b'TELEVISIONthink all Indigenous stories are the same. But Inuit storytelling has its own rhythm, its own joy. We deserve our own plat-forms, Tulugarjuk states. Storytelling is a responsibility. Our children are watching.LAUGHING, LOVING AND LIVING INUK INNORTH OF NORTHStacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril know what it means to share stories honestly. Born and raised in different parts of Nunavut, they co-created North of North, a Netflix, APTN and CBCAnna Lambe as Siaja in co-production that blends small-townepisode 106 of North of North. Photo courtesy of drama with sharp Inuk humour and theNetflix2025.emotional complexity of intergenerational Inuk relationships. The show follows aabout who we are right now: what wepresence. These elements reflect a young woman in her home communitylaugh about, what we wear, how we love. commitment to joy, intimacy and humour of Ice Cove, Nunavut, who is learning tothat is so often excluded from depictions prioritize her own dreams and desires. The creators werent afraid to pushof Indigenous life. By including the boundaries, including insisting on gentleordinary and the outrageous, the sensual We wrote what we knew, saysIndigenous men, empowered sex scenesand the silly, MacDonald and Arnaquq-MacDonald. Not what we thought peopleand a vibrant celebration of Inuit fashion.Baril widen the frame of what it means wanted to seewhat we actually live. WeWe wanted earrings, Arnaquq-Barilto live and love as Inuit women. Its a leaned into the weirdness, the awkward- laughs. Big, bold, beautiful earrings onportrait painted in full colour: one that ness, the parts of our lives we dont usuallyscreen. And we wanted crushes, killer see reflected back to us. Indigenous music, the kind of fun ourhonours the past but doesnt linger in aunties have, not just survival stories. it, critiques colonial influence in favour Weve had so many stories told aboutof rematriation practices and celebrates us, usually focused on trauma or history,This attention to detail isnt just aboutthe full, complicated humanity of Inuit Arnaquq-Baril adds. But this show isaesthetics; its also a declaration ofpeoples today.Cheyenne VandermeerThe First Gaakinawataagizod of Treaty #3Cheyenne Vandermeer of CouchichingBeyond healthcare, she is committed to First Nation made history as the firstmentorship, education, and cultural revitalization. Gaakinawataagizod, Deputy Grand Chief ofAs a former Couchiching First Nation Councillor Treaty #3, selected through the Traditionaland Board Chair of GiishkaandagoIkwe Health Selection process at Manitou MoundsServices, she has represented her community at Roundhouse on May 7, 2024. This role wasGrand Council Treaty #3 and Assembly of First created to assist the Ogichidaa in managingNations assemblies. Honouring her grandparents Treaty #3 leaderships growing responsibilities,resilience as residential school survivors, she ensuring effective representationhopes to inspire future generations.across organizations and events. The Gaakinawataagizod serves at the discretionAs Gaakinawataagizod, Cheyenne is dedicated of the Ogichidaa/kwe, preserving unity andto strengthening Treaty #3 by fostering authority within the nation. collaboration, advocating for equitable support systems, and upholding Anishinaabe values. Her A dedicated healthcare professional, Cheyenneappointment marks a new chapter in Treaty #3 holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing fromgovernance, ensuring a future rooted in tradition, Lakehead University and a Master of Nursingleadership, and meaningful change.and Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner certificate from Queens University. She has served First Nations through Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre, GiishkaandagoIkwe Health Services, and Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre, improving healthcare access and supporting Indigenous professionals.Ontario Native Womens Association13'