Honouring the land and new beginnings: Celebrate Indigenous businesses
By Danika McDowell, Buy BC Brand Ambassador
March 26, 2025
The Spring Equinox is a time of renewal, balance, and connection with the land. For many Indigenous communities, this seasonal shift marks the return of abundance. It’s a time to honour traditional foodways, sustainable harvesting, and the meaningful relationship between people and the environment.
This month, we’re celebrating four Indigenous-owned B.C. businesses that carry these practices forward through their work. From hand-harvested kelp and ethically sourced coffee to teas rooted in ancestral plant knowledge and quality seafood from Indigenous fishing communities, these businesses embody sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovation.
Meet the businesses
Sḵwálwen Botanicals (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh traditional territory / Squamish, B.C.)
Founded by ethnobotanist Dr. Leigh Joseph (Styawat), Sḵwálwen Botanicals honours Squamish plant knowledge by creating teas and skincare that connect people to the land. Their Nékwentsut Rose, Nettle & Mint Tea and Shkweń Blackberry, Devil’s Club & Lemon Balm Tea are crafted with ethically harvested and sourced ingredients, keeping ancestral traditions alive.
“A cup of tea is a beautiful way to invite plants into our daily rituals. Our teas are soothing, grounding, and rooted in Indigenous plant traditions.” – Dr. Leigh Joseph
Indigenous Roots Coffee (Haida, W̱SÁNEĆ and lək̓ʷəŋən traditional territories / headquartered in Haida Gwaii with roasting and operations in Victoria, B.C.)
Co-founded by Kear Porttris and Natasha Parrish, Indigenous Roots Coffee is more than just coffee—it’s a bridge between communities. Their Land Back Blend directly supports the XAXE TEṈEW̱ Sacred Land Society, helping fund land revitalization efforts led by Indigenous matriarchs.
“By supporting XAXE TEṈEW̱, we are strengthening the self-determination of Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people, bringing back traditional governance and balance.”- Sk_’ing lúudas Natasha Parrish
“Our coffee bags reflect our Métis and Haida identities. The Métis floral beadwork honours a rich tradition of artistry, while Mouse Woman, a Haida Supernatural Being, represents guidance and wisdom.” – Kear Porttris
Naas Foods (Tla-o-qui-aht traditional territory / Tofino, B.C.)
Founded by Stevie Dennis, Naas Foods makes kelp more accessible in North American diets while respecting Indigenous harvesting practices. Their Everything Seasoning and Popcorn Seasoning are infused with smoked kelp flakes, bringing bold umami-rich flavour and sustainability to the table.
“Our kelp is hand-harvested in the traditional territory of my ancestors. We believe in fostering a new era of Indigenous entrepreneurs, opening space for more locally harvested products in your kitchen.” – Stevie Dennis
Authentic Indigenous Seafood (An Indigenous co-operative honouring traditional and unceded territories across Canada)
A cooperative of Indigenous fisheries across Canada, Authentic Indigenous Seafood ensures sustainability and economic empowerment for small-scale Indigenous fishers. Their Candied Wild Sockeye Salmon (Gitanyow Fisheries) and Candied Wild Coho Salmon (Tsu-ma-uss Fisheries) are more than just delicious—they tell a story of stewardship, traceability, and deep-rooted fishing traditions.
“Our QR-coded branding connects consumers directly to Indigenous fishing and stewardship practices that have sustained our communities for millennia—almost like visiting the fishery.” – Gordon Sterritt, CEO Authentic Indigenous Seafood
Support Indigenous businesses
These businesses are not only producing high-quality food and beverages but also creating pathways for sustainability, cultural revitalization, and economic empowerment.
Learn more and explore products from these Indigenous-owned B.C. businesses:
Most of these products were purchased at West Coast Wildflowers. Owned by Alissa Assu, West Coast Wildflowers is a female-powered, Indigenous-owned (Nisga’a and Wet’suwet’en First Nation) retail and online store dedicated to talented artisans across Canada and promoting Authentic Indigenous artisans that are deeply rooted in Indigenous kinship, culture, and community. Visit West Coast Wildflowers online or in Campbell River, B.C. on the traditional territory of the Ligwiłda’xw Peoples.