As Canada reopens its consulate in Nuuk and Greenland prepares to establish its own dedicated representation in Ottawa, Arctic360’sBreaking the Ice summer podcast series turns to the growing importance of Greenland in North American and global Arctic politics. The discussion highlights how Greenland has moved from relative obscurity to a focal point in geopolitics, resource development, and diplomacy.

Joining co-hosts Jessica Shadian and Sofie Poggendorf are Inuuteq Holm Olsen, Greenland’s long-serving diplomat and former Representative to the US and Canada, and Jacob Isbosethsen, Greenland’s current Representative to North America and former first envoy to China. Together, they trace Greenland’s expanding diplomatic footprint, from Brussels to Washington to Beijing, and now toward Ottawa.

Diplomatic Evolution and Recognition

Olsen reflects on the early 2000s. At that time:

“[T]he Arctic wasn’t even something people cared about or discussed. It was very difficult to get the attention of policymakers or the European Commission.” – Inuuteq Holm Olsen

It was quite similar once he landed in Washington D.C. as head of representation to the U.S. and Ottawa two years later. Olsen’s main goal at that time was to raise awareness about Greenland’s autonomy, governance, and resources. Isbosethsen shares his own experiences opening Greenland’s Beijing office during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“My partner and I, we were stuck in a hotel room for 23 days… when we came out, we could not… meet physically. So it was a very strange way to open such an important representation.” – Jacob Isbosethsen

He discussed the importance of China for Greenland’s fishing exports and his efforts to diversify Greenland’s economy through tourism, mining, and energy. “Over 90% of our export incomes derive from fish and fish products…so the fisheries in general and export of fish products is vital to our economy.”

Canada–Greenland Cooperation

The conversation turns to shared management of resources, Canadian and Greenlandic Inuit cooperation across borders and joint work on the Arctic Council through the Inuit Circumpolar Council. Both guests welcome Canada’s planned reinstatement of its own diplomatic representation to Nuuk, noting that official diplomatic relations will now be re-established on both sides.

“Canada used to have their consulate here in Nuuk… and actually…we used to have a Greenland representation in Ottawa [from 1998 to 2002] as well… [now] both of us…have decided to reestablish our diplomatic relations.” – Inuuteq Holm Olsen

Olsen and Isbosethsen both highlight opportunities for cooperation in fisheries, tourism, research, education, mining, and infrastructure—particularly as both governments appoint Arctic ambassadors and build new strategies.

Security, Critical Minerals, and Strategic Infrastructure

With NATO allies sharpening their Arctic focus, the guests reflect on opportunities for dual-use infrastructure, knowledge-sharing, and deeper cooperation in emergency preparedness and maritime security.

“Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, obviously, but that also means that we are part of NATO, and like Canada, are friends and allies.” – Jacob Isbosethsen

Both stress that high environmental and labor standards in both Greenland and Canada are competitive advantages in critical minerals and resource development. The idea of a North American Arctic—uniting Canada, the US, and Greenland—emerges as a promising framework for collaboration.

Looking Ahead

Both Olsen and Isbosethsen express optimism: momentum is building for stronger Canada–Greenland ties, grounded in diplomatic representation, people-to-people connections, and joint management of shared challenges. From direct flights and mining partnerships to research exchanges and defense cooperation, the foundation is in place for a closer North American Arctic partnership built on persistence, mutual recognition, and shared values.

“What I’m most optimistic about is that you know you have this realization on both sides that you need to work together closer… there’s a good foundation to build upon.” – Innuteq Holm Olsen

“We actually need each other, maybe more than ever… It’s good that we establish or re-establish our diplomatic missions, but we need more people-to-people exchanges as well. For that we need connections, we need the transportation.” – Jacob Isbosethsen

The conversation underscores a moment of momentum: stronger diplomatic ties, shared management of resources, and an emerging vision for a North American Arctic partnership built on persistence, mutual recognition, and shared values.