They are called INUIT (correcting the prior reviewers Indian name)and are a tribe of the Canadians
The movie carries a message that we can all learn from.
A crime was committed, there was no denial of that. However, the crime itself was ambiguous (for fear of giving the reader the plot, cannot reveal the exact details) it was obvious from all parties that the incident could have happened to even the most altruistic.
Pauloosie, the perpetrator, was adamant about telling the truth, a trait of his tribe that is second nature. Just as the actual miss step on his part would have been a right of passage among the young a second nature with no serious implications
" White Man" being the legal representation of the territory, 'The Crown as the legal system is forced upon the people for the purpose of trial, brought their theories, tactics and practices to a people that would only mock their efforts.
In the perfect world of the judicial system 'a refined system of law' as it were, the victim would be advised to claim to be 'not guilty'. As this alleged crime of sexual assault would be even under the most watchful eye of the prudent beholder have its loopholes.
Before she even arrived, Pauloosie had rendered his female attorney powerless by offering a gift of atonement to the family of the girl he allegedly violated.
Into this small town, small tribe, the 'crown: sent its best, A Judge who already had his head on a chopping block for handing down lenient sentences, a (of course) 'must win", soulless, cocky district attorney and a 'she's small but she's feisty' defense attorney with WIN tattooed where the sun don't shine.
All said and done, the trial goes as expected, however the penalty phase leaves us all trapped in the snowy stark glaciers of Canada laughing, crying and wanting to be part of a people and landscape filled with magic and spirit we 'Southerners may never see