Where Tradition Meets Culture

Indigenous-Owned Businesses In The Thunder Bay Area

By MICHELLE MCCHRISTIE

The City of Thunder Bay is built on the traditional territory of the Anishinabek which includes the Ojibwe of Fort William First Nation—a community located next to the city at the base of Anemki Wajiw (Mt. McKay). The city and surrounding area are home to a wide variety of First Nation and Métis-owned businesses and each entrepreneur has incorporated their culture and values to offer a unique selection of products and experiences.

In some cases, the businesses honour the owners’ ancestors and family, “our grandparents and family taught us how important it is to look after each other, to be kind, to share our gifts and to give back to the community, “ says Kathleen Sawdo of Sister Bear Designs. For others, being an entrepreneur is a way to share their passion with others, “I enjoy meeting and introducing our traditional foods to people,” says Jeanette Posine, owner of The Bannock Lady.

Here is the scoop on nine Indigenous-owned businesses plus a few others worth checking out.

Ahnisnabae Art Gallery
Owned by Louise & Randy Thomas
Established in 2005

Louise Thomas established the gallery to honour her husband, Roy Thomas’s, legacy when he passed to the spirit world in 2004. It has since grown into a vibrant space that sells Indigenous art from throughout Northwestern Ontario and Canada and offers custom framing by Louise’s talented son, Randy. You’ll find a carefully curated variety of hand-crafted works, from original paintings and prints to books, jewelry, and sculpture.

(807) 577-2656
18 South Court Street
ahnisnabae-art.com

Anishinaabe Wild Rice Experience
Owned by Rhonda Lyons
Established in 2016

This family-operated business shares Indigenous knowledge about wild rice harvesting and processing at Whitefish Lake, about 60 km southwest of the city. Wild rice is a nutritious and protein packed tall aquatic grass that grows in shallow waters. Check their website for additional experiences and bookings.

(807) 627-5101
wildriceexperience.com

The Bannock Lady
Owned by Jeanette Posine
Established in 2021

Located in Intercity Mall, The Bannock Lady is TBay’s go-to for baked bannock (plain, raisin, and blueberry—yum!), fried bannock, bannock burgers, bannock tacos (a.k.a., Indian tacos), and chicken wild rice soup. They also offer takeout and catering services.

(807) 632-6786 |  1000 Fort William Road bannocklady.com

Crossroad Music
Owned by Steve Lalonde
Established in 2023

Crossroad Music is a musician’s (especially a guitar player’s) dream come true. They offer a large selection of acoustic and electric guitars, the largest selection of guitar pedals in the Thunder Bay area, microphones, amplifiers, PA systems, plus strings, accessories, and more. The store is one the newest additions to Fort William First Nation’s thriving business community.

(807) 473-0003
632 City Road
crossroadmusic.ca

The Haven Hostel
Owned by Holly Watson
Established in 2018

The Haven Hostel offers an affordable group/team and event experience, while also boasting Bohemian chic styled private hotel rooms—all in the heart of the city’s bustling downtown core, only a block from the waterfront. They also offer tourism planning and information and keep it fresh by adapting and expanding.

(807) 285-1142
226 Ambrose Street
thehavenhostel.ca

Niibing Tribal Tours
Owned by Cindy Crowe
Established in 2020

Niibing Tribal Tours is located south
of the city in Neebing, about ten
minutes north of the Pigeon River border
crossing. They offer land-based healing activities
on 135 acres nestled beside Kitchigaming (Lake Superior). Through authentic Anishinaabe interpretative guided experiences and ceremonies, visitors are invited on a journey of self-discovery by connecting with nature and their spirits, feeding their souls, and being inspired by others. 

(807) 627-5768   |  356 Little Trout Bay Road  |  niibing.ca

Sister Bear Designs
Owned by
Kathleen Sawdo
Established in 2019

Sister Bear Designs is where you will find authentic handmade Anishinaabe beadwork, gifts, and fine jewelry. One of their signature products is the kokum's ribbon earring collection which are handmade with intricate floral or feather patterns and serve as a beautiful reminder of the invaluable wisdom passed down by our grandmothers.

(807) 357-5811
234 Heron Street (by appointment only) and #52, Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation
@SisterBearDesigns

Tea Horse Ltd.
Owned by Denise Atkinson & Marc Bohémier
Established in 2017

This artisanal tea and wild rice company has created and produces a first-of-its-kind roasted manoomin (wild rice) tea, like ManoominCha—a blend of Japanese green tea and roasted manoomin harvested in northern Manitoba.

(807) 343-9321
teahorse.ca

Wolf Tracks Gallery
Owned by Ed & Maxine Wesley
Established circa 2001

Wolf Tracks Gallery is a unique shop that sells artwork, clothing, and handmade decor and jewelry. Their wall hangings are a beautiful keepsake as there is a story behind each one.

(807) 344-5022
611 Simpson Street
facebook.com/wolftracksgallery

Here are a few other Indigenous-owned businesses in Thunder Bay:

Accommodation

The Landmark Hotel
A 100-room hotel that is decorated with Indigenous art and features a tropical-themed pool area and waterslide, and onsite restaurant and sports bar.

landmarkinn.ca

Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
A full-service hotel with 182 guest rooms plus 12 meeting rooms that can accommodate groups of 8 – 700. There is also a fitness centre, pool and waterslide.

thunderbay.vicinn.com

Art, Candles, Clothing & Jewelry

R S Gustafson
A husband and wife duo that creates a range of cultural items—from beadwork, clothing, and moccasins, to tote bags, and home decor.

rsgustafson.com

Heart / Soul. Co
Small batch and hand poured coconut soy wax candles, featuring scents that are nostalgic to the land, food, and childhood.

instagram.com/heart_soul_co

Indigenous Minimalist
Embroidered clothing featuring Indigenous (and, in some cases, cheeky!) designs.

indigenousminimalist.myshopify.com

Mamakeesick Roots

Modern Woodland style art, including paintings and prints, clothing, home decor, and other unique items.

Goods & Co.
251 Red River Road
facebook.com/mamakeesickroots

Métis Sash Gallery
Woodland style art, including paintings, prints, clothing, tote bags, mugs, and more.

Thunder Bay Country Market
425 Northern Ave
gypsysgemsandgifts.blogspot.ca

Cree Stevens
Mixed media paintings, sculptures, wearable art, and jewelry that combine natural materials with industrial components.

Goods & Co.
251 Red River Road
creestevens.com

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