Susan Aglukark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Susan Aglukark
ᓲᓴᓐ ᐊᒡᓘᒃᑲᖅ |
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Susan Aglukark at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, June 2007
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| Background information | |
| Born | 27 January 1967 Churchill, Manitoba, Canada |
| Origin | Arviat, Nunavut, Canada |
| Genres | Folk, pop, country |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Labels | EMI |
Susan Aglukark (born January 27, 1967) is a famous Canadian singer. She is known for mixing traditional Inuit folk music with country and pop styles. This unique blend has made her a big music star in Canada.
Her most popular song is "O Siem". It became number one on Canadian music charts in 1995. Susan Aglukark has released seven studio albums and won three Juno Awards. She is also an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Contents
About Susan Aglukark
Her Early Life
Susan Aglukark was born in Churchill, Manitoba. She grew up in Arviat, which is now part of Nunavut. After finishing high school, she moved to Ottawa, Ontario. There, she worked as a linguist, studying languages.
Later, she returned to the Northwest Territories. She worked as an assistant for the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. This is an organization that supports Inuit people in Canada.
Starting Her Music Career
While working for the Inuit Tapirisat, Susan started singing. She quickly became very popular in Inuit communities. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) noticed her talent. They included her in a music collection of Arctic performers.
In 1992, she released her first independent album, Arctic Rose. The next year, a major record company signed her. She then released an album of Christmas music.
Susan Aglukark also helps non-profit groups. These groups work with Indigenous and Inuit youth. She leads writing workshops for young people. She also helps with the food crisis in Northern Canada. Susan is proud to be a role model for Indigenous people. She believes her music shares a message of self-respect and strength for everyone.
Breakthrough with This Child
In 1995, Susan Aglukark released her album This Child. This album made her a huge star. The first song from the album was "O Siem". It reached number one on Canadian adult contemporary and country music charts. This made her the first Inuk performer to have a Top 40 hit.
Other songs from the album, "Hina Na Ho (Celebration)" and "Breakin' Down", also became hits. This Child sold over 300,000 copies in Canada. This earned it a triple platinum certification.
Later Albums and Songs
In 2000, Susan released Unsung Heroes. This album included another pop hit called "One Turn Deserves Another." It also featured "Turn of the Century," a song about the creation of Nunavut. She released her album Big Feeling in 2004.
Susan sometimes sings about difficult topics in her songs. She has also recorded a version of "Amazing Grace" in Inuktitut, the Inuit language. Her songs have even been featured on the TV show Dawson's Creek.
Her second holiday album, Dreaming of Home, came out in 2013. Susan Aglukark now lives in Oakville, Ontario.
Awards and Achievements
Susan Aglukark has received many awards and honors for her music and her work.
- In 2004, she received an honorary degree from the University of Lethbridge.
- In 2005, she was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honors in Canada.
- Also in 2005, she received another honorary degree from the University of Alberta.
- In 2006, she performed at the Calgary Stampede.
Juno Awards
Susan Aglukark has won and been nominated for several Juno Awards, which are major Canadian music awards.
- 1995: Won Juno Awards for Best New Solo Artist and Best Music of Aboriginal Canada Recording for Arctic Rose.
- 1996: Nominated for several Juno Awards, including Best Female Vocalist and Album of the Year for This Child.
- 2001: Nominated for Best Music of Aboriginal Canada Recording for Unsung Heroes.
- 2004: Won Juno Award for Aboriginal Recording for Big Feeling.
- 2007: Nominated for Aboriginal Recording of the Year for Blood Red Earth.
Other Recognitions
- 2008: Appointed as a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the University of Alberta.
- 2016: Received the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.
- Her book Aboriginal Carol (2007) was recognized by the International Youth Library. Susan Aglukark provided the translation and music for this bilingual book.
Susan Aglukark's Books
Susan Aglukark has written a series of picture books for children. These books are based on her grandmother's childhood experiences. They explore what it was like to grow up in the Arctic when traditional Inuit ways met new outside influences.
Each book shows how Inuit people felt as their world changed. They tell stories through the eyes of a little girl. This series helps young readers understand a special time in Arctic history.
- Una Huna?: What Is This? (2018)
- Una Huna?: Ukpik Learns to Sew (2022)
Images for kids
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Susan Aglukark at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, June 2007
See also
- Music of Canada
- Aboriginal music of Canada
- Notable Aboriginal people of Canada
- List of Canadian musicians
