Inuit delegation in Greenland for opening of Canadian consulate has a message for Trump: 'Back off'
Canada becomes one of the first countries to open a consulate in Greenland following U.S. president's threats
A new Canadian Consulate in Greenland's capital of Nuuk officially opened on Friday in front of an Inuit delegation from Canada, who brought a stern message for U.S. President Donald Trump: "Back off."
Those were the words of Susie-Ann Kudluk, vice-president of the Qarjuit Youth Council representing Inuit between the ages of 15 to 35 in Nunavik — the Inuit region in northern Quebec.
"We want to come together in solidarity with Greenland to show our support and to say: That land is not for sale," said Kudluk.
She was one of more than 60 delegates who travelled from Montreal to Nuuk on an Air Inuit charter organized by the Makivvik Corporation, the legal representative of Inuit in Nunavik, to stand with Greenland in the face of Trump's threats.
Canadian icebreaker, Inuit delegation visit Greenland for consulate openingAs Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand prepared to raise the Canadian flag in front of the new consulate in Nuuk, she made one thing very clear: Canada stands with Greenland.
"The significance of raising this flag today and formally opening the consulate is that we will stand together with the people of Greenland and Denmark on many issues: on defence and security, on economic resilience and bilateral ties, on issues relating to climate change and also Arctic co-operation," She said.
Anand promised Canada would be by Greenland's side "in the long term" promising to strengthen ties to Greenland through "transportation networks, economic bonds and through other alliances in the defence and security space."
That message of solidarity was echoed by Greenland's foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt.
"This consulate will undoubtedly serve as a bridge for strength and co-operation not only between our two countries, but in the Arctic as well," Motzfeldt said. "Together we look forward to an even closer relationship between our peoples, built on mutual respect, understanding and shared interests."
Susie-Ann Kudluk, the 28-year-old vice-president of the Qarjuit Youth Council, arrives in Nuuk on Thursday. (Olivia Stefanovich/CBC)Inuit solidarity 'about kinship'
"The kind of message that I hope it sends is that Inuit, as circumpolar people, we are and have always been in these lands," said Elia Lauzon, a 26-year-old youth delegate from Kuujjuaq, Que.
"The fact that globalization has affected us through colonization, through assimilation efforts repeatedly and we still do everything to connect with each other on a level where we see each other's humanity, we see each other as like people of the same culture — that isn't something that you can just erase from us by putting borders on us."
The delegation was arranged to ensure there would be a strong Inuit presence in attendance at Friday's flag-raising ceremony for the Consulate General of Canada in Nuuk.
"We are one people," said Pita Aatami, Makivvik president. "We can work together, but we don't want to be controlled any more. We've been controlled for too long."
Canada is one of the first countries to open a diplomatic mission in Greenland following Trump's threats to have the U.S. take over the self-governing Arctic island, which is part of Denmark — a NATO member.
Elia Lauzon, a 26-year-old youth delegate from Kuujjuaq, Que., calls the visit to Greenland a once in a lifetime opportunity. (Olivia Stefanovich/CBC) Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand officially opened the new diplomatic post alongside Mary Simon, Canada's first Indigenous Governor General who is Inuk from Nunavik, Carolyn Bennett, Canada's ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark, and Virginia Mearns, Canada's new Arctic ambassador.
The Canadian Coast Guard medium duty icebreaker ship, the Jean Goodwill, and its crew were also in Nuuk for the occasion.
"This is a positive thing that we're trying to do … to show the world Inuit are united and Inuit are very strong and we are a force to be reckoned with," said Adamie Delisle Alaku, executive vice-president in the department of environment, wildlife and research at Makivvik.
Greenland's Minister of Business, Mineral Resources, Justice, Energy and Gender Equality Naaja Nathanielsen, who met with members of the Inuit delegation on Thursday in Nuuk, told CBC News that Greenlanders are feeling very worried, even scared to go to bed because they don’t know what kind of world they’re going to wake up to.
She called the opening of Canada’s consulate in Nuuk well-timed and appreciated.
"We feel deeply connected with the Inuit of Canada,” Nathanielsen said. "For us, this is more than just about collaboration on a more diplomatic level, it's also about kinship.”
