Simeonie Keenainak facts for kids

Simeonie Keenainak (born 1948) is a talented Inuk accordionist from Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada. He used to be an officer with the RCMP. Simeonie is also known as a photographer, a teacher, and a hunter. He has played his accordion at the Pangnirtung Music Festival. People have noticed his music and his work to help his community.

Early Life

Simeonie Keenainak was born near Pangnirtung, about 60 kilometers north of the town. As he grew up, he learned important traditional skills. These skills included how to hunt and live off the land.

Career Highlights

Working with the RCMP

Simeonie Keenainak first started helping the RCMP as a guide. Later, he became a police officer himself. He worked as a constable, helping to keep communities safe.

Music and Performances

While working, Simeonie also played his accordion across the northern regions. In 1996, he took part in the CBC's Inuit Button Accordion Festival. This festival celebrated Inuit accordion music.

After the Police Force

After leaving the police force, Keenainak became a high school shop teacher. He also started teaching traditional skills to young people. He developed a passion for nature photography, capturing beautiful images of the land. He continued to hunt and play his accordion. In 2012, he even performed with the National Arts Centre Orchestra.

Featured in Film

In 2012, a short film called Inngiruti – The Thing that Sings! was made. This documentary was about Inuit music. Simeonie Keenainak was featured in the film, where he performed and was interviewed. The film was made by Nyla Innuksuk through the National Film Board.

Community Involvement

In 2019, Simeonie represented his local hunters' association. He spoke at meetings about plans for oil and gas development in the Arctic. This showed his dedication to protecting the environment and his community's way of life.

Personal Life

Simeonie Keenainak has been married to Daisy Keenainak since 1967.