Tri-Cities, BC — In a unique initiative this month, the Kwikwetlem First Nation partnered with Patina Brewing to create limited-edition beer cans that not only showcased nutritional information but also celebrated the region’s Indigenous heritage. This collaboration coincides with the upcoming Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30, aiming to raise funds for the First Nation while promoting reconciliation efforts.
The initiative featured striking Kwikwetlem artwork on 13 special flats of beer, with proceeds directly supporting programs for Elders, adults, and toddlers within the community. Ron Giesbrecht, Chief of the Kwikwetlem First Nation, emphasized the importance of these programs, which range from facilitating attendance at the Elders Gathering, an annual event for Elders from across British Columbia, to funding opportunities for community members to view traditional artifacts housed at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria. “It brings the community closer together,” Giesbrecht stated.
The beer cans were made available for purchase at Patina Brewing and two BC Liquor stores in the Tri-Cities area, located at Westwood Centre and Como Lake. Remarkably, all the cans sold out within days. “They got the shipment on a Wednesday, and I think they were sold out by the weekend,” Giesbrecht noted, expressing his appreciation for the community’s support.
Despite the project’s success, the Kwikwetlem First Nation grappled with the implications of associating its identity with a beer product. “We struggled with it, to be honest with you, being First Nations and promoting beer,” Giesbrecht admitted. He acknowledged the stereotype surrounding Indigenous communities and alcohol, which has historical roots in oppressive policies like the Indian Act of 1876, which banned alcohol sales to Indigenous peoples. This act has contributed to a negative perception of Indigenous groups, perpetuating the notion that they cannot responsibly manage alcohol consumption.
Furthermore, the painful legacy of residential schools, which aimed to eradicate Indigenous cultures, has led to a higher risk of alcoholism within these communities due to the neglect and abuse suffered by students.
In light of this history, Giesbrecht emphasized that the collaboration with Patina Brewing represents an opportunity to challenge these stereotypes and introduce the Kwikwetlem First Nation to a broader audience in the Tri-Cities. Each beer can featured a QR code directing consumers to the nation’s website, rich with information about its history, traditional territory, and culture. “We still hear from residents within the Tri-Cities that they don’t know where the nation is located,” Giesbrecht explained. “We thought this might help with understanding.”
Greg Moore, the owner of Patina Brewing and former mayor of Port Coquitlam, expressed hope that the partnership would inspire other businesses to explore similar collaborations with Indigenous groups.
The partnership was established swiftly, with discussions beginning in early September when a Kwikwetlem board member approached Moore about displaying Kwikwetlem artwork outside the brewery. The conversation quickly evolved into creating a limited-edition beer can ahead of Truth and Reconciliation Day. “It showed us that he was very considerate of First Nations and the reconciliation side of things,” Giesbrecht said, approving the initiative as a pilot project.
As the nation awaits feedback from the brewery and liquor stores regarding the project’s outcome, Giesbrecht expressed a desire to hear from the community before considering a repeat of the specialty can initiative. “We’re waiting for that feedback and then we’ll decide what we’re going to do next,” he explained.
Patina Brewing has also indicated interest in continuing the collaboration, with discussions about incorporating traditional Kwikwetlem berries—such as salmonberries, Saskatoon berries, and blackberries—into future products. However, it remains uncertain when these new offerings will be available.
While Giesbrecht remains optimistic about future possibilities, he has appreciated the enthusiastic response from the community and retailers. After launching the limited-edition beer, he personally approached two government-operated liquor stores to promote the product, detailing its purpose and potential benefits to the wider community. “They didn’t hesitate,” he recalled, with one store placing an order for four flats and another for three.
The collaboration between the Kwikwetlem First Nation and Patina Brewing exemplifies a meaningful effort towards reconciliation, fostering community connections while challenging historical narratives surrounding Indigenous peoples and alcohol.
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