Nunavik Inuit travel to Greenland in solidarity against U.S. threats
Threats to take control of Greenland are illegitimate, Makivvik delegation says
Nuuk, the capital city of Greenland, is pictured in 2024. A Makivvik delegation arrived in Nuuk Thursday to show solidarity with Greenlanders amid concerns over recent U.S. statements about taking control of the territory. (File photo by Jeff Pelletier)
A plane packed with Nunavik Inuit has landed in Nuuk to show solidarity with Greenland over the United States’ threats to take control of the Arctic territory, a part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The delegation was sent by Makivvik, the organization that protects the rights of Nunavik’s Inuit. The plane left Montreal just after 9 a.m. Thursday and arrived in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, around 3:30 p.m. local time.
In a statement, Makivvik said it rejects the United States’ claim to Greenland, calling it “illegitimate and unacceptable.”
Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark with a population of approximately 56,000 people, most of whom are Inuit.
In early January, U.S. President Donald Trump revived threats he made during his first term in office to take over Greenland, saying it had to be done “one way or the other” — either by coercion or by force.
He said the United States needs to control Greenland for national security — even though Greenland is a NATO ally — and to prevent Russia or China from taking over.
The chatter sparked support all over the world, including Iqaluit, as thousands took the streets to show solidarity with Greenland.
For about the past two weeks, Trump has been silent on the subject after backing down and saying a “framework” of a deal had been reached over the territory without providing further details.
Makivvik president Pita Aatami, who is part of the delegation in Nuuk, said in the statement that this isn’t just global politics, it’s about respecting Inuit rights and control over lands they have lived on and cared for for generations.
“Inuit are not bystanders in the Arctic. We are rights-holding nations with authority over our land and future,” he said.
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon is scheduled to fly to Greenland on Friday for a two-day visit to attend the opening of the Canadian consulate in Nuuk. Her trip will highlight the shared history, culture and family ties between Inuit in Canada and those in Greenland, a news release from the governor general’s office said.
Simon is Canada’s first Indigenous governor general. She was born in Kangiqsualujjuaq, one of the 14 communities in Nunavik.
Makivvik is calling on governments, international bodies and human rights organizations to recognize that Inuit have the sole right to decide the future of their land, and that Inuit territory is not something that can be bought, traded or controlled by others.
What an absurd use of funds. Chartered aircraft, hotels, perdiems, all in the name of showing solidarity?
yes, definitely a waste of tax payers funds. I even heard that a minister IN ONE OF THE NUNAVIK COMMUNITIES of the community was angry because they did not ask a priest to attend. WOW. Can you say jealousy and or entitlement.
How was the delegation decided? Or just the entitled few and friends of friends?
what a great all expense paid trip to Greenland
in times when Makivik is defending transparency
We Nunavimiuks , do love our ” FREEBIES ” , i get pissed off , when other people get their cake and i don t get mine.
I m jealous , i have always been envious of the Makivik exectives and their ” JET SET LIFESTYLE ” .
Donald J Trump 🤑 TDS retreat 🏘️
I don’t know what bothers me more. The absolute waste of funds or that naive people like this, have the power to spend this kind of money.
Where did Makivvik get the money to send Inuits to Greenland
It s good to know , that , if Trump invades Greenland , that inuks from nunavik fly up , to take on the U.S marines , not me !
the lack of clarity around participation, eligibility and community consultation is deeply concerning. without meaningful negotiation with Nunavik communities, this initiative appears opportunistic and represents a poor use of limited public resources!!
That is nice of them to support their fellow Inuit neighbors.