In 2001, Jordin Kudluk Tootoo made history when he was chosen 98th overall by the Nashville Predators, becoming the first Inuk hockey player to be drafted into the NHL. Sporting the number 22 in reference to his last name, he became known as the “Tootoo Train,” a relentless force on the ice, loved by fans for his never-back-down attitude.
Originally from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Tootoo played for the Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks, amassing 161 points and 1010 career penalty minutes over the course of 721 NHL games. His middle name, Kudluk (“thunder” in Inuktitut), foreshadowed his impact, not only in hockey but in life after the game.
Since retiring in 2018, Tootoo has turned his attention to advocacy, founding the Tootoo Foundation in memory of his late brother Terrence. The foundation supports suicide prevention and at-risk youth, with its mission of inspiring Indigenous youth to rise above adversity.
On March 3, Tootoo arrived in Ouje-Bougoumou to a heartfelt reception at the Capississit Lodge, where he was greeted by staff and community members eager to meet the hockey legend. Tootoo was not one to simply sit back and relax after checking in.
“He wanted to hang out with the community and do stuff,” said Ouje Tourism Officer Ron Simard, who helped coordinate Tootoo’s visit. “He wanted to go out for a ride, and we all wanted to be good hosts. Harry Bosum was the one who invited him to go to David and Anna’s camp.”
So Tootoo took a 45-minute snowmobile ride to a cultural base camp operated by David and Anna Bosum. The camp is part of Nuuhchimi Wiinuu Cree Culture Tours, an initiative run by the couple to share Cree traditions and knowledge with visitors.
The Bosums welcomed Tootoo into the camp and shared stories. “He enjoyed just sitting down and talking about life on the land. As an Inuk, he recognized the similarities between our cultures and connected with the experience,” Simard explained.
David Mianscum, the tallyman for the territory, was also present and offered to take Tootoo deeper into the land.
“We went out to explore and show Tootoo the mountain, and he loved it, although the fresh snow was giving him a hard time,” Simard recounted with a laugh. “He got stuck five times! It was like four feet of powder snow, and if you lost your balance, you were just going to sink.”
A moving moment at the camp was when Tootoo encountered a group of Inuit youth from Montreal who had been adopted from their northern communities.
“They had no idea Tootoo would be there,” said Simard. “He took the time to speak with them, telling them to never give up. It was a special moment – completely unplanned but meaningful.”
Simard noted that Tootoo’s life could have taken a different path, but he fought through. “That’s what makes his story powerful,” said Simard. He’s trying to help people step outside of their comfort zones and take chances in life. Aim high – that’s what he tells the kids.”
AndreeAnn Bosum, David and Anna’s granddaughter, reflected on the visit. “Seeing my grandparents’ smile, I wish I had been there to witness this moment,” she said. “I read Tootoo’s book as a teenager, and it’s a good story. I’m sure he felt a connection meeting them.”
On March 4, Tootoo sat down with Lance Cooper, Ouje’s Communications and Public Relations Officer, at the youth centre for an open and heartfelt conversation with the community’s youth.
“The premise of his visit was to speak about his career, the discipline it took to succeed, believing in oneself, and stepping beyond the boundaries of the community,” Cooper explained. “Many people don’t want to leave home, but he did. He experienced the culture shock, adapted and persevered.”
Tootoo spoke candidly about his personal battles.
“He talked about intergenerational trauma and how he had to navigate through it,” Cooper shared. “He said he just wanted to be loved, but he didn’t always get that growing up. He realized that he needed to love himself. He said, ‘I gave myself a gift and I went to rehab.’ It was during that time of healing that he realized, ‘I am a mentor. I can do something to help people.’”
A stirring moment of the discussion was Tootoo’s call to fathers. “You want to see a difference in your children? Fathers need to step up,” Tootoo urged.
“He wasn’t telling people how to parent – just sharing what worked for him,” said Cooper. “He spoke about the importance of culture, being with Elders, and learning life skills on the land.”
Cooper emphasized that Tootoo spoke directly to men, telling them to “let go of their egos, take the lead in their families, and be present. He reminded everyone to be the best version of themselves and not to compare their journey to others.”
As a sign of appreciation, the community presented Tootoo with a walking stick handcrafted by Geronimo Shecapio. “Geronimo had been working on this walking stick and knew who it belonged to after listening to his story,” said partner Paula Menarick. “It has owl feathers and traditional tanned caribou hide. We are so thankful we got to spend some time with him. Nakurmik Jordin!”
The event wasn’t without moments of levity. As a lighthearted gesture, Tootoo “signed” a contract with the Ouje Otters, a local hockey team known for its humour and camaraderie.
“The Ouje Otters started as a group of guys who weren’t picked for a team, so they made their own,” Cooper explained. “The Otters never practice, but they bring people together through fun.”
Tootoo played along, donning an Otters jersey for photos. “When I drove him to the airport, he asked how the Otters thing was playing out. I told him, ‘The guys are having fun with that.’ He really made their day,” Cooper laughed.