FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2023
Syilx (Okanagan)/Kelowna, B.C.) – The Retail Cannabis Council of BC (RCCBC) and BC Craft Farmers Co-op (BCCFC) announced today that All Nations Mestiyexw, an Indigenous-led cannabis producer and retailer, will be the title partner of the 2023 BC Cannabis Summit in Kelowna, B.C. on April 21-23, 2023.
All Nations Mestiyexw is a leading Indigenous collective; weaving traditional Indigenous practices with innovative cultivation methods; creating products that are superior in quality, offer unique experiences and have the support of the First Nations communities behind each offering. Reimagining Indigenous traditions of trade and barter, All Nations is establishing a community-focused and driven distribution network of retail stores across Canada in partnership with First Nations on their traditional territories. All Nations uplifts First Nation communities and supports meaningful and sustainable participation in the cannabis industry.
“At All Nations, we focus on strengthening the connection to Indigenous communities. We strive to make a positive socioeconomic impact with Indigenous communities, always encouraging and inspiring Indigenous participation in this industry,” says All Nations CEO Darwin Douglas. “Our model is recognized by Indigenous communities across the country. It speaks to where Indigenous communities are in their quest for economic sovereignty and their desire to build prosperity – seeking business opportunities within their Nation and on their traditional territories. All Nations is about producing great cannabis, creating hope for communities, bringing the Indigenous people into this industry and creating a future that’s sustainable and creating positive societal impact.”
RCCBC and BCCFC invite craft cannabis stakeholders across BC and Canada to “roll it up and hash it out” together in B.C.’s Okanagan Valley from April 21 to 23, 2023 at the Eldorado Resort. The Eldorado Resort is Kelowna’s finest full-service waterfront resort.
“We feel very honoured that All Nations has chosen to be the title partner of our second BC Cannabis Summit,” said RCCBC Executive Director Jaclynn Pehota. “In a sector facing many challenges, All Nations represents a shining light and a clear demonstration of the public benefits of Indigenous leadership and innovation in the cannabis sector.”
Since the 2023 Summit was launched earlier this year, BCCFC and RCCBC have confirmed BC Deputy Premier, Hon. Mike Farnworth, and BC Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport and the Premier’s Special Advisor on Youth, Brittny Anderson as keynote speakers. The Weed Pool Cannabis Cooperative was also confirmed as a returning partner.
“BC has earned a reputation as the home of the best craft cannabis farmers in the world – many of whom are Indigenous,” said BCCFC President Tara Kirkpatrick. “We are very pleased the BC Cannabis Summit has become an inclusive place to facilitate reconciliation, respectful dialogue, and wellness. I am very excited to learn from All Nations and celebrate their success with hundreds of other Summit delegates next month.”
More speakers and Summit partners will be announced over the coming days. Visit bccannabissummit.ca to register for the Summit, take advantage of partnership opportunities, and book accommodation at the Eldorado Resort. RCCBC and BCCFC members receive VIP rates.
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Contact:
BC Cannabis Summit:
assistantsecretary@bccraftfarmerscoop.com
All Nations: Bilal Cheema, Strategic Advisor:
bilal@cheemastrategies.com
allnationsmestiyexw.com