Thrust into the global news, Greenlanders want their voices heard

At Nuuk's Katuaq Cultural Center, residents gathered for a spirited and heartfelt discussion about Greenland's future.

With the island in the global spotlight ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, his controversial remarks about buying Greenland have reignited debates about its identity, security, and growing geopolitical importance.

Greenland's strategic location and untapped resources have drawn the attention of world powers, but for many Greenlanders, this is deeply personal. The debate highlighted a mix of pride, fear and hope as locals considered what lies ahead.

"Every media is about Greenland," local resident Liv Jensen told CGTN. "But also remember to ask us Greenlanders because it is us who live here, and it's about us and our land. And the most beautiful thing about Greenland is nobody can own the land. We all own the land."

This deep sense of shared ownership and cultural pride is central to Greenlanders' identity. However, not all attendees felt the same optimism. For some, Trump's remarks and the global attention on Greenland sparked genuine fear.

"My biggest fear is occupation," another resident, Tom, told CGTN. "I'm genuinely scared that American soldiers are coming down with parachutes and American ships are in our harbors, taking over our airports. That scares me the most because none of us has really experienced this up here."

While concerns about sovereignty and militarization weigh heavily on some, others point out that Greenland already has agreements in place with the U.S. to ensure its security. These agreements, they argue, are a key part of Greenland's evolving relationship with the United States.

"Well, I was asked the same by the Danish journalist where I said, well, it means a loss for the Americans. It means a lot for the world with regards to safety and security," explained Pele Broberg, the leader of Greenland's Naleraq political party. 

"Fortunately, Greenland already has a deal in place with the U.S. – the last one we signed was from 2020, where we stated Greenland is vital for the defense of the United States," he added. "So that agreement we can hear is still very much forefront in the American incoming administration. So that's reassuring for us."

As Greenland navigates its growing role in geopolitics, the message from Nuuk is clear: Greenlanders want their voices heard. They are determined to preserve their identity and chart their future on their own terms—even as the world takes notice.