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| Greenland: Island Defies Simple Explanation |
Greenlandic Descendants Are Wide-Spread
In 1261, Greenland became part of Norway. Norway joined Denmark in 1380, resulting in Greenland falling under Danish rule. Greenland was occupied by Germany, albeit briefly, in WWII. Greenland was no longer a colony in 1953, but became a province of the Kingdom of Denmark that year. Although Green is currently "home ruled", the Danish Queen remains as the Head of State. The official name of Greenland is Kalaallit Nunaat.
As we research Greenlanders, we may have to spread our wings. Due to Greenland’s historical ties with Denmark and the Inuit oral traditions, genealogical records are scattered across various repositories. Whether you’re looking for church records, census data, or Inuit oral histories, here are 7 resources to help you research your Greenlandic genealogy.
Greenlanders in USA
The Greenlandic community in the United States is small and is often integrated within broader Scandinavian or Danish-American communities, which are in these states: We must remember that
Greenland’s population is primarily made up of Indigenous Greenlandic Inuits: Kalaallit, Inughuit, and Tunumiit. Of course, you've probably already surmised that the Danish and Europeans are the minorities. Genealogical records are in both the Danish and Greenlandic archives. Matter of fact, Danish missionaries started recording Greenlandic births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths in the 1700s.
As we research Greenlanders, we may have to spread our wings. Due to Greenland’s historical ties with Denmark and the Inuit oral traditions, genealogical records are scattered across various repositories. Whether you’re looking for church records, census data, or Inuit oral histories, here are 7 resources to help you research your Greenlandic genealogy.
Greenlanders in USA
The Greenlandic community in the United States is small and is often integrated within broader Scandinavian or Danish-American communities, which are in these states: We must remember that
- Utah: Approximately 4.2% of Utah's population claims Danish ancestry.
- Nebraska: Danish descendants make up abt. 1.86% of the state's population; mostly in Omaha
- South Dakota: Approximately 1.75% of residents have Danish roots.
- Idaho: Danish Americans constitute around 1.67% of the population.
- Iowa: About 1.48% of Iowans are of Danish descent
Racine, WI, and Minneapolis, MN, also have impressive Danish communities.
The above reflects historical migration patterns, where Danish immigrants settled and established communities that have preserved their cultural heritage over generations.
But we are only talking Greenlanders here!
Where are the Records?
Greenland’s population is primarily made up of Indigenous Greenlandic Inuits: Kalaallit, Inughuit, and Tunumiit. Of course, you've probably already surmised that the Danish and Europeans are the minorities. Genealogical records are in both the Danish and Greenlandic archives. Matter of fact, Danish missionaries started recording Greenlandic births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths in the 1700s.
7 Resources to Begin Genealogical Research
1. Popular Databases for Greenland Genealogy
My first stop is familysearch.org Greenland, ancestry.com and My Heritage. I find the MyHeritage index/translations superior, but the search feature is not as inclusive when looking for Greenland born. Keep in mind that the collections are per site database, so researchers will want to use all three.
My first stop is familysearch.org Greenland, ancestry.com and My Heritage. I find the MyHeritage index/translations superior, but the search feature is not as inclusive when looking for Greenland born. Keep in mind that the collections are per site database, so researchers will want to use all three.
ancestry.com
2. Digitized Church and Census records
- Family search, by far, has the most comprehensive digitized collection of Greenland historical documents. After using your free login (no credit card needed), just enter "Greenland" in the site Catalog for a full listing.
1845 Census, Greenland, ancestry.com (These are also on familysearch.org )
1845 Census, Greenland, ancestry.com (These are also on familysearch.org )
- Greenlandic and Danish family trees: www.myheritage.com/research
3. Danish Government Records
The Danish government conducted censuses from 1787 onward, listing Greenlandic names, families, and birth years in its Census. The name of the census records is Greenland, Denmark Census, 1834 - 1870. These are digitized (not translated), so better brush up on those Danish words: Danish to English Genealogical Word List. Know that Greenlandic, as it is commonly known, is the referenced language. This is one of the online dictionaries I use: Greenlandic - English. The elite speak Danish. These records may be difficult to decipher depending on the data collector.
The Danish government conducted censuses from 1787 onward, listing Greenlandic names, families, and birth years in its Census. The name of the census records is Greenland, Denmark Census, 1834 - 1870. These are digitized (not translated), so better brush up on those Danish words: Danish to English Genealogical Word List. Know that Greenlandic, as it is commonly known, is the referenced language. This is one of the online dictionaries I use: Greenlandic - English. The elite speak Danish. These records may be difficult to decipher depending on the data collector.
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| Kögel, Missionary, 1840 |
4. Church Records (Kirkebøger) - Birth, Baptism, Marriage, and Death
When looking for Inuit ancestors, the Danish missionary records are your best source in the church "Kirkebøger."
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When looking for Inuit ancestors, the Danish missionary records are your best source in the church "Kirkebøger."
- Danish National Archives (Rigsarkivet)
- Arkivalieronline (Digital Church Books)
Researchers may find additional birth, baptism, marriage, and death records in Greenland: - Greenland National Museum & Archives (NKA)
5. Local Parish & Town Archives in Greenland
Some Greenlandic town offices and parishes still hold old birth records, especially for those born before modern digital record-keeping. Here is a listing of the various Parishes.
Contact Nuuk Municipality Archives or other local parish offices for direct access.
6. Colonial Administrative Records - Trade & Population Data
.Greenland was a Danish colony for centuries, and government officials recorded vital statistics, trade data, and settlement populations
7. Oral Histories & Inuit Genealogies
Inuit genealogy was traditionally passed down orally. Some of these oral histories have been recorded through interviews and missionary accounts.
7. Oral Histories & Inuit Genealogies
Inuit genealogy was traditionally passed down orally. Some of these oral histories have been recorded through interviews and missionary accounts.
- Ethnographic records at the Arktisk Institut (Arctic Institute, Denmark)
- Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa (KNR) – Features oral history interviews. I translate using the Google Translate option in the upper right-hand corner. Mostly, I appreciate this site for keeping abreast of present day news.
Note: Kalaallisut, is spoken by the majority of Greenlandic Inuit
as it is the official language of Greenland Kalaallisut is a member of the
Inuit languages within the Eskimo-Aleut family.In addition to the resources outlined above, Inuit-Specific Studies & DNA Projects. Academic research and DNA studies have been conducted on Inuit populations, which can help with genealogy. Here are two recourses:
In addition to the resources outlined above, Inuit-Specific Studies & DNA Projects. Academic research and DNA studies have been conducted on Inuit populations, which can help with genealogy. Here are two recourses:
Kathleen Brandt
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