Parkland Valley District Spotlight

Celebrating Community Successes

Date: April, 2025

Issue: 1

A Concert of Connection - Community Comes Together for Susan Aglukark in Yorkton!

Photo Credit: Yorkton Arts Council Facebook

On March 17, the Anne Portnuff Theatre in Yorkton was transformed, not just into a concert venue, but into a space for shared stories, song, and something that felt truly special. As part of the Yorkton Arts Council's YAC Presents... series, Susan Aglukark took stage with a powerful message of healing and hope, but she didn't stand alone. Joining her were 80 local singers from the Yorkton Community Choir, Sacred Heart School Choir, and the Distant Thunder Juniors from Dr. Brass School.

Photo Credit: Yorkton Arts Council Facebook

What unfolded that evening was more that just music, it was an intergenerational, cross-cultural experience that highlighted the Yorkton Arts Council's commitment to community engagement and Indigenous-led programming.

"This was one of the most beautiful, uplifting, and inspiring events we've hosted," said the Arts Council. "It was more than a concert, it was a full-on celebration of inclusivity and community spirit."

At the heart of the event was connection. Through weeks of rehearsals and behind-the-scenes collaboration, a diverse group of performers, from elementary students to seniors, came together to create something larger than themselves. For some families, it was deeply personal. One grandmother and granddaughter from Yorkton Community Choir were brought to tears as they lived out a dream of performing together on a real stage, in a packed theatre.

That emotional impact carried through the audience, too. "People came up to us in tears," the Council shared. "Some said the songs helped them reflect on important moments in their own lives. Others said they felt a deep sense of peace. The word we kept hearing was connection."

Photo Credit: Yorkton Arts Council Facebook

The Distant Thunder Juniors were a highlight of the night. Though they'd been preparing to join Susan on a few songs, the crowd was treated to something extra special when the group was invited to perform a song of their own, a powerful victory song that brought the audience to its feet. "The kids were so proud. You could feel it in the room," the Council said. "The applause was thunderous."

For many youth involved, this was their first time performing in a professional theatre setting, and the impact was clear. "It's so important to give young people experiences like this," said the Yorkton Arts Council. "It builds confidence, helps them feel seen, and shows them what's possible."

Photo Credit: Yorkton Arts Council Facebook

Aglukark, known for her unique blend of Inuit folk, country, and pop influences, rose to national fame in the '90s with the album This Child. Her music has continued to inspire for over three decades, and her visit to Yorkton was no exception.

Behind the scenes, weeks of preparation went into making the concert happen, from coordinating rehearsals to bringing together groups from different schools and the community. But for the Yorkton Arts Council, it was all worth it.

"We saw kids find their voice. We saw families perform together. We saw the entire community rise to the occasion."

It was a night to remember and a shining example of what happens when a community comes together around music, storytelling, and shared purpose. The Yorkton Arts Council helped create a moment that wasn't just memorable but meaningful.

Parkland Valley Sport Culture and Recreation District is a non profit voluntary organization working with communities building capacity and creating a strong network of support through sport, culture, and recreation.

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