<P> Most of the characters were Dene . Some non-native characters had important roles: the restaurant / motel owner, the band manager, the nurse and (during the show's first season) the town's main RCMP officer . The show explored themes of Native poverty, alcoholism, cultural preservation, conflict over land settlements, and natural resource exploitation . </P> <P> Originally somewhat light - hearted (a CBC response to the very successful Northern Exposure on CBS), it quickly became a more ponderous dramatic series . </P> <P> Starring in the series were Tina Keeper as RCMP Constable, later Corporal, Michelle Kenidi, Tracey Cook as Sarah Birkett (nurse during first year), Tom Jackson as Peter Kenidi (band chief in first year, Michelle's brother), Gordon Tootoosis as Albert Golo (bootlegger, then band chief), Dakota House as Trevor' Teevee' Tenia (teen trouble - maker, then band chief), Lubomir Mykytiuk as Gerry Kisilenko (restaurant / motel owner / justice of the peace), Jimmy Herman as Joe Gomba (elder) and Simon R. Baker as Charlie Muskrat . Adam Beach and Tantoo Cardinal also starred . Elsie Tsa Che (Wilma Pelly) was a fan favorite, playing Teevee's grandmother, a community elder . John Oliver led the cast as Corporal Eric Olsen during the show's first two seasons and entered into an off - screen relationship with co-star Keeper; he left the show when his relationship with Keeper soured . Keeper subsequently became the show's lead actor for the remainder of its run . Oliver was replaced by Robert Bockstael as Corporal Brian Fletcher, who was replaced later by Peter Kelly Gaudreault as Constable James Harper . </P> <P> One of the stars was Michael Horse, as Andrew One Sky, previously best known for his portrayal of Tonto in the 1981 film The Legend of the Lone Ranger . </P>

Who played eric olsen on north of 60