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[eliyes]

So, there's a lot of Canadian musicians who don't get much exposure outside the country.

Let me introduce you to one. Susan Aglukark -- her website is here, and here's a little excerpt from her bio:

Singer / songwriter Susan Aglukark is one of Canada's most unique artists and a leading voice in Canadian music. She blends the Inuktitut and English languages with contemporary pop music arrangements to tell the stories of her people, the Inuit of Arctic Canada. The emotional depth and honesty of her lyrics; her pure, clear voice and themes of hope, spirit and encouragement have captivated and inspired listeners from all walks of life.

Susan's genuine concern for others combined with her political & social awareness lead many to view her as a role model. She is also rapidly becoming known as an uplifting motivational speaker, able to reach both youth and adult audiences alike.

You can listen to some of her music on the website, or even on her Myspace page thing.

Susan has a sweet, often fairly mellow, sometimes haunting voice. The first album of hers I got was This Child, back in '95. One of the tracks available for listening on her site is O Siem, which is one of my favourite songs. (I looked on YouTube and imeem for a clip from the video, just because it was really cool with the drummers beating on a wall of ice from either side and the flaming brazers, but alas, it's not there.) I reccommend giving it a listen.

Here are the lyrics:


O Siem, we are all family
O Siem, we're all the same
O Siem, the fires of freedom
Dance in the burning flame

Siem o siyaya, all people rich and poor
Siem o siyaya, those who do and do not know
Siem o siyaya, take the hand of one close by
Siem o siyaya, of those who know because they try
And watch the walls come tumbling down

O Siem, we are all family
O Siem, we're all the same
O Siem, the fires of freedom
Dance in the burning flame

Siem o siyaya, all people of the world
Siem o siyaya, it's time to make the turn
Siem o siyaya, a chance to share your heart
Siem o siyaya, to make a brand new start
And watch the walls come tumbling down

O Siem, we are all family
O Siem, we're all the same
O Siem, the fires of freedom
Dance in the burning flame

Fires burn in silence
Hearts in anger bleed
The wheel of change is turning
For the ones who truly need
To see the walls come tumbling down

O Siem, we are all family
O Siem, we're all the same
O Siem, the fires of freedom
Dance in the burning flame

O Siem, we are all family
O Siem, we're all the same
O Siem, the fires of freedom
Dance in the burning flame

(repeat and fade)

o/`