Simeonie Keenainak
Inuk accordionist and retired RCMP officer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Simeonie Keenainak (born 1948[1]) is an Inuk accordionist and retired RCMP officer from Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada. He is also a photographer, teacher and hunter.[2] He has performed at the Pangnirtung Music Festival and was featured in regional and national media for his musicianship and cultural community efforts.
Simeonie Keenainak | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1948 (age 77–78) 60 kilometres north of Pangnirtung |
| Known for | Inuit accordion music |
| Spouse |
Daisy Keenainak (m. 1967) |
| Children | 5 (including Ann Martha Keenainak) |
Early life
Career
Keenainak began acting as a guide for the RCMP, and later became a constable.[3] He also performed around the north on the accordion; in 1996 he participated in the CBC's Inuit Button Accordion Festival.[5]
After retiring from the police force, Keenainak worked as a high school shop teacher,[3][6] began teaching traditional skills to young people,[7] and became involved in nature photography.[8] He continued to hunt and to play on the accordion, including a 2012 performance with the National Arts Centre Orchestra.[9]
A 2012 short documentary about Inuit music, Inngiruti – The Thing that Sings!, in which Keenainak performs and is interviewed, was filmed by Nyla Innuksuk through the National Film Board.[10][11]
In 2019 he represented the local hunters' association at hearings about oil and gas development in the arctic.[2]
Personal
Simeonie and Daisy Keenainak have been married since 1967.