Simeonie Keenainak facts for kids

Simeonie Keenainak is a talented Inuit musician, known for playing the accordion. He used to be a police officer with the RCMP. Simeonie is also a photographer, a teacher, and a skilled hunter. He comes from a place called Pangnirtung in Nunavut, Canada. He has played his music at the Pangnirtung Music Festival. People across Canada have heard about his music and how he helps his community.

Early Life and Skills

Simeonie was born about 60 kilometers north of Pangnirtung. When he was young, he learned important traditional hunting skills. These skills helped him understand and live off the land.

Working Life

Simeonie first worked as a guide for the RCMP. Later, he became an RCMP officer himself. While working, he also shared his musical talent. He played the accordion in different places across the North. In 1996, he was part of the CBC's Inuit Button Accordion Festival.

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

Documentary Film

In 2012, a short film called Inngiruti - The Thing that Sings! was made about Inuit music. Simeonie Keenainak was featured in this film. He performed his music and was interviewed. The film was made by Nyla Innuksuk through the National Film Board.

Caring for the Land

In 2019, Simeonie spoke up for local hunters. He shared their concerns at meetings about how oil and gas development might affect the Arctic environment. This shows his dedication to protecting the land and its resources.

Family Life

Simeonie Keenainak and Daisy Keenainak have been married since 1967.