Due to the sensitive themes in this film, we are not offering The Grizzlies in our COVID-19 Digital Lending Library, as it requires in-class support from educators. We would be delighted to loan you a copy once classes return to normal.

Based on an inspiring true story, The Grizzlies is a powerful film about the determination and resilience of a group of Inuit youth.

When Russ Sheppard (Schnetzer) moves north to teach in a town struggling with a high suicide rate, he is shocked by the challenges facing the town’s youth – a result of the legacy of colonization. Russ introduces a lacrosse program in the school through which the youth find a vital outlet for their emotions, and a sense of pride and purpose in themselves and their community.

The film won four awards at film festivals internationally, and was nominated for two CSAs for the performances of Paul Nutarariaq and Anna Lambe.

“It’s a movie that tells its story with authenticity and heart, and that makes all the difference. It scores.” – Norman Wilner, NOW Toronto