Bear's Den Cannabis, an Indigenous-women owned and operated business located in Kanesatake Mohawk Territory, celebrates seven years of continuous operation in 2025. The Kanesatake Dispensary, situated at 1510C Rang Ste-Philomène approximately six kilometers west of Oka, has been serving adult consumers across the greater Montreal region since 2018.
The Oka Dispensary milestone reflects broader conversations about Indigenous economic self-determination that have been unfolding since Canada's federal cannabis legalization in October 2018. Bear's Den operates under Indigenous sovereignty principles on Mohawk lands, representing one approach among several that First Nations communities have taken in response to the Cannabis Act.
Looking ahead, the ownership is exploring a potential new building project that may begin in 2027. No firm commitments or detailed timelines have been established yet, but the consideration of facility improvements signals ongoing investment in the Kanesatake community.
The Kanesatake Mohawk community
Bear's Den Cannabis is situated within Kanesatake Mohawk Territory, one of three Mohawk communities in Quebec alongside Kahnawake and Akwesasne. The Mohawk, who call themselves Kanien'kehá:ka meaning "People of the Flint," are one of six nations in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy—recognized as the oldest living democratic system in North America.
Approximately 1,500 Mohawk citizens reside in Kanesatake, located on the north shore of Lac des Deux Montagnes. The name Kanehsatà:ke translates to "sandy place" in the Mohawk language, referencing the geography along the lakeshore. Mohawk presence in this territory predates European contact, with community members maintaining strong connections to their heritage and traditional governance systems.
In Mohawk communities, commerce is viewed through the lens of sovereignty and treaty rights that predate Canada itself. The Two Row Wampum, a foundational agreement between the Haudenosaunee and European settlers from early colonial times, establishes principles of parallel governance and mutual non-interference. These principles still inform how Mohawk people approach self-governance and economic activity today.
Kanesatake's legal status differs from most First Nations communities. Rather than being classified as a reserve under the Indian Act, it's designated as an "interim land base," reflecting ongoing land discussions between the community and federal and provincial governments.
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy's governance principles influenced the development of democratic systems in North America. Traditional Mohawk society follows matrilineal organization, with clan and community membership traced through mothers. These cultural foundations continue shaping community life, identity, and governance today.
© Bear's Den Cannabis
Seven years of adaptation
The seven-year milestone encompasses real challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted retail operations globally beginning in early 2020. Maintaining operations through this period required adaptation while continuing service to established customers.
Since federal legalization, Canada's cannabis industry has contributed to the national economy, generating employment across cultivation, processing, retail, and related services. Tax revenues support public services at federal and provincial levels. Bear's Den has operated throughout this period of industry evolution, adapting to changing market conditions and consumer expectations.
Quebec established the Société québécoise du cannabis as its authorized provincial retailer, implementing some of Canada's strictest cannabis regulations including a legal age of 21 for purchase and possession. Indigenous cannabis operations in Quebec exist within this complicated regulatory environment while asserting sovereignty-based approaches to economic activity.
The anniversary acknowledges staff contributions over the years. Employee knowledge and commitment to customer service have been integral to establishing the business's regional presence. Staff training and development remain ongoing priorities, with an emphasis on providing factual information to help customers make informed decisions.
For more information:
Bear's Den Cannabis
Email: [email protected]
bearsdencannabis.com/
