The issue of legally fatherless children in Kalaallit Nunaat represents a complex and painful chapter in our history, one that continues to affect many families today. The problem arose from a failure to implement equal legal protections for children in Kalaallit Nunaat compared to Denmark. While Denmark introduced legislation in the 1930s to ensure children’s rights to have both parents registered on their birth certificates, these protections were not extended to all of Kalaallit Nunaat until the mid-1970s. This delay, which occurred during a time of significant colonial influence, left generations of our children without the legal safeguards afforded to their Danish counterparts.

Many children were born as a result of relationships between Inuit women and Danish, Faroese but also Inuit men, who often failed to take responsibility as fathers. Without a legally recognized father, these children were denied inheritance rights, financial support, and, for many, a sense of identity, as information about their father was often limited or entirely missing. The social stigma associated with being legally fatherless further compounded the challenges faced by these children and their mothers, leaving lasting scars on families and communities.

Today, efforts have been made to address this historical injustice. Kalaallit Nunaat’s Self-Government and Danish authorities have improved procedures for paternity recognition, including a significant legal change in 2016 that granted adults the right to request paternity testing to establish parentage. DNA technology now makes it easier to confirm biological ties, providing a vital tool for many seeking answers about their lineage. However, resolving older cases remains a significant challenge, as historical records and circumstances often limit access to definitive answers. For many, the issue of legally fatherless children symbolizes the lasting inequalities of colonial power structures. Addressing it fully is not just about legal reforms but about restoring the right to an identity, a history, and the dignity and respect these individuals deserve.