Susan Aglukark Canadian singer and musician Date of Birth: 27.01.1967 Country: Canada

1. Biography of Susan Aglukark
2. Early Life and Career
3. Breakthrough and Success
4. Recognition and Achievements

Biography of Susan Aglukark

Susan Aglukark is a Canadian singer and musician from the Inuit (Eskimo) people, who boldly combines the traditions of Inuit folk music with country and pop music, making her one of the main stars of the Canadian recording industry. Her most successful single, 'O Siem', reached number one on the Canadian country and contemporary music charts in 1995. Over her twenty-year career, Susan has released seven studio albums and thirteen singles, and has won two Juno Awards.

Early Life and Career

Susan Aglukark was born on January 27, 1967, in Churchill, Manitoba, and grew up in Arviat, Northwest Territories, which is now known as Nunavut, the largest and youngest territory in Canada. After completing school, she worked as a linguist in the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in Ottawa, Ontario. She then returned to the Northwest Territories and became an executive assistant at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, an organization representing the interests of Canadian Inuit.

While working at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Susan began performing her own songs and quickly became a popular singer in Inuit communities. She soon caught the attention of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, which included her songs in a compilation of northern performers. In 1992, Aglukark released an independent album called 'Arctic Rose', and the following year, she signed a contract with a major label and released a Christmas album.

Breakthrough and Success

'This Child', released in 1995, was the album that brought Susan Aglukark to prominence. The first single from the album, 'O Siem', topped the national contemporary and country music charts, making Aglukark the first Inuit artist to have songs on the Canadian Top 40. The songs 'Hina Na Ho (Celebration)' and 'Breakin' Down' were also released as singles. The album eventually went triple platinum in Canada, selling 300,000 copies.

In 2000, Aglukark released the album 'Unsung Heroes', which featured another popular hit, 'One Turn Deserves Another'. This album also included the song 'Turn of the Century', a tribute to the creation of Nunavut. In 2004, she released the album 'Big Feeling', which showcased her emotionally charged songs. The composition 'Kathy' tells the story of her niece, who died by suicide, while 'Still Running' is about the psychological trauma experienced by a woman after sexual assault.

Susan Aglukark has also recorded a version of the Christian hymn 'Amazing Grace' in Inuktitut, the Inuit language. Her song 'Never Be the Same' was featured in the 14th episode of the third season of 'Dawson's Creek' titled 'Valentine's Day Massacre', and the song 'One Turn Deserves Another' appeared in the following episode, 'Crime And Punishment'. Aglukark is also an advocate for several non-profit organizations that work with Inuit youth and Indigenous communities.

Recognition and Achievements

In 2004, Susan Aglukark received an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts from the University of Lethbridge. In 2005, she was awarded the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian honor, and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Alberta. In the summer of 2006, she performed at 'The Calgary Stampede', an annual cowboy festival held in Calgary.

Currently, Susan Aglukark resides in Oakville, Ontario. She has expressed great pride in being a role model for Indigenous peoples in Canada and considers herself an artist who brings a universal message of inner strength and self-worth to people of all cultures.