From Algonquin College to the set of CBC TV’s North of North

When Julie Alivaktuk packed up her life in Iqaluit, took a leave of absence from her current federal government job and moved to Ottawa with her two sons to attend Algonquin College, she was looking for a new challenge and a chance to grow. She previously completed the Inuit Studies program in Nunavut and gained experience working in film and television. Those relationships and that experience later made it possible for her to work on season two of the hit series North of North while continuing her studies.

Alivaktuk, 33, is currently enrolled in Indigenous Studies at Algonquin College. “I wanted to expand my knowledge with Indigenous groups all over Canada,” she said. “Inuit Studies focused on Inuit only, so I wanted to learn more about Indigenous peoples.”

Since arriving in Ottawa, Alivaktuk has embraced both college life and new opportunities in the city alongside her two sons, ages 11 and 9. She has enjoyed her time at Algonquin College and appreciated the support she has received from faculty and classmates.

“The professors we have are so supportive and understanding,” she said.

One of the moments that stood out most to Alivaktuk during her studies came when former Nunavut commissioner Peter Irniq visited her class. During the discussion, she spoke with him in Inuktitut, something she said felt deeply meaningful. Growing up in Nunavut, Inuktitut was the language she spoke every day and being able to connect with an elder in her own language in an Ottawa classroom filled her with pride. “To receive knowledge in my language was more special to me than hearing it in English,” she said, describing it as a powerful reminder of the value of language, culture and connection within her studies at Algonquin College.

That support became especially important earlier this year when the opportunity to work on season two of North of North came up.

Alivaktuk had previously worked on the show’s first season as a fourth Assistant Director. She knew many of the cast and crew, including series creator Stacey Aglok MacDonald, whom she has known since she was a teenager growing up in Nunavut.

When production for the second season began, Alivaktuk reached out to say she would love to be involved again, despite now living in Ottawa for school. Soon after, she found herself coordinating with professors and production staff to see if it could work.

“Everything was aligning,” she said. “By the end of the week, I got hired.”

This time, she worked in the wardrobe department, something that especially excited her as a designer and artist. Throughout the five weeks of filming, she continued attending classes virtually while working production days that sometimes stretched from 30 to 60 hours a week.

“On weekends, that’s when I worked on my assignments,” she said. “It was a very busy five weeks.” For Alivaktuk, the experience was worth every long day. “It’s so much fun,” she said of working in film and television. “Every day is different.”

Over the years, she has worked in several areas of production, including assistant directing, wardrobe, makeup, script supervision and production assistance. She also appeared in the first season of North of North alongside her sons. Fans may spot her as one of the gossiping moms wearing a handmade outfit complete with sealskin pants and a parka she created herself.

The success of the series has been exciting for her, not only professionally, but personally.

“It does show a part of what life is like back in Nunavut,” she said. “People love the show and it feels like we’re letting you into our world.”

Alivaktuk currently works for the federal government as a Crown Witness Coordinator with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada and is on leave while completing her studies. She hopes the knowledge she gains at Algonquin College will strengthen her work supporting Indigenous clients.

While she may be modest about it, Alivaktuk is building an inspiring example for her children. Between school, work, film production and parenting, she continues to move forward with determination, creativity and heart.

According to her oldest son, she never has to do it alone.

“Every day, randomly, he’ll come up to me and ask, ‘Is there anything I can help you with today?’” she said with a smile.