Why this Canadian coast guard boat is parked in GreenlandConsulate opening overdue
Plans to open a consulate in Greenland date back to December 2024 as part of a commitment made in Canada's Arctic foreign policy, but the official opening is taking place after Trump began threatening to annex Greenland.
"It's a good thing that we're finally moving to the consulate, though it's very concerning that it almost seems to take a crisis before we actually get around to doing it," said Rob Huebert, director of the Centre for Military Security and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary.
Huebert says he hopes the official opening demonstrates that Canada is serious about its relationship with Greenland and its nearly 57,000 residents — not that it takes U.S pressure to act.
Mere hours after laying out his rationale for the U.S. owning Greenland in a speech before the World Economic Forum last month, Trump ended up backing down on military and tariff threats against the territory, announcing instead that he had reached a framework of a future deal with NATO involving mineral rights and Arctic defence.
But Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has since warned that Trump still wants to control the island and urged people to not become complacent.
Makivvik president, Pita Aatami, arranged the charter for the Inuit delegation (Olivia Stefanovich/CBC)For Johannes Lampe, Trump's threats rekindle painful family stories of being forcibly relocated from Nutak in northern Labrador by a dog team under the provincial government's resettlement policy.
Lampe, who is now the president of Nunatsiavut, the autonomous Inuit region in Labrador, was just nine months old when the relocation happened in 1956.
His message to Greenlandic Inuit, known as Kalaallit: "We will certainly do what we can to ensure your freedom, your sovereignty and your self-determination and well-being."
Strategically and symbolically significant
Greenland is strategically important to Canada because it's on or very close to the flight path or transit for maritime assets of key defence threats, in particular from Russia, according to Dave Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute.
"Having more presence there, developing a better relationship with the people that inhabit the island — all of that is important in a wider Canadian and North American defence context," Perry said.
Natan Obed, who heads the representational organization for Canada's 80,000 Inuit, said he hopes the move will lead to greater collaboration between Canada and other circumpolar countries, as well as a more inclusive approach with Inuit on defence spending, including dual-use infrastructure.
Obed, president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national body representing Inuit in Canada, also said the consulate opening symbolizes a show of support for Indigenous self-determination.
"I mostly am concerned about what this says for all of the allies globally that believe in diplomacy, that believe in Indigenous peoples' human rights, and also believe in Indigenous peoples' self-determination," he said.
"We have been pushing for the consulate to open for a long time."
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Makivvik Stands with Inuit in Kalaallit Nunaat: Inuit Homelands Are Not for Sale
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KUUJJUAQ, NUNAVIK – February 5, 2026
– Makivvik, which represents the Inuit of Nunavik, stands with Inuit in
Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) in response to recent remarks by U.S.
President Donald Trump claiming a U.S. right, title and ownership” over
Greenland. Makivvik rejects this claim outright as illegitimate and
unacceptable. At the time of this release, a delegation including
President Pita Aatami is on its way to Nuuk in an Air Inuit Boeing
737-800 to demonstrate solidarity.
Greenland is not a commodity,
a strategic asset to be claimed, or a territory open to acquisition. It
is Inuit land. Any attempt to speak over Kalaallit or to treat their
future as a matter for another state to decide is unacceptable.
Kalaallit leadership and people have been unequivocal. Greenland is not for sale, and its future will be determined in Kalaallit Nunaat, by its people. Inuit in Nunavik are paying close attention as this rhetoric is not new. It is the same colonial mindset that powerful states have used for generations to justify taking Inuit lands, dismissing Inuit authority, and imposing decisions without consent. This colonial logic no longer holds. In 2026, Inuit self determination is not aspirational or negotiable: it is a legal, political, and moral reality. Any attempt to frame Inuit lands as assets to be acquired rather than homelands governed by their people ignores both history and present-day Inuit authority.
There is more at stake here than geopolitics,” declared Pita Aatami, President of Makivvik. When Inuit land is discussed as something to be obtained, it is an attempt to strip Inuit of our authority and to turn our homelands into property for outsiders. That reflects a fundamental disregard for Inuit as peoples and for the lands we have occupied, governed, and cared for since time immemorial. Inuit are one people across the Arctic, and Kalaallit are our relatives, we are one family. Their future will be decided by them, not by outside powers. Inuit are not bystanders in the Arctic. We are rights-holding nations with authority over our lands and futures.”
