So… Who Are the Greenlanders? Here Are 5 Things to Know About Them.
At this point, it’s safe to say that you have been hearing mentions of Greenland — the Danish territory way up north that is making the rounds in international news. The name might conjure up images in your mind of polar bears and a giant ice sheet, but of course there’s much more to the story. To give you a deeper glimpse into the land and the people who live there, I’ve highlighted some of the things that make this part of the world so interesting.
They Have Indigenous Roots
About 89% of this territory’s population is Inuit, which means that they are part of the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic and Subarctic. The Inuit also inhabit other areas such as Alaska and Northern Canada. This heritage is an integral part of Greenlandic culture, especially in their language, Kalaallisut.
If you haven’t read my crash course piece on Inuit music albums to check out, I think you would have a great time exploring my recommendations. While I didn’t mention any Greenlandic musicians specifically on there, the list is all Inuit.
Their Cuisine Reflects Arctic Survival
Greenland is quite inhospitable for crops, so throughout history, their ancestors have of course adapted to survive, like humans are known to do! Traditional Greenlandic food is based on the animals of the region, which has led to dishes such as mattak — the skin and blubber of a whale cut up into little cubes to make it easier to eat. It’s often eaten raw and seen as a delicacy.
While local plants are usually hard to come by, wild berries grow well in the region’s extreme climate. Greenlandic cuisine makes wonderful use of crowberries, juniper berries, bearberries, blueberries, and even more. You can see them cooked into compotes, eaten fresh, and served as accompaniments to meat dishes.
They Embrace Both Tradition and Modernity
Greenland has many well-established traditions related to their indigenous ancestors and Arctic living conditions. Traditional practices like throat singing (a staple of Inuit culture), drum dancing, and kayaking continue to thrive within the communities. But this isn’t the whole story. Greenlanders are active on social media, and the youth live in a way that balances Inuit heritage and global trends. Nuuk, the capital, has cafés, art galleries, film screenings, and micro-breweries.
They Have an Artistic Scene
We don’t often hear about creatives from Greenland — largely due to the small population — but there are some really cool people to discover. Photographer Julie Edel Hardenberg explores identity and post-colonialism. Singer-songwriter Nive Nielsen and her band, The Deer Children, have an ethereal indie-folk sound. Filmmaker and installation artist Inuk Silis Høegh’s works shed light on the experiences of the Inuit, and have gained recognition internationally.
They Are Technically Danish — But It’s Complicated
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, which means that Greenlanders are Danish citizens but have their own government and parliament. Their ties with the Nordic region go all the way back to the end of the 10th century, when the Norse created a settlement in the south of Greenland.
However, the relationship between Greenland and Denmark is not without its complications. Denmark recognises Greenland’s right to declare independence, but the latter’s economy is not yet developed enough to fully support its population, so Greenlanders rely on an annual financial grant provided by Denmark. It wouldn’t be easy for them to leave this aid behind. But many Greenlanders see their identity as distinct from Denmark, and have declared that their goal is independence, eventually.
