Publications

Teaching | Undervisning - peer review

I dette kapitel illustreres overgangsproblematikker i sygeplejerskeuddannelsen med sygeplejestuderendes transition til nyuddannede sygeplejerske. Det er nemlig en særdeles overvældende periode, hvor nyuddannede sygeplejersker oplever realitetschok med stress, udbrændthed og skyld, fordi de ikke selv… I dette kapitel illustreres overgangsproblematikker i sygeplejerskeuddannelsen med sygeplejestuderendes transition til nyuddannede sygeplejerske. Det er nemlig en særdeles overvældende periode, hvor nyuddannede sygeplejersker oplever realitetschok med stress, udbrændthed og skyld, fordi de ikke selv synes, at de magter at håndtere det fulde ansvar for patientplejen, selvom de netop har overstået en sygeplejerskeuddannelse. Indledningsvist defineres kapitlets centrale begreber efterfulgt af en redegørelse for transitionsteorier og et institutionelt etnografisk (IE) ståsted til undersøgelse af nyuddannede sygeplejerskers oplevelser. Med IE flyttes blikket fra det individuelle perspektiv til det institutionelle for at vise, at følelsesmæssige og kropslige oplevelser skabes af turbulente arbejdsbetingelser på medicinske afsnit med akut syge patienter og personalemangel. Det anbefales afslutningsvis at betragte travlhed, fordeling af ansvar, introduktion af nyuddannede sygeplejersker som et fælles anliggende. Sygehusafsnit med “robuste fællesskaber” har nemlig mest succes med at fastholde personale som nyuddannede sygeplejersker, der i stigende grad forlader faget. Read more

Communication | Formidling

Fredag 15. marts åbner Europa-Kommissionen sit længe ventede kontor i Nuuk. Men på trods af EU's vigtighed for Grønland spiller EU en relativt afdæmpet rolle i Grønlands nye udenrigspolitiske strategi.

Research | Forskning - peer review

Arctic Indigenous Peoples have, through their own persistence, advanced the development of the Western European legal norms in a system that once facilitated their colonisation. The fiftieth anniversary of the Arctic Peoples’ Conference took place in 2023. The occasion was marked with another Confer… Arctic Indigenous Peoples have, through their own persistence, advanced the development of the Western European legal norms in a system that once facilitated their colonisation. The fiftieth anniversary of the Arctic Peoples’ Conference took place in 2023. The occasion was marked with another Conference, this time in Ilulissat, Greenland. It was a moment to reflect on the achievements of Arctic Indigenous Peoples, to build upon the 1973 resolutions and to address contemporary challenges. The resultant Joint Statement addresses the need for enhanced engagement in the forums of international law, intergenerational justice, intersecting rights to wellbeing, land, water and natural resources, and to address the risks posed by climate change and colonialism. Read more

Teaching | Undervisning

Greenlandic art and history are closely intertwined and have influenced each other throughout the ages. Studying the art of a particular period or artist can provide valuable insights into the historical context, cultural values, and social dynamics of that time. Similarly, understanding historical… Greenlandic art and history are closely intertwined and have influenced each other throughout the ages. Studying the art of a particular period or artist can provide valuable insights into the historical context, cultural values, and social dynamics of that time. Similarly, understanding historical events can deepen our appreciation and interpretation of artworks created during those periods. This sample syllabus was taught in 2023, with the aim to explore the interconnectedness of art and history through the works of Kalaaleq (Greenlandic Inuit) artists. Students learned about a range of approaches that link historical research with art. The topics were selected by students using a method called “creating collaborative syllabus” at the beginning of the course (usually during the first week). The syllabus is a first step to use art and creative praxis as part of history teaching at Ilisimatusarfik, but may also be used as a starting point when teaching about Greenlandic art and history at other institutions. Feel free to adapt it as you wish! Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

This article compares the self-government system in Greenland in Denmark and territorial governance in Nunavut, Canada in relation to the management of natural resources through the perspective of historical institutionalism. Both territories have undergone processes of re-empowerment, and possess m… This article compares the self-government system in Greenland in Denmark and territorial governance in Nunavut, Canada in relation to the management of natural resources through the perspective of historical institutionalism. Both territories have undergone processes of re-empowerment, and possess major assets of natural resources, and the struggle for self-determination has triggered their metropolitan states (Denmark and Canada) and regional governments to consider some form of self-government. However, two different solutions have appeared due to gradual development through path dependency as legislation and form of government. Nunavut is a territory within the Canadian federal construction, based on Indigenous claims, while Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Danish unitary state. The land claims in Canada have given Nunavut some influence in the management of its natural resources, while Greenland has taken control of its subterranean resources through extended self-government implemented in 2009. This article will highlight the resource policy similarities and differences of the two territories via three potential explanatory factors: historical background, self-government, and the management of natural resources as a point of departure. The findings show that both regions have similarities in historical background and the management of natural resources, but there are also significant differences in how local authorities have addressed mining projects. Read more

Research | Forskning

As a political focal point, the Pituffik Space Base (“Pituffik”) has played a decisive role in deepening relations between Greenland and the United States. To shed light upon these relations, both between the two internally and with regard to Denmark, this article analyses the 2020 negotiations rega… As a political focal point, the Pituffik Space Base (“Pituffik”) has played a decisive role in deepening relations between Greenland and the United States. To shed light upon these relations, both between the two internally and with regard to Denmark, this article analyses the 2020 negotiations regarding Pituffik and the positions of the three parties in both the final agreement and the process of negotiation. The theoretical framework of the analysis is an interlocked two-level game analysis following Putnam (1988); the study is based upon 12 interviews with key figures, media coverage, and on the negotiated agreements themselves. The article argues that Greenland and the United States, although being an odd couple as a small state-like self-governing nation and a global superpower, conducted a new, interlocking two-level game, reaching win-sets and common interests while changing the way the parties negotiate and sign agreements. Thus, the article concludes that the 2020 negotiations about the base inaugurate a change in the overall relationship by positioning Greenland in a new and more direct relationship with the United States. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

In this article, we present the history of social work education in Greenland, from a professional training school in 1985 to a university BA-level education in 2008 and onwards to the present day. Mainly, we discuss how the education of Greenlandic social workers continually reflects on the decolon… In this article, we present the history of social work education in Greenland, from a professional training school in 1985 to a university BA-level education in 2008 and onwards to the present day. Mainly, we discuss how the education of Greenlandic social workers continually reflects on the decolonising elements of the curriculum. Read more

Research | Forskning

The Arctic is directly affected by the interaction of two ongoing global crises: climate change and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. With its temperatures rising four times faster than the global average, the Arctic is facing dramatic environmental consequences. Meanwhile, retreating sea… The Arctic is directly affected by the interaction of two ongoing global crises: climate change and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. With its temperatures rising four times faster than the global average, the Arctic is facing dramatic environmental consequences. Meanwhile, retreating sea ice has led to increased economic interest in the Arctic and its growing geopolitical importance. Thus, understanding and managing the global and local implications of environmental change in this region requires urgent scientific and diplomatic collaboration. Read more

Communication | Formidling

Pausen i Arktisk Råd er umiddelbart den største politiske udfordring for Grønland, som har signaleret, at et Arktisk Råd uden Rusland er utænkeligt på sigt.

Research | Forskning - peer review

Der undersøges forholdet mellem Danmarks Radio og Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa ved samtidigheds-tv´s opstart i begyndelsen af 1980´erne.

Research | Forskning - peer review

The reflexivity of ethnography allows the curious stranger to connect personal experiences to the research question at play intimately. The curious stranger exposes the reader to observations that otherwise would not have come to light and provides first-hand accounts of the studied phenomena. Getti… The reflexivity of ethnography allows the curious stranger to connect personal experiences to the research question at play intimately. The curious stranger exposes the reader to observations that otherwise would not have come to light and provides first-hand accounts of the studied phenomena. Getting deeper data through reflexivity developed by the curious stranger can allow for more understanding of the topic to come to light. The curious stranger approach explores subject matter that would have remained in an unfamiliar setting using a more traditional research approach – a discussion often addressed within Arctic research. When discussing relevant Arctic research methodologies and ethics, the emphasis is on including indigenous knowledge (Arnfjord & Hovgaard, 2021; Denzin & Lincoln, 2014). The discussion often includes political positions and the discussion about how the research becomes relevant for the particular setting. The ethical discussion, and the relevance of research, are always present in our approach when entering the context - here formulated as being a curious stranger in an unfamiliar setting. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Funded by UArctic’s north2north program, we travelled from Nuuk, Greenland, to Anchorage, Alaska, in November 2022 to examine homelessness. In Nuuk, we are both involved in researching and working directly with vulnerable and homeless adults in a local outreach program in the form of a soup kitchen… Funded by UArctic’s north2north program, we travelled from Nuuk, Greenland, to Anchorage, Alaska, in November 2022 to examine homelessness. In Nuuk, we are both involved in researching and working directly with vulnerable and homeless adults in a local outreach program in the form of a soup kitchen. Over the previous decades, homelessness in Greenland and Alaska has increasingly become a cause of great concern amongst health and social care professionals. A forthcoming volume on Housing, Homelessness, and Social Policy in the Urban North from the University of Toronto Press focuses exclusively on this topic. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Artiklen tematiserer Grønlands nedsendelser af psykisk syge foranstaltningsdømte til Danmark som ved en Grønlandsk domstol er idømt anbringelse eller behandling i Danmark. Om end Grønland historisk har nedsendt mennesker med forskellige psykiske handicaps til institution og hospital i Danmark, er vi… Artiklen tematiserer Grønlands nedsendelser af psykisk syge foranstaltningsdømte til Danmark som ved en Grønlandsk domstol er idømt anbringelse eller behandling i Danmark. Om end Grønland historisk har nedsendt mennesker med forskellige psykiske handicaps til institution og hospital i Danmark, er viden om Grønlands nedsendelser af psykisk syge foranstaltningsdømte sparsom og mangelfuld. Dette er også aktuelt i forhold til Grønlands gældende retspraksis med nedsendelser af psykisk syge foranstaltningsdømte. Der eksisterer ikke registreringer eller statistiske oversigter eller andre oversigtslister i Grønland eller i Danmark over antallet af psykisk syge foranstaltningsdømte som det grønlandske retsvæsen idømmer anbringelse eller behandling i Danmark. Antallet af Grønlandske foranstaltningsdømte i Danmark, deres mentale tilstand og anbringelsessted er et ubelyst felt som vi med denne artikel kaster lys på. Read more

Research | Forskning

This Working Paper outlines some of the main arguments and debates regarding Free Association in a Greenlandic context, and what possibilities and unclarities these have generated.

