Inuit Identity
In the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage site, the expression of Inuit identity presents unique characteristics shaped by historical and socio-economic factors. In southern Greenland, traditional Inuit culture has been largely integrated into the dominant way of life, particularly due to the influence of sheep farming and the long history of colonization. While Inuit heritage is recognized, it is not always actively asserted in daily life, and cultural elements have blended into the broader Greenlandic identity.
A key factor in this transformation is the introduction of sheep farming by Danish-Norwegian colonists in the 18th century, with significant development occurring in the 20th century. This agricultural practice shifted the primary means of subsistence away from hunting and fishing, activities deeply connected to Inuit cultural expressions such as cuisine, spirituality, and craftsmanship. As these traditional practices became secondary to survival, the social and cultural roles they supported evolved, leading to changes in the transmission and visibility of Inuit traditions.
As Tupaarnaq, an Inuit woman, reflects on her identity: "Being Inuit means respecting nature, going hunting as a child, using nature’s resources as much as possible, transmitting our culture to the next generation, and sharing our traditional cuisine. These practices are part of who I am and how I connect with my roots."
Another contributing factor is the deeper historical imprint of colonization in southern Greenland, particularly through resource extraction and administrative influence. These forces have played a role in shaping the region’s cultural landscape, differentiating it from northern areas such as Sisimiut and Nuuk, where traditional Inuit culture remains more visibly present and actively practiced.
The Kujataa region thus represents a complex cultural dynamic where historical layers of Norse settlement, colonial history, and modern Greenlandic identity intersect. This interplay has resulted in a unique cultural expression in the south, where Inuit heritage persists but is often woven into a broader framework of Greenlandic life.