Pictured above: The Northern store in Cumberland House, SK
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 Cumberland House Cree Nation, SK, are a testament to our commitment.
Cumberland House is located on the south shore of Cumberland Lake – formerly known as Pine Island Lake, in the Saskatchewan River delta. Situated in eastern Saskatchewan close to the Manitoba boundary, this community is the oldest settlement in Saskatchewan.
Cumberland House has a population of 540 residents (Statistics Canada, as per the 2021 census) who are mainly of First Nations (predominantly Swampy Cree) and Métis descent. The major language spoken among the population is English, with a few people speaking Swampy Cree and French.
Cumberland House is known as “Waskahikanihk” in Cree, meaning ‘at the house’. The community is accessible by air through the Cumberland House airport, located 1.3 Km west of the community. Cumberland House can also be accessed using Provincial Highway 123. Saskatoon is the nearest major city, 449 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 Cumberland House, with our Northern store employing 12 individuals. Our commitment to local talent is demonstrated through our workforce consisting of 100% Indigenous employees.*
2. Capital Investment: Northern has made a $379,680 capital investment in the Cumberland House store over a 10-year period.*
3. Annual Economic Impact: Northern is making a positive impact in Cumberland House, with $559,803 annual economic impact in the community.*
Cumberland House Northern Store Manager, Gerald Favel, and his team are significant community supporters.
"Cumberland House is a very friendly and welcoming community. It has been great to work alongside the Chief and Council during my time in Northern, especially during the pandemic,” said Favel. “They work hard to make Cumberland House an inclusive community –I feel honoured every time I’m invited to be part of an event- they are always open to listening and discussing what the community needs."
*For the year ending 2020