Research | Forskning - peer review

The future of the Arctic region is dependent on several structural forces, the most important being climate change, but geopolitical dynamics are increasingly coming to the fore and institutional cooperation is currently hampered. The future of the region is also highly contested and subject to much… The future of the Arctic region is dependent on several structural forces, the most important being climate change, but geopolitical dynamics are increasingly coming to the fore and institutional cooperation is currently hampered. The future of the region is also highly contested and subject to much speculation, some predicting a race, a struggle or both simultaneously while others predict a more orderly and stable development. As a result, we decided to organise a survey asking Arctic experts their predictions about the likelihood of possible Arctic geopolitical developments. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Greenland’s economy is predominantly reliant on its fishing industry. The continuous melt of the Greenland ice sheet due to climate change and the resultant environmental impact in the arctic is pressuring the fishing industry to adapt to a new environment. This chapter sheds light on how major stak… Greenland’s economy is predominantly reliant on its fishing industry. The continuous melt of the Greenland ice sheet due to climate change and the resultant environmental impact in the arctic is pressuring the fishing industry to adapt to a new environment. This chapter sheds light on how major stakeholders in the Greenlandic fishing industry envision environmental, economic, and social adaptation of fisheries and their overall supply chain operations. Using a qualitative methodology based on a series of semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders in the Greenlandic fishery, the chapter illustrates how the adaptive capacity of the industry has unfolded in recent years, and how it has begun to generate relevant adaptive capabilities. It explores how adaptive capacity in Greenland may facilitate a clearer path for the consolidation of sustainable supply chain management. The analysis ultimately seeks to understand how the Greenlandic fishing industry has perceived the integration of the international best practices incorporating the three pillars of sustainability to develop a sustainable supply chain management. The findings suggest that the maritime logistic operations of Greenland’s fisheries are slowly moving towards sustainability despite key trade-offs among stakeholders associated with the social dimension that involves the promotion of employment stability and the inclusion of local knowledge. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence of patients with asthma in Greenland according to age, gender and residence and to investigate the associated quality of care. The study was performed as a cross-sectional study with data extracted from the Greenlandic electronical medical record. A t… The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence of patients with asthma in Greenland according to age, gender and residence and to investigate the associated quality of care. The study was performed as a cross-sectional study with data extracted from the Greenlandic electronical medical record. A total of 870 patients aged 12 years or above were diagnosed with asthma at the end of 2022, corresponding to a prevalence of 1.9%. In 2020, the total prevalence was 0.2%. The prevalence of patients aged 12 years or above with asthma was highest among patients in Nuuk (3.3%) compared with patients in the remaining parts of Greenland (1.1%). More women than men were diagnosed with asthma, and the prevalence increased with age from 20 to 59 years. The prevalence of current smokers was high among the asthma population. The quality of care was significantly higher among patients living in Nuuk for all process indicators compared with patients from the remaining parts of Greenland. The prevalence of asthma in Greenland is low compared to other comparable populations and might be underestimated. Initiatives supporting increased focus on diagnosing asthma are thus warranted. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

The aim was to test the internal consistency of the Greenlandic version of the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) questionnaire and to estimate the symptom burden in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Greenland using the CAT questionnaire. A Greenlandic version of the CAT question… The aim was to test the internal consistency of the Greenlandic version of the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) questionnaire and to estimate the symptom burden in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Greenland using the CAT questionnaire. A Greenlandic version of the CAT questionnaire was developed including forward translation, reconciliation, backwards translation, and pilot test. Afterwards, a cross-sectional study of patients with COPD was conducted. The internal consistency assessed by the Cronbach α coefficient was 0.823 for the Greenlandic version of the questionnaire (n = 103). The CAT was negatively correlated to spirometry values and current smoking. In the cross-sectional study (n = 250), 81.1% of the patients experienced a high symptom burden (≥10). The main CAT score was 17 (range 0–38). The CAT was used in 9 out of 17 towns in Greenland. The Greenlandic version of the CAT questionnaire demonstrated a good internal consistency. We observed a high burden of symptoms associated with reduced lung function and active smoking status among patient diagnosed with COPD in Greenland. The questionnaire can be used in clinical practice for assessment of symptom burden in patients with COPD in Greenland and may help to increase focus on symptom control and quality of care. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Unthinking historical thinking: lessons from the Arctic

In a 2017 book chapter on the continuing erasure of Indigenous epistemes in academia, the Sami scholar Rauna Kuokkanen posed an important question: is it acceptable for a site of learning to be so ignorant? Foregrounding Indigenous scholarship from the Arctic, this article examines the potential of… In a 2017 book chapter on the continuing erasure of Indigenous epistemes in academia, the Sami scholar Rauna Kuokkanen posed an important question: is it acceptable for a site of learning to be so ignorant? Foregrounding Indigenous scholarship from the Arctic, this article examines the potential of history education to address this question. Based on previous research on Arctic gender history and the coloniality of knowledge, I suggest a paradigm shift, in view of the new UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development framework (May 2021). The research investigates the challenges and opportunities that history education offers in terms of epistemic and cognitive justice within the context of Arctic memory cultures. The article concludes that much can be learned from (not about) Indigenous scholarship, which has long demonstrated a range of critical and sustainable methodologies that offer opportunities to seek epistemic justice and the restitution of cultural memory. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Parents’ perspectives on the role of kin in child-rearing: a qualitative study on Greenland’s universal parenting programme MANU

Nurturing care and protection from parents and community in the early years of life are fundamental for a child's development. The article aims to explore what relations parents see as meaningful in their child's upbringing and how these are shaped, and how these perspectives are reflected in MANU.… Nurturing care and protection from parents and community in the early years of life are fundamental for a child's development. The article aims to explore what relations parents see as meaningful in their child's upbringing and how these are shaped, and how these perspectives are reflected in MANU. MANU is a universal parenting programme in Greenland. Ten of 40 interviews with parents were selected for the analysis of this article's objective. Five grandparents were interviewed. Grandparents are the child's closest extended family members and provide support to parents. Parents placed between one to 19 extended family members in their child's network. Eating and being in nature together, along with familial and intergenerational connectedness, were deemed valuable and important aspects in child-rearing. Parents? own experiences in childhood can influence and complicate how parents place their new family within the extended family. The MANU materials address aspects in the role of kin that parents and grandparents described in interviews. The format and delivery of MANU aims to be universal and mostly addresses Western epistemologies, but both Western and Inuit epistemologies coexists in Greenland. This article creates a window into the existing context parents navigate in. It is important that initiatives are built within this context to ensure they are relevant to families. Read more

Communication | Formidling

Artiklen argumenterer for et større fokus på fastboende sundhedsmedarbejdere, på faglig udvikling og uddannelse, som forudsætning for at styrke rekruttering og fastholdelse af sundhedspersonale.

Communication | Formidling

Kronikken formidler medarbejderperspektiver på et forbedret arbejdsmiljø i sundhedsvæsenet som forudsætning for fastholdelse af medarbejderne. Der argumenteres for at alle parter i sundhedspraksis, politikere, ledere, medarbejdere og brugere, må inddrages i en dialog om udfordringerne med at rekrutt… Kronikken formidler medarbejderperspektiver på et forbedret arbejdsmiljø i sundhedsvæsenet som forudsætning for fastholdelse af medarbejderne. Der argumenteres for at alle parter i sundhedspraksis, politikere, ledere, medarbejdere og brugere, må inddrages i en dialog om udfordringerne med at rekruttere og fastholde personale på sundhedsområdet, hvis løsningerne skal være langtidsholdbare. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Hjemløshedsforskning og aktivistisk aktionsforskning

Artiklen sætter fokus på 10 års arbejde med hjemløshedsforskning, aktivisme og aktionsprojekter i Grønland.

Research | Forskning

Der er behov for en mere nuanceret debat i Grønland om de juridiske, politiske og økonomiske muligheder og udfordringer vedrørende Free Association

Research | Forskning - peer review

Denne artikel omhandler et igangværende samarbejde mellem Kommuneqarfik Sermersooqs (hovedstadskommunen, hvor Nuuk ligger) opsøgende gadeteam og Ilisimatusarfiks Center for Arktisk Velfærd (ICAV), baseret på deltagende aktionsforskning. Målet med samarbejdet er at styrke kapaciteten blandt de ops… Denne artikel omhandler et igangværende samarbejde mellem Kommuneqarfik Sermersooqs (hovedstadskommunen, hvor Nuuk ligger) opsøgende gadeteam og Ilisimatusarfiks Center for Arktisk Velfærd (ICAV), baseret på deltagende aktionsforskning. Målet med samarbejdet er at styrke kapaciteten blandt de opsøgende socialarbejdere og give dem større overblik over deres job og faglige udvikling (UNDP, 2015). Kapacitetsopbygning og empowerment er begreber, der understøtter udviklingen af individer, fællesskaber og organisationer gennem socialt- og lokalsamfundsarbejde (Jones, 2010; Smith, 2015). Kapacitetsopbygning er helt specifikt en proces, som forbedrer individers og fællesskabers evne, viden og ressourcer og styrker dem til effektivt at nå deres mål og ambitioner (Brown, 2008). Dette koncept styrker principperne i lokalsamfundsarbejde ved at fokusere på ved hjælp af fællesskaber at opbygge de nødvendige færdigheder og ressourcer til selvfortalervirksomhed og initiering af ændringer. Samtidig giver empowerment individer de værktøjer og ressourcer, der er nødvendige for at tage styring over eget liv og træffe beslutninger som positivt påvirker deres trivsel. Dette udstyrer individer og fællesskaber med gå-på-modet til at fremme deres vækst og udvikling. Både kapacitetsopbygning og empowerment spiller sammen en betydelig rolle i at katalysere bæredygtig udvikling og social forandring (Lee, 2019). Derfor fungerer de som fundamentet for ethvert udviklingsprogram eller initiativ, der søger at tackle individuelle, gruppe- eller lokalsamfundsudfordringer (Smith & Jones, 2017). Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Socialområdet i Grønland har ry for at have mange udsatte børn, og det er et fakta, at antallet af børn, der er anbragt uden for hjemmet, er højt. Samtidig ved vi, at anbragte børn klarer sig dårlige end jævnaldrende både på kort og langt sigte. Løsningen på de sociale udfordringer i Grønland har si… Socialområdet i Grønland har ry for at have mange udsatte børn, og det er et fakta, at antallet af børn, der er anbragt uden for hjemmet, er højt. Samtidig ved vi, at anbragte børn klarer sig dårlige end jævnaldrende både på kort og langt sigte. Løsningen på de sociale udfordringer i Grønland har siden 1950’erne været at overføre danske standarder for socialt arbejde til Grønland. Denne artikel argumenterer for, at vi i stedet lærer af de tidligere grønlandske anbringelsesmetoder, hvor slægt og netværk spiller en afgørende rolle. Inddragelse af og ophold i slægt og netværk har traditionelt været udbredt i Grønland, idet den udvidede familie har taget sig af børn, der i kortere eller længere tid ikke har kunnet bo hos deres forældre. Denne type uformel social bistand inden for familien blev efter introduktionen af det danske socialsystem nedprioriteret og er ikke længere så anvendt. Men da slægts- og netværksanbringelser ifølge international forskning er den anbringelsesform, hvor børn får de bedste betingelser for at kunne klare sig i livet, er det værd at undersøge, hvordan man kan genintroducere grønlandske traditioner i det sociale arbejde, og dermed empower og gentænke den professionelle støtte til børn og familier. Artiklen tager udgangspunkt i viden om arbejdet med slægt og netværk i forhold til udsatte børn og unge, der bor væk fra deres familier. Den diskuterer eksisterende vilkår og mulighederne for at udvikle bedre indsatser for børn og unge ved at tage udgangspunkt i tidligere erfaringer. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

In Greenland, more than four times as many children are placed in out-of-home care (OHC) as in comparable countries in the Nordic region. This article is based on qualitative interviews with 38 children placed in residential institutions and shows the children’s own experiences of this and the degre… In Greenland, more than four times as many children are placed in out-of-home care (OHC) as in comparable countries in the Nordic region. This article is based on qualitative interviews with 38 children placed in residential institutions and shows the children’s own experiences of this and the degree to which they were involved in decisions concerning their own lives. The results of the article point to five main findings. First, the interviewed children usually didn’t know why they were placed in institutional care. Secondly, they didn’t know how long they could stay where they lived. Thirdly, the children expressed a wish for more committed staff. Fourthly, the children missed their families, not least because they were often placed far away from home and only had the opportunity to see their families a few times a year. And finally, around half of the children were satisfied to live in the residential institution they’d been placed in. The results are analysed and discussed in a phenomenological framework of recognition theory and participation theory. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Unlike legal systems in Denmark or many other countries, the Greenlandic Penal Code does not include the concept of punishment. Instead, the Code contains several diverse sanctions intended to prevent reoffences through treatment. This article explores this particular legal structure by examining ca… Unlike legal systems in Denmark or many other countries, the Greenlandic Penal Code does not include the concept of punishment. Instead, the Code contains several diverse sanctions intended to prevent reoffences through treatment. This article explores this particular legal structure by examining cases of Greenlandic citizens sanctioned for treatment with or without deprivation of liberty. Based on an archival study of records held by the Prosecutor’s Office of the Greenland Police, this article maps the number of Greenlandic citizens sanctioned for treatment with or without deprivation of liberty in either Greenland or Denmark along with the assessment of their mental state and place of treatment. The findings show that 49 of the 160 individuals convicted were sent to Denmark for treatment and rehabilitation within the prison service, forensic psychiatry, or forensic intellectual disability services. The most common types of crime among the convicted were violent. This article recommends that a new registration practice is needed to methodologically generate a representative picture of the convicted population. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

This article examines the conceptualization of nation-building in Greenland, challenging conventional views on sovereignty and suggesting an imminent emergence of an alternate governance model in the Arctic region. Drawing on the decoloniality perspective, we explore the Inuit myth, which suggests a… This article examines the conceptualization of nation-building in Greenland, challenging conventional views on sovereignty and suggesting an imminent emergence of an alternate governance model in the Arctic region. Drawing on the decoloniality perspective, we explore the Inuit myth, which suggests a unique connection of the Inuit to the Arctic environment and asserts their status as natural stewards of the region with special rights based on their cultural and political identity. We argue that this understanding of sovereignty has important implications not only for its departure from conventional Western notions of state formation but also for its potential to create alternative governance structures that do not reinforce existing political hegemonies from the “West”. We further analyze how the legacy of colonialism in Greenland has impacted power and gender relations in the region and has fueled a distinctive sense of nationalism that differs from those seen in the West. The article discusses how the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) is playing a major role in promoting an alternative political legitimacy model against the conventional approach of nation-building. We note that the ICC depends on the maintenance of political myths which have evolved over time. We conclude by suggesting that conventional perspectives on state formation must be revised to incorporate the historical experiences and knowledge of Indigenous peoples, and that further exploration of alternative governance structures is needed. Read more

Research | Forskning

Eye-tracking fra afstand

Forskningsrapporten præsenterer resultater fra forskningsprojektet "Læseundervisning som fjernundervisning i faget grønlandsk". Rapportens analyser tager udgangspunkt i elevernes læsninger i læseværktøjet EyeJustRead, hvor en læsevejleder er tilknyttet fra en anden skole.

