QAMANITTUAQ/BAKER LAKE - Spoken word artist Shauna Seeteenak uses poetry to deliver a powerful message.

Crowds roared with applause as Baker Lake rapper Shauna Seetenak performed on stage during Iqaluit's Alianait Arts Festival in July. - Daron Letts/NNSL photo. Click here to listen to a song by Shauna.

The 18-year-old Baker Lake rapper wrote her first rhymes at age 13 as a way to deal with the intense and painful struggles that face many young people in the North.

"My biggest inspiration was eminem," she said. "I immersed myself in his songs and started getting into the flow."

She started sharing her raps online on YouTube, Soundclick and Bebo when she was 16. This year she recorded a 10-track demo CD, titled Life's Unfair.

The lyrics admit life is hard while reminding listeners that reaching out to others is the key to surviving hard times. The songs are soulful and passionate.

Seeteenak recently began performing live in English and Inuktitut, first in Baker Lake and then Clyde River. She earned vigorous applause and audience accolades when she rocked the big top tent at Iqaluit's Alianait Arts Festival in July.

"It was fun," she said. "For me to perform it feels like heaven."

During the festival she led a small rap workshop attended by volunteers and other performers. Seeteenak said she looks forward to performing in other Nunavut communities. She encourages other youths to express themselves through words.

"Rap expresses your feelings," she said. "You can rap about anything. It makes you feel good."

Seeteenak's inspiring raps speak of damaged dreams underlaid with a determined spirit of hope and strength.

Seeteenak is returning to Jonah Amitnaaq High School this fall. She plans to pursue technical recording skills after she graduates.

"I'm hoping to get better and start to make my own beats," she said.

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