Bear Essential Oils

Bear Essential Oils is an Indigenous wellness brand that honours cultural knowledge, community spirit and self care. The business launched during the global pandemic on Quinsam Reserve, located on the unceded traditional territory of the Ligwiłda’xw people; the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, and Kwiakah First Nations, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Founder, Alissa Assu belongs to the Laksamshu (Fireweed and Owl) Clan from the Wet’suwet’en First Nation People located in Witset, British Columbia.  

“As a child, I spent summer harvesting niwis (soapberries) on our yintah (land) during cultural clan camps with Elders. During the school year, I attended and participated in our feasting system with Skokumhylate (my grandmother) who raised 5 skak (babies) on her own. The most powerful reconnection to culture has been becoming a mother and launching West Coast Wildflowers and Bear Essential Oils.  We are teaching a new generation of Indigenous youth that culture and roots in our communities can be embraced in anything you pursue in this life. Culture — it holds deep roots and connection with our staff, Indigenous Collective, and across communities that support us.”

They offer premium organic, ethically sourced and expertise in organic, ethically sourced and wildcrafted essential oils. If you are seeking to make a wholesale order, please submit an application today.

Question: How are you supporting other local businesses?

Answer: Our team is 100% Indigenous-led and operated. We employ 6+ Indigenous women and 2 Indigenous men. Our lavender, grand fir and western red cedar essential oils are all sourced within British Columbia, which not only supports local farmers but allows for the highest quality of oils. Bear Essential Oils worked with renowned Indigenous Artist Morgan Asoyuf to create the symbol of the bear. She is a Ts’mysen artist from Prince Rupert, British Columbia. She is an Eagle Clan from the Lax Kw’alaams community. A multidisciplinary artist, Asooyuf works primarily in goldsmithing, jewelry, gem-setting, and engraving.

In addition, all of our bottles, labels, business cards, shipping boxes, and other store supplies are purchased by Canadian-owned businesses. 

Question: What social and environmental practices are you proud of?

Answer: Our family operates two Indigenous businesses, West Coast Wildflowers and Bear Essential Oils. In our first year of operation, we collected and distributed $25,000+ worth of community donations and we have an annual Indigenous Community Engagement Scholarship for Indigenous students in British Columbia.

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Indigenous Owned