Research | Forskning - peer review

Indenfor mange områder i det grønlandske samfund bliver aktivitet og udvikling drevet af såkaldte ildsjæle. Det er personer som engagerer sig, uden nødvendigvis at have ledelsesansvar. De ser muligheder, og har inspirationen til at få liv i en organisation eller institution. Men løsninger med ildsjæ… Indenfor mange områder i det grønlandske samfund bliver aktivitet og udvikling drevet af såkaldte ildsjæle. Det er personer som engagerer sig, uden nødvendigvis at have ledelsesansvar. De ser muligheder, og har inspirationen til at få liv i en organisation eller institution. Men løsninger med ildsjæle skaber en skrøbelig og omskiftelig ledelsesstruktur, og får udvikling til at halte eller gå i stå. En gennemgang af anvendelsen af fjernundervisning i den grønlandske skole bruges til at diskutere, hvordan ildsjæle er udtryk for et komplekst magtvakuum indenfor ledelse i Grønland. Af historiske årsager ønskes ofte ledere med grønlandsk baggrund. Ledelsesansvar gribes, men der kan så opstå ambivalens overfor at få overdraget ansvar og råderum. Ambivalens overfor at påtage sig lederansvar afspejler muligvis den ambivalente situation det er for et samfund, at blive tildelt selvforvaltning fra en tidligere kolonial centraladministration. Forpligtelsen ved at få medindflydelse kan også opleves som anmassende, og som et respektløst overgreb, som magtanvendelse. Vægring ved at tage ledelse, og udøve magt, kan være en reaktion der handler om at yde modmagt, og faktisk om selvforvaltning. Det siger sig selv, at denne reaktion er kontraproduktiv. Resultatet bliver let, at samfundet bringes til at stå i stampe, og at der sættes gang i en uheldig reproduktion af selvforstærkende inkompetence. Her er det ildsjælene mister tålmodigheden, og griber de gode muligheder der ofte er for initiativer. Kapitlet viser empirisk og teoretisk hvordan Ildsjæle afspejler en problematisk ledelseskultur, som bør trækkes frem i lyset for at blive diskuteret. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Distance between a learner and teacher in distance teaching is theoretically confronted as a challenge in terms of contact and communication. But geographical distance does not necessarily cause mental distance. Using case studies from schools in Denmark and Greenland, this chapter proposes theoreti… Distance between a learner and teacher in distance teaching is theoretically confronted as a challenge in terms of contact and communication. But geographical distance does not necessarily cause mental distance. Using case studies from schools in Denmark and Greenland, this chapter proposes theoretical concepts that frame distance teaching as pedagogical development. The findings support a focus on how distance teaching stimulates a proactive learner role, and how teachers might gain from the geographical distance in terms of contact with the learners’ learning and development. Teaching over distance might support an even better connection to proficiency levels and progress with the learner. Focused subject interaction and communication and enhanced student visibility are discussed as theoretical concepts for distance teaching research and practice, grounded in qualitative data. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

This article presents a case study of a school class for children with special needs in a Greenlandic elementary school, where education outside the classroom (EOtC) is practised by using hunting and other traditional use of Greenlandic nature as a foundation for interdisciplinary teaching. The stud… This article presents a case study of a school class for children with special needs in a Greenlandic elementary school, where education outside the classroom (EOtC) is practised by using hunting and other traditional use of Greenlandic nature as a foundation for interdisciplinary teaching. The students live in a residential institution because they have been exposed to neglect and traumatic events at home. That has caused that they have been relocated from their family and hometown and have changed school. The study examines how students respond to school, when hunting, the Greenlandic dog sled and traditional use of Greenlandic plants are used in the school’s lessons. Observation and interviews show that this form of teaching motivates students and have at positive impact on their academic performance and social and personal development. Mastery experiences, authenticity, a smooth room and positive relationships between teacher and student as well as between students are important elements in this positive experience of school. The research can provide inspiration for a pedagogy in the Greenlandic elementary school that creates motivation and interest for school. It would be relevant to study if this way of practice EOtC will have any long-term effect on the students. This article is a translation of the article written in Danish “Kulturtradition, jagt og naturbrug i en grønlandsk specialklasse – udeskole der motiverer” (Føns, 2022). The article has been peer reviewed and published in the Danish research journal “Pædagogisk Psykologisk Tidsskrift”. The translation and publication are approved by the editor of Pædagogisk Psykologisk Tidsskrift. Read more

Research | Forskning

Institutionel etnografi (IE) er initieret af Dorothy Smith (1926 – 2022) og skriver sig ind i sociologier om objektivering af subjekter. Med IE analyseres bagvedliggende styringsrelationer i form af ideologier og diskurser i politiske tekster, men sådan som de sætter sig igennem i hverdagslivets akt… Institutionel etnografi (IE) er initieret af Dorothy Smith (1926 – 2022) og skriver sig ind i sociologier om objektivering af subjekter. Med IE analyseres bagvedliggende styringsrelationer i form af ideologier og diskurser i politiske tekster, men sådan som de sætter sig igennem i hverdagslivets aktiviteter. Med inspiration fra marxistiskfeministisk teori er ideen at producere viden, der ikke er fremmedgørende for de mennesker, som sociologen vil undersøge. Dette illustreres med dårlig samvittighed og skyld, der er en genkendelig følelse i hverdagslivet hos nyuddannede sygeplejersker, og som konstitueres af en politisk bestemt neoliberal individualisering af arbejdsvilkår, der ansvarliggør den enkelte i arbejdslivet. Read more

Communication | Formidling

Artiklen argumenterer for inddragelse af medarbejderne i udvikling af tiltag til fastholdelse af fastboende medarbejdere i sundhedsvæsenet.

Research | Forskning

En interviewundersøgelse af medarbejderperspektiver på praksis i sundhedsvæsenet i Grønland har givet viden om de muligheder og begrænsninger, medarbejderne ser for et demokratisk og effektivt sundhedsvæsen. Et vigtigt element er medarbejdernes trivsel, som er tæt forbundet med samarbejdet med bruge… En interviewundersøgelse af medarbejderperspektiver på praksis i sundhedsvæsenet i Grønland har givet viden om de muligheder og begrænsninger, medarbejderne ser for et demokratisk og effektivt sundhedsvæsen. Et vigtigt element er medarbejdernes trivsel, som er tæt forbundet med samarbejdet med brugerne samt oplevelsen af kollegial og ledelsesmæssig opbakning. Medarbejdertrivsel rammer ind i den aktuelle problematik om rekruttering og fastholdelse af medarbejdere i sundhedsvæsenet, både fastboende og udefrakommende. Artiklen peger på følgende områder for forbedring af trivslen og dermed mulighederne for at rekruttere og fastholde sundhedspersonale: Efteruddannelse og fælles praksisrefleksion som middel til at kunne håndtere faglige og menneskelige udfordringer i arbejdet. Opprioritering af forebyggelse og sundhedsfremme som forudsætning for et meningsfuldt arbejde der imødekommer befolkningens ønsker og behov. Medarbejderindflydelse på prioriteringer og tilrettelæggelse af opgaver. Ledelsesmæssig opbakning og samarbejde om udvikling. Fokus på samarbejde med brugerne, både individuelt og lokalt. Read more

Communication | Formidling

Det er blevet tiltagende vanskeligt at rekruttere grønlandske sundhedsmedarbejdere til langvarige ansættelser i sundhedsvæsenet. Resultatet er en ond cirkel hvor arbejdsvilkårene forringes pga. skiftende personale og ubesatte stillinger, og hvor forringet kvalitet af indsatsen og manglende støtte ti… Det er blevet tiltagende vanskeligt at rekruttere grønlandske sundhedsmedarbejdere til langvarige ansættelser i sundhedsvæsenet. Resultatet er en ond cirkel hvor arbejdsvilkårene forringes pga. skiftende personale og ubesatte stillinger, og hvor forringet kvalitet af indsatsen og manglende støtte til medarbejderne er konsekvensen. Read more

Communication | Formidling

Artiklen problematiserer sundhedsforligets manglende stillingtagen til fastholdelse af det fastboende sundhedspersonale og bidrager med input til et mere attraktivt arbejdsmiljø i sundhedsvæsenet gennem resultaterne af en undersøgelse af medarbejderperspektiver på udfordringer og udviklingsmulighede… Artiklen problematiserer sundhedsforligets manglende stillingtagen til fastholdelse af det fastboende sundhedspersonale og bidrager med input til et mere attraktivt arbejdsmiljø i sundhedsvæsenet gennem resultaterne af en undersøgelse af medarbejderperspektiver på udfordringer og udviklingsmuligheder. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Polar law describes the normative frameworks that govern the relationships between humans, States, Peoples, institutions, land and resources in the Arctic and the Antarctic. These two regions are superficially similar in terms of natural environmental conditions but the overarching frameworks that a… Polar law describes the normative frameworks that govern the relationships between humans, States, Peoples, institutions, land and resources in the Arctic and the Antarctic. These two regions are superficially similar in terms of natural environmental conditions but the overarching frameworks that apply are fundamentally different. The Routledge Handbook of Polar Law explores the legal orders in the Arctic and Antarctic in a comparative perspective, identifying similarities as well as differences. It points to a distinct discipline of "Polar law" as the body of rules governing actors, spaces and institutions at the Poles. Four main features define the collection: the Arctic-Antarctic interface; the interaction between global, regional and domestic legal regimes; the rights of Indigenous Peoples; and the increasing importance of private law. While these broad themes have been addressed to varying extents elsewhere, the editors believe that this Handbook brings them together to create a comprehensive (if never exhaustive) account of what constitutes Polar law today. Leading scholars in public international and private law as well as experts in related fields come together to offer unique insights into polar law as a burgeoning discipline. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Russian aggression against Ukraine has triggered doubts about the viability of international law to address complex problems, including in the polar regions. Nevertheless, this article demonstrates that international legal approaches remain important tools to address challenges and disputes in polar… Russian aggression against Ukraine has triggered doubts about the viability of international law to address complex problems, including in the polar regions. Nevertheless, this article demonstrates that international legal approaches remain important tools to address challenges and disputes in polar law. The article argues that international law remains of critical importance for the peaceful governance of the Poles. It illustrates this argument with a review of, amongst other institutions, the functioning of the Arctic Council, the Antarctic Treaty System, selected issues in the law of the sea and the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

