Greenland minister: ‘No one can take our land from us’

Greenland’s education, culture, sports and church minister Nivi Olsen said on Sunday that rising US interest in the territory has forged unity among Greenlanders, DR reports.

Speaking in Nuuk’s cultural centre during National Day celebrations, Olsen described the past year as “very, very hectic,” adding that the external pressure had “touched all of us deeply” and created a strong sense of solidarity.

“We hope this unity makes the whole world hear that this is our land, and no one else can take it from us,” she said.

Earlier this year, a large demonstration in Nuuk protested US interest as Washington opened a new, larger consulate in the capital.

Outdoor events, including a harbour breakfast, street parades and a traditional seal-hunting competition, were cancelled in Nuuk due to heavy rain and strong winds, though seal hunts proceeded in other towns.

Greenland’s National Day was established by the former home rule government in 1985 and marks the date in 2009 when the territory gained self-rule.