
Susan Aglukark
Award-winning Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark is one of Canada’s most unique artists, who blends the Inuktitut and English languages with contemporary pop music arrangements to tell the stories of her people, the Inuit of Arctic Canada. Aglukark’s talks emphasize the same themes that her music does — those of hope, spirit, and encouragement that have captivated and inspired listeners around the world.
Aglukark is Canada’s first Inuk artist to win a Juno Award (her work has earned her three), a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for lifetime artistic achievement, and to be named an Officer of the Order of Canada. She also holds several Honourary Doctorate degrees and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Featured in Chatelaine, Flare, Saturday Night, Modern Woman, Billboard, and The New York Times, Alglukark has also been named one of Maclean’s magazine’s “100 Canadians to Watch”.
Speaking topics
- Songs and Stories with Susan Aglukark
Songs and stories is a narrative of Susan’s professional and personal journey over the last 25 years. Susan will speak about her life and how it has led her from growing up in small town Nunavut to becoming a household name across Canada as she first moved to Ottawa and then on to Toronto. She relates stories of her culture and its continuing impact on her life in her new southern surroundings. She speaks of empowerment and the importance of self-respect and respecting others and how this can lead to a much healthier and happier life. Susan will perform 3-6 songs to track from her repertoire, a selection of songs that enhance her story as the songs were inspired by her journey.
Video clips
Speaker testimonials
Her performance and speech was so inspiring… thank you so much… It was a terrific conclusion to our conference. Here is a direct quote from one of our members… The highlight for me, which moved me to my soul, was Susan’s speech and performance. I too will keep the memory of the circle dance close to mind – I haven’t felt such pure joy in a long time.
The relevence of your thoughts and comments as you related stories of your culture, empowerment and self-respect for ourselves and others has given our participants many challenges and new ideas to take to their districts. Your songs crossed many boundaries and evoked emotions remindig us that we are all entitled to healthier and happier lives and can lead such lives by setting the example to others.
Words really cannot express that experience; life will never be the same for me. I am truly grateful for being there and meeting you. You’re truly cherished and lovely soul, please continue to share and touch others. You’re a gift to us all and I am honoured and feel very privileged that I was there to receive everything you said and offered. It was so inspiring and empowering, food for my soul. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you.