Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak (Inuktitut: ᐊᕐᕚᕐᓗᒃ ᑯᓱᒐᖅ) is a Canadian Inuk storyteller and children's writer, who tells stories about Arctic and Inuit culture.
He was born April 27, 1948, just north of Chesterfield Inlet, at a point of land called Qatiktalik (known as Cape Fullterton in English).
[citation needed] Michael Kusugak grew up living a traditional, nomadic Inuit life with his family.
[3] Ijiraq, Kiviuq, and Siarnaq, moons of Saturn, were named by astronomer John J. Kavelaars after encountering the figures in one of Kusugak's books.
Paaliaq, another moon, was named after one of Kusugak's original characters featured in The Curse Of The Shaman: A Marble Island Story.
[4] Kusugak holds a unique place in Canadian children's literature, speaking from "the in-between of cultures" and finding common ground that relates to the very different parts of Canada.
[5] He is valued not only for the captivating content of his books, but also for his role as one of very few Inuit authors, and his commitment to sharing stories.
[6] Michael Kusugak is known for his power to keep large groups of kids captivated for long periods of time with his stories.
A group of teachers who introduced their classes to Kusugak's books reported that their students were keenly interested in learning more about Canada.
Rich discussions were held in classrooms and the children expressed pride in being part of such a large country with diversity in geography and people.
In his books, many of the heroes are strong female protagonists, girls who get themselves out of tight situations by being clever and resourceful.