An Inuit lawmaker from Greenland faced a setback when she was prevented from addressing the Danish Parliament in Greenlandic, a language native to the Arctic island. Aki-Matilda Hoegh-Dam, a member of the social democratic Siumut party representing Greenland in Denmark’s Parliament, stirred up a debate regarding the language lawmakers from Greenland and the Faeroe Islands can use when addressing the assembly. Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, both semi-independent territories within the Danish Realm, have two seats each in the Folketing in Copenhagen.
During a customary debate day, where party spokespeople present their positions, Hoegh-Dam announced that she would speak solely in Greenlandic, the official language of Greenland, and had already provided a translated version of her speech to assembly members. However, Parliament Speaker Søren Gade intervened, stating that a speech must be delivered in Danish for proper debate to take place. In response, he requested Hoegh-Dam to step down, noting that she had been informed previously that translations into Danish immediately following speeches in Greenlandic or Faeroese are required.
Danish is the primary language used in the Copenhagen assembly, with Hoegh-Dam advocating for simultaneous interpretation. Gade explained that while the Folketing is not currently equipped for this, additional resources can be allocated for Greenlandic and Faeroese lawmakers to hire translators. Another Greenlandic lawmaker in Denmark, Aaja Chemnitz from the Inuit Ataqatigiit party, opted to speak in Danish later that day, with her party subsequently expressing support for Hoegh-Dam’s position.
Greenland, a former Danish colony, gained home rule in 1979 before attaining self-governing status 30 years later. However, Denmark retains control over key areas such as justice, foreign affairs, and defense. Tensions between Greenland and Denmark have surfaced over issues that include historical misconduct by Danish authorities on the island. Calls for Greenlandic independence have gained momentum in recent years despite the island’s reliance on Denmark for substantial financial support, set to reach 4 billion kroner (nearly $600 million) in 2024.
This incident sheds light on the complexities of language, representation, and sovereignty within the Danish Realm, reflecting broader discussions on autonomy and relationships between Greenland and Denmark.