Why these Ottawa businesses are closing their doors (or donating their proceeds) on Canada Day

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Some businesses in Ottawa are using Canada Day this year to show their support for indigenous communities by closing their doors in an act of solidarity or using holiday proceeds to support indigenous non-profit groups.

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The Artery Community Roasters, a small business and social enterprise in Ottawa, is one of several companies pledging to donate 100 percent of their sales on July 1 to Assembly of Seven Generations, an indigenous-owned and youth-led non-profit organization and social enterprise. The organization works to empower and support indigenous youth in Ottawa. Will Wells, owner of The Artery, said that as a social enterprise, he sees an intersection between the rights of people with disabilities and the rights of indigenous peoples.

“There is a lot of overlap because indigenous peoples are 30 to 35 percent more likely to become disabled due to historical and current lack of adequate health care and infrastructure,” he said.

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The Artery roasts small batches of ethically sourced direct trade specialty coffee and employs people living with disabilities, paying them a living wage.

Several businesses in Ottawa closed their doors or donated all the profits they made on the last Canada Day in support of indigenous communities following the discovery of unmarked graves in residential schools across the country.

The discovery of the sites prompted calls from activists to use Canada Day as an opportunity to focus on what many call the Canadian government’s racist and discriminatory treatment of indigenous people.

Little Jo Berry’s, a queer-owned vegan bakery and cafe, will also donate all sales from its baked goods and cafe on July 1 to the Assembly of Seven Generations.

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“It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day life of a business owner and often forget about our own footprint and the space we occupy,” said Jo Masterson, owner of Little Jo Berry’s. “Understanding that July 1 is not a day of celebration, but a day to recognize the ongoing colonization and oppression of indigenous peoples.”

This is the second year in a row that Little Jo Berry’s has donated its Canada Day proceeds. His move has generated positive feedback from customers, according to Masterson.

“Our customers love it. It’s a good reminder for people to learn more about local indigenous businesses and initiatives and creates a convenient way to encourage people to donate if it’s something they’ve never done before or don’t know where to start.”

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Meanwhile, Moo Shu Ice Cream and Kitchen on Bank Street will close its doors on Canada Day for the second year in a row. Instead, staff will spend the day with Anna Cote, Mike Diabo and other guardians of indigenous knowledge at Minobideg Learning, Moo Shu said in an Instagram post.

Moo Shu also said that it would remain closed on July 2 as a security measure for its staff members due to continued threats that the “Freedom Convoy” will return to the city center.

Wells acknowledged that his own privilege is what has allowed his small business to thrive and that, in these times, it is difficult for all businesses to commit to donating a full day of sales. However, he encourages companies and individuals to find a way to act, be it monetary or educational, despite possible scrutiny.

“This is not about being unpatriotic or judging people who want to celebrate July 1,” Wells said. “It is more a day to find the opportunity to do collective good that also adds to nation-to-nation building and true reconciliation, for which we still have a lot of work to do.”