Jordin Tootoo, a former NHL player and the first Inuk player in the league, is sharing his powerful story in a new documentary titled “The Healing Journey.” In an exclusive interview, Tootoo discusses the film and his journey towards healing and self-discovery.
The documentary, directed by award-winning filmmaker Ben Addelman, follows Tootoo’s life from his childhood in Nunavut to his rise in the world of professional hockey. But more importantly, it delves into the personal struggles and traumas that Tootoo has faced throughout his life.
Tootoo opens up about his difficult childhood, growing up in a small Inuit community where alcoholism and suicide were prevalent. He also speaks about the loss of his older brother, Terence, who tragically took his own life in 2002. Tootoo reveals that his brother’s death was a turning point for him, leading him to seek help and ultimately inspiring him to use his platform as a professional athlete to raise awareness about mental health and addiction.
The film also explores Tootoo’s journey towards sobriety and his decision to retire from the NHL in 2018. Tootoo explains that while hockey was his passion, it also became a coping mechanism for him, and he needed to step away from the game to focus on his mental and emotional well-being.
Tootoo hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire others to seek help and break the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction in Indigenous communities. He also hopes to shed light on the challenges faced by Indigenous athletes in the predominantly white world of professional sports.
“The Healing Journey” is a powerful and emotional film that showcases Tootoo’s resilience and determination to overcome his struggles. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, healing and growth are possible.
Tootoo’s story is an important one, and his courage in sharing it is commendable. “The Healing Journey” is a must-watch for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities and the power of resilience and self-discovery.
