'A territorial treasure': Legendary Inuk singer Charlie Panigoniak has died

Legendary singer-songwriter CharliePanigoniak has died.

Panigoniak, who was born near Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut,was a household name in the territory, with many considering him the father of Inuktitut music.

Hehad been in poor health, battling Parkinson's disease for many years, and had been living in Ottawa at the Embassy West Senior Living home.

Panigoniakwas also a longtime broadcaster at CBC.

Before he died, his daughter CharlenePanigoniak brought him from the senior living home in Ottawa back to Nunavut. On the trip they stopped in Iqaluitbecause Panigoniak wanted to go to CBC.

"He hugged everybody there while we were there to visit."

In 2016, the community of Arviat held a benefit concert for Panigoniak. The tribute concert was a fundraiser to help with medical costs, but also a chance for him to take the stage for one of the last times.

Also that year,Panigoniakwas awarded theNunavutCommissioner's Performing Arts Award. He won a cash prize as well as the commissioner's medallion. According to theNunavutCommissioner's press release, in the 70s and 80sPanigoniakwas one of the first to write, perform and record music inInuktitut.

"CharliePanigoniakis a territorial treasure," said commissionerNellieKusugakat the time. "His songs are full of joy and humour, and capture the very essence of community life in Nunavut."

Guitar picks in lieu of flowers

Well-known InuksingerSusan Aglukark remembers getting on stage with Panigoniak.

"As soon as you got on stage you knew you were OK, because Charlie had your back," said Aglukark. "I don't remember a single moment when he was unhappy or negative."

She said Panigoniak was "proof that growing up in a small, isolated community doesn't and shouldn't hold us back from pursuing our talents and our passions and our desires."

Nunavut Premier Joe Savikataaq issued a statement remembering Panigoniak.

"Charlie's legacy across Nunavut is one of great joy, good humour and inspiring others," wrote Savikataaq. He said Panigoniak's music is "beloved and treasured" in Nunavut communities.

His wife and musical partner since the late1970s, Lorna Panigoniak, called it an emotional night.

"To have Charlie play his possible last concert at home was very touching, there was a lot of crying," she said at the time.

Panigoniakappeared at music festivals both north and south, on CBC Radio, APTN, Inuit Broadcasting Corporationand at a number of televised CBC True North Concerts.He was a featured performer at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami's 30thanniversary in 2001 and at the Nunavut Day celebrations in 1999.

Panigoniakwas named to the Order of Nunavut in 2012. The distinguished award honours people who have made an outstanding contribution to the cultural, social or economic well-being of the territory.

Panigoniak's funeral is being held at the Roman Catholic Church at 2 p.m. on Friday in RankinInlet. Instead of flowers, he requested people bring guitar picks.

WatchCharliePanigoniakperform at a True North Concert in 1995