Features

By Natalie Batkis, APTN Communications Coordinator

Sure, you might know that Indigenous Peoples are resilient, strong and rich in culture. But did you know we’re also really funny? And I’m not talking “kind of funny”— we’re talking laugh-until-your-cheeks-hurt, spit-your-tea-out kind of funny. 

That’s the side of Indigenous life you don’t always see in the media. While heavy topics like residential schools and their painful ripple effects often dominate the conversation, there’s so much more to Indigenous communities — especially the humour that helps them thrive. After all, laughter is what gets you through the tough times, right? 

Well, get ready to see that side in full force with APTN’s latest comedy series, North of North. This project, produced by Red Marrow Media and Northwood Entertainment and co-commissioned with CBC and Netflix, is set to launch on January 7 on APTN with next day streaming available on APTN lumi, and let me tell you — we are buzzing with excitement! 

So, what’s it about? North of North follows Siaja, a young Inuit woman from a tiny Arctic village who’s got her hands full as she tries to carve out her own path in life. She’s got gossiping neighbours, societal expectations weighing her down and, oh yeah, a public exit from her marriage that was not part of the plan. Now, with her daughter in tow, she’s looking for a job, a home and a little bit of space to figure out who she is — and she’s doing it all in a town where everyone knows your business before you do. 

Let’s just say things get messy, hilarious and heartfelt all at once. Siaja stumbles along the way (literally, sometimes — let’s not talk about her burnt bannock), but the series is about more than just finding her feet. It’s about those moments where laughter is the only thing that makes sense, even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. 

The show’s creators, Stacey Aglok MacDonald (Qanurli, The Grizzlies) and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Angry Inuk, The Grizzlies), are pros at bringing out the humour in everyday life. Their stories are always packed with authenticity, and that’s what makes North of North such a gem — it’s real, relatable and full of characters you’ll recognize if you’ve ever been in a small, tight-knit community where gossip piles up faster than snowdrifts. 

And hey, did you know that laughing is actually good for you? No, seriously — science backs it up! Laughter releases endorphins that help reduce stress, anxiety and even stabilize your blood pressure. It’s like a free therapy session, minus the couch. In many Indigenous communities, teasing and laughter are as common as fresh snow, and they’re often used to keep things light — even when life gets tough.  

That’s exactly what North of North brings to the screen: warmth, humour and a sense of togetherness that shines in the harshest environments. Life in the Arctic can be pretty unforgiving, but the people? They’re the opposite. It’s that sense of community that makes you laugh, makes you stay and makes you realize that the North isn’t what defines you — it’s what brings you together. 

So, mark your calendars! North of North is more than just a comedy — it’s a celebration of the humour, resilience and connection that run deep in Indigenous life. And trust us, you’re going to want to tune in. After all, laughter isn’t just good medicine — it’s a way of life!