The Kárahnjúkar dam, power station and aluminium smelter opened in East Iceland in 2007 after many years of debate and discord. It is the largest ever industrial project in Iceland and had national as well as local implications, both responding to and in turn changing public expectations regarding p… The Kárahnjúkar dam, power station and aluminium smelter opened in East Iceland in 2007 after many years of debate and discord. It is the largest ever industrial project in Iceland and had national as well as local implications, both responding to and in turn changing public expectations regarding participation, environmental impact assessment and community engagement. As Iceland seeks to harness an increasing supply of renewable energy, questions are raised about what constitutes a just transition in the Icelandic context. The article begins by discussing energy supply and demand, current and projected in Iceland. It then delves into theoretical accounts of just transition. It explores the decision-making process for the Kárahnjúkar project and the longer term impacts on the region before assessing these within the framework of just transition theory. A discussion follows that delivers insights into key aspects of the just transition that can be applied to new projects both in Iceland and further afield. These pertain in particular to employment and community benefits, environmental impact assessment and public participation. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Historically, public health interventions in Greenland are primarily adopted from a Scandinavian context or developed centrally in the capital city instead of building on communities’ local resources and strengths. The aim of this article is to identify implementation determinants from professionals… Historically, public health interventions in Greenland are primarily adopted from a Scandinavian context or developed centrally in the capital city instead of building on communities’ local resources and strengths. The aim of this article is to identify implementation determinants from professionals’ perspectives in the implementation of the parenting programme Meeraq Angajoqqaat Nuannaarneq (MANU, meaning child’s and parent’s happiness) 0–1 Year, at the local level in three of Greenland’s five health regions. The study applied the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Semi-structured interviews with 18 health professionals and six managers in healthcare and with four municipality personnel were held. Additionally, data on staffing from the Board for Health and Prevention was gathered. Professionals agree on the importance of having a universal parenting programme, but it is not a priority to them. Characteristics of the programme were a barrier in implementation in some local contexts, such as professionals experiencing parents being uncomfortable with participating in group sessions. Many professionals felt it was a daunting task to facilitate a group session. MANU was also incompatible with existing workflows. High turnover in the healthcare system makes it difficult to implement and sustain programmes. Professionals found it difficult to apply supervision provided by the MANU team and, at times, did not feel recognised in their efforts. Adaptations were made to MANU to fit local contexts. The identified determinants hindering local implementation link back to MANU’s complexity and inadequate preparatory investigations made into aspects influencing implementation during MANU’s conceptualisation and development. Many of the barriers identified could have been prevented by involving local community perspectives from professionals and families from the outset of MANU. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Greenland is a self-declared welfare society. In the present-day political discussions around independence, welfare is, paradoxically, a cornerstone in the political understanding of the country - and at the same time we see a lack of activity concerning new legislation, countrywide welfare strategi… Greenland is a self-declared welfare society. In the present-day political discussions around independence, welfare is, paradoxically, a cornerstone in the political understanding of the country - and at the same time we see a lack of activity concerning new legislation, countrywide welfare strategies or communicated municipal social policies. Greenland is facing severe challenges when it comes to key areas such as cross-sectional efforts in stabilizing the social services concerning children, adolescents and families. We are experiencing a rise in violence against women, poverty and homelessness with an increase in Greenlanders leaving the country in search for better futures in Denmark. Historically, the social political focus was on children - together with widowers and the elderly. They formed the basis need for social services. Well-functioning adults, historically men, were the patriarchs of a society centered around hunting - in a Durkheimian mechanic system, where every member of the community had an important function. The shift from hunting to fishing in the 1910s coincided with a grand municipal plan, designed by the colonial power of Denmark, and called for structured social services. In modern times, the social policies of Greenland have officially been a matter of the Greenlandic people (since the Homerule Act of 1979). However, a more in-depth look at Greenland’s social history reveals a somewhat autonomous decision-making process since 1968. In light of a modern call for social political awareness, this chapter discusses the challenges of implementing Greenlandic social policies with a longitudinal focus. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

In this chapter, we examine the ways in which socio-structural forms—particularly social difference and social policy—frame the reproduction of houselessness and homelessness amongst Greenlanders in Nuuk, Greenland. In addition to examining the forms of marginalization embodied by Greenlanders exper… In this chapter, we examine the ways in which socio-structural forms—particularly social difference and social policy—frame the reproduction of houselessness and homelessness amongst Greenlanders in Nuuk, Greenland. In addition to examining the forms of marginalization embodied by Greenlanders experiencing housing insecurity, we suggest that rising urban homelessness in Greenland represents the social dimensions of resettlement, rural-urban migration and social welfare institutionalization in local processes of urbanization. Moreover, the absence of specific social policy attention towards homelessness in general, and towards marginalized single adults specifically, is especially concerning. This policy gap serves to reproduce rural-urban homeless geographies in Greenland and between Greenland and Denmark, resulting not only in an increasing number of Greenlanders experiencing housing insecurity, but also in institutional geographies of homeless mobility that reflect persistent colonial relations embedded in resettlement and institutionalized social welfare. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Over the past decade, Greenland has lifted and restored its ban on uranium mining amid the uncertainty of global uranium prices. This article investigates the dynamic interrelations between uranium commodity prices and the impacts of structural shocks, sketching key economic implications for Greenla… Over the past decade, Greenland has lifted and restored its ban on uranium mining amid the uncertainty of global uranium prices. This article investigates the dynamic interrelations between uranium commodity prices and the impacts of structural shocks, sketching key economic implications for Greenland. Using a structural vector autoregressive model, this work analyses the changing relations between uranium prices, coal prices as well as real and financial variables from 1980 to 2019. The main findings are that the dynamics of uranium spot prices are diversely affected by shocks in combined real GDP, total electricity production from nuclear power, the interest rate, the real effective exchange rate, and the price of coal. The estimates also show that the pricing dynamics are important for future production and capital investment decisions. The analysis illustrates that despite the prevailing depressed uranium market, Greenland can still capitalize on future market developments. The country can anticipate benefiting from a short-run world supply disruption, a positive combination of macroeconomic shocks, and the long-term expansion of nuclear energy programs. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Reports on fermented, animal-sourced foods made by Inuit around the circumpolar North have lacked consideration for their unique microbiota and the geo-socio-cultural contexts in which they are made, often resulting in reinforced negative stereotypes. Deficit-based approaches to studying Inuit ferme… Reports on fermented, animal-sourced foods made by Inuit around the circumpolar North have lacked consideration for their unique microbiota and the geo-socio-cultural contexts in which they are made, often resulting in reinforced negative stereotypes. Deficit-based approaches to studying Inuit fermented foods overlook the fact that they have long been considered healthy and integral to Inuit diets. Inuit have deep knowledge on the harvesting, preparation, sharing, and consumption of fermented foods that research efforts must learn from and acknowledge. Our preliminary research into Inuit animal-sourced fermented foods expands current knowledge about the microorganisms needed to make them, and points to a potential to understand how these and other fermented foods impact the human gut microbiome. We provide recommendations for microbiological research on Inuit fermented foods that centers Inuit knowledge within the specific geographic, social, and cultural contexts in which these foods are made. Read more

Consultancy | Rådgivning

Denne undersøgelse af frontmedarbejdernes perspektiver på praksis i sundhedsvæsenet er foretaget i forlængelse af undersøgelser af ledelsesperspektivet på sundhedsreformens effekter på organiseringen af sundhedsvæsenet efter reformen samt på borgernes perspektiver på sundhedsvæsenet. Undersøgelsens… Denne undersøgelse af frontmedarbejdernes perspektiver på praksis i sundhedsvæsenet er foretaget i forlængelse af undersøgelser af ledelsesperspektivet på sundhedsreformens effekter på organiseringen af sundhedsvæsenet efter reformen samt på borgernes perspektiver på sundhedsvæsenet. Undersøgelsens formål er at afdække frontmedarbejdernes perspektiver på forandringer af praksis som følge af reformen og komme med input til hvordan reformens tiltag kan ændres og forbedres således at hensigterne med reformen i højere grad end nu kan indfries. I rapporten peger medarbejderne på muligheder og barrierer for at gennemføre reformens formål bl.a. ift. at styrke den primære sundhedstjeneste, at styrke befolkningens lige adgang til sundhedsydelser gennem telemedicin og dialog med borgerne, at fremme rekruttering og fastholdelse af personalet og at forbedre det tværsektorielle samarbejde med kommunerne. Ud fra en analyse og diskussion af medarbejderinterviewene gives fire overordnede anbefalinger til forbedringer af sundhedspraksis på sundhedsreformens fokusområder: 1. Som forudsætning for at øge arbejdstilfredsheden og fastholde personalet anbefales det at det fastboende personales ressourcer anerkendes og videreudvikles. I lyset af udviklingen af sygdomsmønsteret i befolkningen vil kortuddannet personale desuden kunne påtage sig et stigende antal opgaver ifm. forebyggelse, sundhedsfremme og rehabilitering. Det kræver en samlet strategi for kompetenceudvikling af personalet i sundhedsvæsenet. 2. Det tilrådes at udarbejde en samlet personalepolitik for hele sundhedsvæsenet, der både har planer for hvordan personalesituationen løses på kort sigt, og hvordan der på langt sigt opbygges en stabil stab af fastboende, veluddannede medarbejdere. Dette indebærer den i punkt 1 omtalte strategi for kompetenceudvikling af personalet samt en strategi for lederudvikling ud fra fælles mål og værdier for sundhedsvæsenets udvikling. 3. Det anbefales at fremme et fokus på tværsektorielle patientforløb gennem fælles kompetenceudvikling af personalet i sundhedsvæsenet og kommunerne. Formålet er at opkvalificere det kommunale personales sundhedsfaglige kompetencer, at øge sundhedspersonalets indsigt i muligheder for forebyggelse, sundhedsfremme og rehabilitering samt at styrke samarbejdsrelationerne. 4. Der ligger store muligheder for forbedret effektivitet og kvalitet i sundhedsindsatserne og arbejdsglæde for medarbejderne i en bedre dialog med befolkningen. Stigningen i antallet af kronisk syge og ældre kalder i højere grad på samtaler om sundhedsudfordringer og i mindre grad på sygdomsbehandling. Det anbefales at opprioritere borgerinddragelse og dialog med befolkningen som sundhedsindsatser. Som et led heri anbefales det at aktivere telemedicin i hele sundhedsvæsenet samt fremskynde implementeringen af nyt telemedicinsk udstyr. Derudover beskrives en lang række konkrete redskaber til at styrke sundhedsreformens fokusområder. Read more

