Indigenous Supplier Overview
Discover how our organization partners with Indigenous suppliers to foster economic growth, cultural preservation, and sustainable business practices. We are committed to building strong relationships with Indigenous communities by supporting local businesses and ensuring inclusive procurement opportunities. Explore our initiatives that promote diversity, enhance supply chain resilience, and contribute to a thriving Indigenous economy.
Wild Rice
Wild Rice Harvesters, based in North West Saskatchewan has a deep-rooted connection to the land where the wild rice grows. The Indigenous communities of Metis, Dene and Cree have stewarded their land for generations, maintaining their harmonious relationship with nature. Their commitment to sustainability is ingrained in their traditions, believing in caring for the land for future generations.
Maple Syrup
Ziibaakdakaan Maple, located in Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario, continues the centuries-old tradition of maple syrup production by the Chippewas of Nawash. This enterprise not only creates jobs for community members but also contributes to the upkeep of Cape Croker Park.
Pemmican
Mitosh, meaning "Eat" in Cree Nehiyon, was founded in 2008 by Ian Gladue from Wabasca's Bigstone Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada operating on Treaty 8 territories. Inspired by his mother's cooking, Ian aims to share traditional Indigenous food globally. Mitsoh is dedicated to providing authentic, high-quality experiences using clean, natural, and local ingredients. The "Elder Approved" stamp signifies community and elder support, integral to Mitsoh's respectful approach rooted in traditional protocols and ceremonies. They are committed to honoring elder's guidance while offering genuine Indigenous culinary experiences.
Tea Horse
Tea Horse was founded in 2017 by Denise Atkinson, an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) woman, and her partner Marc Bohiumier, is an Indigenous-owned artisanal tea company based in Northwestern Ontario on traditional Anishinaabe territory. They are pioneers in crafting custom-roasted wild rice (known as manoomin in Ojibwe) and tea blends using their proprietary roasting techniques.
Birch Bark Coffee
Birch Bark Coffee, founded in March 2018, offers certified organic, Fair Trade coffee that supports Indigenous farmers certified by SPP (Simbolo de Pequenos Productores). They prioritize an inclusive continuum from Indigenous farmers globally, through our case-driven movement supporting customers to Indigenous families in Canada affected by water quality issues. Birch Bark Coffee company believes in fostering ongoing empowerment and self-determination, ensuring ethically sourced beans while promoting economic, social, and cultural advancement.
Tea and Spices
Boreal Heartland Herbal Products Inc., based in Air Ronge, Saskatchewan, is an Indigenous-owned company operating on Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 territories. Established in 2017 under the Keewatin Community Development Association, it aims to provide sustainable income opportunities in Northern Saskatchewan communities. The company showcases the rich biodiversity of the boreal forest globally while promoting environmental and social sustainability in all its endeavours.
Local to the land Ingredients
Forbes Wild Foods, a Canadian Company, supplies wild, hand-picked varieties of food. Their products are sustainability harvested from the Canadian wilderness by knowledgeable pickers who practice progressive harvesting methods. These methods ensure sustainability for plant species and ecosystems, supporting the livelihoods of diverse communities including Indigenous people, women, youth, and retirees. Forbes Wild Foods also contributes to environmental restoration by reintroducing rare wild food plants to degraded lands.