Pukatawagan residents celebrate opening of First Nation's new community-owned grocery store

Helen Bighetty gleamedwith excitement as she shoppedin the frozen foods aisle of Pukatawagan's new grocery store Wednesday.

"This is absolutely wonderful prices. Like for this one here. This is a deal!" she said, holding a package of frozen ribs priced at $16.99.

"If you shop in The Pas, it's like $25, $30."

And it's even more down the street at theNorthern Store until recently,the only place people living in the remote northwesternManitoba community of Pukatawagan could getfood.

"When I try the Northern prices, my hands burn," said Bighetty.

The new $5.4-million store,which had its official opening on Wednesday, was made possible through a loan taken out by the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, which includes the community of Pukatawagan.The storeisexpected to create 12 jobs and turn an annual profit of about $400,000, which will be reinvested in the community of about 2,500.

The store's opening day was an emotional one for people in Pukatawagan, saidMathias Colomb Cree Nation Chief Lorna Bighetty.

"The people have waited for a very long time to have a store to call their own, and they don't have to worry about high prices. We're gonna keep it as low as we can and they will remain that way."

She said most people in Pukatawagan get their groceries shipped in on a train from The Pas more than 200 kilometres to the south or buy them locally from the more expensive Northern Store.

Inside that store, owned by the North West Company, a box of frozenDelissiopizza sells for$16.49, a bag of white bread is $6.59 and a large tub of Becel margarine is $14.49.

"Last week we picked up four bags of groceries [at the Northern Store] and it was a little bit over $400, " said Ralph Caribou, who is in charge of special projects in the community.

"We pick up a cart full today [at the new store] and it's just a little over $200 huge difference, and we're still making money at these prices."

Caribou said he believes the store's opening comes years later than it should have, but he'shappy Pukatawagan's residents will have an alternative to shopping at theNorthern Store.

"They take the profits right out of the community."

Pukatawagan celebrates opening of First Nation's new community-owned grocery store

2 years ago

Duration 2:26

For people in remote northern communities many food items have always been much more expensive than we pay in the south. CBC's Austin Grabish flew to Pukatawagan to show us why the opening of a new store had people celebrating.

The North West Company reported consolidated net earnings of $157.5 million last year, according to its 2021 annual report. It has 118 Northern stores in remote communities in Canada, along with operations in Alaska and the Caribbean.

"We congratulate the MathiasColomb Cree Nation on the successful opening of their new store. We understand that they are offering special pricing as part of their opening, but can't speculate on their long-term pricing plans," saidNorth West Company spokesperson Brent Smith when asked whyprices in the Northern Store are so high.

"Our focus is on ensuring sustainable everyday prices for our customers, and we remain dedicated to consistently providing the quality products and services they expect," he added.

Shopper Theresa Bighetty said she's always wanted to have a band-owned store and plans to shop there from now on.

"I'm happy," she said. "I feel it in my heart."

Elder Angus Linklater gave a heartfelt speech before cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of the store on Wednesday.

"I was very honoured to cut that ribbon," said Linklater.

The grocery store is one of several new projects in the community.

It is also celebrating the opening of a new band office, tinyhomes for single people and an eight-unitcomplex for elders.

The store's opening comes as the community rebuilds from a wildfire this past summer that left residents displaced in Winnipeg and knocked out power for the First Nation.