‘North of North’ Is Based on Very Real, Very Charming People

The past several years have seen an influx of art made by the indigenous people of North America, who tell stories that both celebrate their rich cultural lineage and depict their lives placed against the backdrop of a modern landscape. North of North, a new comedy series that began streaming on Netflix in April 2025, takes place among the Inuk people in a community called Ice Cove. North of North encompasses many themes of community and self-discovery, and, much like some of the best forms of entertainment, the inspiration that brought the show to life is just as endearing and uplifting.

What Is ‘North of North’ About?

Netflix

North of North follows Siaja (Anne Lembe), a young Inuk woman who lives in the indigenous-populated community of Ice Cove. After separating from her husband and high school sweetheart, Ting (Kelly Williams), Siaja embarks on a journey to find her way in the community and navigate the relationships with the people she lives among and her family. The series embraces the culture of the Inuk people and displays the very personal journey of its female protagonist. Cynics might argue that this story is one that’s all too familiar, with a headstrong woman leaving her partner to follow a path towards self-discovery.

Stories and narratives are always bound to be retold through different means of presentation, particularly through characters and taking place in settings that make them unique. North of North is a shining example of narratives being transposed to new locations with miraculous results. North of North contains a comedic charm that makes it endearing to audiences while celebrating indigenous culture and giving a voice to the Inuit people. Just as remarkable as the show itself are the real-life communities and activities that inspired North of North. One might say that the show is an excellent example of art imitating life.

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The Endearing and Charming Inspiration Behind ‘North of North’

The charming and endearing qualities found in North of North are not just limited to the show, but the community from which the creators took a considerable amount of inspiration. The Inuit creative team who brought North of North to life, Stacey Aglok-MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, live in an arctic community not unlike the fictionalized setting of Ice Cove. The pair made sure to bring many aspects of life in their village to North of North to enhance the show’s authenticity. In a recent interview with Time Magazine, the pair was candid about life in the Arctic.

One of the show’s most surprising moments involved a game of “walrus-dick baseball.” Despite the initial reaction that a game involving baseball with the lower appendage of a walrus might be something crafted by a gifted screenwriter, it’s an actual Arctic occurrence. “It’s our form of baseball, it’s something we grew up playing. Different versions are played in different communities, and the rules are a little different wherever you go. The version you see in the show is a version that’s played in Alaska.” Arnaquq-Baril stated. “Walrus is food for us, and it’s traditional in our culture that any animal you hunt, you’re using it fully, and nothing goes to waste. So we’re not going to waste a good walrus dick.”

Representations of indigenous people have a complicated history in popular culture. Indigenous actors like Adam Beech and Graham Greene have shone in many notable roles on the screen. However, for many years, these same roles were portrayed by non-indigenous actors, ranging from Charles Bronson to Anthony Quinn. Arnaquq-Baril spoke of the show’s portrayal of the Inuit people: “A lot of us have been painted as these disappearing cultures, which is not true at all. And so a lot of Indigenous filmmakers are choosing humor. The vast majority of media about us has been done by others, and we’re breaking away from that tradition.”

Regarding the misconceptions about life in the Arctic and the actual Inuit communities that inhabit the location where North of North takes place, Aglok-McDonald stated that “We are not a cold and desolate place. We are actually really bright, warm, and loving. Our communities are beautiful. We’re not just trying to survive, we’re actually thriving and enjoying our lives up here in the Arctic.”