Fostering Aboriginal business and economic development in Yukon
OLD CROW, YT, May 19, 2015 /CNW/ - Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of Minister Aglukkaq, today announced an investment to establish the Old Crow co-op retail store. The fly-in community's only grocery and retail store closed in November 2014. The Old Crow Retail Co-operative Limited will operate from a recently constructed building purchased from the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, providing much-needed local retail services to the community.
Celebrating its grand opening on May 19, the Co-op will sell retail goods, food and hardware products to residents of Old Crow and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, whose members comprise the majority of the northern community. Having a local retail operation is vital for the social and economic well-being of this remote Yukon community.
This initiative demonstrates the continued cooperation between the Government of Canada and Yukon First Nations. däna Näye Ventures served as the external delivery organization for CanNor to advance this important community project, working with Arctic Co-operatives Limited, the Old Crow Retail Co-operative Limited, and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.
Quick Facts
- CanNor is investing almost $1 million through the Entrepreneurship and Business Development Fund as part of the Northern Aboriginal Economic Opportunities Program to support the opening of the new retail co-op store.
- In addition to CanNor funding, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation is contributing $412,536 to the Old Crow Co-op project, with commercial financing of nearly $1.4 million, for a total project value of over $2.7 million.
- Old Crow Retail Co-operative Ltd. is owned collectively by community members who wish to purchase a share.
Quotes
"Our Government is committed to ensuring that Northerners have the tools they need to respond to new and changing economic conditions. Our Government is proud to contribute to projects that will help create sustainable, healthy, and prosperous northern communities, while investing in the creation and expansion of business in Yukon."
Ryan Leef
Member of Parliament for Yukon
"The grand opening of Old Crow Retail Co-operative is truly a momentous occasion. The Co-op Model, and its values such as Concern for Community and Democratic Member Control make way for the people of Old Crow to take control of their own social and economic future, as well as their own food security. Having access to a steady supply of healthy and nutritious food will bring positive, lasting benefits to the people of Old Crow."
Tracy Rispin
President, Old Crow Retail Co-operative Ltd.
"It is an exciting time for Old Crow with the development of this new store. däna Näye Ventures is happy to have been able to play a role in helping this community project develop and we look forward to working with members of the community of Old Crow in the future."
Elaine Chambers
General Manager, däna Näye Ventures
Related Products
CanNor Contributes to Community Improvement in Old Crow
The Government of Canada invests in Yukon Aboriginal Business
Associated Links
CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.
For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca;
For more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit: northernstrategy.ca
SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq: Ted Laking, 819-997-1441; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency: Krisandra Reid, Communications Advisor, 867-667-3210; Old Crow Retail Co-operative Ltd.: Tracy Rispin, President, Board of Directors, 867-966-3261; däna Näye Ventures: Elaine Chambers, General Manager, 867-668-6925
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