YORKTON - Susan Aglukark is near iconic in terms of Canadian music.
Certainly her blend of Inuit folk music traditions with country and pop songwriting has made her a major recording star in Canada for decades, going back to the release of This Child – still her personal favourite recording.
Aglukark said over the years her music has of course changed, especially from her indie debut effort Arctic Rose in 1992.
“I was so young, not just age wise,” she said, adding there was a “major transition happening” for Inuit people back then, and she “came out of that transition.”
As she learned more of her heritage “the more I grew up . . . The more I fell in love with singing,” offered Aglukark.
In time that helped create This Child and its breakthrough success was driven by iconic songs such as O Siem and Hina Na Ho (Celebration).
Now 30 years after the release of This Child Aglukark is still touring – currently in the midst of taking This Child back on the road for a cross-country tour which stops in Yorkton at the Anne Portnuff Theatre, Monday, March 17.
Aglukark said through the years “some parts of it (the life of a musician) have gotten easier,” citing as an example touring “once you get the hang of it.”
It is part of the business Aglukark said she truly enjoys.
“I love touring . . . performing live . . . playing live with the band,” she said.
But, there are challenges on the road including keeping the body in condition, and finding the balance to write, record and have a life away from the music.
But sharing with the audience always wins out, with Aglukark pleased to share a mix of the familiar with newer songs. She said she feels honoured that she has been given the platform of music to tell stories “about my ancestors.”
“I know what songs are expected,” she said, adding performing O Siem and Hina Na Ho (Celebration) remain a joy because she loves those songs.
And now decades later she still feels “compelled to keep writing and sharing.”
Aglukark said she has been on her own journey to learn of her culture adding, “I share what I learn . . . I am an educator . . . It’s been a really great experience all around.”
