‘North of North’ blends humor and cultural richness into a new Netflix comedy

It’s so refreshing to see another show featuring characters and co-creators indigenous to the Arctic in Northern Canada.

“North of North,” which premiered April 10 on Netflix, is an eight-episode comedy series that absolutely sparkles with heart and wit, and a resonating, beautiful sense of place.

Set in the fictional community of Ice Cove, Nunavut, the series follows Siaja (Anna Lambe, who carries the weight of the show with ease), a 26-year-old Inuk woman embarking on a journey of self-discovery after a spontaneous — and extremely, embarrassingly public — exit from her marriage. But it won’t be easy in a small Arctic town where everybody knows each other’s business.

Now on her own, she and her young daughter move in with her troubled, now-sober mother (Maika Harper), and we can tell they’ve had a tumultuous past.

Siaja must also now get a job, and she seeks employment at the local community center under the direction of the insufferable, controlling non-Indigenous Helen (Mary Lynn Rajskub, hilarious), who thinks she knows what’s best for the community, even though she has no idea what she’s talking about.

Helen dismisses Siaja at first, but then gives her a chance to be an events planner for the center. Siaja is all too game and organizes everything from elder nights to baseball using walrus parts. She’s also preparing to pitch why the town should be home to a new research center. One of the young visiting researchers, Kuuk (Braeden Clarke), becomes her chess buddy and, of course, sparks fly.

Characters in ‘North of North’ are relatable

Overall, the performances bring depth and authenticity to the characters, making them relatable and engaging.

“North of North” feels like an inside job – and that’s because it is. It was filmed in Nunavut, Canada’s most northern territory, and is located in the Arctic, where Inuit co-creators Stacey Aglok-MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril live. It’s the latest in a trend of comedy shows following the lives of Indigenous characters in present-day settings, like “Reservation Dogs” and “Rutherford Falls.”

It also feels vaguely reminiscent of the early ’90s TV show “Northern Exposure,” not only because it was also set in the Arctic, but also because it didn’t feel the need to over-explain things (and its wry humor is similar in tone, as well). Indigenous culture and everyday life are simply presented as they are.

With its blend of humor, cultural richness, and emotional depth, “North of North” is sweet and charming without being fluff. It also stands out for its unapologetic portrayal of Inuit women’s experiences, challenging stereotypes.

“North of North,” in its about 30-minute episodes, also delves into themes of identity, connection and resilience. It leaves itself open to more seasons. Hopefully, we get to revisit Ice Cove again.

Reach Rod Pocowatchit at rodrick@rawdzilla.com.