In a significant show of unity, a plane carrying Nunavik Inuit landed in Nuuk, Greenland, to support the local population in light of recent U.S. threats to exert control over the Arctic territory. The delegation, representing the Makivvik organization, expressed their unequivocal rejection of what they termed "illegitimate and unacceptable" claims by the United States.
Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark with a population of about 56,000, is home predominantly to Inuit communities. Recently, President Donald Trump has revived aggressive rhetoric, suggesting that the U.S. might take control of Greenland "one way or the other," citing national security concerns, even as Greenland remains a NATO ally.
Pita Aatami, president of Makivvik, underlined the importance of Inuit rights and self-determination, stating, "Inuit are not bystanders in the Arctic. We are rights-holding nations with authority over our land and future." His sentiments resonate strongly with both Inuit in Canada and Greenland, emphasizing a collective stand against external pressures and asserting their sovereignty over ancestral lands.
The Inuit presence in Nuuk comes amid rising global support against U.S. claims. Protests have erupted worldwide, including thousands marching in Iqaluit, urging respect for Greenland’s autonomy. The Nunavik Inuit’s journey underscores an interconnected struggle for rights that transcends borders, affirming their role in the Arctic geopolitics.
Adding to the significance of these solidarity efforts, Governor General Mary Simon of Canada is scheduled to visit Greenland to inaugurate a new Canadian consulate, aiming to strengthen ties and highlight the shared history and culture between Inuit communities across the region.
Makivvik calls for recognition from governments and human rights organizations that Inuit have the sole right to make decisions regarding the land they’ve inhabited for generations, underscoring that territories are not commodities to be bought or exchanged. The mobilization of Nunavik Inuit in Greenland serves as a powerful reminder of cultural solidarity in the face of geopolitical tensions.