Sanikiluaq’s co-op celebrates new store opening

Sarah Kittosuk Snr. cuts the ribbon at the opening cermony for Sanikiluaq’s new co-op store, as members of the board, from left to right look on: Johnny Meeko Jr, director, Peter Kattuk, director, Lucassie Arragutainaq, president, and Lucassie Kittosuk, director and founding member of the Mitiq Co-op. (PHOTO/ ACL)

People in Sanikiluaq may now do their shopping in a big, new store.

The Mitiq Co-op’s new 7,000-square-foot store, which recently celebrated its grand opening, includes a new handicapped-friendly entrance, translated signage, wider aisles and new refrigeration systems.

The old store will now be converted to a warehouse connected by an enclosed corridor to the new store, a news release from Arctic Co-ops Ltd. said.

The official opening ceremony for the new store included prayers from Moses Appaqaq and Louisa Meeko, and greetings from Mary Nirlungayuk, ACL’s corporate secretary.

The Arctic Co-operative Development Fund provided some of the interim financing for Sanikiluaq’s new store.

Since 1986, that fund has provided more than $488 million to help ACL’s member co-ops expand their businesses and build new infrastructure.

Atuqtuarvik Corp., governments and commercial financial institutions also contributed to the Sanikiluaq store project.

Incorporated in 1968, Mitiq Co-op looks after the day-to-day operations of the store, a local hotel and the community’s cable television system.

“Mitiq Co-operative is a model of successful community ownership and control. Profits stay in the community and contribute to the economic benefits received by the membership. This and the opening of the new store are great reasons to celebrate,” a July 9 news release said.

Sanikiluaq’s spacious new co-op store officially opened May 31. (PHOTO/ ACL)