Silakut Concert - Kelly Fraser

Kelly Fraser performs during the Silakut live concert in Igloolik. First broadcast live on August 15, 2019.

Originally from Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, Kelly performed countless concerts across Canada in English and Inuktitut, especially the Arctic (Nunavut and Nunavik), where she was extremely well-known. Seamlessly blending the two languages with her powerful, insightful, and politically-relevant lyrics, her goal was to make the music speak to both Inuit and Qallunaat (“southerners”).

Like many other Inuit, Kelly had been through many personal struggles, ranging from substance abuse, the loss of her father and others to suicide, to name only a few. Kelly used her pain as inspiration to make art that can positively impact other native youths. Seeking to spread her messages of joy, healing, and cultural pride through a blend of traditional Inuit music and modern production, her new album was also influenced by contemporary pop, EDM, and hip-hop.

Besides her busy schedule as a recording and performing artist, Kelly taught songwriting, did motivational speaking, and helped organize Nunavut Hitmakerz, a project which aims to give underprivileged youth opportunities to learn creative expression and technical skills. She was also completing her degree in Native Studies at NVIT in British Columbia, and hoping to become a lawyer through the new Nunavut-based law program. Tragedy struck on December 24th 2019 when it was announced that Kelly had commited suicide after battling bullying and depression.