The tourist company that had invited Jeff Landry, the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, to the upcoming Avannaata Qimussersua dog sled race has since rescinded its invitation. This decision comes from Kalaallit Nunaanni Qimussertartut Kattuffiat (KNQK), the organization responsible for managing the race, which issued a statement confirming the news.
“KNQK has been informed that the tourist company behind the invitation has chosen to withdraw it independently,” the statement read. “This is a reassuring development for our organization, and we take note of it.”
The Avannaata Qimussersua dog sled race holds the title of Greenland’s official national championship for dog sledders and is set to take place in Qasigiannguit on March 28. Just last week, Kristian Jeremiassen, who oversees the tourist venture Experience Qasigiannguit, revealed to KNR that he was the one who extended the invitation to Landry.
“We aim to promote our tourism business, and this has no political connotations or affiliations,” Jeremiassen explained to KNR.
KNQK had previously expressed concerns regarding Landry’s invitation, labeling the prospect of his participation as inappropriate. They sought clarity on who had initiated the invite. “The board of KNQK finds it unacceptable that political pressure is exerted from external sources,” remarked Mikkel Jeremiassen, the organization’s chairman.
### A Planned Visit to Greenland
In a recent interview with Fox News, Landry mentioned his intentions to visit Greenland in March. Greenlandic parliament member Aaja Chemnitz (IA) has also confirmed that Landry’s visit, including his attendance at the dog sled race, is on the agenda. However, it remains uncertain whether he will still follow through with the trip.
The Avannaata Qimussersua race caught significant attention in 2025 when Usha Vance, spouse of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, was announced to be attending. That appearance, however, was ultimately canceled, with the couple opting to visit the American Pituffik Space Base instead.
Last year, it was revealed that the dog sled race had received financial backing from the United States, facilitated through the U.S. Consulate in Nuuk. This further underscores the complicated interplay between cultural events in Greenland and international diplomatic relations.
Landry, who became the governor of Louisiana in 2024 and has held roles such as attorney general and police officer, was appointed special envoy to Greenland by former President Donald Trump in December. The rationale behind his appointment—and the specific duties associated with it—remain largely unspecified.