EDMONTON - Susan Aglukark was recently named a scholar in residence at the University of Alberta.

"I have long had an interest in encouraging my people to advance themselves by pursuing education, particularly post-secondary education," said Aglukark in a prepared release announcing the appointment.

Arviat-born singer Susan Aglukark will be a scholar in residence at the University of Alberta. - photo courtesy of Canadian Aboriginal Festival

"My position with the University of Alberta will give me direct access to the ways and means to continue doing this."

Born in Churchill, Man., but raised in Arviat, Aglukark has made an impressive name for herself in Canadian music. Combining English and Inuktitut in her songs, Aglukark has long celebrated and been a great promoter of her culture.

According to Carl Amrhein, provost and vice president of the University of Alberta, this is something she will pursue while operating as a scholar in residence.

The university's Faculty of Native Studies is where Aglukark's research interests will be focused, but Amrhein believes Aglukark may also become involved with the university's Department of Music.

Amrhein said Aglukark will be focusing her research on literacy, young people and finding a way to encourage young aboriginal and Inuit students to pursue post-secondary education.

"She has given an enormous amount of thought to the issues facing youth in the North," he said, adding the University of Alberta is working with a number of post-secondary institutions across the North toward this end.

The second project Aglukark will pursue will involve working with the First Nations populations in Alberta, the Cree in particular. This initiative will deal with tourism, physical activity and ecology.

"The focus is on environmentally sustainable economic development," said Amrhein, adding that Aglukark will be an adviser on this project.

The University of Alberta's scholar in residence program is fairly new. To date, there are only two other scholars. Anne McLellan, former deputy prime minister, is the Director of the Institute for U.S. Policy Studies, and Shirley McLellan, a former Alberta MLA, is a scholar with the Faculty of Agricultural Life and Environmental Sciences, as well as the School of Business.

"Students naturally gravitate towards these high profile appointments," Amrhein said, adding that as Aglukark will be in residence with the Faculty of Native Studies, she will have office hours, enabling her to interact with students in a mentoring capacity.

"I suspect she'll be invited to guest lecture, which will put her in contact with thousands of students who will have the benefit of her wisdom," he added.

The appointment as scholar in residence comes into effect July 1. According to Amrhein, the contract has been written for three years; however, he said it will likely run for as long as she is interested.

"Our expectation is that she will pursue her research interests, and if she has time, work with students and other professors," said Amrhein, adding this will build upon the research environment around Inuit education.

"I remember clearly her convocation address around the installation of (university chancellor Eric Newell in 2005). I was struck by the powerful example of Susan Aglukark wherever she goes. She's not a very big person, but she has a big presence when she walks into the room.

"Susan has decided to dedicate a great deal of her time to young people in her Northern communities. We are just extraordinarily proud that she has agreed to join us. I think it's great for the students of the University of Alberta."