Minik

In 1897, when he was nine years old, Minik and his father and 4 other Inughuit (Inuit from the far north of Greenland) came to New York. It was Robert Peary that had invited them along with him to USA, promising them quick return to their homeland. Within half a year Minik’s father died of pneumonia and soon after a family of three followed. A young man Uisaakassak and Minik were the only survivors. When Uisaakassak in the summer of 1898 went back to his homeland, Minik was the only Inuk left behind in New York. He was an orphan and didn’t have anybody to go home to. 

When Qisuk died, the people who took care of Minik, made a fake funeral for him. Some years later Minik – by coincidence – saw his father’s skeleton exhibited at a museum. That experience changed his personality completely. 

For many years he tried to return to his land. Finally in 1909, after 12 years in New York, he returned to his homeland. By then he had forgotten his language and felt as a complete stranger. 

After seven years he returned to New York, but a year later he died of pneumonia. He is buried in New York.

In june of 2014 the first students of the National Theatre School of Greenland will finish their 2-year program with a final production.

Actors/Actress:

• Majbritt Bech
• Klaus Geisler
• Hans-Henrik Poulsen
• Mike F. Thomsen