A new documentary is sharing the remarkable journey of NHL legend Jordin Tootoo. From his incredible career on the ice to his struggle and triumph over addiction to his continued advocacy for mental health and Indigenous youth, Tootoo: The Jordin Tootoo Story is a must-see celebration of a true hockey hero.

Jordin made history as the first Inuk player to be drafted by the NHL. Over his 13-year career, he played for the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Chicago Blackhawks, banking 161 points, including 65 goals, in 723 career games. While it seemed as though nothing could stop Jordin on the ice, his personal life was plagued by hardship and heartbreak. Just prior to his first shift for the Predators, Jordin learned that his brother died by suicide.

Though he played through it, Jordin suffered from many of the same problems that have plagued his brother and so many people from his community. In 2010, he checked himself into rehab for alcohol addiction. To some, it may have seemed as though a promising career had come to an end too soon, but that’s not the way Jordin saw it.

Jordin has since become a vocal mental health advocate dedicated to giving back to his communities. He founded the Team Tootoo Foundation in honour of his late brother Terence, to provide grants to various charities for suicide prevention and at-risk youth. In 2016, Jordin was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal through the Order of Canada in recognition of his work.

Sharing the Story of an NHL Legend

Produced by Adam Scorgie and directed by Michael Hamilton, Tootoo: The Jordin Tootoo Story is a compelling documentary that gives an in-depth look at one of hockey’s most iconic figures. They not only celebrate his incredible NHL career but share Jordin’s story off the ice. The documentary crew journeyed with Jordin to his childhood home in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, immersing themselves in the community to better understand and represent Jordin’s and his family’s story.

Ahead of the documentary’s red-carpet premiere at Roger’s Place in Edmonton in October, Jordin spoke with CTV News to talk about his experience with the documentary and what he’s hoping to achieve by sharing his story in this medium.

This interview has been edited for clarity.

CTV News: You said that you really wanted the crew to experience the traditional life [in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut]. Tell me a little bit about why that was so important.

Jordin Tootoo: Well, we can share all the stories and experiences we want as community members to the outside world verbally, but to really grasp the lifestyle, you have to be present in those situations. In order for Adam and the crew to really experience the way of life, you have to live it. I remember when I was writing my first book with Mr. Steven Brunt, I said I could share all the stories I want, but to really put the dots together, you have to see it with your own eyes.

I feel that with my documentary, it’s not just about me. It’s for our people; it’s for my family members to really find that confidence in themselves to open up, to be honest, and to share their life experiences without judgment. We all know, as Indigenous people, when we walk into a public space, our guards are up, because of stereotypes and all that.

So, for me, it’s been a process; a healing process. You know, I no longer carry that shame or guilt from the past. Today’s a new day. I want to be better than I was yesterday, and to show our people that it doesn’t matter where you come from, whether you’re successful or not.

You know, we all fight a fight no one knows about, and until you’re comfortable and content in your own skin, your lived experiences are going to weigh down on you. And I know for a fact, this process has really helped the Tootoo family — my relatives — be content and be okay with sharing their experiences.

CTV News: You’ve been really open about your recovery and your addiction. Was that hard for you, to open up, at first? And how do you feel about it now, with the film?

JT: It was really hard because I grew up in a home where there was a lot of silence. And I know for a fact, almost every Indigenous person out there can relate. You know, we never talked about, how your day was or what was going on. It was, basically: ‘less is more.’ The less you say, the better.

I found that really hard in adulthood, too. To carry that weight. And so, when I was writing my first book, it took probably a year for me to really open up, because I was guarded; I protected my family.

I didn’t write my books and [do] this documentary to expose my family. I did it to help us heal, and to move forward, and to come to realizations that you were not the only ones that have lived traumatic lives. We’re only one family, and me being in the public eye has really opened those doors to show other people that: ‘Hey, although he’s successful in his profession, we all fight a fight no one knows about.’

When I sobered up in 2010, it took probably two years for me to really be comfortable and content, and in verbalizing my experiences. My relationship today is better than it’s ever been with my mom and dad, and I’m truly grateful for all the processes that I’ve gone through in writing my books and doing this documentary.

CTV News: What does it mean for you to share your story in this manner? In the film?

JT: For me personally, [it] shows me how courageous my family is. And this whole process has really brought us closer together, as a family.

Yes, there were a lot of tense moments, but we’ve also learned how to communicate and walk through experiences verbally, rather than the silent treatment or [by] disappear[ing] for a couple of days until things settle down. This whole process has allowed my family to be okay with not being okay. Far too often, we as Indigenous people judge our own, you know, immediately, rather than taking a few steps back and asking yourself, ‘what’s their story?’

Watch Jordin’s interview with CTV News below:

Another red-carpet premiere for Tootoo: The Jordin Tootoo Story is planned for Spring 2025 in Jordin’s hometown, Rankin Inlet. After the films limited theatrical release, it will be available for streaming on most service providers including Amazon and Apple TV.

Hire Jordin Tootoo to Speak at Your Event

The bestselling author of All the Way: My Life on Ice and Mind Over Matter: Hard-Won Battles on the Road to Hope, Jordin’s intimate keynotes offer a moving and timely discussion of grit and resilience, goal setting, and overcoming adversity.

Contact us to learn more about Jordin and what he can bring to your next event as an in-demand keynote speaker who exemplifies what real teamwork looks like at home, at work, and within our communities.