Iqaluit (Oct 23/06) - Own your future may have just been a catchy theme for recent Co-op Week celebrations, but for members around the North, it has become a reality.

With community celebrations held in the 33 Arctic Co-op stores across Nunavut and the NWT last week, member/owners were reminded just how valuable they are, said Arctic Co-operatives Ltd. president Bill Lyall.

"Members realize that this is their business and they are supporting it," he said.

Revenues have been growing for the whole system of Arctic Co-ops across the North and with growth every member/owner will benefit a little bit, he said.

There are some 18,000 member/owners across both territories who together shared in more than $7.9 million in patronage dividends in 2005 from Arctic Co-ops, said Jeff Provost, member and public relations manager with Arctic Co-ops Ltd.

Each community store decides what will be done with the refund - whether it's money spent on a new hotel or paid out as a dividend to individual members, he said.

"Members are doing it themselves. These are individuals who live and work in the community," he said.

Total revenue for Arctic Co-ops Ltd. and the stores the Winnipeg-based organization helps support in 2005 was $227.5 million, he said. That was up from 2004 when they combined for $223.7 million is sales.

In 2005, $19.6 million went to pay wages and benefits of the combined 800 employees in NWT and Nunavut.

The Taqqut Co-op in Arctic Baytook took part in a pan-territorial sale, said manager Dannie Smith. Tide was marked down to $16.99 from $24.99 while cases of pop were going for $29.95 compared to $48.89.

The store held a number of special events such as scavenger hunts and activities in Arctic Bay's gym.

"We always try to get involved in the community," said Smith.

In Deline, the Great Bear Co-op is more than just a grocery store, said manager Seymour Jacobs.

"People can pay their phone and cable bills and do banking here," he said.