Come Support The Indigenous Right To Trade In Ottawa!
We're rallying at the Ottawa Police HQ for our right to trade on our unceded land!
In 2023, Indigenous cannabis trading posts began opening in Ottawa — on unceded Algonquin territory. Unceded territory, meaning that Indigenous people never sold the Ottawa area to the Crown and that the land is subject to the terms of the Royal Proclamation of 1763, which expressly guarantees the right of the Indigenous to “free and open trade” with all of his Majesty’s subjects.
Store owners, including our own founder Anthony Tenasco, tirelessly reached out to the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Police Service many times over two years, requesting meetings to discuss our constitutionally protected rights to free and open trade under the Treaty of 1701 and the Royal Proclamation.
Instead of dialogue, in April of this year on the order of Superintendent Jamie Dunlop the Ottawa Police Service sent letters to our landlords — threatening them with $50,000 fines if they did not evict their Indigenous tenants within 30 days.
This is not just a violation of Indigenous business rights — it is a violation of the Royal Proclamation, section 35 of the Constitution Act, and the spirit of reconciliation.
Ottawa is named for the Algonquin word meaning “to trade.” Trade is not illegal. Trade is a right.
The Ottawa 1701 Treaty Trade Council was created by Indigenous store owners standing together to uphold our agreements, including the Dish With One Spoon and Two Row Wampum.
We are asking all supporters to join us at 12pm on May 14th, 2025 at 474 Elgin Street at the Ottawa Police Headquarters to stand for Indigenous sovereignty, treaty rights, and justice.
Our ancestors traded goods essential to their survival — today, we trade what sustains our people’s rights and economy. Red Roots “Trading Company” isn’t just a name. It’s a statement of sovereignty.
We are not criminals. We are traders. And we are not backing down.
We invite you to Sign Our Petition demanding that the Ottawa Police Service immediately stop harassing Sovereign Indigenous trading post owners.
Miigwetch and thank you for your continued support!
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