Kajumissutsiminnik aallussisartut pingaartuupput

The Greenlandic associations are important meeting places for Greenlanders in Denmark, but the associations are heavily dependent on the presence of enthusiasts who are willing to work voluntarily.

This is according to Camilla Siezing, who is the chairman of the Inuit Association, which is an umbrella organization for Greenlandic associations in Denmark. Camilla Siezing, who lives in Holstebro, has been the chairman of Inuit since October 2021.

At the turn of the year, Inuit had 17 member associations and the student association Avalak with local branches in the major cities. The associations are distributed all over Denmark. The number of associations has been fairly stable for a number of years, because even though some of the associations are closed down, new ones are constantly emerging.

- In 2025, the associations in Vejle and Sønderborg closed, but this is offset by the fact that two new associations were formed last year in Holstebro and Frederikshavn, explains Camilla Siezing.

- Many of the associations have close cooperation with the various Greenlandic houses – and it should be no secret that there is the greatest activity in the cities where there are also Greenlandic cities.

- There is often close cooperation between the local associations and the Greenlandic houses. The Greenlandic houses call for regular association meetings - some houses more often than others. We have participated in some of the meetings - where we would like to participate at least once a year if possible - both to meet the associations locally (both members and non-members) and to maintain good cooperation with the houses.

Major events

In addition to supporting the individual associations, the Inuit Joint Association also organizes a number of large joint events. Among them is the popular Christmas Greetings to Greenland with well over 1,000 participants, the USA/Tusariarlinngooq singing competition, and the annual family day.

- For many Greenlanders, the events mean getting together with other Greenlanders, friends and family. Experiences with Greenlandic culture at the forefront. For the Greenlandic associations, it means getting together with others than their own members, showcasing their unique characteristics/strengths in the association and strengthening cooperation with both Inuit and other Greenlandic associations. They get input, ideas and feedback from the cooperation with the other associations, says Camilla Siezing.

- The associations have the opportunity to show their different strengths and characteristics at the events. Among other things, some associations are good at presenting kalattuut/Greenlandic polka, others are good at choral singing and songwriting, others are good at presenting Greenlandic games, and there are others who are good at helping with practical things at the events.

Dependent on volunteers

The practical help is of great importance to the Inuit Association.

- It is crucial that we have the support and volunteerism of our members - to be able to carry out the events at all. There are no events that can be carried out by the board alone, emphasizes Camilla Siesing.

- Fortunately, we have a really good collaboration with our members, so although it can sometimes be a bit difficult to get enough volunteers in good time - and as an organizer it can be a bit stressful when you are planning and the day of the event is getting closer and closer and it seems like we can't make all the ends meet, we always end up getting things in place.

- That's probably also one of the characteristics of being Greenlandic - we are more spontaneous and find it easier to plan when things get closer. The good thing is that many are very flexible, willing to adapt to the day's tasks at the last minute and give it a little extra gas.

Support from the Government of Greenland

The Inuit Association receives funding from the Government of Greenland. In recent years, the funding has been 50,000 kroner per year. Previously, the funding was higher.

- When I became chairman back in 2021, we were initially told that no support would be provided, but it ended up being 50,000 kroner – and it has been there ever since.

We are very dependent on grants to be able to carry out our events - and even though all of us on the board work voluntarily and unpaid, there are always expenses for transportation, meals, room rental, guards, lighting and sound engineers, remuneration of musicians and so on.

I hope that Inuit will continue to be supported - so that we can continue with our events - as these have a great cultural significance for us Greenlanders living here. Both the associations' own local and Inuit national events help us to have socializing with other Greenlanders with our Greenlandic background, language and culture in the foreground and help us to maintain our Greenlandic identity and wonderful traditions.

In addition to the support from Naalakkersuisut, the Inuit Association also receives support from Greenlandic companies.

- These are typically raw materials, for example from Royal Greenland, Polar Seafood and Arctic Import. The products are used both in connection with catering at events and as prizes in the lottery that Inuit holds for the benefit of Family Day, where participation is always free.