Pictured above: The Northern store in Keewaywin, 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 Keewaywin First Nation, ON, are a testament to our commitment.

Keewaywin First Nation is an Oji-Cree community that was awarded band status in August 1985. It is located on the southern shore of Sandy Lake, approximately 225 km northeast of Red Lake and 580 km northwest of Thunder Bay, ON.

Keewaywin means “going home” or “going back” and is home to 425 residents who speaks Oji-Cree (as per 2016 Census, Statistics Canada) . People enjoy hunting and fishing and also engage in various traditional, social and recreational activities such as tent meetings, craft nights, fishing derbies and youth outings on the land.

The community is accessible by plane with daily flights all year round. It has a seasonal winter road from January to March that connects Keewaywin to Pickle Lake and the provincial all-season road system and is also connected to other First Nations including Deer Lake, Sandy Lake and North Spirit Lake.

Did you know?

North West is proud of the positive impact we have in the community.

1. Employment: We are one of the most prominent employers in Keewaywin, with our Northern store employing 10 individuals. Our commitment to local talent is demonstrated through our workforce consisting of 80% Indigenous employees.*

2. Capital Investment: Northern has made a $861,897 capital investment in the Keewaywin store over a 10-year period.*

3. Annual Economic Impact: Northern is making a positive impact in Keewaywin, with $711,582 annual economic impact in the community.*

Keewaywin Northern Store Manager, Silvia Alessi, and her team are significant community supporters.

Pictured above: Northern Keewaywin store staff got into the spirit for Halloween.

“Keewaywin truly feels like home, thanks to the Chief and Council and Keewaywin community welcoming us to their beautiful homeland! It is a family oriented friendly community, with people always willing to help each other. The community holds many cultural and fun events for all ages. We enjoy participating and are always happy to serve the community!” said Alessi.

*For the year ending 2020