Research leadership appointed for the historical study of the relationship between Greenland and Denmark
Press release
Daniel Thorleifsen
Tenna Jensen
In June 2023, Naalakkersuisut and the Danish government agreed on the terms of reference for the historical study of the relationship between Greenland and Denmark - now, the two countries have jointly appointed the research leadership team that will spearhead the study of the countries' interconnected histories
From naalakkersuisut.gl (translated by Ilisimatusarfik)
In June 2023, Naalakkersuisut and the Danish government agreed on the terms of reference for the historical study of the relationship between Greenland and Denmark. Now, the two countries have jointly appointed the research leadership team that will spearhead the study of the countries' interconnected histories.
Naalakkersuisoq for Independence & Foreign Affairs Vivian Motzfeldt and Minister of Education & Research Christina Egelund have jointly appointed the research leadership team that will spearhead the historical study of the relationship between Greenland and Denmark since 1945. It will be Daniel Thorleifsen, director of the Greenland National Museum & Archives, and Tenna Jensen, head of center at Ilisimatusarfik.
The study is to cover the most important political decisions and events that helped shape the development of Greenland, the relationship between Greenland and Denmark, or that had consequences for the Greenlandic population. This is stated in the terms of reference agreed between the two countries on 22 June 2023.
Daniel Thorleifsen and Tenna Jensen are both experienced historians with in-depth knowledge of the interconnected histories and societal conditions of Greenland and Denmark. Together, they have been appointed based on their solid experience in research management, dissemination and involvement of stakeholders and citizens in their work.
Daniel Thorleifsen is a skilled historian and has been Director of the Greenland National Museum & Archives since 2005. Before that, Daniel Thorleifsen was, among other things, head of institute at Ilisimatusarfik.
Tenna Jensen is a skilled historian, and has since 2021 been head of Ilisimatusarfik's Centre for Arctic Welfare - and since 2022 senior researcher at the Center for Public Health in Greenland and University of Southern Denmark. In addition, Tenna Jensen is also head of the research team of the independent study of contraceptive practices in Greenland from 1960 to 1991.
Naalakkersuisoq for Independence & Foreign Affairs Vivian Motzfeldt says:
"We look forward to the launch of the historical study with the appointment of the research leadership team. The knowledge of our language, our history and research is present in the research leadership team and has been a part of our society during the period that the study will shed light on".
Minister of Education & Research Christina Egelund adds:
"I am very pleased that we have now jointly appointed a research leadership team. With Daniel Thorleifsen and Tenna Jensen, we have a strong team with solid roots in Greenland and broad experience in managing major research projects and research dissemination. I look forward to the important work of the study now getting underway".
- The study is to cover the most important political decisions, events and other circumstances, actions and processes that contributed to shaping the development of Greenland, the relationship between Greenland and Denmark, or which had consequences for the Greenlandic population.
- The study is to include special cases and processes that took place in particular during the period of modernization of Greenland in the period after the Second World War and up to the present day, or until Greenland has assumed responsibility for the relevant areas. This may, for example, be cases and processes such as the birthplace criterion, the closure of Greenlandic settlements, cases concerning the practice of adoption of Greenlandic children 1950-1980, Greenlandic children sent to Denmark, called-in labor from Denmark, etc.
- As far as possible, the research project is carried out within a time period of 5 years from the time an agreement is entered into between Ilisimatusarfik and the research leadership team. The overall report is submitted in both Greenlandic and Danish.
- Denmark provides a total funding of DKK 45 million for the historical study of the relationship between Greenland and Denmark. The grant goes to the Government of Greenland, which implements the project at Ilisimatusarfik.
- Naasunnguaq Beck Kristensen, ministerial secretary, e-mail [email protected] or phone +299 533684.
- Ministry of Education & Research: +45 72318181 or e-mail: [email protected].
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