Feb 15 • 16:27 UTC 🇩🇰 Denmark Politiken

Greenlandic shaman to Danes: 'Take your feelings out of this'

A Greenlandic shaman is conducting a ceremony in Nuuk to address the fears of Greenlanders amid perceived American threats of annexation.

In Nuuk, a traditional ceremony is being held by shaman Rakel Sanímuinaq to help individuals dealing with fear and anxiety during a time of heightened tensions over potential American annexation of Greenland. The ceremony takes place in a room adorned with traditional items, including a stuffed raven and a burning qulliq, a traditional oil lamp made from stone, which sets the tone for the ritual. The inclusion of seawater gathered from the fjord plays a significant role in the ceremony, which aims to calm the spiritual unrest felt by the local population.

The ceremony is particularly poignant given the current geopolitical climate, with many Greenlanders expressing uncertainty and fear regarding the possibility of the United States seeking to annex the island. This fear is compounded by statements and actions from American officials that have been interpreted as aggressive and assertive, stirring feelings of vulnerability among the local populace. Shaman Sanímuinaq's work highlights the important role of traditional practices in addressing contemporary issues.

On a broader scale, the ceremony reflects the ongoing struggles of indigenous communities to maintain their cultural identity and spiritual practices in the face of external pressures. By inviting Danes to 'take their feelings out of this,' Sanímuinaq underscores the need for understanding and dialogue as Greenlanders navigate their concerns about sovereignty and self-determination amidst foreign interests. The event serves as both a spiritual gathering and a platform for voicing anxieties related to cultural loss and political autonomy.

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