Greenland's indigenous people reportedly see 'US intervention' as an opportunity.

Greenland, a land that is "green and lush" in name, is actually covered in white ice.

While U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly expressed his desire to annex Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, Denmark and Greenland are reportedly strongly protesting, stating, "Greenland is not for sale."

However, on August 16 (local time), the U.S. daily New York Post conveyed the perspective that Greenland's indigenous people view "U.S. intervention" as an opportunity in an article titled "They Stole Our Future."

Sterilization Without Consent, Forced Adoptions…

According to the report, Amarok Petersen from Greenland was diagnosed at the age of 27 that she would never be able to have children. The cause was an IUD (intrauterine device) contraceptive inserted into her uterus.

Amarok Petersen from Greenland was diagnosed at age 27 with infertility. [Photo=New York Post]

This contraceptive device was inserted into the uteruses of Inuit women, the indigenous people of Greenland, by the Danish government between the 1960s and 1991 without their prior consent.

It is estimated that over 4,500 Greenlandic women underwent such forced sterilization procedures by Danish doctors. Among them were young girls as young as 12 or 13, like Petersen.

As a result of these procedures, many Inuit women experienced complications (infections, bleeding, pain) and some became infertile for life or had to undergo hysterectomies.

Petersen also underwent repeated surgeries due to severe pain after the IUD insertion, and shockingly, in the early 2000s, Danish doctors removed her fallopian tubes without any explanation.

The New York Post revealed, "Denmark claims to be protecting the island (from the U.S.) with military aid from Europe, but for many Inuit, the real threat was Denmark itself."

Petersen expressed outrage, saying, "The Danes do not consider indigenous people as human beings. They steal our land, our children, and our lives, yet expect us to be grateful."

Petersen also revealed that her mother, older brother, and other relatives were involved in the so-called "Little Danes Experiment."

This experiment involved forcibly sending Greenlandic children to Denmark for adoption or placing them in institutions without parental consent, with the aim of reducing Greenland's population and assimilating Greenlandic children into Denmark. This experiment resulted in the permanent separation of countless Greenlandic children from their families.

In December of last year, Denmark offered compensation of approximately $46,000 (about 68 million won) to victims of forced sterilization, but Petersen stated that the idea of resolving it with money was another insult.

"Denmark Took Away Our Chance to Speak"

Regarding U.S. President Trump's recent expression of intent to buy the island, Danish politicians have repeatedly emphasized, "Greenland is not for sale." However, many Greenlanders argue that "that slogan hides a deeper truth."

Mold is growing in government-provided rental apartments. [Photo=New York Post]

Greenlandic residents claim, "Denmark still believes it governs Greenland. To them, we are just beings of little worth. Years of forced migration and economic exploitation dominate daily life across the island."

Petersen also stated, "They have destroyed our future and then urge us to keep quiet. They say Greenland is not for sale, but that's Denmark's decision; we've never voiced such an opinion. Denmark decides everything. They don't let us speak."

Indeed, in a press conference with U.S. officials following discussions about purchasing the island, it was the Danish Foreign Minister who spoke. The Greenlandic Foreign Minister was present but said little.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen stated on that day, "If a referendum were held, all approximately 56,000 residents of Greenland would oppose annexation by the United States. This is because the U.S. is unlikely to support the Scandinavian welfare system in Greenland."

Fox News reported, "While the U.S.'s interest is indeed uncomfortable for Greenlanders, this situation has brought something to Greenland: it has made the world aware of how little autonomy the indigenous people have."

Petersen also commented on Minister Rasmussen's remarks, saying, "His statement shows that they still consider Greenland a colony. If they truly believe Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people, they should let us decide our own future."

So, what do Greenlanders think of the Scandinavian welfare system?

Karen Hammecken Jensen, a resident of Nuuk who moved in search of better opportunities for her children, stated that the basic living conditions are still poor.

She lives in a rental apartment complex built decades ago, which is not only cramped and old but also plagued by black mold. Even for these apartments, residents have to dedicate most of their household income to cover the rent.

The New York Post also reported, "The interview was conducted in a living room that was extremely cold due to a lack of insulation."

Subsidies Used as an Excuse to Block Residents from Building Wealth

Elias Runge, who has worked as a fisherman for over 40 years, said, "Greenlanders engage in fishing at their own risk. The compensation is low compared to the high price of seafood."

Elias Runge, a fisherman who has worked in Greenlandic waters for 40 years, said, "Denmark and large corporations take most of the value of Greenlanders' labor." [Photo=New York Post]

Denmark proudly states that it provides subsidies to Greenland's indigenous people, but Jensen said, "Subsidies are used as an excuse to keep Greenlandic residents in low-wage jobs. They are blocking us from opportunities to build wealth."

This imbalance is particularly evident in the fishing industry, Greenland's most important sector.

Elias Runge, who has worked in Greenlandic waters for 40 years, said, "Denmark and large corporations take most of the value of Greenlanders' labor."

He explained, "When we catch cod, it's frozen whole, shipped, processed elsewhere, and sold at a much higher price."

For cod delivered to factories, fishermen receive only $1.86 per kilogram (approximately 2,750 won). However, if sold directly to consumers, they can receive up to $12.50 per kilogram – more than 10 times the price.

Runge said, "We caught the fish, so why are others making the money? If factories were built on the coast to support residents in operating their own processing industry, it would be a great help to the residents."

Seafood direct market. Residents can receive up to $12.50 per kilogram when selling cod directly to consumers. [Photo=New York Post]

Jensen stated that alcoholism, drug abuse, and violence are rampant in the Nuuk region, lamenting, "People can't find a way out."

According to researchers, Greenland has the highest suicide rate in the world. It is estimated that 81 people per 100,000 population commit suicide annually. Even South Korea, known for its high suicide rate, has a suicide rate of about 29.1 per 100,000 people as of 2024. This illustrates the magnitude of the social problem of suicide in Greenland.

Petersen says:

"They took our resources. They took our bodies. And then they told us to be grateful. How can you be grateful to someone who stole your future?"

Petersen stated, "The Danes claim they are 'protecting' Greenland from Trump, but Greenlandic residents want independence. There are differing opinions on the timing, but one thing is agreed upon: the current system is unsustainable."

Petersen also said that while she doesn't see Trump as a savior, she views his interest as an opportunity.

"At least he challenges Denmark's control."

For Petersen, independence means being treated as a human being with the right to decide, not choosing between Denmark and the United States.

Reporter Lim Yo-hee