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Helene Thiesen

One of the 22 Inuit children who participated in a social experiment in 1951, where she was sent from Greenland to Denmark to learn Danish. She later became the head of an after-school club.

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Feb 26, 2025 • 10min

Denmark’s Inuit children experiment

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.