Aboriginal Co-operatives in Canada - Centre for the Study of Co ...

A P P E N D I X I ~Bill states, “I think that we have been leaders in Cambridge Bay for bringing in biodegradablematerials. We’re always looking at new products, especially to replace plastic bags. I must saythat disposable diapers are one of the worst pollutants in the Arctic. I see a lot of diapers out onthe tundra when I go hunting.” Another item of note is that by keeping the fishery going for theshortest period of time possible, the co-op is minimizing any waste products, which mightcreate pollution for the community.Sustainability of the BusinessesAfter weathering the slump in the 1980s, Bill is cautiously optimistic about their chances ofsurviving another economic downturn. He states, “I’ve got to go through a slump to know ifwe could survive because people don’t spend money. They always have to buy groceriesthough. We may not suffer as much, but we would suffer.”Future DevelopmentAny plans for future expansion would be contingent on the impact of competition and theavailability of skilled labour. Additional services in the short term might include a pizza orfast-food outlet in the store or the hotel. In the long term, a new retail outlet and hotel expansionare possible. Bill explains, “The building which houses our retail operations is ten yearsold now, but buildings don’t last with the kind of weather that we have here. The board ofdirectors is looking for a new piece of land to build a store and perhaps a daycare centre. Wemay expand the hotel, but we have to see the impact that the new hotels will have on ourbusiness first.”Bill has no firm plans for the future but he knows he will always support the co-op, at least as amember. He plans to retire someday.I’ve been with the co-op almost ten years. I took on a challenge that I think has cometo an end because the business is successful. I would say get out while everything isworking right and then if they get in trouble, they can call me in to help with it. I’mgetting to that age when I have to look for something else rather than doing this all thetime. I might start a tour operation and live off the land. I like fishing, hunting, andwalking. I want to do something that interests me because there are a lot of parties andyou could end up an alcoholic quickly. I really don’t want that for myself.I think we have people in place who have the ability to continue operations.However even when you cultivate people as successors, you never know what youare going to get until they take over. I’ve seen many problems, not only in the co-opsystem but in other Native organizations, where new people take advantage of theirpositions.302 ~