Our story with coffee began as a family tradition, and has since grown into a lifelong connection. It’s something that connects us to our roots, our community, and the people who gather around a cup.
Natasha’s love of coffee began in her childhood home, where her family has been involved in the coffee industry for nearly three decades. As a teen and young adult, she spent countless hours in a roastery, discovering the meaningful ways coffee connects people.
For both of us, coffee has since become a daily rhythm. Every morning starts with the ritual of turning on the espresso machine and enjoying that first comforting cup. Whether it’s a quiet moment at home or a mug on the go, our days always begin with coffee.
Through Indigenous Roots Coffee Co., we’re weaving our love of coffee together with art, culture, and the stories that shape who we are…
ABOUT NATASHA
Sii.ngaay ‘láa. Ja, Sḵing lúudas han.nuu dii kiiga ga. Natasha yaads xaaydaga kihl gii. Dii kayxal ga. Kyanuusaalii ad uu dii kiigawa ga. Xuhlyaang dii awga uu iijii. Ruth yaads xaaydaga kihl gii. Margaret Williams dii nanga uu iijii. Il Xaayda ga uu iijii. Richard dii xaadga uu iijii, ll yaads xaaydaga uu iijii.
Good day. Bow Wave is my name. Natasha is my English name. I am Raven Moiety and the Codfish People is my clan. Xuhlyaang is my mother. Ruth is her English name. Margaret Williams was my grandmother. Richard is my father and he is English.
This is my introduction in the X̱aayda Kíl Haida language, Skidegate dialect. Today, it remains one of the two dialects spoken on Haida Gwaii.
As a language isolate, X̱aayda Kíl is unrelated to any other language in the world. It was born from our Territory and evolved together with the complexity of our Haida culture.
I was born and raised in lək̓ʷəŋən Territory. In English this means Place to Smoke Herring, showing the close ties the lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples have with the Gorge Waterway. I grew up as a visitor in their Homelands, and much of my life continues in Miktoli Victoria.
As I’ve grown older, I wonder: what is my relationship and responsibility to the Peoples of this place and to these enduring lands and waters? Am I creating space, offering support, and standing with First Nations’ right to self-determination, to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, and to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act?
In moments like this, I reflect on our old ways, on our creation stories, and the wisdom handed down through hundreds of generations.
A teaching I hold close, shared by Jean-Paul Restoule and Chaw-win-is Ogilvie is: “the old ways are the new way forward.” This captures the spirit of resurgence as Indigenous Peoples reclaim our practices, languages, and stories, sharing them among ourselves and with our visitors.
A teaching I hold close, shared by Jean-Paul Restoule and Chaw-win-is is: “the old ways are the new way forward.” This captures the spirit of resurgence as Indigenous Peoples reclaim our practices, languages, and stories, sharing them among ourselves and with our visitors. My kuuniisii ancestors understood the larger picture. In every decision, they thought of past, present, and future, with care for generations yet to come.
I hope you’ll join us as we gather, share stories, and support Indigenous resurgence.
ABOUT KEAR
I was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, Treaty 4 Territory and Homeland of the Métis. I am a Métis-Chinese professional who has worked with Indigenous communities for many years, guided by a deep commitment to economic, social, and cultural revitalization with and for Indigenous Peoples.
My mother immigrated to Saskatchewan from Hong Kong in her early twenties; and my Métis lineage is rooted through my father, a foster care survivor born in Vancouver, BC and raised in Prince Albert, SK.
My kinship ties connect to the historic Métis community of Batoche, Saskatchewan, with foundations in Red River, Manitoba. I carry direct family ties to the Poitras, Grant, Dumont, Carrière, Landry, Parenteau, and McGillis lines.
In 2008, I relocated to Victoria, BC, and shortly after, my daughter was born. She immediately became the light of my life. Becoming a dad transformed me in many ways and inspired me to put down roots in the Homelands of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples.
For me, being Métis means being grounded in a unique culture and language that emerged from the marriages between First Nations and settler peoples during the fur trade era.
Over generations, that story has been told through the beautiful and distinct beadwork styles our people developed by creatively blending the techniques of First Nations beadwork with European embroidery.
Métis women often beaded their family’s wares in great detail, turning everyday items into works of art celebrated for their craftsmanship, beauty, and practicality. Because of their dedication, skill, and artistry, our ancestors were gifted the name “the flower beadwork people” by the Dakota and Cree Peoples.
Today, our memories and stories live on through beadwork, expressed in new and innovative ways that carry our history forward, celebrate our artistry, and share our culture with others.
EVERY CUP TELLS A STORY — and we are honoured to share ours with you.
As Métis (Kear) and Haida (Natasha), we set out to build community and celebrate our cultures by weaving art, relationships, and meaning into our business. From the start, we aimed to bring Indigenous voices into the company at a grassroots level.
That vision first comes alive in the packaging.
Each design is a reflection of our Peoples: the Métis floral beadwork and the Haida formline of Kaagan Jaad (Mouse Woman). Every label was designed to honour the Coast Salish Territory, where our coffee is roasted. Learn about the artists we worked with →
Our bags are meant to be more than packaging — they are works of art, a creative and meaningful expression of distinct cultures.
Every blend directly supports a grassroots Indigenous initiative.
Through these partnerships, we’re honoured to help nurture projects that revitalize language, celebrate culture, and foster community connection. Learn more here →
OUR PURPOSE: Truth and Reconciliation
We frequently meet people who are eager to learn more, including how to be respectful visitors in Indigenous Territories. More and more, we are recognizing both the deep harms caused by colonial governments and the beauty, strength, and richness of Indigenous lifeways.
Historically, Canada has a poor record of fair and just engagement with Indigenous Nations — the Potlatch Ban, forced internment to reserves, Residential Schools, enfranchisement, exclusion, and broken Treaties. Settler governments repeatedly failed to listen to Indigenous Nations and leaders. This history — and its ongoing colonial realities — continues to create a difficult and complex present.
At Indigenous Roots, we hope to be a bridge, connecting Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and providing space for story sharing.
Across the country, Indigenous people are leading extraordinary work. Together, we can celebrate their joy, ingenuity, resilience, and achievement.
OUR TEAM
Sk_’ing lúudas Natasha Parrish
Founder
Kear Porttris
Founder
Kadl' 'luu k'adaangsKarissa Parrish
Administrative Assistant