Elna Jensen came to Narsarsuaq in 1999 as a traffic assistant. Today, she is so integrated that we forget she comes from Kangaatsiaq. Of course, we notice her North Greenlandic accent, but we always think of Sillisit when Elna Jensen shows up.
“Sometimes I feel like riding a dog sled here in Tunulliarfik Fjord. Riding without the sound of an engine – it feels so free and pure, and the landscape here is so fascinating,” says Elna Jensen.
Elna Jensen is 48 years old and comes from Kangaatsiaq, where she rode dog sleds as a child – trained by her father. Today, she lives with a sheep farmer and has two daughters and a son, and lives in Sillisit.
Elna Jensen is a good example of a strong businesswoman – first and foremost a sheep farmer, entrepreneur, and board member – who for more than 25 years has built up various business projects and actively contributed to the development of local communities and cultural heritage in the region.
South Greenlander – with a North Greenlandic accent
With deep respect for the South Greenlandic landscape and way of life, Elna has integrated herself into the sheep farming culture and created a daily life where agriculture, tourism, and local value creation go hand in hand. Today, she runs hostels and cabins in Sillisit and Café Thorhildur in Qassiarsuk – businesses that create jobs, attract visitors from all over the world and promote the living cultural heritage of South Greenland.
“Living and working here is about more than just running a business. It’s about responsibility for the place, for the people, and for the history we are part of,” says Elna Jensen.
As an entrepreneur, she has demonstrated both drive and resilience. During the coronavirus pandemic, she took over full ownership of Café Thorhildur during a period marked by uncertainty and economic pressure. Today, the café can stay open all year round – an important step for both the local community and tourism in the area.
Headed the sheep farmers’ association, SPS
Elna Jensen was chairwoman of the sheep farmers’ association SPS for a two-year period, during which she chose not to stand for re-election, as the association is busiest in June and July – when she also has guests from all over the world in Sillisit. However, she still sits on the board, as she is passionate about making a difference.
The sheep farmers’ major events usually take place in June and July, which is also when I am busiest with tourists. So, it has been hard to work in two demanding areas, which is why I have chosen to step down as chairwoman and remain only a member of the board – I also enjoy working on boards,” says Elna Jensen, who is also a board member of Innovation South Greenland, and continues:
“I believe that development should be based on local strengths and people who know everyday life. Board work provides an opportunity to influence the direction and create better conditions – also for the next generation,” she says.
Elna Jensen is now a natural part of South Greenland. Her journey from the dog sled culture of North Greenland to life as a sheep farmer, entrepreneur, and business leader in the south is an example of how commitment, responsibility, and long-term effort can create both personal and societal value.
At Innovation South Greenland, we work purposefully to strengthen and highlight these women. Women who take responsibility, create jobs, and lead the way in developing a sustainable and locally based business community in South Greenland. Elna Jensen is one of them.
