For Greenland's Inuit population, the vast Arctic territory is not subject to individual or state ownership but is instead shared collectively—a foundational principle that community members assert is increasingly overlooked as geopolitical interest in the island escalates. This clash of values has come to the forefront amid discussions of potential foreign acquisitions, underscoring a deep cultural divide.
The Inuit Population and Their Historical Connection
Nearly 90 percent of Greenland's approximately 57,000 residents are indigenous Inuit, who have maintained a continuous presence on the island for around 1,000 years. This community encompasses distinct groups: the Kalaallit of West Greenland, the Tunumi of the east, and the Inughuit of the north, dispersed across an Arctic landmass spanning roughly 830,000 square miles. Their ancestral ties to the land are rooted in survival and stewardship, rather than possession.
Voices from the Community
Kaaleeraq Ringsted, a 74-year-old resident of Kapisillit, expressed bewilderment at external claims, stating, "We can't even buy our own land ourselves, but Trump wants to buy it—that's so strange to us." He emphasized a lifelong understanding of land as a collective resource, noting, "Since childhood, I have been used to the idea that you can only rent land. We have always been used to the idea that we collectively own our land." This sentiment reflects a broader Inuit perspective that challenges conventional notions of property.
Geopolitical Tensions and Legal Sovereignty
The issue gained renewed attention after former US President Donald Trump described Greenland as a strategic asset that Washington could purchase, prompting Denmark to reaffirm its legal sovereignty over the territory. Inuit representatives argue that such assertions disregard their long-standing relationship with the land, which predates colonial influences. Around 80 percent of Greenland is ice-covered, with most inhabitants concentrated along the south-western coast near the capital, Nuuk, and the economy heavily reliant on fishing, supported by substantial Danish subsidies.
The Principle of Collective Ownership
Central to Inuit society is the concept of collective land ownership, legally recognized in Greenland: individuals may own houses, but not the land beneath them. This idea has endured nearly 300 years of colonization, shaping social structures and environmental attitudes. Rakel Kristiansen, from a family of shamanic practitioners, articulated this worldview, saying, "In our understanding, owning land is the wrong question. The question should be who is responsible for the land. The land existed before us, and it will exist after us." She affirmed her connection to the territory, declaring, "I'm staying here. I belong here. This is my land. Greenland is my land."
Daily Life and Cultural Resilience
Vanilla Mathiassen, a Danish teacher in Kapisillit with 13 years of experience across Greenland, highlighted the pragmatic approach of residents, quoting, "People here are interested in the day that is coming. Is there food in the fridge? Fine, then I can sleep a little longer. If there is no food, then I will go out and catch fish or go out and shoot a reindeer." This focus on subsistence and community well-being underscores the Inuit's adaptive strategies in a harsh Arctic environment.
Historical Context and Technological Adaptation
The ancestors of today's Inuit arrived in Greenland about 1,000 years ago, equipped with innovative technologies such as kayaks, dog sledges, harpoons, and fur clothing that enabled survival in extreme conditions. This historical resilience continues to inform contemporary practices and attitudes toward land use, reinforcing the collective ownership model as both a cultural heritage and a legal framework.
As geopolitical interests intensify, the Inuit's collective land ownership principle faces unprecedented challenges, raising critical questions about indigenous rights, sovereignty, and environmental stewardship in the rapidly changing Arctic region.
