Northern roots, Digital routes: Meet Inuk talent David Aglukark

Hailing from Nunavut, David seamlessly melds tradition with modern innovation. He is making a significant mark as the featured artist for our 2024 Northwestel Reconciliation Progress Report, creating artwork that intertwines Inuit heritage and contemporary telecommunications.

Growing up with a father in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) meant frequent relocations from Nova Scotia to Ottawa before finally returning home to Nunavut in eighth grade. Initially passionate about engineering, David’s early years included active participation in robotics clubs, and he planned to attend Ryerson University in Toronto. However, his path took a pivotal turn in high school when he enrolled in a groundbreaking media foundations class. Discovering film and photography introduced David to multimedia design, a transformative moment. 

Encouraged by this newfound passion, he represented Skills Nunavut at Skills Canada National Competition in Edmonton for Video Production. “Skills clubs helped me find my career; they’re stepping stones, helping youth build lifelong skills,” David shares. He then pursued studies in Multimedia at Humber College and Interactive Media Design at Algonquin College, fully embracing digital storytelling.

In 2022, David earned a bronze medal at the Skills Canada National Competition in Web Technology, highlighting Nunavut’s critical need for modern, accessible websites. He passionately believes technology can amplify Inuit voices and bridge community gaps. “Digitizing traditional art helps amplify our voices and culture,” David emphasizes, noting that effective web design ensures dignity, accessibility, and cultural preservation.

Art that embraces heritage

David’s digital art reflects a deep respect for Inuit culture. One notable project involved creating artwork for Nunavut’s first long-term care home in Rankin Inlet when he first began working with Outcrop Communications. His design, a snowdrift backed by a sun dog, was inspired by traditional Inuit imagery, crafted with soft pastels in a distinctive paper-like style. Witnessing his artwork displayed at the facility’s opening deeply moved David, strengthening his dedication to culturally meaningful design. He describes this experience as a timeless tribute that will continue comforting and inspiring generations.

For our 2024 Northwestel Reconciliation Progress Report, David created five compelling artworks that thoughtfully blend Inuit traditions with telecommunications themes. Each illustration represents one of our four key reconciliation commitments outlined in the report, with a fifth reflecting David’s personal artistic vision.

“In one piece, two hands extend towards each other, connecting at the body of a kakivak (a traditional Inuit fishing spear), symbolizing bonds forged through traditional values,” David explains. Delicate motifs and vibrant elements from the images are woven into various sections, creating a cohesive narrative that ties together the themes of this report. “Digitizing traditional art helps share it broadly; it’s about making Inuit art accessible, amplifying our voices and culture,” he adds.

Vision and home

David envisions future projects merging robotics, graphic design or technology in general, and Inuit traditions, including interactive exhibits featuring moving elements and immersive projections, allowing audiences to deeply appreciate traditional Inuit techniques. He also recognizes powerful storytelling potential through video documentaries to combat cultural erosion by emotionally engaging viewers and inspiring change.

David advises Inuit youth, “Use technology’s tools but protect our way of life, culture, and history. In 20 years, I hope we have advanced tech but remain deeply connected to our heritage.”

Despite opportunities in southern cities, David remains anchored in Nunavut. “Iqaluit is home,” he says, cherishing the tight-knit community and familiar landscapes. While many peers pursued urban lifestyles, he chose the comforting embrace of northern skies. His family’s cabin provides special moments for fishing and hunting; activities that allow him to reconnect and reset. Yet he eagerly mentions the Yukon, the last region of Canada he has yet to explore: “I need to visit the Yukon at some point. It’s a bit difficult, but hopefully someday.”

Currently, David’s determination extends beyond art; he's representing Nunavut at the 2025 Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championship in Summerside PEI, bringing the same resilience he exhibits in creative pursuits onto the ice.

David’s journey beautifully illustrates how innovation, cultural pride, and determination can shape a vibrant, connected future for Northern communities.