TOOTOO is the extraordinary true story of Jordin John Kudluk Tootoo, an athlete whose journey transcends hockey and speaks to resilience, cultural identity, and the power of redemption.
Of Inuit and Ukrainian descent, Tootoo was raised in the small Arctic town of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, where life revolved around family, tradition, and survival in one of the harshest climates on earth. His childhood was marked by the beauty of Inuit culture but also by the hidden scars of trauma and abuse. Against these odds, Tootoo’s talent and determination carried him into the national spotlight, making history as the first Inuk and the first player raised in Nunavut to play for Team Canada and in the NHL.
Once in the league, Tootoo quickly earned a reputation as one of hockey’s most fearless competitors, a relentless agitator who delivered crushing hits and played with unmatched intensity. But away from the rink, he struggled with alcohol addiction and the lingering effects of his past. At the height of his career, he voluntarily entered the NHL’s Substance Abuse Program. It was a decision that nearly ended his time in the league but ultimately saved his life.
Re-emerging with a renewed sense of purpose, Tootoo embraced his platform as more than just an athlete. Today, he is celebrated not only for his trailblazing career but also for his impact off the ice. Through mental health advocacy, suicide prevention initiatives, and tireless outreach to Indigenous communities, Tootoo has transformed his personal challenges into a source of hope and inspiration.
TOOTOO is a documentary that goes beyond sports. It is about a man who faced overwhelming adversity, came close to catastrophe, and rebuilt himself to become something greater. It is the story of a true hero’s journey — from a remote Arctic community to the world’s biggest hockey arenas, and finally, to the hearts of those he continues to inspire.

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