Consultancy | Rådgivning

Peqqinnissaqarfimmik aaqqisuusseqqinnerup kingorna aaqqisuussinermut kiisalu innuttaasunut sunniutai aqutsisunit isigalugit misissuineqt nangillugu, atuisunik toqqaannartumik sullissisunit isigalugu Peqqinnissaqarfimmi sulinermik misissuineq ingerlanneqarpoq. Aaqqisuusseqqinnermi siunertaasut maanna… Peqqinnissaqarfimmik aaqqisuusseqqinnerup kingorna aaqqisuussinermut kiisalu innuttaasunut sunniutai aqutsisunit isigalugit misissuineqt nangillugu, atuisunik toqqaannartumik sullissisunit isigalugu Peqqinnissaqarfimmi sulinermik misissuineq ingerlanneqarpoq. Aaqqisuusseqqinnermi siunertaasut maannamiit annertunerusumik piviusunngortinneqarsinnaanngorlugit, aaqqisuusseqqinnerup kingunerisaanik allannguinerit toqqaannartumik sullissisunit isigalugit qulaajaanissaq, kiisalu aaqqisuusseqqinnermi iliuuserisanik allannguinissamut pitsannguinissamullu isumassarsisitsinissaq, misissuinermi siunertaapput. Nalunaarusiami aaqqisuusseqqinnerup siunertaanik naammassinninnissamut- ilaatigut napparsimmaviit avataanni peqqinnissakkut sullissinermik nukittorsaanermut, qarasaasiakkut nakorsiartitsisarneq innuttaasunillu oqaloqateqarneq aqqutigalugit, innuttaasut peqqinnissakkut sullinneqarnermi assigiimmik periarfissinneqarnissaannik nukittorsaanermut, sulisussarsiniarnermi aalaakkaasunillu sulisoqarniarnermi siuarsaanermut kommuninillu, isumaginnittoqarfiit akimorlugit, suleqateqarnermik pitsanngorsaanermut tunngatillugu periarfissat akimmiffissallu, sulisunit tikkuarneqarput. Sulisunik apersuinernik misissueqqissaarneq isummersornerlu aallaavigalugit, peqqinnissamut tunngatillugu Peqqinnissaqarfimmik aaqqisuusseqqinnermi qitiutinneqartuni periutsinut pitsanngorsaatissat pingaarnerit sisamat innersuussutaapput: 1. Sulisut nunaqavissut nukinginik akuersaarnissaq inerisaanissarlu sulinermik naammagisimaarinninnermik annertusaanissamut aalaakkaasunillu sulisoqarnissamut piumasaqaatitut innersuussutaavoq. Innuttaasuni nappaataasartut ineriartornerannit isigalugu, sulisut sivikitsumik ilinniagallit pitsaaliuinermut, peqqinnissamik siuarsaanermut piginnaanngorsaaqqinnermullu atatillugu suliassat annertusiartuinnartut isumagisinnaassavaataaq. Tamatumani Peqqinnissaqarfimmi sulisut piginnaasaannik inerisaanissamut ataatsimoorussamik iliuusissatut siunniussinissaq piumasaqaataavoq. 2. Sulisoqarniarnerup siunissaq qaninnerusoq isigalugu qanoq aaqqiiviginiarneqarnissaa, siunissarlu ungasinnerusoq isigalugu aalaakkaasunik nunaqavissunik ilinniarluarsimasunik sulisoqalernissamik pilersaarutitalimmik Peqqinnissaqarfik tamakkerlugu sulisoqarnermut politikkiliornissaq siunnersuutaavoq. Tamatuma imm. 1-imi oqaatigineqartoq; sulisut piginnaasaannik inerisaanissamut iliuusissatut siunniussineq kiisalu Peqqinnissaqarfiup inerisarnissaanut anguniakkatut siunniussat naleqartitallu ataatsimoorussat tunngavigalugit aqutsisut piginnaasatigut inerisaaviginissaannut iliuusissanik siunniussinissaq nassatarissavaa. 3. Pisortaqarfiit akimorlugit Peqqinnissaqarfimmi kommuninilu sulisunik ataatsimoorussamik piginnaasatigut inerisaaneq aqqutigalugu napparsimasut aqqusaartugassaannik ukkassinermik siuarsaanissaq innersuussutaavoq. Kommunini sulisut peqqinnissamut tunngatillugu piginnaasaannik qaffassaanissaq peqqinnissakkullu sullissisut pitsaaliuisinnaanermut, peqqinnissamik siuarsaanermut piginnaanngorsaaqqinnermullu tunngatillugu paasisimasaannik annertusaanissaq kiisalu suleqatigiinnernik nukittorsaanissaq siunertaapput. 4. Peqqinnissaq pillugu iliuuserisani eqaassutsimik pitsaassutsimillu annertunerulersitsinissamut, sulisullu pitsaanerusumik innuttaasunik oqaloqateqarnermikkut suliaminnik nunannarinnissaannut, annertuunik periarfissaqarpoq. Anigugassaanngitsunik nappaatillit utoqqaallu amerliartornerat, nappaatinik nakorsaaneq pivallaarnagu peqqinnissarli pillugu unammilligassat oqaloqatigiissutiginissaannik piumasaqaatitaqariartorpoq. Peqqinnissaq pillugu iliuusissatut innuttaasunik peqataatitsinissap oqaloqateqarnissallu salliunneqarnissaat innersuussutaavoq. Tamatumunnga atatillugu Peqqinnissaqarfik tamakkerlugu qarasaasiakkut nakorsiartitsisarnerup atuutilersinneqarnissaa qarasaasiakkullu nakorsiartitsinermi atortorissaarutinik nutaanik pilertornerusumik atuilernissaq innersuussutaavoq. Tamatuma saniatigut Peqqinnissaqarfimmik aaqqisuusseqqinnermi ukkanneqartunik nukittorsaanissamut sakkussat tigussaasut arlalissuit nassuiarneqarput. Read more

Research | Forskning

Ilisimatusarfik/University of Greenland 2020-imi novembarip decembarillu ingerlanerani nunanut allanut illersuinissamullu politiki pillugu Kalaallit Nunaanni innuttaasut isumasiorfigisimavaat. Tamanna Nuummi HS Analyse taavalu Stokholmimi Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung suleqatigalugit ingerlanneqarsimavoq… Ilisimatusarfik/University of Greenland 2020-imi novembarip decembarillu ingerlanerani nunanut allanut illersuinissamullu politiki pillugu Kalaallit Nunaanni innuttaasut isumasiorfigisimavaat. Tamanna Nuummi HS Analyse taavalu Stokholmimi Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung suleqatigalugit ingerlanneqarsimavoq. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

A diplomatic crisis was sparked in 2014 when the US awarded the Pituffik air base maintenance contract to an American company rather than a Greenlandic-Danish one. Following negotiations led to two Memoranda of Understanding between Greenland and the US, aiming to further develop cooperation on area… A diplomatic crisis was sparked in 2014 when the US awarded the Pituffik air base maintenance contract to an American company rather than a Greenlandic-Danish one. Following negotiations led to two Memoranda of Understanding between Greenland and the US, aiming to further develop cooperation on areas within Greenlandic authority. The MoUs marked a new bilateral relationship between Greenland and the US and were followed up with an ‘economic growth package’ of initiatives funded by the US, amounting to USD 12 million. Taking these developments as case studies, and based, e.g., on qualitative interviews with Greenlandic, Danish, and American officials, this article sets out a process tracing analysis of why Greenland and the US chose to further their direct cooperation. The article also discusses whether and how the US-Greenlandic relationship has changed over the past two decades. En diplomatisk krise blev udløst i 2014, da USA tildelte servicekontrakten på Pituffik-basen til en amerikansk virksomhed i stedet for en grønlandsk-dansk virksomhed. Efterfølgende forhandlinger førte til to grønlandsk-amerikanske aftalememoranda om videreudvikling af samarbejdet på områder inden for grønlandsk myndighedsansvar. De markerede et nyt bilateralt forhold mellem Grønland og USA og blev fulgt op af en “økonomisk vækstpakke” af initiativer finansieret af USA med 12 millioner USD. Med disse udviklinger som cases, og baseret på bl.a. kvalitative interviews med grønlandske, danske og amerikanske embedsmænd, præsenterer denne artikel først en procesanalyse af, hvorfor Grønland og USA valgte at fremme deres direkte samarbejde. Dernæst diskuterer artiklen, om og hvordan forholdet mellem USA og Grønland har ændret sig over de seneste to årtier. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Climate change leads to the deposition of substantial amounts of sediment along the coasts of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) amid rapidly growing global demand for these resources. Yet, little is known about what the predominantly Inuit population of Kalaallit Nunaat thinks about adaptation opportunit… Climate change leads to the deposition of substantial amounts of sediment along the coasts of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) amid rapidly growing global demand for these resources. Yet, little is known about what the predominantly Inuit population of Kalaallit Nunaat thinks about adaptation opportunities arising from the melt of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Here we conduct a nationally representative survey (N = 939) of Kalaallit (Greenlanders’) views on glacially derived sand extraction, finding that large majorities support extracting and exporting sand but oppose foreign involvement. This pattern of support persists at both the national and subnational levels. Public preferences largely align with Kalaallit Nunaat’s current mineral policy mandating environmental and economic impact assessments of new resource opportunities. In addition, those aware of human-caused climate change have significantly higher odds of both supporting sand extraction and prioritizing environmental impact assessment. Our results reveal broad support for domestically involved, environmentally assessed and economically appraised opportunistic adaptation to Greenland’s melting ice sheet and accumulating sand resources. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Da Grønland i 2013 blev enig med sydkoreanske myndigheder om assistance til at kortlægge Grønland, var det både en kulmination på mange års dansk nedprioritering af deres myndighedsansvar mht. kortlægningen af Grønland, en udfordring for Rigsfællesskabets suverænitet og et udtryk for den stigende gl… Da Grønland i 2013 blev enig med sydkoreanske myndigheder om assistance til at kortlægge Grønland, var det både en kulmination på mange års dansk nedprioritering af deres myndighedsansvar mht. kortlægningen af Grønland, en udfordring for Rigsfællesskabets suverænitet og et udtryk for den stigende globale interesse for Arktis. Aftalen med Sydkorea materialiserede sig aldrig i konkret kortlægning. I stedet blev et nyt dansk-grønlandsk projekt lanceret få år efter aftalen med Sydkorea. Det nye kortlægningsprojekt af Grønland skulle erstatte de gamle kort, der ikke var opdateret siden før den kolde krigs afslutning. Rapporten her sætter den nye kortlægningsindsats ind i en historisk kontekst, som demonstrerer, hvordan der altid har været skiftende suveræne interesser involveret i kortlægning. Dette går helt tilbage til 1605, hvor de første små topografiske kort fra Grønland tjente til at markere dansk suverænitet. Senere, under 2. Verdenskrig, begyndte USA at kortlægge for at kunne anvende Grønland som en militærstrategisk ressource. I takt med at Grønland selv overtog ansvaret for egen udvikling og efterspurgte bedre kort, gik den danske kortlægning i stå. Siden afslutningen på den kolde krig har danske myndigheder ikke lavet nye kort over Grønland før det igangværende projekt blev lanceret i 2015. Set i det lys, foreslår rapporten her, at den igangværende kortlægning skal ses i kontekst af Grønlands voksende geostrategiske betydning, som samler både amerikanske, grønlandske og danske interesser. Read more

Research | Forskning

2022-mi Kalaallit Nunaanni angerlarsimaffeqanngitsut amerlassusaat. Angerlarsimaffeqanngitsunik kisitsinermi matumani inuit 491-it nalunaarsorneqarput1. Kisitsineq illoqarfinni aqqanilinni ingerlanneqarpoq taamaattumillu angerlarsimaffeqanngitsut amerlassusaannik sukumiisumik paasititsivoq. Angerla… 2022-mi Kalaallit Nunaanni angerlarsimaffeqanngitsut amerlassusaat. Angerlarsimaffeqanngitsunik kisitsinermi matumani inuit 491-it nalunaarsorneqarput1. Kisitsineq illoqarfinni aqqanilinni ingerlanneqarpoq taamaattumillu angerlarsimaffeqanngitsut amerlassusaannik sukumiisumik paasititsivoq. Angerlarsimaffeqanngitsunik kisitsineq manna nuna tamakkigajavillugu ingerlanneqarpoq – Qaanaamiit Nanortalimmut aamma Nuummiit Ittoqqortoormiunut. Amerlanerpaat paasineqartut tassaapput inuit ersinngitsumik angerlarsimaffeqanngitsut. Nalunaarsorneqartut 293-iupput2. Tassaapput inuit isumalluutinik amigaateqarnertik pissutigalugu ilaquttani ikinngutinilu najugaqartariaqartut - imaluunniit attaveqarfinni tutsuiginarpallaanngitsuni najugaqartutut nalunaarsoqqanatik. Angerlarsimaffeqanngitsunik kisitsinerni tulliuttuni kisitsit taanna qularnanngitsumik allanngorumaarpoq. Inuit ersittumik angerlarsimaffeqanngitsut amerlassusaat tassaavoq 183-it3. Tassani inuit pineqarput unnuisarfinni najugaqartut, tummeraqarfinni sinittartut imaluunniit containerini inissiani najugaqartut. Kisitsit taanna allanngorartuarpoq. Tamanna malunnarsissaaq siunissami kommunit isumaginninnermi neqeroorutinik amerlanerusunik pilersitsippata, imaluunniit naalakkersuinermut attuumassuteqanngitsumik suliniaqatigiiffiit (NGO´t) amerlanerusut takkuppata. Read more

