Inuit outside the Arctic:Migration, identity and perceptions

• Main Author: Terpstra, Tekke
• Format: Doctoral or Postdoctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of Groningen 2015
• Subjects: Arctic; Canada; Greenland; greenlander*; greenlandic; inuit
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11370/ff9292e2-207d-4baf-91f9-3d97a7228e35; https://research.rug.nl/en/publications/inuit-outside-the-arctic(ff9292e2-207d-4baf-91f9-3d97a7228e35).html; https://pure.rug.nl/ws/files/23085095/Complete_thesis.pdf; https://pure.rug.nl/ws/files/23085097/Propositions.pdf

Today many Inuit live outside the Arctic. This research deals with the experiences of these migrants. The focus is on Greenlanders in Denmark, but their experiences are compared to those of Inuit in southern Canada. However, various of the themes discussed in this study also apply to other groups of migrants. Despite decolonization, there are still many ties between Denmark and Greenland. Important reasons for Greenlanders to move to Denmark are education and family ties in Denmark. The informal channels, through family or friends in Denmark, mean a lot to newcomers. Various initiatives for Greenlanders in Denmark can also play an important role. Today a clear “Greenlandic infrastructure” can be identified there. In southern Canada, where various initiatives for Inuit also exist, the presence of an Inuit network seems less visible. But as in Denmark it is clear that women here also play an important role in maintaining a distinct identity. It can be concluded that ignorance about Greenlanders/Inuit continues to be an issue. However, changes in this context have also been experienced. Attention to internal identifications is of great importance. The Greenlandic language, Greenlandic food and Greenlandic networks in Denmark contribute to maintaining Greenlandic identity there and maintaining that identity is important to the well-being of migrants. Such elements present a different view of Inuit to the existing stereotypes and contribute to the positive experiences of Inuit outside the Arctic.