Witness History

Denmark’s Inuit children experiment

Feb 26, 2025
Helene Thiesen, one of the 22 Inuit children sent from Greenland to Denmark in 1951, shares her poignant journey of cultural dislocation. The conversation reveals the emotional struggles the children faced, including feelings of loss and the pressure to assimilate. Helene recounts her heartbreaking return to Greenland and the impact of colonialism on their identity. The discussion highlights the resilience of these young Inuit as they navigated a confusing and often painful experience, ultimately reflecting on the darker legacy of this social experiment.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Arrival in Copenhagen

  • Helene Thiessen arrived in Copenhagen harbor at dusk, surprised by the unfamiliar landscape.
  • Trees, unknown to her, appeared like mountains in the fading light.
INSIGHT

The Experiment's Goal

  • The Danish government aimed to improve conditions in Greenland by teaching Inuit children Danish.
  • This social experiment intended to create a Danish-speaking elite to modernize Greenland.
ANECDOTE

Persuasion and Promises

  • Two Danish gentlemen visited Helene's home to propose sending her to Denmark for education.
  • Despite her mother's initial refusal, they persisted, promising a six-month stay and a brighter future.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app