The Arctic Rose shares songs and stories of a northern Christmas
GUELPH, ON November 5, 2026 — Peace, calm, and awe — this triad of feelings is described by the Inuktitut word “upinnaq.” It is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and take in the sounds and stories of Canada’s Arctic Rose. Welcome December in harmony with Susan Aglukark’s Upinnaq: ᐅᐱᓐᓇᖅ A Beautiful Christmas on Wednesday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m., on River Run Centre’s Main Stage.
Aglukark has a distinguished place in mainstream music as a modern Inuk woman with a strong voice. She embodies grace and honesty which is reflected in her music and overall presence. Blending Inuktitut and English with contemporary pop arrangements, she uses her music to tell the stories of Indigenous people and humanity in general.
Upinnaq: ᐅᐱᓐᓇᖅ A Beautiful Christmas is filled with festive songs, stories, and memories of Christmas in Nunavut. Sung in both of her native languages, Aglukark performs her favourite classics, like “Silent Night,” “Little Toy Trains,” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Through these familiar melodies, Aglukark’s pure, clear voice delivers themes of hope. She sees Christmas as a time when people can embrace the concept of upinnaq — the combined feelings of peace, calm, and awe — as a day of connection and collective honouring, celebrating something special together.
The CBC reports that “Susan Aglukark knows the healing power of the arts,” a phrase reflecting her ubiquitous reputation as a humanitarian. She is widely praised for writing songs about Canada’s Inuit, as well as her advocacy for northern communities, compassionate acts which earned her a place as an Officer of the Order of Canada.
In 2016, Aglukark received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. A few years later, in 2022, she won the Juno’s Humanitarian Award, making her a four-time Juno winner almost three decades after becoming the first Inuk artist to win a Juno in 1995.
For this performance, Susan Aglulark will be joined by the GCVI Chamber Choir and members of the Guelph Chamber Choir.
This show is supported by Series Sponsor Miijidaa Café + Bistro as part of the Miijidaa Music Series which features award-winning Indigenous artists like Aglukark for a transformative encounter with Indigenous art and culture. Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth also helps to make this show possible, along with the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Canada.
Tickets are $49 for adults, $47 for those over 60, and $29 for those under 30, with Sliding Scale options of $20 and $10. Or Subscribe & Save 20% when you buy tickets to four or more shows. For more information or to purchase, call 519-763-3000, visit River Run’s Box Office at 35 Woolwich Street in Guelph, or purchase tickets online.
FOR INFORMATION
Kasia Rusiniak | Program Manager, Development and Marketing
River Run Centre
City of Guelph
519-837-5662 ext. 2589
[email protected]