The Acho Dene Koe First Nation’s economic development wing hopes to soon take over Fort Liard’s Acho Dene Native Crafts store, which closed in October 2024.
The store, which is currently a subsidiary of territorial agency Prosper NWT, had been in operation since 1976 according to its website. It sold the likes of birchbark baskets, jewellery, moccasins, mittens and mukluks, made by local artisans.
A Prosper NWT spokesperson said the store’s closure, initially intended to be a temporary measure, was prompted by “ongoing operational and staffing challenges impacting regular operations.”
“The store has a been a prominent fixture in the community for years,” said ADKFN general manager Boyd Clark. He said the First Nation wasn’t consulted and didn’t receive any notice of the store’s closure.
Shortly after the closure, Clark said, chief and council expressed interest in having the First Nation’s development corporation, ADK Holdings, take over the store.
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Earlier this month, at an intergovernmental meeting between ADKFN and the GNWT, leaders discussed expediting the process so the store can reopen for the 2026 tourism season.
“There was a risk associated with the depreciation of the asset,” Clark said, referring to the building the store operates from. “And then also from the standpoint of cultural preservation and promotion of art and wares of ADKFN.”
He said since the store closed, he has noticed craftmakers have slowed or stopped producing items because they no longer have anywhere to sell them.
“The commitment of the GNWT through Prosper NWT is to transfer the store as is, where is,” said Clark. He said officials from the development corporation have been instructed to meet with Prosper NWT as soon as possible to start working out an agreement.
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“Leadership of GNWT and ADKFN have recommitted to advancing efforts to see the store reopen with a stronger presence for the future that promotes tourism for NWT and supports the artisans of ADKFN,” said Prosper NWT’s spokesperson in an email to Cabin Radio.
The craft store in Fort Liard isn’t the only arts-related subsidiary connected to Prosper NWT.
The territorial agency says it continues to support Dene Fur Clouds, a Fort Providence-based company, as a minority shareholder.
Prosper NWT still oversees two active subsidiaries: Fort McPherson Tent and Canvas and Arctic Canada Trading Company, which markets products from across the territory.
The Ulukhaktok Arts Centre is also a subsidiary of Prosper NWT, though the spokesperson said the operation recently closed due to building maintenance issues.
“Prosper NWT is reviewing the situation to determine an appropriate path forward that supports community priorities and long-term sustainability,” the spokesperson said.
