Inuit of Greenland Reclaim Identity as Independence Debate heats Up Ahead of Another US dignitary Visit
Aviaja Rakel Sanimuinaq is an Inuk from Greenland who serves as both a shaman and a spiritual healer. Adorned with traditional Inuit facial tattoos, she assists individuals in connecting with their forebears to mend historical traumas.
During my upbringing, it was quite normal for me to discuss the relationship with spirits,” Sanimuinaq remembers. “However, my mother advised me not to mention it as it could be perilous. I couldn’t grasp her reasoning since I hadn’t encountered the repression endured by my forebears.
Today, she is part of an expanding group of Greenlanders who are embracing their Inuit roots and spiritual traditions.
Describing the importance of her tattoos, she explains, “Each pair of lines represents our realm and the spiritual dimension. The gap between these lines symbolizes the unknown.”
Even though around 90% of Greenland’s population identifies as Inuit, the majority are members of the Lutheran Church, a religion brought by Danish missionaries over three centuries ago.
“The sanctity of Christianity remains holy in my view, just like Buddhism and Hinduism do. My profession holds equal importance for me too. This is how I see things—our culture’s emergence along with ours as a community should involve recognizing the legitimacy and equality within our cultural framework,” explains Sanimuinaq.
In recent times, there has been an increasing refusal to accept the colonial heritage imposed by European missionaries, who dismissed Inuit customs by deeming them heathen.
“The generations present here today are those who truly think that we have the ability to heal,” she states.
Yet another ‘charm offensive’ from the USA
Greenland remained under Danish colonial rule until 1953, at which point it transformed into a province. It achieved home rule in 1979, and three decades later, it evolved into a self-governing territory. Nonetheless, Denmark continues to oversee the island’s external and defense matters.
The recent comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland have drawn considerable interest. In his remarks, he stated that using military power to take over the island wouldn’t be off the table, emphasizing that asserting U.S. dominance over it is crucial for America’s national security. He similarly stressed this point about Puerto Rico.
In the meantime, Usha Vance, who is married to US Vice President JD Vance, along with US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, plan to tour Greenland next week prior to the upcoming local elections.
As reported by local media, their schedule features a trip to the capital city of Nuuk, participation in a dog sledding event in Sisimiautown which is Greenland’s second most populous municipality, and possibly visiting the country’s sole United States military installation located in the northern region.
However, as the focus remains on the island and its mineral wealth, this increased scrutiny is simultaneously intensifying calls for self-determination. More people in Greenland feel emboldened to voice their concerns regarding the inequities brought about by past colonial governance.
Included among them is Inuk singer-songwriter Naja Parnuuna, who has fully adopted her pre-Christian Indigenous roots.
I once felt that being a Dane was considered trendier,” she explains, “or that speaking Danish seemed more impressive than actually practicing our own customs, which I found somewhat awkward.
Via her melodies, she has rediscovered her origins and inspires others to follow suit.
“I started to understand the significance of embracing one’s origins or even my own background. That’s why I believe it’s crucial to revive this awareness so that our community, and us as individuals, can rediscover self-love,” she states.
For Sanimuinaq, this cultural resurgence is about rediscovering their Inuit heritage.
“The Inuit voice has not been heard. We have remained incredibly secluded for centuries,” she states. “It’s essential for us to free ourselves and seize the platform. To take charge and lead our own path. This is what fills me with hope.”