ARTICLE WRITTEN & EDITED BY:
Lee Fenton
‘North of 60’
is a desideratum, when it comes to fictional depictions of what life is like for white and indigenous people residing in the truly remote regions of Canada.
The television series debuted in 1992, created by Barbara Samuels and Wayne Grisby for the CBC; (Canadian Broadcasting Network) it was later syndicated worldwide. The show is based on the fictional town of “Lynx River” – located in the Delcho Region of the Northwest Territories. ‘North of 60’ tackles serious subject matter, as well as the ins-and-outs of everyday life in Lynx River.
The series is the opposite of pretentious; capturing the authenticity of its characters, in a way that only a few daytime dramas manage. Without the use of flashy shooting techniques, or over the top conflicts/villains — this show intrigues because the world is well crafted, beloved by the actors, and all those involved; which is evident from the care put into creating this dramatic enterprise.
Although, ‘North of 60’ seems quiet on the surface – once you become invested in the character development and earnest dialogue, the show is almost as riveting as the best episodes of CSI, Better Call Saul, or the Sopranos.
Was that hyperbole?
Nahhh…
‘North of 60’ is good. It’s really good.
Main Cast:
-Tina Keeper as RCMP Officer Michelle Kenidi.
She is the heart and soul of the series and Tina Keeper gives us many standout moments in the six season run of the show. She is a Cree actress from Canada. (Main Protagonist/Lead)
-J. Oliver as RCMP Officer Eric Olsen, Michelle Kenidi’s Partner. He is separated from his wife, and his family only visits Lynx River on occasion. (Co-lead)
-Tracey Cook as the nurse, and therapist – the only health professional of Lynx River, Sarah Birkett.
-Dakota House as Trevor “Teevee” Tenia, the town hooligan who provides a look into the lives of at-risk teens in rural areas.
-Tom Jackson as Peter Kenidi, the brother to Michelle and the current band chief of Lynx River. His concern is for the community and his family.
-Albert Golo as Gordon Tootoosis, an ex-band chief and bootlegger.
-Andy Olsen as Robbie Bowen, Eric’s teenage son.
In season 2, Andy provides conflict in the form of him acquiring bigoted points of view from his step-father, causing Eric to have to tackle his son’s racist ideas about Indigenous people.
-Lubomir Mykytiuk as Gary Kisilenko, a Canadian-Ukrainian man who owns the local store/motel. His main goal is earning a dollar but he is kind-natured, overall.
-Tina Louise Bomberry as Rosie Deela, server at the motel restaurant and employee of Gerry. Struggles with alcoholism.
To see the full cast of talented actors, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_of_60#List_of_characters
Themes:
‘North of 60’ was evidently written with its themes in mind, providing the much needed cohesion that a show craves, and more often than not – is stubbornly overlooked. The themes of family, community, and cultural integration are not just apparent but make up the under-pinning of the character conflict and drama — that unfolds. In less capable hands, the show would amount to a soap-opera, with some sitcom elements – something akin to ‘Degrassi’, a CW property, or some other YA media.
Instead, we end up with an ultra-compelling drama that will continue to capture hearts and imaginations for generations.
As far as Canadian media goes…
North of 60’ is a breath of fresh (arctic) air.
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Rating:
8.5/10
Eat some bacon and maple doughnuts.
