NUUK, Greenland – “Inuit are one people” is a message heard from Canadian and Greenlandic Inuit in and around the opening of the new Canadian consulate in Nuuk, and it’s amplified coming from Governor General Mary Simon.
Simon says Canadian Inuit are in Nuuk to show their support to the Greenlandic Inuit. She says as an Inuit person herself, her personal relationship with Greenland is longstanding.
Many on the delegation of dozens of Inuit leaders, community members and youth told CTV News they were there because of Donald Trump’s threats to take over. Simon says she heard directly from Greenland’s Prime Minister about the anxiety and concerns many feel about it.
“We share their concerns,” Simon told CTV News in a sit-down interview following the consulate opening Friday evening.
“None of us are really immune to some of the comments that have been made over the last eight months or so. And you know, it’s not over. It’s not gone.”
When asked about Trump’s talk of making Canada the 51st state, Simon is clear: “Personally, I felt that it was something that shouldn’t even be discussed.”
She has also found a positive way of looking at it, saying the president’s rhetoric has brought Canada closer together, including the premiers and the Prime Minister.
“As a result of not wanting to entertain any of the comments that have been made, we just decided that we needed to come together as a strong nation and work together to avoid any kind of perception that we could be a part of the United States,” Simon added.
As for the consulate itself, Canada’s head of state sees it as an opportunity to focus on increasing trade with Greenland.
“Self determination in the context of Greenland is really being done between Denmark and Greenland. Our ties are people to people, business development, cultural, education - all those issues that affect people in the communities are very important to both Greenland and Canada, the Canadian Arctic.”
The consulate is a small red building, which Canada shares with the Icelandic government. Only a handful of nations have consulates in Greenland, with France launching a presence this week as well.
Foreign Minister Anita Anand raised a Canadian flag to mark its official launch Friday, as a group of more than 100 people, including Simon, members of the Canadian coast guard and dozens of Canadian Inuit looked on.
Journalists present to cover the official opening were told by Global Affairs Canada they were not allowed to go inside the small space to capture images.
During the interview, CTV News also asked the Governor General if she had any interest continuing in her position. Governors General are appointed by the King on the advice of the prime minister and usually hold the office for five years. Simon’s term will reach the five years mark this July.
“Well, I’m still here,” she says with a smile.
“I’ve got five months to go. I’m thinking about what I’m going to do. I haven’t decided at this point.”
