Susan Aglukark

Susan Aglukark is a musician known for her unique blend of cultural and contemporary music styles. Born and raised in a small, remote village in Alaska, Susan’s heritage is deeply rooted in the indigenous traditions of the Inuit people. From a young age, she was immersed in her community’s rich oral storytelling tradition and the rhythmic drumming and chanting that are integral to Inuit culture.

Susan’s journey into music began with the traditional Inuit drum, a circular, hand-held drum made from animal skin. She learned to play from her elders, mastering the complex rhythms that have been passed down through generations. Her skill with the drum was matched by her captivating voice, which she used to tell stories of her ancestors, the harsh yet beautiful Arctic landscape, and the challenges faced by her community in the modern world.

In her late teens, Susan began to explore other musical genres. She taught herself to play the guitar and piano, drawing inspiration from a wide range of artists, from classical composers to contemporary pop and rock musicians. This exploration led to a unique fusion of styles in her music. Susan’s songs often start with a traditional Inuit melody or rhythm, over which she layers elements of folk, rock, or even electronic music. Her lyrics, sometimes sung in her native Inuktitut language and sometimes in English, speak of cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and the universal themes of love, loss, and resilience.

Susan’s breakthrough came with her debut album, “Northern Echoes,” which was both a critical and commercial success. The album’s standout track, “Ice and Sky,” combines a haunting Inuit chant with a soaring orchestral arrangement, showcasing her ability to bridge the gap between her cultural roots and a wider musical landscape.

Susan Aglukark’s music resonates not just within her own community but also with a global audience, bringing the sounds of the Arctic to the world stage and highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Inuit people. Her work stands as a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect people from all walks of life.

Discography

Susan Aglukark has had a distinguished career marked by several significant albums. Her debut album, “Dreams for You,” released in 1990, set the stage for her unique blend of Inuit folk and contemporary music styles. This independent release was the beginning of her journey in the music industry, showcasing her talent and passion for integrating her cultural heritage with modern musical elements.

Her most successful album, “This Child,” released in 1995 under EMI Canada, represents a high point in her career. It achieved remarkable success, reaching number 1 on the Canadian Country charts and number 25 on the Canadian charts. The album also received 3x Platinum certification, underscoring its wide appeal and significant impact in the music world. This album helped cement her status as a major figure in the Canadian music scene, blending traditional Inuit music with more mainstream genres to create a unique and resonant sound.

She is a multiple Juno Award winner, including for Best New Solo Artist and Best Music of Aboriginal Canada Recording for “Arctic Rose” in 1995, and Aboriginal Recording for “Big Feeling” in 2004. She was also nominated for the Juno Award for Aboriginal Recording of the Year in 2007 for “Blood Red Earth”

Her latest album, “The Crossing,” released in 2022 with E1 Music, demonstrates her continued relevance and ability to evolve as an artist. This album continues to showcase her distinctive style, blending cultural and contemporary influences. Over the years, from “Dreams for You” to “The Crossing,” Aglukark’s music has consistently reflected her deep connection to her Inuit heritage while also appealing to a broad audience, illustrating her evolution as an artist and her enduring impact on the music industry.

Susan Aglukark, beyond her acclaimed music career, has contributed significantly to various societal and cultural domains, highlighting her multifaceted talent and dedication to important causes. As a strong advocate for indigenous rights and cultural preservation, Aglukark has used her platform to raise awareness about the unique challenges and rich heritage of indigenous communities, particularly those in the Arctic regions.

Her commitment to education and literacy is evident from her role as a founding board member of the National Aboriginal Literacy Foundation, where she served from 2004 to 2007. This role underscores her dedication to enhancing educational opportunities and literacy among Aboriginal communities. Additionally, she has contributed as an advisor on the Collateral Damage Project, further showcasing her commitment to social and educational initiatives.

Aglukark’s influence extends to her performances for notable global figures, including HRH Queen Elizabeth, Canadian Prime Ministers, the President of France, and Nelson Mandela. These performances not only display her musical prowess but also her status as a cultural ambassador, representing her community and heritage on prestigious platforms.

References:

“Susan Aglukark.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 29 Jan. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_Aglukark.

“AGLUKARK: Bio.” Susan Aglukark, 10 May 2022, susanaglukark.com/bio/.

“Susan Aglukark – A Leading Voice in Canadian Music”. First Nations Drum. Archived from the original on 10 January 2008. Retrieved 9 September 2008.

“Aglukark to mentor aboriginal students at University of Alberta”. CBC News. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 3 June 2008. Retrieved 5 November 2017.