This month, as we reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools and the importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, we also honour the resilience and innovation of Indigenous Peoples and businesses.
We don’t have to look far: B.C. is home to scores of Indigenous-owned companies that are pushing the province forward. Among them, strong Indigenous women are blazing trails in their respective industries, from health and retail to transportation and hospitality. Here are some of our favourite 100-percent Indigenous women-owned businesses that are making a difference across the province.
Ancestor Cafe, Fort Langley
Sarah Meconse Mierau started the Ancestor Café to connect to her own roots and bring traditional Indigenous cuisine to the Fort Langley community. Items like the bison bannock taco and plant medicine lemonade make the Ancestor Café’s menu stand out—adding to the fact that the business operates on a historical site where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people used to engage in trade.
Ikswew Air, Richmond
Ikswew (the Cree word for “woman”) Air is the first Indigenous woman-owned airline in B.C., founded by Teara Fraser. It provides scheduled flights between YVR South and Qualicum Beach Airport, as well as charter flights to communities around the province.
Kica Contracting, Dease Lake
Kimberly Marion’s Kica Contracting is a Tahlatan-owned business that helps Indigenous people find employment in the resource sector. Marion grew up in Iskut, and her company was named a winner in BC Achievement Foundation’s 2024 Indigenous Business Awards.
Rain Wellness, Vernon
Angeline Chillihitzia, a massage therapist and the owner of Rain Wellness, brings a variety of health and wellness treatments to the Vernon community—including massage therapy, stress management and hydrotherapy.
Ranger Tea, Whistler
According to Ranger Tea’s website, Celtic Inuk herbalist Isabelle Ranger creates “botanical brews for wellness and adventures.” It has collections of common teas like black, chai and oolong, but its Gathered Collection features nourishing blends of “wild mountain botanicals respectfully gathered in Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Lil̓wat7úl territories” that can support immunity, detoxification and digestion.
Rise Consulting, Fernie
Annie Korver launched Fernie-based Rise Consulting to advance Truth and Reconciliation efforts in Canada. Since 2016, Rise has helped over 80 organizations develop new strategies that move them towards reconciliation. “We create opportunities for those that we walk alongside,” says Korver, who is a citizen of the Métis Nation within Alberta.
Satya Organic, North Vancouver
When Patrice Mousseau’s baby was diagnosed with eczema, she crafted a soothing topical solution that kickstarted her entrepreneurial journey. Satya Organic still uses simple, botanical ingredients to calm skin problems, and the brand is now in over 1,000 Shoppers locations across Canada.
Totem Design House, Comox Valley
Haida and Cree entrepreneur Erin Brillon launched her lifestyle and clothing brand, Totem Design House, in 2014 to sell apparel, jewelry, home decor and wellness products featuring Indigenous art and designs. Ten percent of annual profits go to Copper Legacy Indigenous Empowerment Society, a wellness centre in Courtenay.
West Coast Wildflowers, Vancouver Island
Ali Assu, who belongs to the Laksamshu (Fireweed and Owl) Clan of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation, was inspired by the women in her life to start West Coast Wildflowers during the COVID pandemic. Her e-commerce shop offers clothing and lifestyle items, including those for the home and beauty and wellness. Additionally, Assu has recently exapanded her business further by acquiring Ravensong Soap and Candle and Bear Essential Oils.
White Otter Design, New Denver
Anishnaabe designer Jaymie Campbell draws on her Indigenous roots and culture to create handmade art and fashion pieces. Campbell is an advocate for slow fashion and uses materials like elk hide, horsehair and porcupine quills that demonstrate a connection to land.
