Pictured above: The Northern store in Puvirnituq, 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 Puvirnituq, QC, are a testament to our commitment.
The first sight passengers on incoming flights to Puvirnituq see is the expanse of untouched wildlife that surrounds the community. Given its location 4 km north of Povungituk Bay, Puvirnituq’s 1,457 residents (according to the Makivik Corporation’s website) have access to numerous lakes and rivers where precious arctic plants and flowers thrive. A sight unique to Puvirnituq is its annual Leaf River caribou herd migration, where thousands of caribou cross the Povungnituk River during the fall in a spectacular display.
The community’s historic ties to the Leaf River caribou herd run deep. According to legend, women in the area would continually keep their babies fed to keep them from disturbing the crossing caribou. The entirety of the surrounding area, called Amaamatisivikk in Inuktitut, means “the place where women breast-feed their babies”. While Inuktitut is the main language spoken in the region, residents also speak French and English.
Puvirnituq is solely accessible by air, through flights from La Grande, Inukjuak, Akulivik, Kuujjuaq and Montreal. Its nearest neighboring communities are Inukjuak, about 182 km to the south, and Akulivik, about 100 km to the north.
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 Puvirnituq, with our Northern store employing 20 individuals. Our commitment to local talent is demonstrated through our workforce consisting of 75% Indigenous employees.*
2. Capital Investment: Northern has made a $2,303,736 capital investment in the Puvirnituq store over a 10-year period.*
3. Annual Economic Impact: Northern is making a positive impact in Puvirnituq, with $820,833 annual economic impact in the community.*
Puvirnituq Northern Store Manager-in-relief, Alicia Poisson, and her team are significant community supporters.
“We’re lucky to be in a community as great as Puvirnituq. We’ve received a lot of kindness at our store from everyone who walks through our doors, and we’re eager to find ways to give that kindness back,” says Poisson.
*For the year ending 2020