Meet the Actors and Characters of ‘North of North’ Season 2 (with Pictures)

Co-created by Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, the comedy series ‘North of North‘ centers on the everyday triumphs and misadventures of Ice Cove, a fictional community in the Canadian Arctic. Produced by CBC Television and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network in partnership with Netflix, the program highlights Inuit heritage, modern northern life, and small-town workplace dynamics.

As ‘North of North’ returns for Season 2, the core ensemble reunites to continue the intertwined journeys of family, self-discovery, and romance across Nunavut. Here is a guide to the key actors and characters bringing the world of ‘North of North’ to life.

Anna Lambe

Anna Lambe stars as Siaja Kudlak, an energetic young Inuk mother striving to rebuild her life in the fictional Arctic town of Ice Cove. Following a chaotic and public split from her husband, Siaja balances raising her daughter with taking on a demanding new career at the town community centre. Lambe, who was born in Iqaluit, previously garnered critical acclaim for her roles in the sports drama film ‘The Grizzlies’ and the mystery series ‘True Detective: Night Country’. Her performance in ‘North of North’ anchors the series with a balance of comedic timing and emotional vulnerability.

Maika Harper

Maika Harper plays Neevee, Siaja’s blunt and protective mother who provides a home when her daughter’s marriage unravels. As a local store owner with a complicated romantic past, Neevee must navigate unexpected emotional territory when an old partner reappears in town. Harper is an Inuk actress from Nunavut who has also gained recognition as an author. Her screen acting credits include appearances in popular Canadian television productions like ‘Kim’s Convenience’, ‘Mohawk Girls’, and ‘Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent’.

Tanya Tagaq

Tanya Tagaq portrays Nuliajuk, the mythical Inuit sea goddess who emerges during Siaja’s spiritual visions. Her character acts as an otherworldly mentor who challenges Siaja to embrace personal transformation and make radical changes in her life. Tagaq is an internationally acclaimed Inuk throat singer, visual artist, and author from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Beyond her celebrated musical achievements, she previously appeared on screen in the anthology series ‘True Detective: Night Country’.

Jay Ryan

Jay Ryan plays Alistair, an outside researcher who travels to Ice Cove to evaluate the community for a scientific station project. His arrival triggers significant personal revelations when he is discovered to be Siaja’s long-lost biological father. Ryan is a seasoned New Zealand actor who has starred in numerous international television series and films. Television viewers recognize him for leading roles in the romantic drama ‘Beauty and the Beast’, the mystery miniseries ‘Top of the Lake’, and the horror sequel ‘It Chapter Two’.

Braeden Clarke

Braeden Clarke stars as Kuuk Nanuaq, a Cree and Inuk research assistant working alongside Alistair. After relocating from a southern city to find a fresh start, Kuuk manages personal anxiety while developing an evolving romance with Siaja. Clarke is an Indigenous Canadian actor from the Mikisew Cree First Nation in Alberta. He is widely known for portraying Kaheroton across multiple seasons of the historical fantasy series ‘Outlander’.

Zorga Qaunaq

Zorga Qaunaq plays Millie, Siaja’s eccentric and supportive colleague at the Ice Cove community centre. Millie helps spearhead community events and cultural initiatives while offering steady companionship through daily workplace misadventures. Raised in Igloolik, Nunavut, Qaunaq is a multidisciplinary artist, Inuktitut educator, and traditional handpoke tattoo practitioner. Her screen performances include starring roles in the feature films ‘In the Heart of the South’ and ‘In Alaska’.

Bailey Poching

Bailey Poching features as Colin, the community centre communications coordinator and energetic local radio host. Colin provides comic relief and reliable friendship, keeping the town connected through his broadcasts and supporting Siaja through life updates. Poching is a Samoan and Māori actor, writer, and stand-up comedian hailing from New Zealand. His prior television credits include appearances in the comedy series ‘Kid Sister’ alongside writing for the comedy broadcast ‘7 Days’.

Mary Lynn Rajskub

Mary Lynn Rajskub portrays Helen, the well-meaning but out-of-touch senior manager of the town community centre. Helen attempts to direct local programming and manage government grants, frequently generating awkward misunderstandings with her staff. Rajskub is an American comedian and veteran actress celebrated for her versatile work across television and cinema. She achieved international fame portraying intelligence analyst Chloe O’Brian on the long-running action drama ’24’. Her television resume also features comedic roles on acclaimed series such as ‘The Larry Sanders Show’, ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’, and ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’.

Nutaaq Doreen Simmonds

Doreen Nutaaq Simmonds portrays Elisapee, an elder who serves as the devout receptionist at the community centre. Elisapee maintains firm moral standards, frequently voicing her candid opinions on community developments and younger residents. Simmonds is an Iñupiaq artist, educator, and Indigenous language advocate from Utqiaġvik, Alaska. She gained widespread screen attention for her memorable performance as Grandma Julia in the mystery series ‘True Detective: Night Country’.

Keira Cooper

Keira Cooper plays Bun, the sharp-witted and spirited young daughter of Siaja and Ting. Bun brings warmth and candor to her mother’s household, adapting to family transitions with a playful perspective. Cooper is an Inuk youth actress from Iqaluit who made her professional acting debut on the show. Her grounded dynamic with her on-screen parents forms a central emotional pillar of ‘North of North’.

Kelly William

Kelly William plays Ting Miaq, Siaja’s estranged husband and a prominent local hunter regarded as a town favorite. Ting struggles to accept Siaja’s newfound independence, leading to awkward encounters as they navigate co-parenting their daughter. William is a Canadian Indigenous actor and filmmaker of Secwépemc descent from the Xatśūll First Nation. In addition to his prominent performance on ‘North of North’, he has directed and appeared in several independent film projects.

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