reviewvancouver: Piqsiq-Susan Aglukark

On April 12, the Chan Shun Concert Hall stage became a vivid portal to the High Arctic. The evening, a dedicated celebration of Indigenous voices, opened with PIQSIQ, the Juno-nominated duo of sisters Tiffany Ayalik and Kayley Inuksuk Mackay. Their mastery of katajjaq (Inuit throat singing) combined with loop pedals created a visceral atmosphere that felt like "wind on clear Arctic ice." Between their haunting improvisations and songs about mythology, the sisters shared traditional wisdom of the North.

While the performance was transporting, the hall’s atmosphere was a bit of a mixed bag; because the venue allows lobby snacks inside, the ethereal music sometimes had to compete with the crinkle of plastic bags and the smell of inexpensive wine. Between those sensory distractions and being a bit crowded by neighbors in bulky outer jackets, the intermission felt like a welcome opportunity to step outside.

The second half brought a change in energy as Nunavut artist Susan Aglukark took the stage, supported by her four-piece band - Shawn, Steph, Eric, and Eric. A quick move to a different seating area provided a fresh perspective, allowing Aglukark's clear, melodic vocals and the band's tight accompaniment to truly take centre stage. Celebrating over 35 years as an artist, Aglukark’s set was a masterclass in narrative songwriting. She walked the audience through her personal history, from her 1993 breakout "This Child" to tracks from her latest album, The Crossing.

Aglukark’s stories were as moving as her music, particularly when discussing the "Eskimo Disc" system and the importance of reclaiming one's identity through art. She explained how her ancestors were the "original discoverers" and how songwriting allowed her to explore the spaces where history and personal discovery meet. By the time she and her band performed the iconic "O Siem," the evening had turned into a collective moment of healing and respect. Even with the ambient distractions of a Friday night crowd, the sheer artistry of Aglukark, her musicians, and PIQSIQ offered a profound, unforgettable immersion into Inuit culture.