Pictured above: The Northern store in Fort Good Hope, 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 Good Hope, NT, are a testament to our commitment.
As a key location for trading since the early 1800s, Fort Good Hope has long since served as a hub to much of the North and to the rest of the Sahtu region. With a population of 570 residents (according to Spectacular Northwest Territories’ website) comprising a diverse mix of Sahtu Dene, Métis, and non-Indigenous people, the community of Fort Good Hope has a strong identity tied to its traditional land-based lifestyles of fishing, hunting and trapping. As such, languages spoken in the community include both North Slavey and English.
Its name in North Slavey, Rádeyı̨lı̨kóé – meaning “where the rapids are” – pays homage to the breathtaking view of The Ramparts, where the Mackenzie River narrows from 2km down to 100m. The municipality of Fort Good Hope is also home to the Our Lady of Good Hope chapel, the oldest permanent structure in Northern Canada, which became a National Historic Site in 1977.
Accessible by air, river barge and a seasonal winter road, Fort Good Hope is located 156 km northwest of Norman Wells. Flights in and out of the community connects the Fort Good Hope airport to Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Norman Wells. During the cold season, the community’s former airstrip, now known as the Old Airport Road, connects to its winter road, while passenger and freight barges are serviced in the summer.
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 Good Hope, with our Northern store employing 11 individuals. Our commitment to local talent is demonstrated through our workforce consisting of 91% Indigenous employees.*
2. Capital Investment: Northern has made a $4,240,381 capital investment in the Fort Good Hope store over a 10-year period.*
3. Annual Economic Impact: Northern is making a positive impact in Fort Good Hope, with $575,010 annual economic impact in the community.*
Fort Good Hope Northern Store Manager, Lloyd Delaney, and his team are significant community supporters.
“Our community is very tight-knit and holds strong traditional values. I consider myself very fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful environment,” says Delaney.
*For the year ending 2020