We had the privilege of speaking with the visionary founder of Birch Bark Coffee Company (BBCC), a groundbreaking First Nations-owned business that is redefining the coffee industry. With a mission rooted in the Seven Grandfather Teachings—love, respect, humility, honesty, wisdom, courage, and truth—Birch Bark Coffee Company goes beyond delivering premium, organic, and fair-trade coffee. It channels its success into addressing systemic inequities faced by Indigenous communities.
Guided by a purpose-driven philosophy, the company’s Birch Bark Foundation Fund supports transformative initiatives, including providing water filtration systems, empowering youth programs, and fostering long-term sustainability. Through his unwavering commitment to cultural values and community impact, the founder has demonstrated how entrepreneurship can be a catalyst for equity and reconciliation. Birch Bark Coffee Company isn’t just brewing coffee—it’s brewing change.

Can you share the inspiration behind founding Birch Bark Coffee Company? How does your heritage and personal journey shape the brand’s mission and identity?
The inspiration for Birch Bark Coffee Company (BBCC) came from a deep desire to address systemic inequities faced by Indigenous communities, particularly in areas like water access, education, and community development. Growing up on and off the reserve, I saw firsthand the challenges our people endure. These experiences shaped my vision of creating a business that blends traditional values with modern solutions to foster reconciliation and uplift communities.
BBCC is guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings—love, respect, humility, honesty, wisdom, courage, and truth. These teachings are woven into our mission and form the foundation of everything we do. Through initiatives like the Birch Bark Foundation Fund, we are able to tackle critical issues, including providing water filtration systems, supporting mental health programs, and empowering community-led projects.
The brand reflects not only my personal journey but also the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities. Every cup of coffee serves as a catalyst for positive change, allowing BBCC to honor our heritage while creating a pathway toward equity and healing.
How do you balance delivering a premium product while staying true to your purpose-driven business model?
Balancing a premium product with a purpose-driven mission is at the core of BBCC’s success. We deliver high-quality, organic, and fair-trade coffee that meets the standards of even the most discerning customers while ensuring every sale contributes to meaningful change.

This balance is achieved by forging strong partnerships with ethical suppliers and managing costs without compromising quality. We also maintain transparency about how our proceeds support initiatives like the Birch Bark Foundation Fund. This approach allows us to fulfill our mission of creating impact in Indigenous communities while ensuring the integrity and excellence of our coffee.
Can you elaborate on how this philosophy guides your philanthropic efforts and the tangible impact it has on Indigenous communities?
BBCC’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that businesses should serve a greater purpose. This is reflected in the Birch Bark Foundation Fund, which channels proceeds from coffee sales into initiatives that tackle critical issues in Indigenous communities, such as water infrastructure, education, and mental health.
Our efforts have led to measurable impacts, like the installation of water filtration systems in homes, empowering youth programs, and supporting infrastructure development. By focusing on sustainable solutions, our initiatives go beyond immediate relief—they create long-term pathways for self-sufficiency and community well-being. This philosophy ensures our actions are rooted in respect, accountability, and the desire to leave a lasting legacy.
What obstacles have you faced in establishing a First Nations-owned business in the competitive coffee industry, and what lessons have you learned that you’d like to share with other Indigenous entrepreneurs?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was gaining trust and recognition in a competitive industry as a First Nations-owned business. Educating people about the mission and dispelling misconceptions about Indigenous entrepreneurship required resilience and a strong commitment to my values. Securing funding and establishing partnerships that aligned with our goals also posed significant hurdles.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that authenticity is your greatest strength. Staying true to our mission has not only built credibility but also inspired loyalty among customers and partners. My advice to Indigenous entrepreneurs is to embrace your identity, believe in your vision, and remain steadfast in your purpose. Your story is your competitive advantage, and it has the power to create meaningful connections and opportunities.
What is your vision for Birch Bark Coffee Company’s growth, and how do you hope to inspire future generations of Indigenous entrepreneurs?
My vision for BBCC is to become the leading Indigenous-owned coffee brand in North America, synonymous with quality, sustainability, and reconciliation. I see BBCC expanding its retail and wholesale presence, creating innovative ways to support Indigenous communities through the Birch Bark Foundation Fund, and forging strategic partnerships that amplify our mission.
I hope to inspire future generations of Indigenous entrepreneurs by showing that it’s possible to blend culture, values, and business success. BBCC is proof that you can create a business that uplifts your community while building a legacy of resilience and opportunity. My dream is for Indigenous entrepreneurs to see the potential in themselves to lead with purpose and create impactful change.