During the colonial rule in Greenland, Denmark imposed assimilation policies that included unofficially banning the Inuit language, forced sterilizations, and removing children from their families to be placed in Danish homes. These oppressive policies left Greenlanders bitter and had long-lasting effects on the community. Aviaja Rakel Sanimuinaq, an Inuit Greenlander, is a shaman and spiritual healer who wears traditional Inuit facial tattoos. She helps others reconnect with their ancestors to heal generational trauma. Despite being warned by her mother not to talk about her connection with the spirits, Sanimuinaq is part of a growing movement of Greenlanders reclaiming their Inuit heritage and spirituality. She emphasizes the importance of her tattoos, which symbolize the connection between the physical world and the spirit world.
In Greenland, approximately 90% of the population identifies as Inuit, but most belong to the Lutheran Church, a faith introduced by Danish missionaries over 300 years ago. Sanimuinaq acknowledges the sacredness of Christianity but also recognizes the value of other religions and her work as a shaman. There has been a recent rejection of the colonial legacy left by European missionaries who suppressed Inuit traditions by labeling them as pagan. This rejection is leading towards a cultural revival that empowers Greenlanders to openly discuss the injustices of colonial rule and reclaim their Indigenous identity. Sanimuinaq believes that this cultural revival is crucial for Inuit people to liberate themselves and take the lead in shaping their own future.
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 when it became a province, and it gained home rule in 1979. Thirty years later, it became a self-governing entity, although Denmark still controls its foreign and defense affairs. The island gained international attention when US President Donald Trump made a controversial statement about potentially seizing control of Greenland for American national security interests. This led to visits by US officials, including the wife of the US Vice President and the US National Security Adviser, further raising the profile of the island. However, this heightened attention has also fueled the push for independence, with more Greenlanders speaking out against the injustices of colonial rule and advocating for self-determination.
Inuit singer-songwriter Naja Parnuuna is one of those who has embraced her pre-Christian Indigenous heritage and encourages others to do the same. Through her music, she aims to reconnect with her roots and inspire others to embrace their cultural identity. Parnuuna admits that she used to feel embarrassed to practice her traditions, but now she believes it is essential to accept and celebrate one’s roots. She believes that reclaiming Indigenous heritage is crucial for Greenlanders to learn to love themselves again and reassert their cultural identity. The cultural revival in Greenland is gaining momentum, with more people expressing pride in their Inuit heritage and working towards building a future that honors their traditions and values.
Sanimuinaq sees the cultural revival and reclaiming of Inuit identity as a form of liberation for the community. She believes that Inuit voices have been suppressed and isolated for hundreds of years, and now it is time for them to take the lead and shape their own narrative. This feeling of empowerment and hope is shared among many Greenlanders who are actively participating in the movement to reclaim their Indigenous heritage. By acknowledging and celebrating their roots, Greenlanders are not only healing generational trauma but also paving the way for a future where their culture is respected and valued. The ongoing efforts to reclaim Inuit identity and traditions are essential for Greenlanders to rediscover their self-worth and establish a strong sense of cultural pride and unity.
