First Nation-Run Cannabis Store Opens Near Orillia

Rama Cannabis in Ontario Employs 18 Community Members and Expects Brisk Sales – LPC

The Chippewas of Rama First Nation near Orillia, Ont. opened its First Nation-run cannabis store in March during a ribbon cutting ceremony. Rama Cannabis completely owned, managed, and staffed by 18 community members.

“I’m very proud of the fact that the whole operation is 100 per cent being run by people from the First Nation — from cleaners right through to upper management,” Chief Ted Williams told Orillia Matters. (Please see link below.) “We had a soft opening on the weekend and we were open for full business on Monday, (March 8, 2021).”

Rama Cannabis General Manager Tracy Beaver also expressed how important it was to have a completely First Nation-run cannabis store in the community.

“Our biggest source of pride is the number of community members who are excited to be part of Rama Cannabis,” Beaver said. “We had over a hundred applications to work in the store, and every single one of them was from a Rama First Nation community member.”

By Chief Williams description, it sounds as if Rama Cannabis has taken a luxury approach to retail cannabis. A press release describes the store as having a “harmonious interior (and) sensory stations”.

“The store is designed to meet the needs of both the cannabis connoisseur and the first-time user,” it continues.

“Our store is very different. It has that premium feel to it once you walk in the door. It’s not your run-of-the-mill, mom-and-pop operation,” Chief Williams said.

First Nation-run Cannabis Store a Positive Step Forward in Canada

From the beginning, several First Nations have talked about feeling like the Cannabis Act leaves them behind. Nipissing First Nation Chief Scott McLeod questioned Ontario’s jurisdiction over retail cannabis rules. Traditionally, jurisdiction for most matters is left to the federal government.

“We don’t necessarily support the idea that the province has jurisdiction in our First Nation lands,” Chief McLeod said at the time.

A similar dispute happened in Nova Scotia. Eskasoni First Nation Chief Leroy Denny said they had the inherent right to self-govern. “We don’t need any authorization or permission from Canada or the province to exercise our rights, so our self-government should be respected.”

However, at least one other First Nation in Ontario supported provincial jurisdictions for retail cannabis sales. The Six Nations People’s Cannabis Coalition (SNPCC) directly challenged provincial authority in the summer of 2020. The coalition wanted to open its own First Nation-run cannabis store in Six Nations of the Grand River in southwestern Ontario. Six Nations police, Six Nations Elected Council, and the Six Nations Cannabis Commission all supported the provincial framework.

“It is our responsibility to ensure cannabis businesses on the territory are accountable for their actions,” read a joint statement in part. The statement underlined that selling cannabis within Six Nations without a provincial retail licence is illegal. Further, the Elected Council and Cannabis Commission stated it would be “endangering the health and safety of individuals in our community”.

Health and safety is a huge concern in Rama First Nation, according to Beaver. It’s one they’re taking seriously – especially during this time of COVID.

“We’re very mindful about the health and safety of our community, particularly because we are a First Nation,” said Tracy. “We’re taking every precaution possible to keep our community safe and protect our employees.”

First Nation-run Cannabis Store Promotes Inclusivity

Inclusivity is another issue in Canada. US-based Cannaclusive said that not enough was being done in the US to make the cannabis industry inclusive. It doesn’t seem to be much different in Canada. In 2018, it was reported that only three per cent of management in the top cannabis companies were non-white.

However, things are changing. Rama’s First Nation-run cannabis store is one indication of that. There are other examples. BeeHigh Vital Elements or BeeHighVE is a licensed producer headed by Rita Hall, who self-identifies as Aboriginal. BeeHighVE was the first LP to receive its licence under the Cannabis Act.

There is no doubt that Canada has a long way to go when it comes to cannabis and inclusivity, particularly with First Nations and other Indigenous people. But the new First Nation-run cannabis store on Rama First Nation is an encouraging step in that direction.

 

Click here to view full story at www.orilliamatters.com

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