A partnership between Starbucks Canada and We Wai Kai Nation has made history today!
After breaking ground in 2023 and working together to ensure collaboration over the last few months, the We Wai Kai Nation has officially opened their Starbucks cafe and drive-thru store—the first to be licensed and operated by the Nation.
It’s located on the We Wai Kai reserve at the Quinsam Crossing development at 101-125 Brant Drive in Campbell River and is 1,700 square feet.
It will serve as a local hotspot for more than 1,200 Nation members and connect surrounding communities!
“The nation’s leadership fully understands that achieving true reconciliation will not be possible without vibrant Indigenous economies, characterized by economic self-sufficiency and socio-economic equality with the rest of Canada,” said Ronnie Chickite, We Wai Kai Nation Chief Councillor.
“Our new licensed Starbucks store helps us further move towards economic self-sufficiency as we continue to build our own-source revenues.”
Visitors will be greeted by the warm familiarity of Starbucks as well as additions that make this Starbucks entirely unique to the We Wai Kai Nation’s art and legends.
By incorporating local materials, rich textures, and curated art, they’ve added symbolic weight, beauty, and connection.
From the cedar cladding that evokes the towering trees framing the landscape, to the rich brown leather and woven fixtures inspired by local craftwork, each element has been carefully chosen to foster a sense of a warmth and harmony rooted in community traditions and the We Wai Kai’s connection to the land.
Additionally, the store also features a stunning, hand-painted mural by local artist, Jessica Chickite.
As described, it draws from the Nation’s creation story of the Great Flood, honouring and celebrating the Nation’s history and culture, and creating a moment for customers to pause and reflect on the past, but also the future.
Chickite has weaved together the iconic Starbucks siren with elements of Indigenous culture in vibrant colours, and aims to show how Starbucks and the We Wai Kai Nation have come together as one proud community.
“The siren participates in this dramatic retelling of the We Wai Kai’s origins, swimming below two canoes – a reference to the canoes that first brought my ancestors to the We Wai Kai Nation,” said Chickite.
“The mural celebrates our stories, symbols and traditions passed down over generations, even as it embraces new beginnings and possibilities.”
They will also be focusing on hiring local members of the community, which in turn will offer new job opportunities—so far, they’ve employed over 20 green apron baristas.
To further their positive impact on the community, the store will seek out local food banks to support in Campbell River.
“We are proud to open this store to bring the Starbucks Experience to even more customers with the We Wai Kai Nation as its licensee to help serve the unique needs and priorities of this community,” said Shannon Leisz, Vice President, Store Development, Starbucks Canada.
Adding that this moment not only represents their continuous commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, but also the hope and desire to mutually thrive together as a unified team.
This store will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days a week.
