Starbucks is committed to empowering Indigenous youth with opportunities that build skills, foster confidence, and inspire leadership for the future. At the recent <a href="https://www.edo.ca/">Cando (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers)</a> National Conference, Starbucks reaffirmed its commitment to Reconciliation by announcing a $50,000 grant from The Starbucks Foundation to the National Indigenous Economic Education Foundation, the charitable arm of Cando. This funding will support Cando’s Youth Connect and Indigenous Youth Coaching programs, which provide Indigenous youth across Canada with skills and resources essential for economic development and entrepreneurship.

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“At Starbucks, we feel a deep responsibility to invest in our communities, especially in our youth, who represent the future,” said Shannon Leisz, VP of Store Development at Starbucks Canada. “These programs provide Indigenous youth with valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities. We’re excited to support that journey in partnership with Cando.”

The Cando conference is a pivotal event for Indigenous Economic Development Officers (EDOs) across Canada, fostering discussions and advancements in Indigenous economic development. This year marks Starbucks’ third consecutive attendance and second year sponsoring the <a href="https://www.edo.ca/conference/2024/national-youth-panel">National Youth Panel</a>. Through Cando, Starbucks has forged relationships with Indigenous leaders, including EDOs from First Nations communities, leading to impactful and lasting partnerships. Key initiatives include the opening of Starbucks’ first licensed store on ATR (Addition to Reserve) land with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2024/starbucks-canada-and-we-wai-kai-nation-celebrate-new-licensed-store-opening/">new licensed Starbucks café and drive-thru operated by We Wai Kai Nation</a>. Each year, the conference enables Starbucks to listen, learn and expand these meaningful relationships, exploring new avenues for growth and collaboration together.

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“We are committed to strengthening our understanding and building relationships with Indigenous communities,” Leisz shared. “This conference provides a unique opportunity to learn from Indigenous leaders and support their priorities. Every year, we come away with new insights and ideas on how we can work together to create meaningful impact.”

This commitment is furthered by the $50,000 grant from The Starbucks Foundation, which represents a significant step forward in supporting Indigenous youth through two Cando initiatives: Youth Connect and Indigenous Youth Coaching. Both programs provide opportunities for Indigenous youth to connect with motivational speakers, receive expert training, and develop skills year-round. Youth Connect offers monthly virtual sessions, allowing youth from various locations to participate in interactive discussions led by subject matter experts. The Indigenous Youth Coaching program provides one-on-one and small group coaching, guiding young people through the essentials of community-oriented business development and economic impact.

“Cando is pleased that the relationship with Starbucks has continued to grow over the last few years,” said Ray Wanuch, Executive Director of Cando. “Working together, Starbucks and Cando will help set the stage to enable Indigenous youth from communities across Canada to be able to connect with one another and with the subject matter experts that can help them set a course for their life journey and positively impact their future. That is work that is worth doing.”

The Youth Connect and Indigenous Youth Coaching programs were created to address specific needs voiced by Indigenous youth, including the importance of year-round connection and development opportunities. Starbucks recognizes that these programs are a space not only for celebration but also for addressing challenging topics, such as mental health and career progression. By offering Indigenous youth ongoing access to expert guidance, the Cando youth programs help participants build confidence and skills that extend well beyond the conference. Looking ahead, Starbucks hopes to engage partners (employees) and the internal <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2024/starbucks-partner-networks-help-create-a-culture-of-belonging/">Canada Indigenous Partner Network (CIPN)</a> to support Cando’s youth programs through mentorship opportunities and other avenues.

The Cando National Conference has been an instrumental part of Starbucks Canada’s journey with Indigenous communities. Starbucks is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Cando, supporting Indigenous culture, innovation, and resilience, and is excited to help create opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Looking to the future, Starbucks sees this partnership with Cando as part of a long-term commitment to fostering business development and community relations. Earlier this year, Starbucks embarked on a journey with the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2024/starbucks-coffee-canadas-commitment-to-positive-and-progressive-indigenous-relations/">Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR)</a> to further positive and progressive Indigenous relations. Through PAIR, and relationships such as Cando, Starbucks aims to deepen partnerships, expand initiatives, and make a meaningful impact in terms of Reconciliation.

The Starbucks Foundation Deepens Commitment to Indigenous Youth Programs with $50,000 Grant at Cando National Conference - Starbucks Canada

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Starbucks Canada

The Starbucks Foundation Deepens Commitment to Indigenous Youth Programs with $50,000 Grant at Cando National Conference

Starbucks is committed to empowering Indigenous youth with opportunities that build skills, foster confidence, and inspire leadership for the future. At the recent Cando (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) National Conference, Starbucks reaffirmed its commitment to Reconciliation by announcing a $50,000 grant from The Starbucks Foundation to the National Indigenous Economic Education […]

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2024/the-starbucks-foundation-deepens-commitment-to-indigenous-youth-programs-with-50000-grant-at-cando-national-conference/

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Starbucks Canada and We Wai Kai Nation are proud to announce the opening of a new Starbucks café and drive-thru store, the first to be licensed and operated by the Nation.

