CELEBRITY SESQUATCH #6: SUSAN AGLUKARK
This week’s Celebrity SESQUATCH is one of Canada’s most decorated singer-songwriters, an and Officer of the Order of Canada, Susan Aglukark!
Singer / songwriter Susan Aglukark is one of Canada’s most unique artists and a leading voice in Canadian music. She blends the Inuktitut and English languages with contemporary pop music arrangements to tell the stories of her people, the Inuit of Arctic Canada. The emotional depth and honesty of her lyrics; her pure, clear voice and themes of hope, spirit and encouragement have captivated and inspired listeners from all walks of life. Susan has held command performances for HRH Queen Elizabeth (twice), Canadian Prime Ministers Jean Chretien and Brian Mulroney and the President of France, Jacques Chirac. She has performed for Nelson Mandela and Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson as well as several other dignitaries. Susan was invited into the Order of Canada and was presented her Officer of the Order of Canada award in September of 2005 for her contribution both musically and as a workshop facilitator and mentor in the aboriginal community and was awarded the Governor Generals Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award in June of 2016.
Awards include: 3 Juno Awards presented by the Canadian Association of Recording Arts & Sciences; the first-ever Aboriginal Achievement Award in Arts & Entertainment, and the Canadian Country Music Association’s Vista Rising Star Award, along with several other CCMA nominations. Susan has honorary doctorates of Law from the University of Alberta where she also worked for three years as Distinguished Scholar in residence. Susan also received an honorary law degree from Calgary University, an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the Lethbridge University, and a Doctor of Letters from the Laurentian University.
Susan recently attained charitable status and is founder and chair of the Arctic Rose Foundation and is currently working on a new album.
Here’s how Susan Aglukark answered our questions.
Where is home to you?
Nunavut.
Where were you born?
Ft. Churchill, Manitoba.
Which season do you like best?
Spring/Fall.
What’s your idea of a good time?
Ice fishing in the Arctic.
What’s your favourite food?
Quaq (frozen, raw caribou).
Is your glass half full, or half empty?
Half full. (I drink a full cup of coffee from a coffee cup)
How do you celebrate Canada Day?
Usually I am entertaining.
How do you say, “Welcome” in your first language?
Welcome is implied with Hello which in Inuktitut is qanuipit or tungasugit.
What are you most known for?
Singing/songwriting.