Buy Canadian and buy Indigenous

This movement is picking up steam on Reddit, especially in communities like r/BuyCanadian, where people are coming together to support the cause. Members are sharing recommendations, resources and their favourite Indigenous-owned businesses, creating a powerful collective push to uplift these entrepreneurs.

Unexpected vet bills don’t have to break the bank

Spot Pet Insurance offers coverage for treatment of accidents, illnesses, prescriptions drugs, emergency care and more.

Plus, their preventative care plan covers things like routine check-ups, microchip implantation, and vaccinations, if you want to give your pet the all-star treatment while you protect your bank account.

Get A Quote

The value of crowd sourcing on Reddit

Reddit user u/SirCharlesTupperBt emphasized the value of Buy Canadian initiatives such as this, stating, "a lot of this info is out there, but I think many Canadians are just starting to figure out where they can shop that doesn't involve Amazon or other US based ecommerce. Anything that raises the profile of businesses that keep money in our communities is awesome!”

We’ve put together a curated list of Indigenous-owned businesses across Canada what were recommended by Canadians on Reddit, for Canadians, each offering unique products that reflect their rich heritage.

Buy Indigenous

Looking for some snacks and drinks? There are Indigenous sources for that. U/Sunwinec recommends 392 Pepper Company from Kahnawake. “Amazing hot sauces and the best spicy salsa and tortilla chips you’ll ever eat!”

U/quidamquidam rounds out the snack. “Also in Kahnawake: Kahnawake Brewing Co has solid beer.”

If you’re not feeling for a beer, U/YaldabothsMoon has a tea you should try. “Going to put a plug here for Boreal Delights / Délice Boréal teas. Indigenous owned and operated and they make some of the most delicious herbal teas (teabag mind you) I’ve ever had. Blows DavidsTea out of the water.”

Reddit user u/CurvyAlthete is doing their part, saying they are replacing their American make up with Cheekbone, an Indigenous-owned beauty brand that makes sustainable beauty products.

Even your furry friends can be a part of the “Buy Canadian” Buy Indigenous movement. U/Bitter-Air-8760 shares “Shades of Grey is an indigenous dog treat company here in Ontario. They make natural dog treats from rabbit, beaver, venison etc. I have been using these products for a couple of years and my dog loves them."

Reddit users throughout the post shared other brands they deem worth checking out if you're looking to Buy Canadian and also support Indigenous businesses, including:

  • Outlier Leather Co. – Outlier is a style brand founded and operated by David Spence, a Nisichawayasihk Cree (Treaty 5) entrepreneur. Born in Winnipeg, MB, raised in BC, and now based in Toronto, ON, David personally handcrafts each Outlier product.
  • Resist Clothing Company – An Indigenous-owned streetwear brand based in Sagamok First Nation and Toronto. Their designs highlight Indigenous culture and activism.
  • Birch Bark Coffee Company – First Nations-owned coffee brand offering organic and Fairtrade coffee while supporting Indigenous communities with access to clean water.
  • Wabanaki Maple – Indigenous female-owned business specializing in maple syrup with a deep cultural and historical connection.
  • Indigenous Box – A subscription box service connecting Indigenous entrepreneurs with consumers, founded by Mallory Yawnghwe.

And Reddit user u/OldLogger has been doing their own curating of Indigenous-owned business, with a focus on manufacturing. They have compiled a list that includes over 340 Indigenous manufacturers.

Canada’s top credit cards—find your perfect match!

Maximize rewards, save on interest, or earn cash back. Compare the best credit cards in Canada and pick the one that works for you!

Find Your Card Now

Coming together to support each other in tariff time and always

When Canadians choose to Buy Canadian, and specifically, to support Indigenous-owned businesses, they’re not just helping these businesses thrive — they’re also celebrating the diverse cultures that make up this country. In the wake of the US tariffs, now is as good a time as any to consider replacing American companies you typically turn to, with Indigenous entrepreneurs' alternatives.

As this movement continues to grow, it is a valuable reminder of the importance of being thoughtful in our buying decisions and how each of us can help build a more inclusive and fair society while supporting local businesses.

Through platforms like Reddit, communities can come together to share knowledge, resources and support, creating a ripple effect that benefits all.

The bottom line

The initiative led by Reddit users to support Indigenous-owned businesses is a testament to the positive change that can occur when communities unite for a common cause. By highlighting and patronizing these businesses, Canadians are turning to each other to support each other and our country.

We'll leave the last word to Reddit user u/gohabs31, an American who is watching us come together as a nation.

"This [Buy Canadian] subreddit keeps getting recommended to me so I’m perpetually an observer, as I’m an American. I just want to say I love you guys and I’m truly jealous of how well you all seem to come together in the face of adversity."

Sources

1. Reddit: Buy Canadian subreddit

2. Reddit: Buy Canadian: Support the indigenous people and their businesses too! (March 12, 2025)

3. 392 Pepper Company: website

4. Kahnawakey Brewing Company: website

5. Northern Delights: website

6. Cheekbone: website

7. Shades of Grey: website

8. Outlier Leather Co.: website

9. Resist Clothing Company: website

10. Birch Bark Coffee Company: website

11. Wabanaki Maple: website

12. Indigenous Box: website

13. manufacturedin.ca: website

Sponsored

Trade Smarter, Today

Build your own investment portfolio with the CIBC Investor's Edge online and mobile trading platform and enjoy low commissions. Get started today!

Leslie Kennedy Senior Content Editor

Leslie Kennedy served as an editor at Thomson Reuters and for Star Media Group, followed by a number of years as a writer and editor and content manager in marketing communications, before returning to her editorial roots. She is a graduate of Humber College’s post-graduate journalism program and has been a professional writer and editor ever since.

Disclaimer

The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.

†Terms and Conditions apply.