In a strategic diplomatic move, Canada is deploying its highest-ranking Indigenous official and foreign minister to Greenland early next February. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the visit would include Governor General Mary Simon, Canada’s first Indigenous governor general of Inuk descent, and Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The delegation plans to establish a Canadian consulate in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.
This development occurs against the backdrop of renewed territorial assertions from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly suggested American acquisition of Greenland and even referenced Canada becoming ‘the 51st state.’ Greenland, with its predominantly Inuit population of approximately 56,000, operates as a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Prime Minister Carney, during meetings with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at Canada’s Paris embassy, emphatically stated that “the future of Greenland and Denmark are decided solely by the people of Denmark.” This position received robust international support as leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom jointly affirmed Greenland’s sovereignty, recognizing the mineral-rich Arctic island “belongs to its people.”
The diplomatic coordination took place alongside the Coalition of the Willing talks on Ukraine, with Carney specifically arranging meetings with Frederiksen and NATO’s secretary general. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to Arctic security cooperation within the NATO framework, with Frederiksen acknowledging Canada’s “respect for national sovereignty.”
Professor Daniel Béland of McGill University highlighted the delicate balance Canada must maintain, noting that while demonstrating solidarity with Greenland is crucial for Arctic governance and international law principles, the Canadian government must simultaneously avoid jeopardizing ongoing trade negotiations with the United States.