Garnet and Deborah Avery, owners of Yellek Self Storage in North Bay, Ontario, have co-launched a local marijuana dispensary with other family members. Kana Leaf is the first indigenous-owned cannabis shop in Nipissing First Nation, Ontario, according to the source. The business is expected to open on Friday.
Additional co-owners include Carrie, Curtis and Gary Avery, and Noreen Nichol, who are all citizens of the Nishnaabeg community. The company also hired 12 employees, 80 percent of whom are indigenous, according to a source.
The family had considered the venture for some time, according to Curtis Avery. “The opportunity came, and we figured if we didn’t do it, somebody else would. So, we started it.”
“When cannabis became legal, it was like a whole brand-new industry, and we were all in,” Nichol added.
The legal age for cannabis use in Nipissing First Nation is 21. Kana Leaf owners said proper identification will be required when shopping.
Opened in 2006, Yellek Self Storage offers climate-controlled, drive-up, records and vehicle storage. Garnet and Deborah Avery also own TPI Blue Sky Travel.
Sources:
Anishinabek News, First Legal Indigenous Cannabis Shop Kana Leaf to Open
Yellek Self Storage, Website
