Susan Aglukark: A musical journey of inspiration

By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley

Susan Aglukark, one of Canada’s major recording stars, will perform at the Stephen Leacock Theatre on October 14 at 7:30 p.m.

This Inuk singer/songwriter, born in a small town in Nunavut, is often called the Arctic Rose.

Aglukark broke into the mainstream with her 1995 album, This Child, which combined contemporary melodies with traditional Inuit chants and modern lyrics.

The album produced her biggest hit, “0 Siem”, which reached No. 1 on the Canadian country and adult contemporary charts in 1995, making Aglukark the first Inuk performer ever to have a top 40 hit.

She released her 10th album, The Crossing, in 2022, which explores journeys and belonging.

For instance, the album’s song Winter’s Dream speaks of the journey her ancestors made crossing the Bering Strait.

“When I first started writing the song, I really wanted to write it as much through the lens of the ancestors as I could without really having known them,” Aglukark told the Toronto Star in 2022.

“We didn’t know those early people, and yet I remember when I think of my great-aunts and my great-uncles, my grandparents, my great-grandparents on both sides and how much they loved life in the north and that they transferred that love to us.”

“It was very evident to me and still is, that we simply love our land. We just love it so much, and everything in that relationship with it came from somewhere. And so the writing of the song Winter’s Dream is just simply my love song to that.”

Aglukark’s songs tell stories about her Indigenous roots, feelings, and how she found herself through music.

Her gentle voice showcases her blend of country, world music, easy-listening pop, upbeat melodies and inspirational lyrics.

Her awards make impressive reading, but what truly sets her apart is the heartfelt passion that she pours into every song she writes and sings.

She humbly calls herself an accidental artist and, despite her popularity and national recognition, remains down to earth and continues to touch hearts and bridge cultures through her talent.

Aglukark is a 3-time Juno Award-winning artist and was the Juno’s 2022 Humanitarian Award recipient for her work with the Arctic Rose Foundation, which works to improve the mental and emotional health of children and youth through Indigenous-led arts-based after-school programs, as well as other cultural and creative projects.

Aglukark is known for her strong advocacy for her home community of Arviat, Nunavut, and Indigenous communities across Canada.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this iconic Canadian artist who continues to touch hearts and bridge cultures through her extraordinary talent.

For tickets, visit https://secure1.tixhub.com/georgina/online/index.asp.

For more details, visit https://www.forrestjonesentertainment.com/susan.