Organizers of Greenland’s annual dog sled race, known as Avannaata Qimussersua, are raising concerns about the invitation extended to U.S. envoy Jeff Landry. The Greenland Dog Sledding Association, referred to as KNQK, described Landry’s presence at the event as “wholly inappropriate” due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark.
On January 8, 2026, a journalist from the U.S. contacted KNQK regarding Landry’s invitation. Mikkel Jeremiassen, president of the association, stated in a public statement that the board views the invitation as a form of external political pressure. Jeremiassen emphasized that the board is investigating how invitations to foreign political figures were issued. He assured that more details would be shared once the inquiry concludes.
Context of the Race and Political Climate
Avannaata Qimussersua is a prominent event in Greenland, drawing approximately 37 mushers and their 444 dogs from across the nation. The race is held annually in west Greenland, above the Arctic Circle, with strict regulations allowing only Greenlandic dogs to compete. These rules are in place to protect the indigenous breed and maintain the race’s cultural significance.
The controversy surrounding Landry’s invitation comes at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions between the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark. The Danish government has been cautious due to former President Donald Trump‘s remarks about U.S. control over Greenland, which he has described as vital for national security. His comments have raised alarms among NATO allies and prompted official responses from the Danish foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, and Greenland’s premier, Vivian Moltzfeldt.
Discussions are ongoing, with Rasmussen and Moltzfeldt seeking a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Vice President JD Vance has expressed interest in joining these talks, which are expected to take place in Washington, D.C., at an unspecified date. Vance’s vocal support for U.S. claims over Greenland could complicate these discussions, especially given the negative reactions to previous visits from U.S. officials.
Historical Tensions and Future Implications
Past encounters between U.S. officials and Greenland residents have not always been smooth. Last year, Vance and his wife, Usha, were scheduled to attend the Avannaata Qimussersua but altered their plans following protests from locals. Their delegation included then-National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who were also kept away from heavily populated areas to avoid confrontation.
Vance’s participation in the forthcoming discussions could raise eyebrows, particularly after his remarks urging Europe to take Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland seriously. “What we’re asking our European friends to do is to take the security of that land mass more seriously,” Vance stated. He emphasized that if European nations do not address these concerns, the U.S. might need to take action, leaving the specifics to the discretion of the president.
Greenland’s geographical position and its untapped resources, including oil, gas, and various minerals, enhance its strategic value. This has drawn ongoing interest from U.S. officials since Trump first proposed purchasing the territory in 2019.
As the situation develops, the KNQK continues to monitor the implications of foreign political involvement in local events, reinforcing the importance of maintaining Greenland’s cultural heritage and autonomy.
