Canada is poised to formally inaugurate its newest diplomatic mission in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, on Friday, signaling an effort to strengthen ties that have existed even before recent geopolitical tensions. This move follows U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial comments about U.S. control over Greenland, which had sparked global interest in the territory.
In February 2024, prior to Trump’s return to the White House, Greenland launched an Arctic strategy that included plans for a representation office in Ottawa, solidifying mutual interests. That December, Canada announced the opening of a consulate in Nuuk, which is now operational after initial launching plans were disrupted due to adverse weather conditions.
The renewed focus on Greenland has brought significant media attention to Nuuk, primarily in response to Trump's previous aspirations regarding the territory. In addition to diplomatic engagement, there are five key aspects that Canada and Greenland share.
A Land Border
In 2022, Canada and Denmark settled a long-standing dispute over Hans Island, a 1.3 square kilometer territory both countries claimed for nearly fifty years. This resolution divided the uninhabited island between Ellesmere Island in Nunavut, Canada, and Greenland. As a result, Canada became the first nation to share a land border with Denmark. The protracted negotiations, known as the "Whisky Wars," involved soldiers from both nations leaving bottles of liquor and notes for each other while removing enemy flags.
Inuit Population
The settlement of the Hans Island dispute in 2022 also prompted discussions about enhancing freedom of movement for the Inuit population across borders. Approximately 70,545 Inuit reside in Canada, notably in the northern territories, while Greenland's population includes around 57,000, with estimates suggesting that about 90% of its inhabitants are Inuit. Culturally, both regions maintain significant familial and societal ties, and they work together through the Inuit Circumpolar Council to advocate for indigenous rights.
Climate Change and Defence
Both Canada and Greenland face significant challenges due to climate change, which disrupts traditional food sources and alters seasonal patterns. The new diplomatic missions aim to foster collaboration in combating these challenges, including integrating scientific and traditional ecological knowledge. As climate change enhances shipping accessibility around Greenland and Nunavut, there are growing concerns regarding military and research activities by rival nations. Leaders of the Danish armed forces in Greenland have suggested enhanced collaboration with Canada regarding northern defence, an approach supported by a recent defence pact Ottawa signed with the European Union.
Mineral Wealth
Greenland is rich in critical minerals essential for the global transition to clean energy, particularly in the production of solar panels and electric vehicle batteries. However, extraction is complicated and costly due to the island's challenging geography. The push for increased mining activity in Greenland aligns with a broader western strategy to reduce dependence on critical mineral supply chains dominated by China, particularly in light of the sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Elbows Up
There has been a notable pushback in Greenland against discussions surrounding U.S. annexation, with citizens engaging vigorously in demonstrations and showcasing local apparel advertising that "Greenland is not for sale." The community closely monitored Trump's implications about making Canada a U.S. state. Reports of the previous administration's interest in Greenland's potential secession stirred significant public and political reactions, including calls for clarified discussions about sovereignty that align with Greenland's aspirations for independence, potentially underpinned by American investment in local mines.
This multifaceted relationship between Canada and Greenland exemplifies shared interests and cooperative aspirations amid a complex geopolitical landscape. The situation continues to evolve as both regions seek to bolster their ties and address common challenges together.
