Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, September 12, 2007

ARVIAT - The billboard proclaiming Arviat as the home of international recording star Susan Aglukark was finally unveiled in her hometown this past month.

The billboard had been in the planning stages for the past few years.

Susan's father, David Aglukark, said the unveiling was a very proud day for the entire family.

He said the unveiling made for a wonderful and exciting day for both the Aglukark family and the community of Arviat.

"It was very special to have Susan home for a week on vacation when the billboard was unveiled," said David.

"My wife, Dorothy, and I were so happy the hamlet was able to work things out so Susan could be here when the billboard was presented to the community."

David said Susan was very proud and happy during the unveiling, which was a night the family will remember for the rest of their lives.

He said the family was also quite happy to see how proud of the billboard members of the community were, and how much they admire Susan and her music.

"Susan always says she's from Arviat when she performs across Canada and abroad.

"She's brought our community to the rest of Canada and the people here have noticed that."

David said in many ways, Susan has done for Arviat what Jordin Tootoo has done for Rankin Inlet.

He said the attention Susan and Tootoo have brought to Nunavut has been wonderful for the territory.

"We, as parents, are very pleased to see what Susan and Jordin (Tootoo) have done for Nunavut.

"What's even more important is for Nunavut youth to realize if Susan and Jordin can accomplish what they have, then it's possible for any young person here to reach their goal.

"That's the message we hope they get from Susan and Jordin's success, that they can do it, too."

Susan is immensely popular with Arviat youth.

David said kids all over Canada like to be around her as much as they can when she performs in their town.

He said Susan has a broad appeal, reaching from young children to teenagers and adults.

"When Susan comes home, she always says she's here for a holiday.

"But when she goes out for a walk, the children are all around her.

"She likes being with them and that's good because she's caught by them no matter where she goes.

"She can be at the Northern store, a church service on Sunday morning or just out visiting - wherever she might be - kids notice right away, gather together and, the next thing you know, she's surrounded by them."