John Preston Iharrataitchuq Aglukkaq

John plays guitar in Gjoa Band, a group of six musicians that play fiddle, accordion, vocal and bass instruments and have performed throughout Nunavut over the past decade. He was raised by his grandmother Nilaulaaq, who named him after her father Iharrataitchuq—a master storyteller. John was raised on his grandmother’s stories and she now mentors him in carrying on the oral tradition, to keep the stories alive through new means. He is a traditional Nattilingmiut drummer and passes on the art to his children who have grown up with their great grandmother’s guidance and support. He and his partner Patricia live in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut with their children and extended families.