Pictured above: The Northern Store in Fond du Lac, SK.

Our Community Promise

The North West Company Inc. is proud of the active role we play within the communities we serve, striving to make a positive, progressive difference. Our contributions within the community of Fond du Lac Denesųłiné First Nation, SK are a testament to our commitment.   

The community of Fond du Lac Denesųłiné First Nation was founded as a community over 150 years ago. Fond du Lac is a geographic name meaning “far end of the lake.” The community is located in the boreal forest area of northern Saskatchewan on the east side of Lake Athabasca, and lies approximately 60 km south of the Northwest Territories border and about 1,275 km northwest of Prince Albert.

Fond du Lac is a remote community as there are no road connections, and it is accessible only by air year round. The community can also be accessed by boat in the summer and by an ice road during the winter that connects it with Stony Rapids.

The community of Fond du Lac has a population of 903 residents (per 2016 Census, Statistics Canada) living on reserve and about 1,300 to 1,400 living off reserve (as per Fond du Lac website). Dene is the first language spoken by many but English is also widely spoken.

Did you know?

North West is proud of the positive impact we have on the community.

1. Employment: We are one of the most prominent employers in Fond du Lac, with our Northern store employing 20 individuals. Our commitment to local talent is demonstrated through our workforce consisting of 85% Indigenous employees.*  

2. Capital Investment: Northern has made a $1,107,622 capital investment in Fond du Lac store over a 10-year period.*

3. Annual Economic Impact: Northern is making a positive impact in Fond du Lac, with $715,671 annual economic impact in the community.*

Our Northern Store Manager, Rasa Kanagaiah, and his team are dedicated community supporters.

“Fond du Lac has been a welcoming and a friendly community; they have shared their traditions and culture which has given me an exceptional lifetime experience,” said Kanagaiah.

*For the year ending 2020