Music Matters
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark to bring her story of surviving sexual abuse to Alaska

A world-famous singer-songwriter will bring her story as a sexual-abuse survivor to Alaska. 

Originally from Nunavut, Canada, Susan Aglukark infuses pop and country songwriting with Inuit folk music.

She’s also very outspoken about sexual violence. Her own journey began in the early 1990s after the court case with her own abuser ended.

“After the whole case unrolled, I left because I felt like justice hadn't actually been met, and that the system itself really does re-victimize us,” she said.

She says she felt like she had no other choice but to leave her hometown. But that decision eventually lead to her music career.

 “I ended up on this incredible 25-year journey of healing through songwriting, and singing and exploration, and art and everything.” 

Arctic Mission Adventure is sponsoring an event that brings Aglukark to Anchorage. 

“Healing Enough” will begin 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium at University of Alaska Anchorage. 

The faith-based Arctic Mission provides services and support to Alaska’s bush villages.

Development director Tandi Perkins moved to Alaska about six months ago to work for the organization. She says the high rate of sexual abuse she found there surprised her.

“It was really a shock to me,” Perkins said. “I've always known sexual abuse occurs, I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve known somebody who has been sexually abused and it really was heavy on my heart.”

Perkins connected with Aglukark after finding the singer’s version of “Amazing Grace.”

“When we grow up in these environments the more stories that we have and the more we can go back home with these stories the more we give them hope,” Aglukark said. “The more we can change that environment a little bit at a time.” 

You can find out more at arcticmissionadventure.org.