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The opening of Canada’s new consulate in Greenland is a win for Inuit on the world stage, say some Inuit leaders.
More than 90 Nunavummiut were in Nuuk for last week’s event, joined by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and Global Affairs Minister Anita Anand.
“I was interviewed by Spanish TV,” said Paul Irngaut, acting president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. “That’s how much interest they had in Greenland and also in Inuit as a whole.”
Irngaut said he expects global interest in Inuit issues to continue. The Inuit Circumpolar Council will host its general assembly in Iqaluit this year — the first time since 1993.
Nunavut residents who attended the Canadian consulate opening in Nuuk gather for a photo. (Carl Cardinal/CBC)
Olayuk Akesuk, president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, said the new consulate will make it easier for Inuit on both sides of the Davis Strait to work together, a relationship that has continued since the mid-1970s.
“We’ve been working very closely with Greenland on issues that relate to us, fisheries or other Inuit rights, to ensure that we are respected throughout the world,” he said.
Though the consulate has been in the works for years, its opening took on added significance following U.S. President Donald Trump’s demands to control Greenland over the objections of its residents.
Those demands appear to be on the back burner — at least for now.
People gather outside of the newly-opened Canadian consulate in Nuuk, Greenland. (Carl Cardinal/CBC)
Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said the consulate will strengthen relations with Inuit in Canada and those across Inuit Nunaat.
“This is the implementation of … work between Inuit and Canada and we want to celebrate that, and also really make it clear that Inuit were pushing for this consulate to be open for decades and we’re very thankful for Canada’s consideration of it now,” Obed said.
Anand, the foreign affairs minister, said Canada’s Arctic charm offensive isn’t over. Canada also plans to open a new consulate in Anchorage, Alaska. There’s no date set for that consulate to open.
WATCH | Canadian Consulate opens in Greenland:
Canadian consulate opens in Nuuk, Greenland
Canada has officially opened its consulate in Greenland. The move comes as international attention on the Arctic remains high. Carl Cardinal has the story