Pictured above: The Northern store in Wunnummin Lake, 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 Wunnummin Lake, ON, are a testament to our commitment.
Wunnummin Lake is also called Wanaman-zaaga’igan in Obji-Cree, meaning “Vermillion Lake,” which references back to the vermillion-colored clay of the lake.
Wunnummin has a population of about 590 (as per 2016 Census, Statistics Canada) where the majority of residents are Cree, Ojibway, and Oji-Cree, and commonly speak English, Obji-Cree, and Ojibway. The community can be accessed by air, water, and a seasonal winter road called the White Highway. At the moment, there is no all-weather highway into the community. The nearest major city is Winnipeg, 623km 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 Wunnummin, with our Northern store employing 20 individuals. Our commitment to local talent is demonstrated through our workforce consisting of 60% Indigenous employees.*
2. Capital Investment: Northern has made a $679,546 capital investment in the Wunnummin Lake store over a 10-year period.*
3. Annual Economic Impact: Northern is making a positive impact in Wunnummin Lake, with $948,031 annual economic impact in the community.*
Wunnummin Lake Northern Store Manager, Michelle Sage, and her team are significant community supporters.
“Wunnummin is a community with many activities and get-togethers that includes its members and surrounding community. The community has festivals during summer and fall, an annual Big Wunn Hockey tournament, ice fishing and fishing derbies with partridge hunting, and weekly gym groups,” says Michelle. “The community also has life groups that work with kids to take them camping and teach them traditional ways. Wunnummin is a very friendly community and has accepted my daughter and myself as part of their family and community.”
*For the year ending 2020