InternationalIndigenousSpeakers Bureau

Susan Aglukark is one of Canada’s most unique and honored artists. Her multiple award winning music has universal and timeless appeal. She was the first Inuit artist to have a top 40 hit. An Inuk from Arviat, Nunavut, Susan has been walking between two worlds, sharing her heart, music, and insight with the world.

Combining her music with her stories, Susan blends her singing with her messages of hope and the history on her people, the Inuit of Arctic Canada. She weaves words and music into hopes and ideas for a better, hopeful, thriving future for the aboriginal people. Susan sings and speaks about her culture and also about many other social issues.

A rare and exotic presence in the mainstream music world—an Inuk woman, a modern woman, a strong woman with something important to say is sometimes very rare in the entertainment industry --- Susan embodied pure, graceful honesty and strength. As her songs climbed the charts, her stories and her candor about the struggles of the Inuit and Aboriginal communities, and her bravery as she opened up about her own emotions and struggle won her an audience beyond that of most pop artists. “The songs are driven by the stories. It’s all about the stories.”  Her songs and stories are about the people she knew growing up in the North.  They represent both traditional and non-traditional Inuit experiences.

As much as she writes and sings about her people, the songs Susan Aglukark creates have something in them that speaks to all of us, whether it’s the longing of a woman growing old for the traditional life that she was taken away from, (“Bridge of Dreams”) to an gentle anthem for peace and tolerance, (“O Siem”—joy in community), Aglukark’s artistic vision is ultimately a universal one. 

“Susan Aglukark is truly of Canada’s most significant cultural treasures. Apart from being a beautiful singer and powerful songwriter, she provides a significant view to the culture of our northern communities. She is an inspiration to humanity.” -Deane Cameron

Dr. Susan Aglukark has a unique combination of musical artistry, intellect, style, grace, and inspiration.  She is highly honoured, successful, and driven to bring change into the lives of her people and the world.  Susan has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of a future generation. One such effort was to create programs to help aboriginal students stay in school and get a good education.  Since the work with the University of Alberta was taking her away from her real passion, music, Aglukark made a decision to turn all of her energy back to her artistry and sharing of her stories.

Since that turning point, Susan has put together a new album, White Sahara.  This followed up from the 2005’s Blood Red Earth. White Sahara is a mix of classic hits along with new songs. Susan continues to explore her creative song writing and performing gifts as a way to express her passion.  Not only does she share her experiences, her insight and wisdom born out of a mutual experience of struggle, but she shares a vision for a better future.