Susan Aglukark reflected on her 35-year journey in the music industry, emphasizing how it shaped her identity and resilience through life’s challenges. The Inuk singer-songwriter, hailing from Arviat, Nunavut, received recognition at a symposium near Hamilton, where she expressed gratitude for her artistic career, describing it as her life’s calling and daily work.
Hosted by the Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance (IPAA), the event featured Aglukark delivering a keynote address, highlighting the importance of nurturing dreams and maintaining a sense of possibility regardless of one’s background. Notably, Aglukark made history in 1995 by becoming the first Indigenous woman to win a Juno award for Best New Solo Artist and Best Music of Aboriginal Canada Recording with her album “Arctic Rose.”
Recently celebrating the 30th anniversary of her acclaimed album “The Child” with the hit single “O Siem,” Aglukark continues to make waves in the music scene. The upcoming 2026 Juno Awards in Hamilton will further showcase her enduring legacy in Canadian music.
Andres Mendoza, vice president of CARAS/Juno Awards, commended Aglukark’s ongoing influence, emphasizing how her achievements have paved the way for aspiring artists and enriched Canada’s cultural landscape. Artists in attendance shared personal stories of how Aglukark has inspired them, underscoring her role in creating opportunities and safe spaces within the industry.
From Sara Kae, an Ojibway and Cree artist, to Jai King-Green, a Juno nominee, and Logan Staats, a musician from Six Nations of the Grand River, Aglukark’s impact on the Indigenous music community remains profound. As artists reminisce about encountering Aglukark early in their careers, they express gratitude for her mentorship and support, symbolizing a shared journey of growth and collaboration.