Research | Forskning

Antallet af hjemløse i Grønland 2022. Der er opgjort 491 mennesker i denne hjemløsetælling1. Tællingen er gennemført i 11 byer og giver derfor et dybdegående indblik i omfanget af hjemløshed. Denne hjemløsetælling er næsten landsdækkende - fra Qaanaaq til Nanortalik og fra Nuuk til Ittoqqortoormiit… Antallet af hjemløse i Grønland 2022. Der er opgjort 491 mennesker i denne hjemløsetælling1. Tællingen er gennemført i 11 byer og giver derfor et dybdegående indblik i omfanget af hjemløshed. Denne hjemløsetælling er næsten landsdækkende - fra Qaanaaq til Nanortalik og fra Nuuk til Ittoqqortoormiit. Størstedelen er konstateret blandt mennesker, som lever i usynlig hjemløshed. Her er der registreret 2932. Det er mennesker, som på grund af manglende ressourcer er nødsaget til at bo hos familie og venner - eller i et mere løst netværk uden at have en bopælsadresse. Dette tal vil sandsynligvis ændre sig i de kommende hjemløsetællinger. Andelen af mennesker der lever i synlig hjemløshed er 1833. Her er der tale om mennesker, som bor på herberg, sover i opgange eller bor i containerboliger. Det er et tal, som er under forandring. Det vil komme til udtryk i forbindelse med, at kommunerne fremadrettet eventuelt opretter flere sociale tilbud på området, eller at der kommer flere NGO’er til. Read more

Communication | Formidling

Center for folkesundhed i Grønland har brugt Sharing Circles som metode ved to forskellige projekter, i henholdsvis 2019 og 2020. Ved det første projekt ”Brugernes oplevelse af det Grønlandske sundhedsvæsen” indgik fokusgruppeinterviews oprindeligt i det kvalitative undersøgelsesdesign. Men da under… Center for folkesundhed i Grønland har brugt Sharing Circles som metode ved to forskellige projekter, i henholdsvis 2019 og 2020. Ved det første projekt ”Brugernes oplevelse af det Grønlandske sundhedsvæsen” indgik fokusgruppeinterviews oprindeligt i det kvalitative undersøgelsesdesign. Men da undersøgelsen om brugeres oplevelser af sundhedsvæsenet Olesen et al. (2020) havde fokus på folks oplevelser og perspektiver, både gode og dårlige, forekom det vigtigt at skabe en kulturelt tryg og sproglig inkluderende situation for deltagerne, samt have forståelse for en kulturelt forankret opfattelse af sundhed. Formålet med denne håndbog er at beskrive hvordan vi i de nævnte forskningsprojekter har anvendt Sharing Circles som metode i håb om at kunne inspirere andre til at anvende metoden i fremtidige forskningsprojekter i Grønland. Derudover beskrives erfaringer og observationer fra de to undersøgelser. Denne håndbog vil forhåbentlig kunne inspirere, vejlede og understøtte studerende og forskere i deres arbejde med sundhedsfaglige- og sociale aspekter i dialog med den grønlandske befolkning. Read more

Communication | Formidling

Innuttaasut Peqqissusiannik Ilisimatusarfiup 2019-imi aamma 2020-mi suliniutini assigiinngitsuni marlunni Sharing Circles (kingorna Immersoqatigiiffiusumik isummersoqatigiinnermik taagorneqartoq) periutsitut atorpaa. Suliniummi siullermi ”Kalaallit Nunaanni peqqinnissaqarfik atuisut isaannit isigalu… Innuttaasut Peqqissusiannik Ilisimatusarfiup 2019-imi aamma 2020-mi suliniutini assigiinngitsuni marlunni Sharing Circles (kingorna Immersoqatigiiffiusumik isummersoqatigiinnermik taagorneqartoq) periutsitut atorpaa. Suliniummi siullermi ”Kalaallit Nunaanni peqqinnissaqarfik atuisut isaannit isigalugu”-mi misissuiffigineqartunik itisiliilluni apersuineq misissuinerup ilusaanut ilaaqqaarpoq. Peqqinnissaqarfimmilli atuisut misilittagaannik misissuinermi, Olesen et al., (2020), inuit misilittagaat, ajunngitsut pitsaanngitsullu, aamma isiginninnerat qitiutinneqarmata pingaarutilittut isigineqarpoq kulturikkut oqaatsitigullu toqqissisimanartumik akuutitsiffiusumillu tunngaveqarnissaq, kiisalu kulturikkut aallaavilimmik peqqinnermik paasinninnermik paasinninnissaq. Najoqqutassiornermi matumani siunertarineqartoq tassaavoq ilisimatusaatigalugu misissuinerni taaneqartuni Immersoqatigiiffiusumik isummersoqatigiinneq periutsitut qanoq atorsimaneripput nassuiassallugu, Kalaallit Nunaanni siunissami ilisimatuussutsikkut misissuinernut periutsip atorneqarnissaanik isumassarsisitsisimassalluta neriuutigalugu. Tamatuma saniatigut misissuinerni taakkunani marlunni misilittakkat takusallu nassuiarneqarput. Neriuppugut najoqqutaq una ilinniartut aamma ilisimatusartut inuiaqatigiit kalaallit oqaloqatigalugit peqqissutsikkut- aamma inooqataanikkut tunngasuni suliaqarnerminni isumassarsiffigalugulu, ilitsersuutigalugulu iluaqutigisinnaassagaat. Read more

Consultancy | Rådgivning

Det er fagligt og politisk en udfordrende opgave at definere hjemløshed på nationalt og internationalt niveau. Fagligt skyldes det udfordringer med at afgrænse gruppen til for eksempel brugere af servicetilbud såsom: herberg, sovesale, varmestuer og sociale indsatser. Politisk har det handlet om, hv… Det er fagligt og politisk en udfordrende opgave at definere hjemløshed på nationalt og internationalt niveau. Fagligt skyldes det udfordringer med at afgrænse gruppen til for eksempel brugere af servicetilbud såsom: herberg, sovesale, varmestuer og sociale indsatser. Politisk har det handlet om, hvordan man er gået til problemstillingen rent ideologisk. Tidligere har man politisk i USA og Europa talt om hjemløshed som en individuel og selvforskyldt problemstilling - og derfor en tilstand som den enkelte borger selv har måtte løse. Var dette ikke muligt, så fandtes der i tiden omkring etableringen af velfærdsstaterne forskellige indsatser gennem kirker, frivillige organisationer, eller i nogle lande offentlige tilbud. I dag tales der i moderne velfærdsstater om hjemløshed som en strukturel problemstilling som kan være forårsaget af boligkriser, lokal og national arbejdsløshed, og de nyere store økonomiske udsving, som har påvirket globale markeder og nationale økonomier. Sidst i denne briefing note gives et bud på en primær kategori af hjemløshed, som indbefatter tilstandene synlig og usynlig (skjult) hjemløshed. Den sekundære kategori indbefatter tilstande af risikobetonet hjemløshed og funktionel hjemløshed. Read more

Consultancy | Rådgivning

Suliatigut politikikkullu angerlarsimaffeqannginneq naalagaaffimmi nunallu assigiinngitsut akornanni nassuiaatissallugu unammillernartarpoq. Suliatigut peqqutaavoq, umammillernarami eqimattat killilissallugit, assersuutigalugu innuttaasunut neqeroorutit soorlu: akunnittarfik, inersuaq sinittarfik, k… Suliatigut politikikkullu angerlarsimaffeqannginneq naalagaaffimmi nunallu assigiinngitsut akornanni nassuiaatissallugu unammillernartarpoq. Suliatigut peqqutaavoq, umammillernarami eqimattat killilissallugit, assersuutigalugu innuttaasunut neqeroorutit soorlu: akunnittarfik, inersuaq sinittarfik, kialaarfiit isumaginninnermilu suliniutit. Politikkikkut sammineqarnikuuvoq, ajornartorsiut qanoq isummerfigineqarnikuunersoq. Siornatigut politikkikkut USA-mi aamma Europami angerlarsimaffeqannginneq pillugu eqqartorneqarnikuuvoq, inuttut nammineq ajornartorsiutaasoq – taamaattumillu innuttaasoq pineqartoq nammineq iliuuseqarfigisariaqarsimallugu. Periarfissaasimanngippat naalagaaffinnit atugarissaarfiusunit pilersitsinerup nalaani assigiinngitsunik suliniuteqarnermi peqarpoq oqaluffiit, kajumissutsimik peqatigiiffiit, imaluunniit nunani ilaanni pisortani neqeroorutit aqqutigalugit. Ullumikkut naalagaaffinni atugarissaarfinni nutaanerusuni angerlarsimaffeqannginneq eqqartortarpaat soorlu pissutsinik tunngasunik ajornartorsiutaasoq1,2, peqqutigisinnaalluugu inissiamit nalaatsorlunnerit, illoqarfimmi nunamilu sulinngiffeqarneq, aningaasaqarnikkullu nutaanerit annertuumik allanngorarnerit, nunarsuarmi tuniniaavinni naalagaaffinnilu aningaasaqarnikkut sunnersimallugit. Ilisimatitsinermi nassuiaammi naggataani angerlarsimaffeqannginnermit pingaarnertut immikkoortiterineq siunnersuutaavoq, ilagai ersilluni ersinngitsumillu (isertortumik) angerlarsimaffeqannginneq. Pingaarnertut aappaattut immikkoortiterinermi ilagai angerlarsimaffeqannginnissamut navianartorsiorneq, angerlarsimaffeqannginnissamut qanittut. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Et tilfældigt møde mellem forskere fra Ilisimatusarfiks Center for Arktisk Velfærd (ICAV) og Kommuneqarfik Sermersooqs 'Gadeteamet' førte til et igangværende kapacitetsopbyggende forskningssamarbejde. Mødet gav et unikt indblik i gadeteamets arbejdsprocedure og i, hvorledes en vigtig social ydelse m… Et tilfældigt møde mellem forskere fra Ilisimatusarfiks Center for Arktisk Velfærd (ICAV) og Kommuneqarfik Sermersooqs 'Gadeteamet' førte til et igangværende kapacitetsopbyggende forskningssamarbejde. Mødet gav et unikt indblik i gadeteamets arbejdsprocedure og i, hvorledes en vigtig social ydelse målrettes særligt Nuuks udsatte voksne og hjemløse borgere. Gadeteamets teamkoordinator påpegede under mødet, at teamets ansatte manglede relevante kvalifikationer og kompetencer, hvilket forringede gadeteamets faglige indsats. Siden Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq ikke selv kunne forbedre den faglige oplæring af gadeteamet, og et tilsvarende kursusudbud eller uddannelse ikke findes, besluttede vi (ICAV) os for at indgå i et samarbejde med kommunen og udbyde et kursus til gadeteamet. Dermed startede et deltagende aktionsforskningsprojekt for at forstå gadeteamets opkvalificeringsbehov og en styrkelse af gadeteamets kapacitet. I marts 2022 gennemførte vi tre dages grunduddannelse med gadeteamet og to ansatte fra nødherberget i Nuuk Read more

Research | Forskning

Trap Grønland giver en omfattende og rigt illustreret, stedsspecifik viden om Grønlands natur og landskab, historie, kultur, samfunds- og erhvervsforhold samt byerne og bygderne. Rasmus Leander Nielsen har bidraget med afsnit om Grønlands selvstyre, politik og forvaltning (ca. 25 sider).

