An Indigenous-owned cannabis company in Chilliwack, B.C., that started out as a rogue dispensary is now setting its sights on becoming a global leader in the cannabis industry.
This week marked the six-year anniversary of the legalization of cannabis in Canada. First Nations all across Canada have opened cannabis companies since then.
Shxwhá:y Village in Chilliwack is a partner in All Nations, a cannabis retail store that also produces its own cannabis products.
“We knew that cannabis was going to be legalized and we knew that we wanted to be a part of it,” said Chief Robert Gladstone.
They started with a “rogue shop,” which Gladstone says was exercising sovereignty and inherent rights.
“This was developed so that we could create an economic base for people, create jobs, but we wanted to do it in a fashion where we weren’t working against either the federal or provincial government,” said Gladstone.
So the nation worked with the province of British Columbia to establish a dispensary under a provincial regulation that allows the government of B.C. to enter into agreements with First Nations relating to the sale of cannabis.
In 2021, when they opened the doors to All Nations Cannabis, Gladstone said they were one of the first to offer a dispensary in the lower mainland.
Gladstone said the cannabis business — and other business avenues — make their community healthier by creating jobs.
