Greenland’s Youngest MP Nivi Rosing Advocates for Stronger Ties with Canada

Nivi Rosing, the youngest member of Parliament for Greenland, is urging the importance of strengthening relations with Canada amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Following a period of threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump, Rosing, 22, has voiced concerns about the lingering anxiety within her community. She noted that the impact of Trump’s coercive rhetoric has left many Greenlanders feeling vulnerable. “People are very scared. It’s consuming our everyday life,” she stated during an interview in her office in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.

Trump’s interest in Greenland escalated significantly during his presidency, particularly in 2019 when he expressed intentions to acquire the territory. Although these threats have quieted for now, Rosing emphasizes that the unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy continues to loom large. “Dog owners are vaccinating their dogs so they can leave the country if there’s any sign of an invasion,” she explained, illustrating the level of fear affecting daily life.

Political Climate and Rosing’s Rise

Rosing’s political journey has been remarkably swift. Just over a year ago, she was a student in Ottawa, enrolled in the Inuit Studies program through Nunavut Sivuniksavut. This program, which focuses on Inuit culture, history, and rights, helped empower her to engage in political life. “It was through Inuit eyes and how our ancestors used to govern these lands,” she recalled.

In March 2025, Rosing decided to run for Greenland’s Parliament, known as Inatsisartut, and was elected as a member of the Inuit Ataqatigiit party, which is part of the governing coalition led by Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. Her role on the Foreign and Security Policy Committee has thrust her into critical discussions regarding Greenland’s future and its geopolitical standing, especially in light of U.S. interests.

In January, she participated in a meeting in Copenhagen with a bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers. Rosing and her colleagues emphasized the importance of diplomacy. “We didn’t come with hate. We always come with respect and diplomacy,” she stated. The Danish and Greenlandic parliamentarians collectively reaffirmed their desire to assert their identity as Greenlanders rather than Danes or Americans.

Strengthening Canadian Connections

Amid these political challenges, Rosing is optimistic about the upcoming opening of the Canadian consulate in Nuuk, which is set to be inaugurated by Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand and Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General, Mary Simon. The consulate aims to foster closer ties between Canada and Greenland, particularly on Arctic governance and security issues.

Rosing believes that increased cooperation is vital as Greenland faces external pressures. “I want closer ties with Canada. If it’s cultural, if it’s business, if it’s education, I think we want to work with Canada,” she remarked. The recent diplomatic efforts also resonate with the Inuit communities, who feel a stronger Canadian presence could aid in their quest for independence and self-determination.

Geopolitics aside, Rosing recognizes the practical challenges in building these connections. While Iqaluit and Nuuk are geographically close, direct flights between the two cities have struggled to remain viable. Currently, Air Greenland offers limited seasonal service, highlighting the logistical hurdles that need addressing for enhanced collaboration.

As Rosing looks to her future, she contemplates returning to her studies in Ottawa while holding her parliamentary seat for three more years. She remains wary of the unpredictability surrounding U.S. intentions. “I think there is still an agenda and [Trump] wants to own and control Greenland,” she stated, reflecting on her responsibilities to her constituents.

Greenland, with a population of approximately 57,000, has a long history as part of the Kingdom of Denmark, transitioning from colonial status to self-governance over the decades. As the island navigates its complex geopolitical landscape, Rosing’s call for strengthened ties with Canada may play a crucial role in shaping its future amidst external pressures.