Pictured above: The Northern store in Tadoule Lake, MB

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 Sayisi Dene First Nation, MB, are a testament to our commitment.

Located 250 km west of Churchill, Sayisi Dene First nation (Tadoule Lake) is home to about 325 residents (as per Statistics Canada's 106 Census). “Sayisi Dene” translates from Chipewyan as “People of the East”, which refers to their homeland east of Manitoba.The Sayisi Dene people were also known as the Duck Lake Band, which anthropologists refer to as the Edthen-eldili-dene (“Caribou eaters”). The Duck Lake Band used to live on lands stretching from the shores of the Hudson Bay in the north, cutting through northern Manitoba, to end in the southern parts of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. 

Today, the residents of Tadoule Lake speak Sayisi, Dene and English as they continue their caribou-hunting based lifestyle, using knowledge passed on from Elders through generations of oral tradition. This knowledge is vital for the community, which can only be accessed by dogsled, snowmobile during the winter and by air throughout the year. The nearest connecting airport is Thompson, 332 km to the south.

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 Tadoule Lake, with our Northern store employing 5 individuals. Our commitment to local talent is demonstrated through our workforce consisting of 100% Indigenous employees.*

2. Capital Investment: Northern has made a $1,764,065 capital investment in the Tadoule Lake store over a 10-year period.*

3. Annual Economic Impact: Northern is making a positive impact in Tadoule Lake, with $435,546 annual economic impact in the community.*

Tadoule Lake Northern Store Manager, Martin Somerville, and his team are significant community supporters.

Pictured above: The Tadoule Lake Northern team sending their greetings

“We’re all working hard to support the community during these challenging times,” writes Somerville. “I’m thankful that we’re able to help lots of people meet their daily needs.”

*For the year ending 2020