Susan Aglukark

Susan Aglukark
Name	Susan Aglukark
Birth date	1967
Birth place	Arctic Bay, Nunavut
Years active	1990s–present
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, actress
Genre	Folk music, Country music, Pop music
Instrument	Vocals, guitar

Susan Aglukark is a Canadian Inuit singer-songwriter, actress, and broadcaster known for blending Inuit music traditions with contemporary Folk music, Country music, and Pop music. She rose to national prominence in the 1990s with bilingual songs in English and Inuktitut that addressed themes of cultural identity, social issues, and reconciliation, collaborating with artists and institutions across Canada and performing at venues associated with Indigenous peoples' advocacy. Her career spans recorded albums, live performances, acting roles, and work with cultural and governmental organizations.

Early life and education

Born in Arctic Bay in what is now Nunavut, she spent early childhood years in a community shaped by Inuit traditions alongside the broader Canadian context of Northwest Territories administration. Her upbringing included exposure to traditional Inuit throat singing and missions connected to Anglican Church of Canada and local family networks, followed by time in Rankin Inlet and the territorial capital of Iqaluit. Educational experiences involved attendance at schools influenced by policies from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and curriculum connections to institutions such as Nunavut Arctic College and visiting programs from University of Toronto outreach. Mentors and early influences included community elders, northern performers who participated in festivals like the National Aboriginal Music Awards, and touring musicians associated with venues such as Massey Hall and festivals including the Folk on the Rocks Festival.

Musical career

Her recording career began with independent releases and later major-label distribution through partners connected to industries headquartered in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Breakthrough singles crossed Canadian charts that track Canadian Singles Chart performance, attracting airplay on broadcasters including CBC Radio One, CBC Music, and BCFM. Collaborations and producers have roots in scenes linked to Nettwerk Records, Warner Music Group, and managers who worked with artists seen at events like the Juno Awards, the Canadian Music Week conference, and shows promoted by companies such as Live Nation. Tours have brought performances to venues such as The National Arts Centre, Hôtel de Ville de Montréal festivals, and cross-country circuits connecting communities served by Via Rail and northern airline partners. Her repertoire includes songs that integrate traditional Inuk musical elements with songwriting approaches used by artists like Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, and contemporaries such as Sarah McLachlan, k.d. lang, and Alanis Morissette in combining storytelling with social commentary.

Acting, writing and broadcasting

She has appeared in film and television productions associated with northern narratives and broadcasting networks such as CBC Television, APTN, and independent Canadian film companies that produce works for festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival and the Vancouver International Film Festival. Written work and liner notes have engaged editors and publishers connected to outlets such as The Globe and Mail and magazines distributed by groups related to Maclean's and Chatelaine. Broadcast roles included hosting and guest appearances on radio programs affiliated with CBC Radio Two and televised specials produced in partnership with cultural organizations including the National Film Board of Canada and presenters at the National Arts Centre.

Awards and honours

Recognition includes national awards presented at ceremonies such as the Juno Awards, the Order of Canada nominations and investitures connected to Canadian honours, and accolades bestowed at events like the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards and the Indigenous Music Awards. She has been acknowledged by parliamentary committees and organizations such as Library and Archives Canada for cultural contributions, and received province and territory-level honors often coordinated through offices like the Lieutenant Governor of Nunavut and cultural agencies including Canada Council for the Arts.

Personal life and activism

Her personal life and activism intersect with advocacy groups and initiatives addressing issues faced by northern and Indigenous communities, working with organizations such as Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Native Women's Association of Canada, RAVEN Trust, and public health campaigns that partner with Health Canada and territorial health authorities. She has spoken at events tied to institutions like University of British Columbia, Carleton University, Simon Fraser University, and conferences hosted by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. Community engagement included participation in cultural exchanges with groups from Greenland, Alaska, and circumpolar forums linked to the Arctic Council and collaborations with arts organizations such as the Canada Council for the Arts and the National Arts Centre.

Discography and notable works

Major releases include albums and singles issued through labels and distributed via networks connected to Sony Music Canada, Universal Music Group, and independent distributors serving markets tracked by Billboard (magazine). Notable recordings and projects have been featured on compilations curated by institutions like National Film Board of Canada soundtracks, festival recordings for Folk Alliance International, and pedagogical materials produced in partnership with educational publishers that supply resources to libraries cataloged by Library and Archives Canada. She has contributed songs performed at ceremonies involving entities such as Parliament of Canada, cultural festivals like the Montreal Jazz Festival, and benefit concerts organized by groups including War Child and Elles de la Terre.

Category:Canadian singers Category:Inuit musicians Category:1967 births