Stacey Aglok Macdonald & Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Filmmakers): Reclaiming the Arctic Narrative

What does it mean to create something grounded in community, but built to reach the world? In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril—the visionary creators and showrunners behind North of North, the first-ever Inuit-led scripted drama produced by CBC and APTN and getting ready for its global Netflix debut.

Set against the vast and icy landscape of the Arctic, North of North radiates warmth through its humor, its characters, and its unapologetic point of view—it’s a cultural response to a much bigger conversation. As governments and industries set their sights on Arctic development, North of North reminds us that the people who have always called the North home must have a seat at the table—and a voice in the narrative.

In a world where media often gets Indigenous stories wrong, Stacey and Alethea are leading a new wave of filmmaking: deeply rooted in Inuit identity, brimming with universal themes, and ready to be embraced on the world stage. This is a conversation about storytelling as resistance, the power of laughter in the face of hardship, and why the future of cinema might just be found in the farthest corners of the North.

Episode Highlights & Takeaways:

• Why “North of North” had to be shot in Nunavut—and how the land became a character in itself.

• Balancing local authenticity with global resonance: telling stories for Inuit communities and the world.

• The warmth of the Arctic: reframing stereotypes about northern life through humor, fashion, and human connection.

• Reclaiming Arctic narratives: how the show mirrors real-life debates around land use, research, and Indigenous sovereignty.

• The future of Indigenous-led film: breaking through systemic barriers and carving out new creative pathways.

• Comedy as a cultural tool: how laughter helps unpack trauma and build connection across communities.

• What global distribution through Netflix means for Inuit visibility and storytelling on the world stage.

• Advice for emerging Indigenous storytellers on staying grounded while dreaming big.