Sep. 16, 2026

In early August, the Northern store in York Landing, MB, proudly supported the York Factory First Nation’s annual Sundance Ceremony by making a grocery donation valued at $3000. The ceremony holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the community, bringing together youth, families, and Elders in a shared spirit of renewal, healing, and well-being.

Pictured above: Community members gather to enjoy food and refreshments.

Throughout the gathering, attendees participated in traditional fire ceremonies, spiritual naming ceremonies, and the sharing of spiritual teachings and healing knowledge. Community members also offered gifts as expressions of gratitude and respect, celebrating their kinship and community connections.

“The Sundance is a source of tremendous strength for our people and will be a very strong tradition in the years ahead. We have had to reclaim our way of life and our ceremonies. In the past six years, we have made great strides in the reclamation of the Sundance way of life. It is important for the families in our communities in terms of how they carry out their lives and their strengths. The Sundance weaves together the sweat lodge, vision quest and the medicine bundles; it is vibrant, growing and dynamic,” shared York Factory First Nation Councilor Louisa Constant.

“People of our communities are deeply involved in it, including the elders, middle aged and especially the young people are drawn to the Sundance. In our own families, the participants are in their 30s, 20s, and teens are involved in this year-round spiritual expression,” Constant added.

“The York Factory First Nation Sundance Group acknowledges the support and contribution provided by The North West Company to our annual Sundance ceremony held in our community of Kaweciwasik. Your contribution assisted the group to be able to have feasts for the Sun dancers, providing nourishment prior to entering the Sundance Lodge and upon completion of the dancers' fasting. This has been especially appreciated by the dancers,” shared the Councilor.

Along with our Northern team, North West is pleased to continue supporting celebrations that strengthen the cultural pride, belonging, and overall well-being of the communities we serve.