Pictured above: The Northern Store in Umiujaq, QC.

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 Umiujaq, QC are a testament to our commitment.   

The northern village of Umiujaq is located on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay in Nunavik, in northern Quebec. The village is situated 15 km west of Richmond Gulf, approximately 160 km north of Kuujjuaraapik and almost 1,500 km north of Montreal.

Umiujaq means “which resembles a boat” in Inuktitut. The village was given this name because it’s at the foot of a hill that resembles an overturned umiaq, a traditional Inuit walrus-skin boat. The community has 442 residents (per 2016 Statistics Canada census). The main language is Inuktitut, but English is also spoken.

The remote community is accessible by plane at the Umiujaq Airport.

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 Umiujaq, with our Northern store employing four individuals. Our commitment to local talent is demonstrated through our workforce consisting of 75% Indigenous employees.*  

2. Capital Investment: Northern has made a $298,348 capital investment in the Umiujaq store over a 10-year period.*

3. Annual Economic Impact: Northern is making a positive impact in Umiujaq, with $314,362 annual economic impact in the community.*

Our Northern Store Manager, Bertina Tooktoo, and her team are significant community supporters.

*For the year ending 2020