Greenland

Greenland: The Land That Should Be Canadian Too?

Discover the fascinating historical mapping of Greenland as 'Greater Canada'!

In the early 1900s, Robert Stein had a vision that remains intriguing to this day. His 1909 map, branded as ‘Greater Canada,’ displayed an audacious claim that Greenland was part of the Canadian territory. For a world that relied heavily on geographical delineation, this map was quite the conversation starter as it proposed a much larger Canada, inclusive of the rugged beauty of Greenland alongside Newfoundland and Labrador. Stein's cartographic creation highlights how borders can shift far beyond what modern governance dictates, stoking curiosity about identity and territory.

Delving deeper into the implications of Stein's map prompts reflection on how colonial powers viewed their holdings. Greenland, which maintains a unique blend of Danish colonial oversight and its own indigenous governance, has long been a point of fascination. Many Australians may not realise that Greenland’s political status is akin to that of a territory. Often referred to as the world’s largest island, it offers a dramatic natural landscape of glaciers and fjords—fitting enough for any adventurous Canadian to dream of as part of their homeland.

With climate change in the spotlight, the idea of borders becomes even more pressed. Studies show that Greenland is one of the most impacted regions on the planet, with its ice sheets melting at an alarming rate, contributing significantly to global sea level rise. If Greenland were truly part of Canada, the implications of climate governance and environmental responsibility would be magnified, sparking conversations far beyond its icy shores and within Canadian parlance.

So what can we learn from Stein's map, and why do we bring it to light? The beauty of cartography lies not in the accuracy but in the stories that unfold over time. As Australia continues to grapple with its own landscapes and indigenous identities, perhaps we can take a hint from Stein's bold mapping to encourage a re-examination of our connections to land, whether frozen or sandy. Meanwhile, both Greenland and Canada stand as testaments to the complexities of our planet, challenging us to consider who truly owns the land beneath our feet.

Interestingly, did you know that Greenland is not only home to the world’s largest National Park but is also one of the least densely populated places on Earth? With its vast landscapes and pure wilderness, it boasts more polar bears than people. Additionally, if we zoom back to Canada, it is known for its vibrant multiculturalism, entirely different from the preserved Inuit culture nestled within Greenland—both areas perfectly showcase diverse narratives of land and heritage in a contemporary world!