The Canadian Federation of University Women Oakville invited Susan Aglukark, Juno award-winning singer/songwriter, to told about her experiences during an “An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories”.
This fundraising raised funds for the CFUW scholarship program, which gives university entrance awards to deserving girls at Oakville public high schools who need some financial help to attend university. Susan used songs and stories to illustrate Inuit history in Canada's north, and explain how the Inuit have dealt with the challenges of rapid climate and cultural changes.
Susan Aglukark is an Inuk musician from Oakville who has captured the hearts of all who hear her. Nationally renown, she has lived through both the best, and the most difficult circumstances, our country has had to offer. She has sung for the Queen, for presidents and has won many awards for her unique way of weaving her stories with her musical ingenuity.
The King’s Christian Collegiate Music Conservatory auditorium was full. CFUW members, their friends and family as well as many members of the community who were interested in the topic, attended - despite the heavy rain and slick driving conditions. Susan was presented with a painted walking stick, created by Adrian Kraayeveld, a CFUW member’s husband. The audience left with greater understanding of what has happened to the indigenous people of Canada and greater hope for our shared future. Susan was very positive and hopeful about moving forward. She is committed to helping indigenous people to both heal and prosper.
In the words of an audience member, Susan Aglukark’s talent and frankness was appreciated: “It was an intimate look at our shameful history regarding our indigenous people. I so admire Susan’s courage in taking on this advocacy and educative role. We are in her debt. Thank you for making this available to Halton residents.” It was a lovely and very successful evening-everyone seemed happy with it all. In the words of another, “Susan is a great and inspiring speaker. Thank you for arranging this super evening.”
“Susan's stories and songs were a wonderful way to tell the story of the Inuit peoples.” Her parents were among some of the last Inuits to live in an Igloo and a tent and so, first hand, Susan wove a tale to us about her intimate knowledge, historical perspective and her own journey as a songwriter and story teller. She also took the opportunity to introduce her new Arctic Rose Foundation, through which Susan supplies Inuit youth with art kits to aid in their healing from abuse or struggles in their isolated communities. For more information you can contact Susan at www.susanaglukark.com or learn more about the Arctic Rose Foundation at www.arcticrose.org. You can contact CFUW Oakville at www.cfuwoakville.ca.