Research | Forskning - peer review

On 14 June 2022, an agreement between Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark, together with Greenland, resolved the long-standing dispute over the sovereignty of Hans Island (which is known as Tartupaluk in Greenlandic) by creating a land boundary. We discuss the Whiskey War-ordeal and the recent bargai… On 14 June 2022, an agreement between Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark, together with Greenland, resolved the long-standing dispute over the sovereignty of Hans Island (which is known as Tartupaluk in Greenlandic) by creating a land boundary. We discuss the Whiskey War-ordeal and the recent bargaining solution. Read more

Communication | Formidling

The following note reports on an ongoing participatory action research (PAR) collaboration between Kommuneqarfik Sermersooqs’ ‘Street Team’ and the Centre for Arctic Welfare (CAR) in Nuuk, Greenland. The primary task of the street team is to undertake outreach social work in areas and institutions i… The following note reports on an ongoing participatory action research (PAR) collaboration between Kommuneqarfik Sermersooqs’ ‘Street Team’ and the Centre for Arctic Welfare (CAR) in Nuuk, Greenland. The primary task of the street team is to undertake outreach social work in areas and institutions in Nuuk where marginalised and vulnerable adults frequent. The main aim of this outreach work is to establish contacts, build relationships, and unravel the underlying issues faced by the adults in focus. Subsequently, we build bridges between the individual needing help and the appropriate municipal agency. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

I artiklen tages der afsæt i enkeltstående eksempler på fattigdom og hjemløshed, som udfoldes til en socialpolitisk problemstilling omkring råb efter tiggende mennesker i Nuuk. Her analyseres det, hvorledes et land med en historisk kollektiv opfattelse af fællesskabets indlejrede værdi og nødvendigh… I artiklen tages der afsæt i enkeltstående eksempler på fattigdom og hjemløshed, som udfoldes til en socialpolitisk problemstilling omkring råb efter tiggende mennesker i Nuuk. Her analyseres det, hvorledes et land med en historisk kollektiv opfattelse af fællesskabets indlejrede værdi og nødvendighed i dag viser individualiseringstendenser. Det nutidige fokus på arbejdslivet, på mennesker, som omtales som en ressource i tråd med råstoffer og andet materiel, har eroderet det tidligere fokus på kollektivet og i stedet skubbet individet i forgrunden. Det karakteriseres her som en individualiseringstendens. Det ses i skoleparathedsundersøgelser i daginstitutionerne, hvor børn testes, om de er parate til at passe ind i systemet. Det fortsætter i voksenlivet, hvor individet ansvarliggøres for makrosociologiske trends som hjemløshed og fattigdom. Det grønlandske samfund fokuserer i dag på, hvordan individet klarer sig, og ikke om kollektiver som offentlige institutioner og det overordnede samfund har en rummelig og inkluderende kapacitet. Fokusset overskygger makrosociologiske refleksioner over de sociale systemers indretning. Artiklen stiller sig kritisk over for tendenser til at udpege individet som eneansvarlig for at håndtere sociale problemer som fattigdom og hjemløshed og præsenterer derfor, hvorledes man socialpolitisk skaber et modtræk hertil. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

In this article, the concept of “micro media system” is introduced to describe the relations between media and politics in microstates and societies. Drawing on ideas from the literature on democracy in microstates (Benedict, 1967; Corbett and Veenendaal, 2018; Sarapuu and Randma-Liiv, 2020), it is… In this article, the concept of “micro media system” is introduced to describe the relations between media and politics in microstates and societies. Drawing on ideas from the literature on democracy in microstates (Benedict, 1967; Corbett and Veenendaal, 2018; Sarapuu and Randma-Liiv, 2020), it is argued that despite their many differences, the smallest media systems share four characteristics linked to their micro size: (1) government domination, (2) high social integration and overlapping role-relationships, (3) multi-functionalism among journalists and media outlets, and (4) dependence on few individuals. These characteristics of micro media systems can weaken the media’s position in society vis-à-vis other institutions. Whereas previous research on small media systems (e.g., Puppis, 2009) has considered size as a binary variable, in this article it is argued that the size of media systems is better perceived as a continuous variable. This implies that the characteristics of micro media systems become more pronounced the smaller the media system. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

As a self-governing nation that exercises jurisdiction over most policy areas, Greenland is constantly testing its foreign policy and self-determination action space. Predominantly having aimed at increasing its action space towards Denmark, especially since inaugurating home rule in 1979 and self-g… As a self-governing nation that exercises jurisdiction over most policy areas, Greenland is constantly testing its foreign policy and self-determination action space. Predominantly having aimed at increasing its action space towards Denmark, especially since inaugurating home rule in 1979 and self-government in 2009, Greenland has for the past decade been increasing its engagement as a direct partner to the US. In this paper, I analyse three cases where the Greenland-Denmark-US relations in different ways are delimited and affected by great power relations between the US, China, and Russia. In doing so, I demonstrate how Greenland increasingly uses its action space to affect the outcome of policies and initiatives that lie within the ‘grey zones’ between Greenlandic and Danish power relations. The paper contributes to the understanding of how state-like actors balance their relations in ambiguous ways towards larger states and creates action spaces to determine their own futures. The article argues that Greenland, by balancing the internal and external limitations determined by Greenland’s relations to Denmark and the US, is creating an ambiguous action space, where Greenlandic politicians can and do affect their action options. At the same time, these politicians must acknowledge that Greenland’s action space is constantly evolving against a backdrop of deepening relations between Nuuk and Washington, as well as increasing international tensions. The article is based on an analysis of official documents, media outlets and elite interviews. Read more

Research | Forskning

Formålet med projektet har været at frembringe indsigt i kønsulighed i virksomheder og administration og på baggrund heraf tilbyde nye perspektiver og forståelser, der gør det muligt at skabe en positiv udvikling. På baggrund af analysens empiriske materiale og konklusioner fremskrives fire anbefali… Formålet med projektet har været at frembringe indsigt i kønsulighed i virksomheder og administration og på baggrund heraf tilbyde nye perspektiver og forståelser, der gør det muligt at skabe en positiv udvikling. På baggrund af analysens empiriske materiale og konklusioner fremskrives fire anbefalinger. De kan være startskuddet til de virksomheder, der ønsker at gå ind i arbejdet for at fremme ligestillingen i egen organisation. Read more

Research | Forskning

Suliniummi siunertaavoq suliffeqarfinni allaffissornermilu suiaassutsikkut naligiinngittoqarneranik paasisimasaqalerrnissaq, tassanngalu pitsaasumik ineriartuutaasussanik isiginnittaatsinik paasisanillu nutaanik tunniussinissaq. Misissuinermi paasisat aallaavigalugit sisamanik innersuussuteqarpoq. T… Suliniummi siunertaavoq suliffeqarfinni allaffissornermilu suiaassutsikkut naligiinngittoqarneranik paasisimasaqalerrnissaq, tassanngalu pitsaasumik ineriartuutaasussanik isiginnittaatsinik paasisanillu nutaanik tunniussinissaq. Misissuinermi paasisat aallaavigalugit sisamanik innersuussuteqarpoq. Taakkua suliffeqarfinni naligiissitaanermik siuarsaarusuttunut aallarniutaasinnaapput. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

In this article, the concept of “micro media system” is introduced to describe the relations between media and politics in microstates and societies. Drawing on ideas from the literature on democracy in microstates (Benedict, 1967; Corbett and Veenendaal, 2018; Sarapuu and Randma-Liiv, 2020), it is… In this article, the concept of “micro media system” is introduced to describe the relations between media and politics in microstates and societies. Drawing on ideas from the literature on democracy in microstates (Benedict, 1967; Corbett and Veenendaal, 2018; Sarapuu and Randma-Liiv, 2020), it is argued that despite their many differences, the smallest media systems share four characteristics linked to their micro size: (1) government domination, (2) high social integration and overlapping role-relationships, (3) multi-functionalism among journalists and media outlets, and (4) dependence on few individuals. These characteristics of micro media systems can weaken the media's position in society vis-à-vis other institutions. Whereas previous research on small media systems (e.g., Puppis, 2009) has considered size as a binary variable, in this article it is argued that the size of media systems is better perceived as a continuous variable. This implies that the characteristics of micro media systems become more pronounced the smaller the media system. Read more

Communication | Formidling

Kollektivismen er under pres i Grønland. En aktiv socialpolitik kan styrke en national og lokal fællesskabsånd.

Communication | Formidling - peer review

Antallet af sociale anbringelser uden for hjemmet i Grønland er stigende, imens antallet af børn er faldende – og har være faldende de sidste 20 år. I 2021 blev der født 761 børn, og ifølge Grønlands statistik er det, det laveste fødselstal siden 2. verdenskrig. Som tallene ser ud lige nu, og hvis d… Antallet af sociale anbringelser uden for hjemmet i Grønland er stigende, imens antallet af børn er faldende – og har være faldende de sidste 20 år. I 2021 blev der født 761 børn, og ifølge Grønlands statistik er det, det laveste fødselstal siden 2. verdenskrig. Som tallene ser ud lige nu, og hvis der ikke sker markante ændringer på anbringelsesområdet, så vil omkring 40 af de børn kunne se frem til måske at blive anbragt uden for hjemmet i en kortere eller længere periode af deres liv. Denne artikel belyser først anbringelsesområdet i et historiske perspektiv, og dernæst viser den hvordan anbringelsesområdet ser ud i dagens Grønland. Afslutningsvist diskuteres de næste bedste skridt inden for anbringelsesområdet, samt hvilken læring der kan drages af tidligere tiders måde at anbringe på. Read more

Communication | Formidling

I forbindelse med byggeriet af en ny døgninstitution for børn og unge i Nuuk, har bygherre ønsket at inddrage anbragte børns stemmer i en tidlig fase af projektet, for at tilgodese anbragte børns ønsker og behov i det nye byggeri. Artiklen viser metode og resultater for det inddragelsesarbejde der f… I forbindelse med byggeriet af en ny døgninstitution for børn og unge i Nuuk, har bygherre ønsket at inddrage anbragte børns stemmer i en tidlig fase af projektet, for at tilgodese anbragte børns ønsker og behov i det nye byggeri. Artiklen viser metode og resultater for det inddragelsesarbejde der foregik i efteråret 2021. Imidlertid var der ikke afsat ressourcer til at tale med børnene eller udarbejde et design for hvordan resultaterne skal bruges. Dermed kan projektet let kan komme til at virke som om, at formålet mere var at signalere inddragelse, end reel inddragelse. Artiklen drøfter derfor ligeledes inddragelsesniveauet i Harts forståelsesramme for inddragelse af børn i voksnes projekter. Read more

Communication | Formidling

En beskrivelse af at være anbragt på et børnehjem i Grønland.

Communication | Formidling - peer review

Kapitlet giver en indføring i en socialpsykologisk analyseramme kaldet Kritisk Psykologi. Først gøres der rede for det grundlæggende teoretiske udgangspunkt for Kritisk Psykologi, og hvordan de psykologiske grundbegreber er udviklet. Herefter beskrives nogle centrale begreber i Kritisk Psykologi; d… Kapitlet giver en indføring i en socialpsykologisk analyseramme kaldet Kritisk Psykologi. Først gøres der rede for det grundlæggende teoretiske udgangspunkt for Kritisk Psykologi, og hvordan de psykologiske grundbegreber er udviklet. Herefter beskrives nogle centrale begreber i Kritisk Psykologi; det vises gennem eksempler, hvordan analysen af praksis vha. de kritisk psykologiske begreber kan sætte de sundhedsprofessionelle i stand til at reflektere over deres egne og patienternes tanker, følelser og handlinger, og hvordan disse relaterer sig til både strukturelle og relationelle betingelser for praksis i sundhedsvæsenet og til patienternes livsbetingelser. Psykiske reaktioner forstås således i deres sociale sammenhænge, ikke som indre psykiske processer. Til sidst gives et eksempel på en patientsituation i sundhedspraksis, og hvordan situationen kan analyseres ved hjælp af begreberne. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Kulturtraditioner, jagt og naturbrug i en grønlandsk specialklasse - udeskole der motiverer

This article presents a case study of a school class for children with special needs in a Greenlandic elementary school, where education outside the classroom (EOtC) is practised by using hunting and other traditional use of Greenlandic nature as a foundation for interdisciplinary teaching. The stud… This article presents a case study of a school class for children with special needs in a Greenlandic elementary school, where education outside the classroom (EOtC) is practised by using hunting and other traditional use of Greenlandic nature as a foundation for interdisciplinary teaching. The students live in a residential institution because they have been exposed to neglect and traumatic events at home. That has caused that they have been relocated from their family and hometown and have changed school. The study examines how students respond to school, when hunting, the Greenlandic dog sled and traditional use of Greenlandic plants are used in the school’s lessons. Observation and interviews show that this form of teaching motivates students and have at positive impact on their academic performance and social and personal development. Mastery experiences, authenticity, a smooth room and positive relationships between teacher and student as well as between students are important elements in this positive experience of school. The research can provide inspiration for a pedagogy in the Greenlandic elementary school that creates motivation and interest for school. It would be relevant to study if this way of practice EOtC will have any long-term effect on the students. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

The development project The Teacher Student as Educational Designers was initiated in 2018 at the Teachers’ Training College (TTC) at University of Greenland, aiming to increase the teacher students´ competences as educational designers with a focus on teaching adults. During the project, students w… The development project The Teacher Student as Educational Designers was initiated in 2018 at the Teachers’ Training College (TTC) at University of Greenland, aiming to increase the teacher students´ competences as educational designers with a focus on teaching adults. During the project, students were involved in planning, execution, and evaluation of teaching at TTC, and participated in reflections and dialogues in student teams. The project was based on the assumption that teaching competence is developed through reflections at three competence levels, cf. Erling Lars Dale, and that students´ motivation is increased when three basic psychological needs are met cf. The Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000). The findings presented in this article are based on 41 students´ answers in a standardized qualitative evaluation form, and the four authors’ reflections on the project. The students’ answers were analyzed based on Anja Gabrielsen’s approach to Constructing Grounded Theory (Gabrielsen, 2018). The students’ answers underlined six categories: Group work, Teachers competencies, Dissemination promotes professional understanding, Language of instruction, Peer to peer, Body and learning and Second order pedagogy, indicating which educational design competences the students´ were developing through the project; relational competence, classroom management competence and educational design competence, respectively. The project also contributed to the development of teacher identity and increased the teacher students’ ability for reflection, both in relation to their own learning, different roles in group work, teaching of fellow students as well as reflections on second order pedagogy. The pedagogical space provided by the development project supported the teacher students to work at Dale’s three competence levels. The project allowed for co-creative teaching and an open framework for the educational design, which increased the students´ teacher competences and motivation. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Undersøgelse af daginstitutioners og børnehavers historiske tilblivelse i Grønland i efterkrigstiden. Diskussion af offentlig og professionaliseret forvaltning af "den gode barndom" i Grønland. Forslag til integration af elementer af grønlandsk opdragelseskultur i daginstitutioners arbejde.