At a time when climate change and growing interest in Arctic resources are placing the region under an intense spotlight, Inuit attachment to the land and Inuit knowledge must be treated as foundational. It is Inuit leadership, Inuit consent, and decisions shaped by the people who have lived on, understood, and sustained these lands for generations that will protect the land, safeguard communities, and ensure responsible and sustainable choices in the Arctic. Any approach that sidelines Inuit authority and ignores Inuit realities will deepen tensions and make an already fragile situation worse.
Makivvik calls on:
• Governments and institutions to state
clearly and publicly that the future of Kalaallit Nunaat belongs to its
people and that no Inuit land is open to acquisition, negotiation, or
purchase.
• International law and human rights bodies to uphold Inuit self-determination and to reject any statements or actions that bypass Inuit authority or treat Inuit homelands as strategic assets.
• Civil society and Indigenous organizations worldwide to stand with Inuit and to affirm that the Arctic s future must be shaped with Inuit at the centre, with Inuit rights and consent as the starting point.
This episode has reinforced Inuit resolve across Kalaallit Nunaat, Nunavik, and beyond. Makivvik rejects any effort by any state to frame Inuit lands as prizes in global power struggles. Unilateral claims over Arctic territories are unacceptable and will be met with opposition.
-30-
Contact:
Katharine Morrill
Director of Communications, Makivvik
kmorrill@makivvik.ca
www.makivvik.ca
Makivvik
is the land claims organization mandated to manage the heritage funds
of the Inuit of Nunavik provided for under the James Bay and Northern
Québec Agreement. Makivvik’s role includes the administration and
investment of these funds and the promotion of economic growth by
providing assistance for the creation of Inuit-operated businesses in
Nunavik. Makivvik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and
language as well as the health, welfare, relief of poverty, and
education of Inuit in the communities.
| Organization: |
MAKIVIK CORPORATION
1111 Dr. Frederik-Philips Blvd 3rd floor Ville St-Laurent, QC H4M 2X6 Canada |
| Telephone number: | 514-745-8880 |
| Fax number: | 514-745-4610 |
| Responsible officer name and position during the period of this registration: | Pita Aatami, President |
Makivvik
Kuujjuaq | Montreal | Quebec City
Head Office: Kuujjuaq
P.O. Box 179
Kuujjuaq, Quebec J0M 1C0
(819) 964.2925
1.877.625.4845
Montreal
1111 Dr. Frederik-Philips Blvd., 3rd Floor
St. Laurent, Quebec H4M 2X6
(514)745.8880
1.800.361.7052
Quebec City
580 Grande-Allée E, suite 350
Québec (Québec) G1R 2K2
(418) 522.2224
Other Offices
Inukjuak Office
Inukjuak Shared Fax
819-254-1040
Justice Office
Main Office
Phone: 514-331-5818
Inukjuak
Phone: 819-254-0929
Private Fax: 819-254-0930
Kuujjuaraapik
1-819-929-3925
Fax:1-819-929-3982
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Feb 6, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Subject: Makivvik Stands with Inuit in Kalaallit Nunaat
To: <kmorrill@makivvik.ca>
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From: Ottawa <ottamb@um.dk>
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Subject: RE: I just talked to the political officer within the Embassy of Denmark in Canada Correct?
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Denmark summons top U.S. diplomat after reports of American influence operations in Greenland
Public broadcaster report indicated 3 Americans with ties to Trump administration raised suspicion
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Wed, Aug 27, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Subject: Fwd: Sooner or later somebody in NATO will read this and want to talk to you N'esy Pas Mr Prime Minister Trudeau?
To: Donald J. Trump <contact@win.donaldjtrump.com>
Cc: John.Williamson <John.Williamson@parl.gc.ca>, djtjr <djtjr@trumporg.com>, davidmylesforfredericton@
Sunday, 18 January 2026
Canada 'concerned' about Trump's Greenland tariff threats, says PM Carney
Greenlandic Politician Shows Mirror To Trump Over Island Invasion Plan: 'He Doesn't Know About...'
