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Northern Star Susan Aglukark

Susan Aglukark
University of Alberta, Myer Horowitz Theatre, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. 
Tickets range from $15-$35

I have this image of Susan Aglukark in my mind. It comes from the music video for one of her most popular singles, “Hina Na Ho (Celebration).”  It is the image of the Inuk songstress raising her voice and arms to the heavens and dancing around in, as the song heralds, celebration.

Aglukark has long celebrated her love of the North through music and speaking engagements, and on Feb. 5, the well-known “artist with a conscience” will bring her passion to the University of Alberta.  As part of the festivities surrounding the Canadian Circumpolar Institute’s 50th anniversary, the three-time Juno award winner will be giving a concert open to students and the public.

Enjoying a prolific career and one that is Canadian in its uniqueness, Aglukark is often asked, “What is your most memorable moment?”  Yes, she has six albums under her belt and yes, she’s performed for the Queen but, without a doubt, one experience comes to mind. “Hands down,” she says, “it’s [performing for] Nelson Mandela.”  This honour came to Susan at the height of her popularity and at a time when she was starting to navigate life as a celebrity. Before she took to the stage, Aglukark took advantage of the technical difficulties her crew was experiencing and approached the awe-inspiring man.  “He stood up and took my hand and said, ‘I’m Nelson Mandela,’” she says.  At that moment, Aglukark said she knew, “I don’t have to be anything but what I am.”

As an artist, role model, mentor, keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, Aglukark does some inspiring of her own. Her focus continues to be those native to the North and Aboriginal Peoples from across Canada.  “I know I belong to those people,” Aglukark says with certainty, “[The North is] my real home.”

Aglukark’s stays true to her roots in her upcoming performance.  Proceeds from her concert at the University will go towards establishing the Susan Aglukark Aboriginal Award Fund, a project created in partnership with the Canadian Circumpolar Institute.  Recognizing the many challenges Aboriginal youth face when coming from small towns and reserves, Aglukark sees this award as a way to give students a boost to continue with school.  A Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the University of Alberta, she is well acquainted with the distinct challenges faced by Aboriginal students new to Edmonton, and affordability is only part of the puzzle. “With the hustle and bustle, everything is exciting but we don’t quite belong,” Aglukark says.  She stresses the importance of a transition period so that Aboriginal youth do not find themselves overwhelmed by a new community and lifestyle.  None of these challenges should be a deterrent, however, as Aglukark encourages everyone to go to school.  Her advice to these youth is to find support systems such as the Native Friendship Centre and, above all, “Stay focused on your goal or your dream. That’s the most important thing. You know what you want to do with your life.  Everyone does.”  Aglukark certainly knows what she wants to do with her own life and continues to give Canadians, and the Aboriginal people who are close to her heart, a reason to celebrate.