Indigenous Coffee Company Promotes Truth & Reconciliation, Offers Brews That Support Indigenous Initiatives – CoffeeTalk

Indigenous Roots Coffee Co. is a coffee brand that aims to create a gateway for people to learn about truth and reconciliation through the use of their four blends. The co-founders, Natasha Parrish and Kear Porttris, both work in the field of Indigenous education, with Parrish working at Camosun College as an education developer for Indigenization and Porttris working as a consultant to facilitate connections between large projects and Indigenous communities.

The brand aims to raise awareness, build community connections, and celebrate Indigenous cultures through art and relationships. The couple believes that Indigenous excellence, innovation, and courage are essential for the success of the community. Their Big House Blend coffee contributes to community and family gatherings, while their Canoe Connections blend supports the Geronimo Canoe Club in Brentwood Bay.

Porttris feels a personal connection to the Joyful Jiggers, a Metis dance group, which his 13-year-old daughter Abigail and her friend Piper belong to. The initiative is paired with their Express Yourself Espresso blend, which motivates two teenagers to share their knowledge of dance and help build that skill in the community. The XAXE TENEW Sacred Land Society, supported by their Land Back blend, is also part of the company’s mission to create a safe space for Indigenous women and two-spirited people in Saanich.

As their company grows, they hope to expand their outreach and foster more community connections. The packaging for each of the four coffee flavors blends the couple’s Metis and Haida cultures, with Metis floral beadwork and the Haida formline of Kaagan Jaad (Mouse Woman) adorned on each packet. Each flavor also has its own logo, created by WSANEC artist Chazz Elliott (Temoseng), who crafted each design to reflect the feelings and energy of each coffee.

The intricate artwork for the Express Yourself Espresso blend demonstrates the beauty of indigenous cultures and encourages consumers to get curious about the different cultures represented. The couple believes that bringing these stories forward demonstrates that Indigenous Peoples have always been creators and innovators.

With a lack of everyday Indigenous products on grocery store shelves, the couple say the coffee has been well received by all. People have been drawn to the connections, the opportunity to connect with community, and the pride of the Indigenous Peoples involved. There is a real sense of pride in the coffee’s connection to Indigenous communities.

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