Situated on the We Wai Kai reserve at the <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/store-locator/store/1052107/we-wai-kai-nation-125-brant-drive-campbell-river-bc-v-9-h-1-v-8-ca">Quinsam Crossing development at 101-125 Brant Drive in Campbell River, B.C</a>., this 1,700 square ft. store will serve as a local point for more than We Wai Kai’s 1,200 nation members and surrounding communities to gather and connect over a range of Starbucks® favourites, including handcrafted beverages, seasonal innovation, bakery and food items. Customers visiting this store will have a sense of familiarity through the welcoming atmosphere of Starbucks cafés, as well as convenience with both a drive-thru and Starbucks industry-leading Mobile Order &amp; Pay feature.

With a focus on hiring local members of the community, the store has created new job opportunities, employing over 20 green apron baristas so far. Driven by a shared passion for contributing positively to our communities, the store plans to make a positive impact on the Campbell River community by identifying local food banks to support.

“The nation’s leadership fully understands that achieving true reconciliation will not be possible without vibrant Indigenous economies, characterized by economic self-sufficiency and socio-economic equality with the rest of Canada. Our new licensed Starbucks store helps us further move towards economic self-sufficiency as we continue to build our own-source revenues,” said Ronnie Chickite, We Wai Kai Nation Chief Councillor.

“We are proud to open this store to bring the Starbucks Experience to even more customers with the We Wai Kai Nation as its licensee to help serve the unique needs and priorities of this community,” said Shannon Leisz, Vice President, Store Development, Starbucks Canada. “This moment not only represents our continuous commitment to strengthen our understanding and relationships with Indigenous communities, but also demonstrates our desire to mutually thrive together.”

As part of Starbucks Canada’s ongoing Reconciliation journey and continued effort to advance equity, diversity and inclusion, this store is part of the company’s approach to building respectful, meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities.

In recent years, this journey has taken many forms, including &nbsp;establishing the Canada Indigenous Partner Network; becoming a committed organization in the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business’ Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program; participating in the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando) National Conference to first listen and learn side by side with Indigenous communities and sponsoring the conference's National Youth Panel in 2023; working with Indigenous consultant, Tanya Tourangeau, to help advise and guide Starbucks in Indigenous relations; and &nbsp;supporting various Indigenous-led organizations and charities in collaboration with The Starbucks Foundation. Last month, Starbucks also opened its first licensed store on ATR land (addition to reserve) with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation.

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Rooted in the company’s Mission centered on human connection, Starbucks is committed to creating inclusive spaces, fostering belonging, and cultivating a culture where everyone is welcome. &nbsp;

Starbucks designs its stores to create a warm and welcoming space, reflecting the diverse communities it serves. The new Quinsam Crossing store design pays homage to the culture and origins of the We Wai Kai Nation, incorporating local materials, rich textures and curated art. From cedar cladding that evokes the towering trees framing the landscape, to the rich leather and woven fixtures inspired by local craftwork, each element has been carefully chosen to foster a sense of a warmth and harmony deeply rooted in community traditions and the We Wai Kai’s connection to the land.

The store also features a beautiful, hand-painted mural by local artist, Jessica Chickite. Drawing from the Nation’s creation story of the Great Flood, the mural honours and celebrates the Nation’s history and culture, creating a moment for customers to pause and reflect on the past, but also the future. Weaving together the iconic Starbucks siren with elements of Indigenous culture in vibrant colours, Chickite’s artwork intends to show how Starbucks and the We Wai Kai Nation come together as now one proud community. &nbsp;

“The siren participates in this dramatic retelling of the We Wai Kai’s origins, swimming below two canoes – a reference to the canoes that first brought my ancestors to the We Wai Kai Nation. The mural celebrates our stories, symbols and traditions passed down over generations, even as it embraces new beginnings and possibilities,” said Chickite. For location and store hours, visit Starbucks.ca or the Starbucks app for more information.

Starbucks Canada and We Wai Kai Nation celebrate new licensed store opening - Starbucks Canada

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Starbucks Canada and We Wai Kai Nation celebrate new licensed store opening

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https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2024/starbucks-canada-and-we-wai-kai-nation-celebrate-new-licensed-store-opening/

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The Starbucks Foundation Deepens Commitment to Indigenous Youth Programs with $50,000 Grant at Cando National Conference

Starbucks Canada and We Wai Kai Nation celebrate new licensed store opening