Editor’s note: The following story pertains to the new Starbucks store, in Campbell River’s Quinsam Crossing development.

Originally published on the Bird’s Eye
Members of the We Wai Kai Nation gathered on Monday for a ceremonial ground breaking to honour the land that will become the site of a new Starbucks store. This location will be operated by the We Wai Kai Nation, making this a first-of-its-kind collaboration for Starbucks in Canada.
Led by We Wai Kai Nation Chief & Council and Economic Development, a traditional blessing and ground breaking ceremony was held to commemorate the beginning of this significant collaboration and new store. The ceremony reflected the nation’s traditions with an Eagle Down Blessing ceremony, a Ladies’ Dance, words of wisdom from Chief Chickite and Hereditary Chiefs and a Ground Breaking Ceremony with
both representatives from both the We Wai Kai Nation and Starbucks Canada to mark the beginning of construction.
“We Wai Kai Nation is a proud leader in providing progressive economic, cultural and social services for its members, residents and businesses,” said Ronnie Chickite, Chief Councillor, We Wai Kai Nation. “Economic development is a key pillar of our strategic plan and an important component as we move towards treaty. It is through partnerships, like this one with Starbucks Canada, that will support our goal of self reliance.”
As a licensed Starbucks store, it will be wholly operated by the We Wai Kai Nation, while providing the same Starbucks Experience customers enjoy at Starbucks stores across Canada. The We Wai Kai Nation will focus on hiring locally and the store’s design will reflect the origins and pride of We Wai Kai Nation with materials and local art, with space for the community to connect over coffee. It is expected to open in the
fall of this year.
“It is an honour and privilege to be welcomed into the We Wai Kai Nation and to help provide a space for the community to connect over coffee. We look forward to listening and learning from the people of We Wai Kai to help serve the unique needs and priorities of their community,” said Shannon Leisz, Vice President, Store Development, Starbucks Canada. “Together with We Wai Kai Nation, our shared vision has now become a shared reality. This incredible moment marks the beginning of what is possible for Starbucks and First Nation communities in Canada as we continue to work side by side.”

Wedlidi Speck, head chief of the Gixsam namima (clan) of the Kwagul tribe was invited to preside as Master of Ceremonies. Speaking with the Bird’s Eye he explained the importance of ceremony in marking this new relationship in helping us be “mindful, thoughtful in a sacred way, and intentional”. He shared that local artist Jessica Chickite had gifted a painting to Shannon Leisz, who gratefully acknowledged the gift which
she promised would be displayed at the new store, and expressed her hope that Chickite would agree to paint a mural on the building to acknowledge the role of the local culture in this historic first for
Starbucks. He said the ground-breaking was a “symbolic gesture of the relationship between the representatives of the company and the larger community” and was a “positive experience for everybody present”.
Most of this report is taken, with permission, from Starbucks Stories Canada
Top photo credit: Groundbreaking ceremony for the new Starbucks – Photo Photo credit Eric Kular via Starbucks Canada/the Bird’s Eye
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