Greenlandic parliament backs return of Agpalilik meteorite

The Greenlandic parliament has officially backed the return of the Agpalilik iron meteorite to Greenland, a move celebrated by lawmakers as a significant step in reclaiming national heritage. The parliament's endorsement aligns with the new government's policy to repatriate Greenlandic objects.

Qarsoq Høegh-Dam, a member of parliament from Naleraq, expressed his satisfaction, stating that with the unified support of Inatsisartut and the government's commitment, there are no longer excuses for the meteorite not to return to Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland). He emphasized that this broad political backing provides a strong mandate for discussions with Denmark about the meteorite's future location.

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When a united Inatsisartut now supports our wish to bring the Agpalilik Meteorite home and acknowledges the government's basis for return, there are no longer excuses. Agpalilik must now go home to Kalaallit Nunaat.

The Agpalilik, meaning "the rock where the polar bears live," is part of the Cape York meteorite. It is massive and landed in Northwest Greenland approximately 10,000 years ago. A Danish polar researcher discovered it in 1963 and it was brought to Denmark two years later. For years, its ownership and heritage status have been debated. Earlier this year, Greenlandic politician Aki-Matilda Høegh-Dam described the meteorite as "stolen," asserting its belonging to the Greenlandic people and its significant cultural importance.

She recounted that representatives from northern Greenlandic communities contacted her, wanting the meteorite returned. They explained its historical use in rituals marking the transition from childhood to adulthood and how local people used small fragments to craft arrowheads. The National Museum of Natural History in Denmark stated in May that no official request for the return of items had been received from Greenland. Qarsoq Høegh-Dam indicated that the Agpalilik's return is just the first step, as his party seeks the repatriation of many other Greenlandic artifacts and historical items held in Denmark. In October 2023, the Danish Minister of Culture reported that the National Museum's collection holds 57,194 items originating from Greenland.

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It is not right that we have to go to Denmark and go to a museum to see it. It must go home, and it cannot happen soon enough.