Pictured above: The Northern store in Gjoa Haven, NU
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 Gjoa Haven, NU, are a testament to our commitment.
Gjoa Haven – also known as ‘the finest little harbor in the world’ – is located on the southeast coast of King William Island, which is the heart of the Northwest Passage.
The citizens of Gjoa Haven are called Netsilingmiut, which means “people of the place where there is seal”. The Netsilik Inuit are direct descendants of the ancient Thule people who lived in the area of Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak, and Kugaaruk for over a thousand of years.
Gjoa Haven experiences constant sunshine during May to July. In May, a two-week celebration called “Qavvavik Frolics” is held, which features drum dancing, throat-singing, traditional Inuit games and feasts.
The community has about 1,446 residents, at least 95% of them are of Inuit heritage (according to the Nunavut Government). The most commonly spoken languages in Gjoa Haven are Inuktitut and English. In terms of accessibility, Gjoa Haven can be reached through their airport, and the closest other community is Taloyoak, 136 km away.
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 Gjoa Haven, with our Northern store employing 29 individuals. Our commitment to local talent is demonstrated through our workforce consisting of 76% Indigenous employees.*
2. Capital Investment: Northern has made a $1,906,680 capital investment in the Gjoa Haven store over a 10-year period.*
3. Annual Economic Impact: Northern is making a positive impact in Gjoa Haven, with $1,569,526 annual economic impact in the community.*
Gjoa Haven Northern Store Manager, Farzana Sahadat, and her team are significant community supporters.
“Gjoa Haven is a community whose strength and warmth is in its people. I am fortunate and grateful to be a part of this community and to be a part of a team of people whose dedicated work help provide the everyday goods and services to this community,” Sahadat says.
*For the year ending 2020