Why these Ottawa companies close doors (or donate revenue) on Canada Day

Some Ottawa companies use this year's Canada Day Shows support for indigenous communities, closing doors in solidarity actions or using holiday revenues to support indigenous nonprofits.

Ottawa's SME and social enterprise, Artery Community Roasters, has vowed to donate 100% of its July 1st sales to theAssembly. It is one of the companies. of Seven Generationsis an indigenous, youth-led, non-profit and social enterprise. This organization works to empower and support indigenous youth in Ottawa. Will Wells, owner of The Artery, said that as a social enterprise, he believes there is a crossroads between the rights of persons with disabilities and the rights of indigenous peoples.

"There is a lot of overlap, as indigenous peoples are 30-35% more likely to be disabled due to the lack of adequate historical and ongoing health care and infrastructure," he says. I did.

Artery roasts small lots of ethically procured direct-trade specialty coffee, hires people with disabilities and pays living wages.

Many Ottawa companies have doors as a sign of support for indigenous communities and as a sign of support for indigenous communities after the discovery of graveyards without grave markers at housing schools across the country. And donated all the proceeds earned on Canada's day.

With the discovery of the site, activist calls now use Canada Day as an opportunity to focus on what many call the Government of Canada's racist and indigenous discriminatory treatment. I was prompted.

Queer-owned vegan bakery and coffee shop Little Joe Berry's also donated all July 1 baked goods and coffee bar sales to the 7th generation parliament.

"As a business owner, it's easy to get stuck every day, and you often forget your footprints and the space you occupy," said Little owner Joe Masterson. I am. Of Joe Berry. "I understand that July 1st is not a celebration day, but it is a day to recognize the continued colonization and oppression of indigenous peoples."

This is the second year in a row, Little. Jo Berry's donated the proceeds of Canada Day. According to Masterson, the move has elicited positive customer feedback.

"Our customers love it. Learning about local indigenous businesses and initiatives is a good memory for people. What they have never been to and where to start. If you're not sure what to do, create a convenient way to encourage donations. "

Meanwhile, Bank Street's Moo Shu Ice Cream and Kitchen has two years on Canada Day. The store will be closed in a row. Instead, staff will spend the day with Anna Cote, Mike Diabo, and other indigenous knowledge holders of Minobideg Learning. MooShu said in an Instagram post.

Moo shu pork also said that July 2nd will remain closed for staff safety as the threat of the "Freedom Convoy" returning to the heart of downtown continues.

Wells promises that his own privileges have enabled his small business to prosper, and in these times all businesses will donate a day's worth of sales. I admitted that it was difficult. But he encourages businesses and individuals to find ways to take action, whether financially or educationally, despite the potential for scrutiny.

"This is not about patriotism or judging who wants to celebrate on July 1st," Wells said. "It's just one day to find an opportunity to do collective good to build from country to country and add to true reconciliation. This still requires a lot of effort."