Susan Aglukark
FEATURING LOOEE ARREAK
April 7, 2023
7:00 PM Aqsarniit Hotel
Free Concert
A Toonik Tyme Concert presented on behalf of Alianait Arts Festival and Embrace Life Council & NorthwesTel
Susan Aglukark
Susan Aglukark is a Canadian musician who is known for blending Inuit folk music traditions with country and pop songwriting. She is the first Inuk to receive a Juno Award (3). She released her first album, The Arctic Rose, in 1993, followed by six more albums. Her most successful single, "O Siem," reached No. 1 on the Canadian country and adult contemporary charts in 1995.
Aglukark's music reflects her personal journey, cultural reconnections, and healing, and has won her an audience beyond that of most pop artists. Her lyrics deal with subject matter of real depth and humanity, and capture the struggles of Inuit and Indigenous communities. She has been recognized for her contributions to Canadian music and culture, receiving The Order of Canada in 2005 and the Governor General's Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award in 2016. In addition to her musical achievements, Aglukark is dedicated to improving the lives of Inuit youth, women, and culture. She founded and chairs the Arctic Rose Foundation.
Looee Arreak
An award-winning contemporary and gospel singer from Pangnirtung, Looee Arreak lives in Iqaluit and has performed throughout the Arctic and Canada, including at Alianait Festivals since 2016. She performs solo, in duet with James Arreak, or with her band and choir on stages across the Canadian Arctic.
Looee is passionate about Inuit language preservation and creativity, and her songs capture themes of hope, strength, resilience, playfulness, and love of land.