Research | Forskning - peer review

This report presents new and updated knowledge about Nordic coastal communities and their socio-economic situation. We investigate key structures and value chains in eight coastal communities in Greenland, Iceland, the Faroes, and Norway. The report highlights local variations in the interaction bet… This report presents new and updated knowledge about Nordic coastal communities and their socio-economic situation. We investigate key structures and value chains in eight coastal communities in Greenland, Iceland, the Faroes, and Norway. The report highlights local variations in the interaction between value chains and local resilience and provides a comparative perspective. The report uncovers new trends and important development characteristics for Nordic coastal communities, with diversification, continued household-based activities and person-specific factors found to be key for success in business life and for resilience at the local level. Our results also call into question some of the challenges and conventional truths facing coastal community development in a period where solutions are being sought for sustainability and the climate challenge. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Parents’ perspectives on preparing for parenthood: a qualitative study on Greenland’s universal parenting programme MANU 0–1 year

Background: The transition to parenthood has received increasing attention in research, partly due to evidence pointing out the crucial developmental period of a child’s first thousand days. Parenting programmes aim to prepare and support families in their transition and distress. For a programme to… Background: The transition to parenthood has received increasing attention in research, partly due to evidence pointing out the crucial developmental period of a child’s first thousand days. Parenting programmes aim to prepare and support families in their transition and distress. For a programme to be implemented successfully it is important to consider parents’ needs and resources. Bringing parents’ perspectives and experiences to the forefront of the implementation of the Greenlandic parenting programme MANU 0–1 Year (MANU) is important for determining if the programme can meet its aim of contributing to thriving families. This study aims to investigate how parents’ notions and experiences of parenthood are reflected and challenged in MANU. Method: Data were collected in three of Greenland’s five municipalities. Qualitative interviews were held with 38 mothers and 12 fathers either individually or as couples: a total of 40 interviews. Additionally, a Sharing Circle with three fathers was held. Interviews were in Greenlandic or Danish. A thematic, inductive analysis was applied. Results: In their transition to parenthood, participants experienced a reprioritisation of their life and changes in their network. It is important to parents that their child experiences security and care, and participants describe this in contrast to their own childhood. Community is the most important value in child‑rearing. Conversations and advice from family members and friends are mentioned as a means to prepare for birth and parenthood. Additionally, conversations with midwives and MANU sessions were also used for preparation. Parents appreciated learning from and listening to other parents in MANU sessions. However, accessing MANU depends on the individual parent’s interest and ability to attend sessions. Conclusions: Parents’ notions and experiences of parenthood are addressed in the programme, but the use of MANU depends on the parents’ attendance and how it is organised and locally offered. The study suggests that MANU has the possibility to create a space for parents to reflect and prepare. However, for MANU to be universal as intended and to reach both mother and father the facilitation of sessions could be revisited. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Since 1993, regular population health surveys in Greenland have supported and monitored the public health strategy of Greenland and have monitored cardiometabolic and lung diseases. The most recent of these surveys included 2539 persons aged 15+ from 20 communities spread over the whole country. The… Since 1993, regular population health surveys in Greenland have supported and monitored the public health strategy of Greenland and have monitored cardiometabolic and lung diseases. The most recent of these surveys included 2539 persons aged 15+ from 20 communities spread over the whole country. The survey instruments included personal interviews, self-administered questionnaires, blood sampling, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, ECG, oral glucose test, pulmonary function, hand grip strength and chair stand test. Blood samples were analysed for glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, incretin hormones, cholesterol, kidney function, fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes and mercury, urine for albumin-creatinine ratio, and aliquots were stored at −80°C for future use. Data were furthermore collected for studies of the gut microbiome and diabetes complications. Survey participants were followed up with register data. The potential of the study is to contribute to the continued monitoring of risk factors and health conditions as part of Greenland’s public health strategy and to study the epidemiology of cardiometabolic diseases and other chronic diseases and behavioural risk factors. The next population health survey is planned for 2024. The emphasis of the article is on the methods of the study and results will be presented in other publications. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

The development of the Greenlandic written language is reviewed, and all Greenlandic literature before 1900 is discussed. A short outline of the overwhelming number of Greenlandic publications appearing in the twentieth century concludes the article. It is demonstrated that the history of Greenlandi… The development of the Greenlandic written language is reviewed, and all Greenlandic literature before 1900 is discussed. A short outline of the overwhelming number of Greenlandic publications appearing in the twentieth century concludes the article. It is demonstrated that the history of Greenlandic literature begins with catechisms and their utopian journey to heaven. Since the entire western Greenlandic society was Christianized early in the 19th century, literacy has been used for many other purposes than strictly religious or utilitarian ones, but the missionaries’ insistence on learning, using, and developing the local language for their specific purposes, and not least their invention of a literary language and their endeavors to teach Greenlanders to use it, are probably the main reasons why the Greenlandic language is still very much alive and used everywhere in contemporary Greenland. Today it is the language of literature, pop music, government, and legislation. No other Aboriginal language in the American hemisphere has a comparable status. Read more

Communication | Formidling

Den første bog trykt på grønlandsk er en ABC udgivet af Hans Egede i 1739. Bogen har været anset for at være forsvundet, men i forbindelse med et fælleseuropæisk forskningsprojekt over ABC'ens historie er det lykkedes at lokalisere to fejlregistrerede eksemplarer af bogen på Det Kgl. Bibliotek. Arti… Den første bog trykt på grønlandsk er en ABC udgivet af Hans Egede i 1739. Bogen har været anset for at være forsvundet, men i forbindelse med et fælleseuropæisk forskningsprojekt over ABC'ens historie er det lykkedes at lokalisere to fejlregistrerede eksemplarer af bogen på Det Kgl. Bibliotek. Artiklen gør rede for bogens tilblivelse, virkningshistorie og betydning for udviklingen af dels det grønlandske litteratursprog, dels grønlandsk kristendom. På forbavsende kort tid - mindre end 100 år efter Hans Egedes landing på Håbets Ø i 1721 - lykkedes det at lære alle indbyggere i Vestgrønland at læse. Da først det grønlandske skriftmedie var udviklet, kunne det naturligvis bruges til alle tænkelige formål. Hans Egedes indsats er derfor blandt de vigtigste årsager til at den selvbevidste grønlandske nation findes og trives den dag i dag, og at det grønlandske sprog lever i bedste velgående, i modsætning til stort set alle andre oprindelige sprog på den amerikanske halvkugle. Artiklen udkom første gang i tidsskriftet Fund og Forskning (2021) og blev peer-reviewet ved den lejlighed. Denne nye version er let revideret i lyset af nye oplysninger der er dukket op siden førsteudgaven. Read more

Communication | Formidling

Et overblik over den grønlandske kirke- og missionshistorie og en beskrivelse af den grønlandske kirke og andre trossamfund i Grønland.

Research | Forskning

En systematisk opstillet grønlandsk grammatik.

Research | Forskning - peer review

Seersholm et al. analysed permafrozen middens from Inuit and Viking settlements to uncover evidence of diet in prehistoric Greenland. Using ancient DNA, they identified 42 different species and found that whales were surprisingly common. The success and failure of past cultures across the Arctic wa… Seersholm et al. analysed permafrozen middens from Inuit and Viking settlements to uncover evidence of diet in prehistoric Greenland. Using ancient DNA, they identified 42 different species and found that whales were surprisingly common. The success and failure of past cultures across the Arctic was tightly coupled to the ability of past peoples to exploit the full range of resources available to them. There is substantial evidence for the hunting of birds, caribou and seals in prehistoric Greenland. However, the extent to which these communities relied on fish and cetaceans is understudied because of taphonomic processes that affect how these taxa are presented in the archaeological record. To address this, we analyse DNA from bulk bone samples from 12 archaeological middens across Greenland covering the Palaeo-Inuit, Norse and Neo-Inuit culture. We identify an assemblage of 42 species, including nine fish species and five whale species, of which the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) was the most commonly detected. Furthermore, we identify a new haplotype in caribou (Rangifer tarandus), suggesting the presence of a distinct lineage of (now extinct) dwarfed caribou in Greenland 3,000 years ago. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

The transitions from foraging to farming and later to pastoralism in Stone Age Eurasia (c. 11-3 thousand years before present, BP) represent some of the most dramatic lifestyle changes in human evolution. We sequenced 317 genomes of primarily Mesolithic and Neolithic individuals from across Eurasia… The transitions from foraging to farming and later to pastoralism in Stone Age Eurasia (c. 11-3 thousand years before present, BP) represent some of the most dramatic lifestyle changes in human evolution. We sequenced 317 genomes of primarily Mesolithic and Neolithic individuals from across Eurasia combined with radiocarbon dates, stable isotope data, and pollen records. Genome imputation and co-analysis with previously published shotgun sequencing data resulted in >1600 complete ancient genome sequences offering fine-grained resolution into the Stone Age populations. We observe that: 1) Hunter-gatherer groups were more genetically diverse than previously known, and deeply divergent between western and eastern Eurasia. 2) We identify hitherto genetically undescribed hunter-gatherers from the Middle Don region that contributed ancestry to the later Yamnaya steppe pastoralists; 3) The genetic impact of the Neolithic transition was highly distinct, east and west of a boundary zone extending from the Black Sea to the Baltic. Large-scale shifts in genetic ancestry occurred to the west of this “Great Divide”, including an almost complete replacement of hunter-gatherers in Denmark, while no substantial ancestry shifts took place during the same period to the east. This difference is also reflected in genetic relatedness within the populations, decreasing substantially in the west but not in the east where it remained high until c. 4,000 BP; 4) The second major genetic transformation around 5,000 BP happened at a much faster pace with Steppe-related ancestry reaching most parts of Europe within 1,000-years. Local Neolithic farmers admixed with incoming pastoralists in eastern, western, and southern Europe whereas Scandinavia experienced another near-complete population replacement. Similar dramatic turnover-patterns are evident in western Siberia; 5) Extensive regional differences in the ancestry components involved in these early events remain visible to this day, even within countries. Neolithic farmer ancestry is highest in southern and eastern England while Steppe-related ancestry is highest in the Celtic populations of Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall (this research has been conducted using the UK Biobank resource); 6) Shifts in diet, lifestyle and environment introduced new selection pressures involving at least 21 genomic regions. Most such variants were not universally selected across populations but were only advantageous in particular ancestral backgrounds. Contrary to previous claims, we find that selection on the FADS regions, associated with fatty acid metabolism, began before the Neolithisation of Europe. Similarly, the lactase persistence allele started increasing in frequency before the expansion of Steppe-related groups into Europe and has continued to increase up to the present. Along the genetic cline separating Mesolithic hunter-gatherers from Neolithic farmers, we find significant correlations with trait associations related to skin disorders, diet and lifestyle and mental health status, suggesting marked phenotypic differences between these groups with very different lifestyles. This work provides new insights into major transformations in recent human evolution, elucidating the complex interplay between selection and admixture that shaped patterns of genetic variation in modern populations.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest. Read more