Ottawa, ON — November 7, 2025
At Zibi Smoke Co., we begin each day grounded in the land that has sustained our people for generations. As a business owned and operated by a member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, we understand that our work is inseparable from the history, stewardship, and rights of our Algonquin ancestors.
Recently, our Nation took a historic step by filing a landmark land claim in Québec Superior Court, asserting Aboriginal title over vast territories in western Québec. This claim is about far more than land. It is about having a say in how water, forests, wildlife, and resources are managed, and ensuring that future generations benefit from the lands that have always belonged to our people.
For us at Zibi Smoke Co., this legal action underscores what we have known all along: business, community, and culture are intertwined, and commerce must respect, reflect, and support Indigenous sovereignty.
Understanding the Kitigan Zibi Land Claim
A Historic Step for Indigenous Rights
On October 29, 2025, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation filed a claim in Québec Superior Court seeking formal recognition of Aboriginal title over roughly 8,000–10,000 square kilometers of traditional territory. This claim names the federal and provincial governments, Hydro-Québec, and the National Capital Commission (NCC) as defendants and seeks $5 billion in compensation for past harms including resource extraction and unconsented land use.
Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck emphasized that the claim is not intended to displace private property owners but to ensure Indigenous communities have meaningful control over lands that have been historically mismanaged or exploited without consent.
The Lands Involved
The claim covers eight main areas:
- Islands in the Ottawa River, including Morris and Kettle Islands
- Gatineau Park and adjoining lands in the city of Gatineau
- Two harvesting zones in the Gatineau regional county
- Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve
- Baskatong Reservoir and surrounding areas flooded by the 1927 Mercier hydroelectric dam
These lands have been central to Kitigan Zibi’s culture, economy, and way of life for centuries. The claim references the 1760 Treaty of Swegatchy (also called the Treaty of Oswegatchie) and the Royal Proclamation of 1763, historical documents recognizing Algonquin land rights.
Why This Matters to Us at Zibi Smoke Co.
As a company rooted in Kitigan Zibi territory, our daily operations are deeply connected to these lands. Every product we offer, be it tobacco, nicotine products, or smoking lifestyle accessories, are handled with care, respect, and an awareness of the stewardship responsibilities our Nation holds.
The land claim highlights the importance of ethical sourcing, Indigenous governance, and sustainable business practices, values that are central to Zibi Smoke Co.’s identity. We operate knowing that commerce is inseparable from the land and the people of Kitigan Zibi, and that the decisions we make today shape the resources, culture, and economy of future generations.
How We Operate in Ottawa and Beyond
Our day-to-day work reflects the principles of the Kitigan Zibi Nation:
- Sustainable Sourcing: Products are carefully selected, respecting both environmental and cultural stewardship.
- Community Benefit: Opportunities and support for Kitigan Zibi members is a priority.
- Ethical Distribution: Logistics and in-store operations in Ottawa align with Indigenous land-use values, ensuring responsible commerce.
Through these practices, Zibi Smoke Co. demonstrates that Indigenous-led businesses can thrive while respecting traditional lands, resources, and community rights.
Partnering with Red Roots Trading Co.
We are proud to collaborate with our friends at Red Roots Trading Co., another Indigenous, Kitigan Zibi member-owned business. Red Roots offers top-shelf Indigenous cannabis products alongside the same full assortment of tobacco and nicotine items you love from Zibi Smoke Co., bridging tradition, quality, and modern commerce.
Whether you’re exploring high-quality cannabis flower, vapes, concentrates, or other wellness botanicals, Red Roots ensures every product respects the land, the community, and Indigenous stewardship.
By supporting Red Roots, you are investing in Indigenous entrepreneurship, ethical trade, and community-driven growth, values we share at Zibi Smoke Co. every day.
The Legal Claim and Our Shared Future
The Kitigan Zibi land claim represents a pivotal moment for Indigenous rights in Québec and across Canada. Should the courts recognize the claim, it will:
- Empower Indigenous governance over forests, water, and wildlife
- Ensure communities benefit from resources extracted from their territories
- Set a precedent for reconciliation and responsible co-management
At Zibi Smoke Co., this reinforces our commitment to operate responsibly, support Indigenous businesses, and align commerce with the Nation’s values.
How You Can Support Indigenous-Led Business
We invite our customers, partners, and community members to:
- Shop with Red Roots Trading Co. for top-shelf Indigenous cannabis products and a full selection of tobacco and nicotine goods, ready to be delivered or shipped at a moments notice.
- Visit us at Zibi Smoke Co. in Ottawa (Vanier) for a wide variety of tobacco and nicotine products, with the assurance of community-rooted operations.
- Learn about Indigenous land claims and stewardship, supporting businesses that respect traditional territories and governance.
- Engage in fair, sustainable partnerships, prioritizing cultural respect and community benefit.
Supporting Indigenous-led enterprises helps ensure that future generations of Kitigan Zibi have their rights, resources, and culture recognized and protected.
Commerce Rooted in Community
The land we operate on is more than a backdrop for business, it is our home, culture, and responsibility. The Kitigan Zibi land claim reminds us that commerce, stewardship, and community are inseparable.
At Zibi Smoke Co., we remain committed to:
- Honoring Indigenous rights and stewardship in all our operations.
- Providing high-quality Indigenous tobacco, nicotine products, and smoking accessories with respect for the land.
- Fostering community-driven growth, working alongside Red Roots to ensure ethical and sustainable trade.
We encourage everyone to shop Indigenous-led, support local enterprises, and join us in building a future where culture, commerce, and community thrive together.
Miigwetch (thank you) for your support!