“I always take my coffee black,” states Mark Marsolais-Nahwegahbow, owner of Birch Bark Coffee Company. “I get to savour the aromas and the depth of the brew this way.” Birch Bark Coffee, is a social enterprise committed to transforming the lives of Indigenous communities through a simple pleasure – coffee.
Birch Bark Coffee’s Origin Story
Mark’s venture into the world of coffee and social impact began in March 2018 after a life-changing trip to British Columbia. During his visit to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, he was deeply moved by the deplorable water conditions he witnessed. Having spent his career advising Indigenous businesses, Mark recognized the urgent need to establish a business that could provide access to clean drinking water for these marginalized communities.
“Water is life. Access to clean drinking water is something many of us take for granted because we can easily access it, and we have an abundance of it,” explains Mark. “Yet hundreds of thousands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people STILL live without it.”
Coffee, often referred to as ‘black medicine’ in Indigenous culture, presented a natural connection. Initially, Mark and his wife, Laura, had plans to roast the coffee beans in their facility in Ottawa. However, the cost of the necessary roasting equipment proved to be prohibitive. Instead, they took an innovative approach by partnering with Just Us, a socially responsible company based in Nova Scotia, already known for being a premium coffee roaster.
Committed to putting “People and the Planet before Profits,” Just Us imports coffee beans from Indigenous farmers around the world, applying their extensive coffee expertise. As Mark puts it, “It’s like having a coffee sommelier working for us.”
The Future of Birch Bark Coffee
Mark and the roasting team at Birch Bark Coffee collaborate closely to create a range of coffee styles that have garnered the attention of coffee aficionados. Throughout the month of June, Birch Bark Coffee is proud to introduce its unique blends to Savvy Choice Coffee club subscribers. Included in this special delivery are 1lb bags of beans from a selection of Birch Bark’s finest coffees, including Coureurs des Bois (medium roast), Inukshuk (medium to dark roast), Indigenous Espresso (medium to dark roast), and their latest release, Summer Solstice (dark roast). These coffees aren’t readily available in grocery stores, making a subscription to the coffee-of-the-month club a delightful way to savour these exceptional beans.
What sets Birch Bark Coffee apart is its unwavering commitment to a noble cause. With every purchase of their coffee beans, a portion of the proceeds is donated toward the purchase of Belkraft water purification units. These units are instrumental in providing cleaner water to Indigenous communities that still lack access to this fundamental necessity.
Mark expresses this beautifully: “We want people to enjoy these roasts and know that each cup is helping create access to cleaner water for those Indigenous communities who don’t have it yet.”
Birch Bark Coffee is more than just a coffee brand; it’s a testament to the power of combining passion, quality, and social responsibility to create meaningful change. With every cup of Birch Bark Coffee, you’re not just enjoying a rich, flavourful brew; you’re also contributing to a brighter, cleaner future for Indigenous communities across Canada. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make a difference, one sip at a time.
Do you love coffee and supporting Canadian businesses?
Check out our selection of Canadian coffees in our online store. We also have monthly coffee subscriptions so you never miss out on the delicious coffees we discover.