Pictured above: Bertina Tooktoo, Umiujaq Northern Store Manager

Her strong abilities to motivate team members and encourage collaboration have earned Bertina Tooktoo, Umiujaq Northern Store Manager, the 2020 President’s Award for Leadership.

The North West Company Inc. President’s Awards recognize and reward dedicated employees who have gone above and beyond their regular duties in a variety of categories including leadership, community support, merchandising, enterprising, customer driven, passion and personal balance.

Tooktoo, raised in her community of Umiujaq, QC, began her promising career with North West as a cashier at the age of 14. She has held various positions and roles throughout her career journey, including Manager in Training (her role when she earned this award), and is currently the store manager for Umiujaq Northern.

“I learned as I went along over the years. I don’t like being above my employees at this point and I like working together and having fun as we work,” said Tooktoo.

Within her store, Tooktoo views herself as equal to her team members and strives to create a sense of collaboration and enjoyment. She has also built quite the reputation for being trustworthy, reliable and dependable, among fellow store staff members and community members.

“Bertina Tooktoo is well deserving of the 2020 President’s Award for Leadership. I'd like to recognize how much of a motivated leader and team player she is, who is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure her work is optimal and her team is motivated,” said Marc Gaudet, Director of Sales & Operations, Quebec Dsitrict.

Tooktoo has demonstrated time and time again what it means to rise up to the challenge, stay motivated, lead with example and be a valuable team player, which strongly reflects the values that The North West Company believes in.