Oct.1, 2026

The North West Company (“North West”) observed Truth and Reconciliation Week from September 21 through 25, reaffirming its commitment to ongoing learning, listening, and reflection.

The week opened with a drum and prayer from Educator and Knowledge Keeper Helen Settee who shared the importance of truth-telling. Her message was amplified by Jennifer Wood, a Residential School Survivor and Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation member. Jennifer shared her lived experiences and the impact she continues to create through her advocacy work across Canada. North West also raised the Survivors' Flag to mark the beginning of this important week.

Pictured above: Guest Speakers Jennifer Wood & Helen Settee with Director of Corporate Responsibility Andrew Thunder, holding the Survivors’ Flag at Gibraltar House, Winnipeg. 

Later that week, we welcomed Michelle Cameron, Founder and Owner of Dreamcatcher Promotions, the largest Indigenous-owned promotional company in Canada and North West’s exclusive ‘Every Child Matters’ apparel partner since 2021. Michelle shared an impactful recount of the challenges she overcame as an Indigenous entrepreneur, while underscoring the importance of Indigenous economic inclusion.

Since 2021, the annual Orange Shirt Day campaign helped raise over $176,000 towards funding charities that support educating children and youth about residential schools. We were honoured to present a certificate to Michelle Cameron and Dreamcatcher Promotions commemorating this important five-year milestone and the ongoing collective efforts to promote awareness initiates across northern Canada. Read full media release here.

Pictured above: From left to right, Canadian Retail President Jim Caldwell, Dreamcatcher Promotions Founder Michelle Cameron, and Director of Corporate Responsibility Andrew Thunder (left); Orange shirt Dreamcatcher Promotions apparel being sold at Gibraltar House, Winnipeg.

On September 23, Nor’Westers gathered together wearing orange shirts to show their support and solidarity. Orange shirt apparel was made available for purchase in our stores across northern communities and at our Winnipeg workplaces, with all proceeds directly supporting the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation’s (NCTR) educational programs on Residential Schools for children and youth across Canada.

Throughout the week, our staff participated in virtual lunch and learn sessions hosted by the NCTR, listening to stories of Survivors, exploring the ongoing challenges to reconciliation, and discussing how each of us can be part of the solution.

As a leading retailer of goods and services to Indigenous communities in northern Canada, this week was a strong reminder of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and to Our Promise to Indigenous Peoples. These commitments shape how we build respectful relationships and partnerships and serve communities in ways that support social, mental, and economic well-being in the spirit of reconciliation, as reflected in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and Final Report.