By Kelsie Kilawna, The Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Despite being raided twice last month by the Province of B.C.’s cannabis enforcement agency for operating without a provincial license, Vernon-based Indigenous cannabis dispensary Tupa’s Joint has been seeing a rise in customers.

Cory Brewer, shop owner and Okanagan Nation member, is taking a stance and exercising his rights as a sovereign member of his traditional territory. He and his employees say they will continue to stand behind Tupa’s Joint and the movement it’s creating in order to achieve respect for Indigenous sovereignty.