Since 2006, the JUNO Humanitarian Award has recognized philanthropic efforts from Canadian artists and industry pioneers who have made a meaningful impact on social welfare around the world; and has gone to such legendary artists such as Bruce Cockburn, Neil Young, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Raine Maida, and last year, the Tragically Hip.
Adding to this list of honoured artists in 2022 will be acclaimed Inuk singer-songwriter and three-time JUNO Award winner, Susan Aglukark; who will be honoured during the JUNO Opening Night Awards on May 14.
Born in Arviat, Nunavut, Aglukark became the first-ever JUNO Award-winning Inuk singer-songwriter in 1995, when she took home the awards for Best New Solo Artist and Best Music of Aboriginal Canada Recording for her album Arctic Rose. The following year, she released her second album, This Child, which included “O Siem,” her first Canadian top 10 single. Her 10th full-length album, the Crossing, is set for release on April 29.
“Susan’s unwavering passion and dedication to the Arctic Rose Foundation is truly inspirational,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO of CARAS. “From improving food security to decreasing gaps in education, Susan has dedicated her life to tackling some of the most pressing issues faced by Northern Indigenous communities. We are so delighted to commemorate all of her philanthropic achievements at this year’s JUNOS.”
As the founder and program developer of the Arctic Rose Foundation, Aglukark has promoted emotional and mental wellness among Northern Inuit, First Nations and Metis youth, by connecting them with their culture through intentional and adaptable arts-based programming.
In a statement to the press, Aglukark says “I am proud of the work our team at the Arctic Rose Foundation has achieved so far, and look forward to expanding our footprint across the North to bring more culturally-grounded, adaptable programming to young people and help engage, support and inspire them in all aspects of their lives.”
In addition to the Arctic Rose Foundation, Aglukark also sits on the Board of Directors for the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Foundation and the Hnatyshyn Foundation.
After the 2020 and 2021 festivals and ceremonies were scrapped in the wake of first waves of the global COVID-19 pandemic in favour of virtual presentations, the 2022 JUNO Week will take place from May 9th to May 15th, with the culminating broadcast of the 51st annual JUNO Awards returning to a live setting on May 15th from Toronto’s Budweiser Stage. The 2022 JUNO Awards will broadcast live across Canada at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen, and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos.
For more information and to keep up-to-date with all the 2022 JUNO Awards celebrations, please be sure to visit www.junoawards.ca.