Canada’s Inuit people was the subject of a presentation at the University of Saskatchewan last night.
Through song, speech and video, Juno award winner Susan Aglukark shared the story and history of her people.
“I always take absolute pleasure in sharing these stories,” Says Aglukark. “I hope you leave this presentation with a clear idea of who the Inuit people are.”
Aglukark’s presentation entitled Nomad, aimed to provide a glimpse into the strength and resilience of the Canadian Inuit people.
The presentation documented the historic journey of the Inuit through their initial travels east on land bridges to North America, settling in the Canadian Arctic, their first contact with European settlers, their experience with residential schools and all the way to their role in contemporary society.
“The unique challenges the Inuit have faced throughout history makes us who we are,” says Aglukark.
Throughout the presentation aAlukark also reflected on her own career and how the history of her people has helped to shape her own path.
The Juno award winner sang several of her award winning songs throughout the night.
“My challenge to you is this, try to get to know the real history of Canada’s Aboriginal people and joining in the process of reconciliation,” says Aglukark. “If your heart opens up and takes it what really happened I think that will be the most important shift in attitude toward Aboriginal people.”
Aglukark is a multiple Juno-Award winning musician, Order of Canada recipient and holds the U of S College of Arts and Science’s Aboriginal Fellowship in Creativity.
Over the past few months she has been teaching a music class at the university.
She says she has enjoyed her time in the province and hopes to return in the future.