Pictured above: the Northern store in Behchokǫ̀, NWT

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 Behchokǫ̀, NWT, are a testament to our commitment.

Behchokǫ̀ – formerly known as Rae-Edzo until the historic Tłı̨chǫ land-claim agreement in 2005 – is located in the North Slave region near the North Arm of Great Slave Lake. It consists of two neighbouring communities, Rae and Edzo, and is the largest Tłįcho community in Canada. Behchokǫ̀ roughly translates to “Big Knife” in the Tłı̨chǫ language.

Approximately 1900 people call Behchokǫ̀ home (according to Statistics Canada as per the 2016 census). The residents are mainly First Nations and Métis, and they speak Tłı̨chǫ or Dogrib (traditionally known as Tłı̨chǫ Yatıì), English and other languages.

Behchokǫ̀ can be reached by an all-season access road through the Mackenzie Highway (Highway 3), and there is also an airport in the community for chartered planes. The Rae/Edzo airport is located 2.6 km southwest of Behchokǫ̀. The community is located 105 km northwest of Yellowknife, which is the nearest city.

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 Behchokǫ̀, with our Northern store employing 22 individuals. Our commitment to local talent is demonstrated through our workforce consisting of 41% Indigenous employees.*

2. Capital Investment: Northern has made a $947,020 capital investment in the Behchokǫ̀ store over a 10-year period.*

3. Annual Economic Impact: Northern is making a positive impact in Behchokǫ̀, with $941,262 annual economic impact in the community.*

Behchokǫ̀ Northern Store Manager, David Bown, and his team are significant community supporters.

“I have been to a lot of communities North West serves, and they have all been great, but Behchokǫ̀ is home,” Brown shared. “When I drive through the community, as I wave to acknowledge people walking or driving, I can honestly say I am mentally and physically present in this community. We know these people and they know us. Yes, we are a world away from our small communities in Newfoundland – but we are home.”

*For the year ending 2020