpolar Council at his house in Nuuk, Greenland.
Braden Latam/International Information
Trump could have dropped his threats to take the island “by drive,” however his threats have reignited the debate round Greenland’s independence.
Roughly 90 per cent of Greenland’s inhabitants is Inuit.
Simply what number of need the nation to turn out to be unbiased of Denmark seems to be shifting since Trump’s threats first started final yr.
A brand new ballot performed final month for The Copenhagen Submit discovered that 62 per cent p.c of Greenlanders don’t wish to depart, in comparison with a survey final yr that discovered 56 per cent Greenlanders polled supported independence.
A 2009 regulation permits the island to declare independence from Denmark via a referendum. Such a referendum has by no means been held.
“Over 40 years and we aren’t nearer to being unbiased,” says Nuuk resident Arnanguak Stork, sitting in the residence she shares together with her husband and grownup daughter. Paintings by her grandchildren and outdated household pictures cowl the partitions.
Stork worries that Greenland and Denmark’s united response to Trump’s annexation threats is overshadowing the Inuit push for sovereignty.
“They [politicians] simply converse to the entire world like they’re Greenland, saying, ‘Sure, we agree on every part that occurs from outdoors,’” she says.
“We don’t agree,” she provides, “And the Danish TV, they at all times speak about Donald Trump. We’re bored with listening to about him. And we’re bored with listening to Danish folks.”
With a inhabitants of solely 57,000, the territory depends on the Kingdom of Denmark for monetary assist, notably to fund social applications. In Greenland, the chance of poverty is greater than in Denmark.
Single mom Dorothe Qvist says dwelling in Nuuk is dear and that reasonably priced housing is troublesome to seek out.
Heidi Petracek/International Information
Single mom Dorthe Qvist says life in Nuuk is dear and that reasonably priced housing is difficult to seek out.
However she nonetheless firmly believes that her folks would profit from an unbiased authorities.
“My dream is for Greenland to be unbiased as a result of I’m actually happy with my land and my folks in Greenland. I do know we may try this,” she says. “It’s good working with Denmark now, however in future … I wish to be unbiased.”
The connection between the Greenlandic Inuit and Denmark has traditionally been difficult and stays so.
Denmark’s colonial legacy of pressured relocations and sterilizations, cultural assimilation, and household separations has induced lengthy-lasting trauma.
A 2023 report from the UN Particular Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples urged the Danish and Greenlandic governments to deal with the harms of colonialism and racism.
It additionally known as for extra inclusive session with Inuit when growing legal guidelines and insurance policies.
Arnanguak Stork nonetheless hopes Greenland will sometime turn out to be unbiased from Denmark. “I wish to really feel it when I’m alive,” she says.
Heidi Petracek/International Information
Stork believes life for her folks gained’t enhance till they’ve full independence.
She says her grownup daughter, who lives together with her, can’t afford an residence, and says Inuit, notably in Nuuk, face racism when looking for employment.
Requested if she believes she is going to see independence in her time, Stork’s eyes fill with tears.
“I wish to really feel it when I’m alive,” she says, pausing to cease herself from crying.
“We wish to really feel unbiased in right here,” she provides, placing her hand to her coronary heart.
Greenland’s political events all assist independence, however every differs on how rapidly that ought to occur.
Inuit like Stork, who’ve already waited a long time, now fear it gained’t occur in any respect.
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