Happy 20th Anniversary, "North of 60"!
Reminiscences--Part 1
Robert Bockstael
Michael Horse
Tracey Cook
Robert Bockstael
The descent of Cpl. Brian Fletcher was a highlight of season 5 of "North of 60." We can thank Robert Bockstael for bringing us this Gemini-nominated performance.
I would have to say that my strongest memory of North of 60 was the day I returned to film "In the Blue Ground"--after not having my contract renewed and ostensibly been killed off two seasons previous. I never thought I would find myself back on that set with those people playing that character. I truly felt like a ghost wandering through my own memories.
Tina Keeper and I laughed a lot when we worked together. She and I had a terrific working relationship. I can think of a few times with the crew when things had gotten quiet and I would loudly state some ridiculous "spoiled actor request" that would be certain to crack people up. Too rude to repeat here, sorry!
I encounter fans often and everywhere. Sometimes in the most unlikely places--while shopping, at the video store, gas stations, etc. I am currently the Branch Librarian at the Foley Public Library outside of Parry Sound, Ontario, and many patrons are fans of the show. I am recognized a lot even though I bear little resemblance to the dark-haired and brooding Brian of yesteryear.
I retired from television some years ago but I have directed some theatre and will continue to do so as the opportunities present themselves. I wrote a novel last winter and I am currently working on the first re-write. It is a massive undertaking--the book is 750 pages long--and I am enjoying the process a great deal.
To "North of 60" fans, thanks for the many years of loyal support and the many words of encouragement--even to the actor who played such a rotten fellow!
Michael Horse
Michael Horse joined the "North of 60" cast during one of the show's most intense storylines, the disappearance and death of Hannah Kenidi. As Andrew One Sky, he brought healing and eventually love back into Michelle Kenidi's life.
Gathering Tribes (Click on photo for larger image) |
My best memory is of how welcoming, kind and inclusive the Canadian First Nations community was toward me.
Coming from Arizona, I wasn't used to the cold, cold weather. The folks on the set thought that was hilarious.
North of 60 had one of the few depictions of real Native life on television. It offered a true insight in to the diversity of the Native community that is rarely seen on television.
These days I am working on my art, which includes ledger paintings, making jewelry, and keeping a foot in the film industry. I'm looking for a film that is unique in dealing with Indigenous life. And, my wife and I have a gallery in the San Francisco Bay Area called Gathering Tribes.
North of 60 will always have a very important place in my heart.
Tracey Cook
A southerner seeking a new life in the North, Sarah Birkett was brought to life by Tracey Cook.
(Click on photo for larger image) |
My strongest memory of "North of 60" is the relationships I made, the fun I had, the family we formed, the growing we did! Most of us were (young) transplants--i.e., not from Calgary proper. We lived in hotels. We needed each other! Be careful what you wish for, because it set a standard for me in terms of the quality of the cast, crew (greatest!), and production personnel! I was really never able to find that again. Don't get me wrong--I had a great run before, during, and after with other productions. But nothing really measured up to my time spent on the Nof60 set.
We were always laughing (mostly!). I do remember one gag reel that we made: the whole thing was a compilation of clips with individual cast members dropping the "f" bomb after flubbing a line. It was hysterical to watch.
My daughter (who was 2-1/2 when we started) is graduated from university now, and the baby (my son) is going to be 16 years old! I "retired" from film in 2001 and went back to school to earn a degree. I have a very fulfilling commercial/residential real estate career now and hope to go back to school to earn my Masters. Life is good.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your positive support during the show. It meant a lot to all of us. And to fans like you, Patty, who hold a place in their hearts for us up "North of 60."
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