After 84 years, Eskimo Road becomes Silavej: It shows the values we as a community want to stand for.

After 84 years, Eskimovej will become Silavej—a change that reflects the values we as a society wish to uphold.

The decision comes from a proposal by Avalak Aarhus and Det Grønlandske Hus. *Sila* is an Inuit concept describing the connection between humans and nature. (Photo: © Aarhus Municipality)

By Sarah Friis Elkjær ([email protected]) – 51 minutes ago

The Grønlandske Hus and the Greenlandic student association Avalak will see a long-standing wish fulfilled when Eskimovej in Aarhus changes its name on March 2nd.

Since 1942, the street has been part of Polarkvarteret in Riisvangen, Aarhus, neighboring routes named Ivigtutvej, Thulevej, and Hans Egedes Vej.

However, Aarhus Municipality has decided to alter the name of Eskimovej following a request in April last year from Avalak and Det Grønlandske Hus. The demand was for a more neutral street name, and the decision was made after a public consultation with residents and other affected parties.

Nikolaj Bang, councilor for Technical and Environmental Affairs in Aarhus, states in a press release that the name change will reflect equality and mutual respect between Greenland and Denmark.

*"The Realm community is under unprecedented pressure. Therefore, it is more crucial than ever that we treat each other with respect. It has been a significant wish from Det Grønlandske Hus and Avalak to change the street name, and we now meet this with a poetic name that carries great meaning,"* he says.

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**Opponents argue we should preserve the controversial name**

From now on, Eskimovej will be called Silavej, based on a proposal from Avalak Aarhus and Det Grønlandske Hus. *Sila* is a Greenlandic term that describes the bond between humans and nature, explains Marie Annelise Kahlig, director of Det Grønlandske Hus in Aarhus.

*"A street name isn’t just practical. It shows which values we as a community want to stand for. With the new name, Aarhus takes an important step toward a more inclusive urban space where everyone can feel respected and valued—regardless of background,"* she says in a press release.

But one person who does not share the enthusiasm for the decision is Jacob Søgård Clausen, a member of the city council for Danmarksdemokraterne.

*"We must take care of our shared history, even when it includes words and terms that are debated today. If we start changing historical street names because someone finds them offensive, where do we draw the line? Should all street names with a historical context that no longer align with today’s political correctness be reassessed and removed?"* he writes in an email to DR.

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