Pictured above: The Northern store in Fort Albany, ON
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 Albany, ON, are a testament to our commitment.
As one of the three original Hudson’s Bay Company trading posts, Old Fort Albany – not to be confused with present day Fort Albany – carries with it a rich history of trade, skirmishes and secessions between English and French powers competing for both the strategic position and economic potential of the Fort. Eventually separated into two distinct territories, Old Fort Albany was split in 1950 as part of Treaty #9 into what is now known as modern Fort Albany and Kashechewan. In 1970, separate bands were formed in each community to address their specific needs, further developing each community’s unique identities, yet still carrying with them their valuable shared experiences.
Pictured above: The original Hudson’s Bay Company store on Anderson Point, circa 1980. Provided by Ronnie Campbell
Today, Fort Albany is a community that enjoys a traditional land-based lifestyle with hunts in the spring and fall, where moose, geese and fish abound in the surrounding greenery and the James Bay coast. Fort Albany is home to roughly 1,200 residents (according to Fort Albany First Nation’s website), while Fort Albany First Nation itself serves 5,000 First Nation citizens together with their neighbor, Kashechewan First Nation.
Fort Albany is accessible through the James Bay Winter Road, connecting it to Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Moosonee and Moose Factory during the cold seasons. Thunder Air and Air Creebec also serve the community through the Fort Albany Airport, connecting to Timmins, 427 km away. Languages spoken in the community include Cree and English.
Did you know?
1. Employment: We are one of the most prominent employers in Albany, with our Northern store employing 11 individuals. Our commitment to local talent is demonstrated through our workforce consisting of 82% Indigenous employees.*
2. Capital Investment: Northern has made a $3,388,169 capital investment in the Albany store over a 10-year period.*
3. Annual Economic Impact: Northern is making a positive impact in Albany, with $804,091 annual economic impact in the community.*
Albany Northern Store Manager, Robert Harasemiw, and his team are significant community supporters.
“It takes a team to succeed, and I’m very proud of everyone at the store,” says Harasemiw. “By holding each other mutually accountable and communicating freely with everyone, especially the community leadership, we’ve ensured that we’re able to work together in a spirit of commitment and customer service. It’s our priority to best serve Albany.”
*For the year ending 2020