Pictured above: The Northern store in Fort Providence, NT.

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 Fort Providence, NT, are a testament to our commitment.

On the north bank of the Mackenzie River, in the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories, sits the hamlet of Fort Providence. It is known as Zhahti Kųę in Dene which means “the mission house” referring to the mission, boarding school and orphanage founded by the Roman Catholic Oblates.

There are just over 600 residents in Fort Providence (according to Statistics Canada, as per the 2021 Census) who are mainly First Nations and Métis. The Deh Gáh Got' First Nation represents the Dene people in the community while the Fort Providence Métis Council represents the Métis residents. The residents predominantly speak English and South Slavey (traditionally known as Dene Zhatıé). The traditional hunting and trapping lifestyle is still followed by the Dene and Métis residents, combined with a wage economy.

The community is easily accessible by road. It can be reached through the Hay River, Yellowknife or the Fort Simpson highway and it passes through the Mackenzie River Bridge, which is the longest bridge in northern Canada. Fort Providence can be reached by air, with the airport 5.6 km east of the community. The nearest major city is Edmonton, AB, which is 1,152 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 Fort Providence, with our Northern store employing 8 individuals. Our commitment to local talent is demonstrated through our workforce consisting of 75% Indigenous employees.*

2. Capital Investment: Northern has made a $949,735 capital investment in the Fort Providence store over a 10-year period.*

3. Annual Economic Impact: Northern is making a positive impact in Fort Providence, with $446,640 annual economic impact in the community.*

 Fort Providence Northern Store Manager, Jessica McConkey, and her team are significant community supporters.

“Fort Providence has been a very welcoming community that received us with open arms and our relationship within it has blossomed quickly. My husband and have a huge heart for community involvement and we have held a few BBQs to show our appreciation for the support they give us. We have also provided support as much as needed. This is a close-knit community that is always looking out for each other and making sure everyone is taken care of,” said McConkey

*For the year ending 2021