Personal Life
Jordin Tootoo's older brother Terence played for the Roanoke Express of the ECHL in the 2001–02 season. Terence had a successful junior career with the OCN Blizzard, and was named the Express' Rookie of the Year. In August 2002, Terence committed suicide at the age of 22, in the wake of an arrest for drunk driving.
Tootoo's middle name, Kudluk, means "thunder". Jordin's mother Rose is of Ukrainian descent, while his father Barney is an Inuk from Nunavut.
He is the nephew of Manitoba Legislative Assembly Speaker George Hickes and cousin to Nunavut Legislative Assembly Speaker Hunter Tootoo. Both are members of the Canadian New Democratic Party.
Although born in Manitoba, Tootoo grew up in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, where he was taught to skate and play hockey by his father. Growing up in Rankin Inlet also allowed Tootoo to learn the traditional Inuit lifestyle that includes hunting and camping.
As the first Inuk to play in the National Hockey League he has become a role model for youth in Nunavut.
On December 27, 2010, Tootoo voluntarily entered the NHL/NHLPA's Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program to receive treatment for an alcohol problem. Following successful completion of the program, he returned to finish the season and play in the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs.
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