Fond du Lac residents rely on the Northern Store for everyday necessities. (Image Credit: North West Company)

By Derek Cornet

food security

Future of Northern Store in Fond du Lac unclear

Feb 3, 2026 | 2:32 PM

The North West Company (NWC) and Fond du Lac First Nation appear to be in disagreement about the future of the Northern Store in the remote community.  

Both entities released statements this week about what should be done with the store moving forward. On Monday, Fond du Lac leadership published a notice to band members stating a lease with the North West Company which expired in May 2024 would not be renewed.  

“The reason for this decision is due to listening to membership who have raised many concerns over the years about the services provided by the North West Company, and most recently, by a health inspector’s report suggesting that the store be temporarily closed and renovated due to its rundown condition, which poses a health risk to our community members,” the letter notes.   

The letter adds band leadership plans to take over operations, as well as expand it with a new restaurant and a section for the sale of cultural crafts. It also mentions with assistance from Indigenous Services Canada, the band has ordered fresh food to be distribute to members to ensure the food security of the nation. 

The NWC fired back on Tuesday with a statement of their own disputing Fond du Lac’s reasoning for not renewing the lease.  

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“We want to be clear about the recent health inspection,” Vice-President of Canadian Store Operations Michael Beaulieu wrote. 

“The inspector identified routine maintenance issues that are common in northern grocery operations. At no point were we informed that the store needed to close or that food was unsafe. We are concerned that the way this was described publicly may cause unnecessary worry for families who rely on the store every day. Food in the store is safe, the supply chain is stable, and we continue to operate the store responsibly.” 

Beaulieu also points out the company submitted a draft long-term lease with band council in April 2025 and remain ready to discuss it. He claims the NWC is willing to invest in building improvements, and that a modernized and upgrade store operated by the NWC would be a strong asset for Fond du Lac.  

“Before major and irreversible steps are taken, we believe it is important to ensure that community members have clear information, that food security remains protected, and that all parties understand the full implications of the decisions being made,” the letter states.  

larongeNOW reached out to Fond du Lac Chief Ronnie Augier on this matter, but didn’t hear back by publishing.  

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com