ST. JOHN’S – The leader of the organization representing Inuit in Canada says the federal government must act now to protect Inuit homelands from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, says he is deeply troubled by Trump’s repeated threats to wrest control of the Danish territory of Greenland, which is home to mostly Inuit people.
Obed says Trump’s criticism that Denmark hasn’t adequately invested in Greenland could easily be made against Canada and its presence in Inuit Nunangat in the Arctic.
Obed says Inuit Nunangat, the traditional homeland of Inuit in Canada, comprises about 40 per cent of the country’s landmass yet has just one deep water port and few paved runways.
He says Canadian leaders do not appreciate the role Inuit can play in securing Canada’s sovereignty, adding that Inuit should be included in those discussions.
Obed says Prime Minister Mark Carney has not contacted him to discuss Canada’s response to Trump’s position on Greenland, but he expects to meet with Carney soon.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 23, 2026.
