FORT NELSON, B.C. – Two Northeast B.C. First Nations are teaming up to host former NHL star Jordin Tootoo next week for a community Q&A and a screening of his powerful new documentary.
The event, scheduled for Thursday, April 16, is a collaboration between the Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) and Prophet River First Nation (PRFN), supported by School District 81 and local realtor Sandy Hart.
The feature-length documentary, Tootoo (2025), directed by Michael Hamilton, will be screened at the Phoenix Theatre. The film follows Tootoo’s journey from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, to the NHL, detailing his courageous decision to enter the league’s substance abuse program at the peak of his career.
“One of the priorities in the community is to do work in the mental health, addiction, and trauma space,” said Leah Asher, PRFN’s director of education and wellness. Asher noted that Chief Valerie Askoty personally requested the initiative to bring Tootoo’s message of resilience to the region.
Since retiring in 2018 after 739 NHL games, Tootoo has dedicated his life to community outreach and suicide prevention. In addition to the public screening, the former Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings forward will spend time speaking directly with local students.
Asher credits a personal connection to the film’s executive producer for making the visit possible, calling it a testament to the Nations' commitment to mental health advocacy.
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