Hook Global Canada 'concerned' about Trump's Greenland tariff threats, says PM Carney
Trump says he'll impose duties on European nations against U.S. buying Greenland
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is "concerned" about U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose increasing tariffs on several European countries until they accede to his demand to purchase and control Greenland.
"We're concerned about this escalation," Carney told reporters at a press conference in Doha, Qatar on Sunday morning. "We always will support sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries wherever their geographic location is."
"Decisions about the future of Greenland are for Greenland and Denmark to decide."
Trump said on social media that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face a 10 per cent tariff. The rate would rise to 25 per cent on June 1 if the U.S. does not reach a deal to buy the semiautonomous island.
The countries named by Trump have backed Denmark, warning that the U.S. military seizure of a territory in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) could collapse the military alliance that Washington leads.
‘Huge culture shift,’ says journalist on European troop deployment | Hanomansing TonightIn a statement released Sunday morning, the eight European countries said they stand in full solidarity with the people of Greenland and "stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind.
"Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral," the statement added.
Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, said in an interview on Rosemary Barton Live that Trump's interest in controlling Greenland certainly causes "discussions within NATO."
But Carignan, whose interview was taped before Trump's new tariff threat, expressed optimism that NATO will persevere.
Gen.
Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, Canadian Armed Forces
takes part in the Halifax International Security Forum on November 21,
2025. (Kelly Clark/The Canadian Press)"I think we will navigate through this period of time with all of the allies around the table," she told host Rosemary Barton. "I think we really need to engage and not cut the communication channels and keep engaging together."
Denmark announced earlier this week it will bolster its troop, naval and air presence in Greenland in conjunction with NATO allies.
When asked whether Canada is working on a proposal to contribute Canadian forces on the ground, Carignan said Canada is "always working closely with our Danish partner."
"There's definitely a lot of interest in Arctic security from a NATO perspective as well, and we will work together to do that," Carignan said.
Canada and Trump's Gaza peace board
Earlier this week, a senior Canadian official told journalists travelling with the prime minister on his overseas trip that Carney had been asked by Trump to join the "Board of Peace" that will supervise the temporary governance of the Gaza Strip.
At the time, the official said Carney would accept the invitation.
But new reporting suggests the scope of the "Board of Peace" is much bigger than anticipated.
Carney to accept Trump’s invitation to join ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza: Canadian officialA draft charter sent to 60 countries by the U.S. administration calls for members to contribute $1 billion US in cash if they want their membership to last more than three years.
"Each Member State shall serve a term of no more than three years from this Charter’s entry into force, subject to renewal by the Chairman," the document, first reported by Bloomberg News, shows.
A Canadian government source travelling with the prime minister told reporters on Saturday that Canada will not pay for a seat on the board, nor has that been requested of Canada at this time.
The source, who spoke on the condition they not be named, said Carney indicated his intent to accept the invitation because it was important to have a seat at the table to shape the process from within, but there are still details to be worked out on next steps.
When asked about his decision to accept the invitation, Carney said on Saturday "we haven't gone through all the details of the structure, how it's going to work, what financing is for, et cetera."
Carney's answer did not mention whether Canada would pay for a seat.
Qatar and Canada's major projects
During the press conference, Carney said that Qatar has committed to "significant strategic investments" for Canada's major building projects.
That capital will get projects built faster, "supercharge" energy industries and create jobs for Canadians, he added.
Calling it a "new chapter" in bilateral relations, Carney said the two countries will also strengthen "people-to-people" cultural ties, which will include expanding direct flights from Canada to Qatar to boost tourism and business.
Carney
stands with Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani as he is introduced
to the Qatari delegation at Amiri Diwan in Doha on Sunday. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)"When the people of different countries are familiar with each other's cultures and perspectives, they're enriched, and they trust each other more," he said. "And they also want to do more together, to build together."
Carney said after years of stalled negotiations, Canada aims to finalize the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Qatar by this summer. Canada will also install a defence attaché in Doha to deepen partnerships on defence.
Carney will wrap his nine-day trip abroad by attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
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With files from Ashley Burke, Reuters, The Canadian Press
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