Indigenous Business series: West Coast Bannock
The Indigenous business series brings together voices from majority-owned/controlled (51% or more) by Indigenous peoples’ businesses that have worked with UBC. The series is a short interview with the Indigenous Business to hear their experience and perspective with the procurement process and working with UBC.
The series intends to help increase supplier diversity opportunities for Indigenous businesses and improve inclusion of Indigenous suppliers in upcoming work at UBC.
Learn more about the Indigenous Business Directory at UBC.
West Coast Bannock, Indigenous (Nisga’a & Gitxsan) Caterer
West Coast Bannock Company is an Indigenous owned and operated company for small and large events and catering. We had the opportunity to speak with the owner Richard Mark to hear their experience working with UBC.
Can you share your experience doing business with UBC?
As an Indigenous business, we are automatically drawn to working with people and organizations who recognize the profound effects of intergenerational trauma and colonialism on Indigenous people. UBC definitely fits this bill. Their understanding and commitment to addressing these issues make them an ideal partner for us. We always feel safe and comfortable working with UBC. Everyone is so friendly and kind, which fosters a positive and collaborative working environment.
I think our favorite event was probably the Come towards the Fire event in 2023. It was incredible to see so many people and such great performances. We were very disappointed that we were unable to attend this year as we had signed a contract for a different event much earlier in the year. However, we are hoping to make it happen next year because the festival truly resonates with our values and mission.
Another one of our favorite experiences was the UBC’s Local Supplier Spotlight series with David Speight, Executive Chef at UBC. Under Chef David's guidance, it was incredible to see what the students would come up with. They took our traditional food and created innovative dishes from it such as the Candied Salmon with honey Ginger glaze Taco. This was an amazing experience for us. It highlighted the rich cultural heritage and creativity of Indigenous cuisine. We thought that was an incredible experience because it showcased the potential of our food in a new and exciting way.
Overall, we enjoy every trip to UBC as they continually provide opportunities for us to collaborate and celebrate our culture.
How can UBC improve our Indigenous procurement process? Were there any challenges?
We have thoroughly enjoyed working with UBC. Every single person who reaches out to us, Indigenous or otherwise, is incredible. We always receive great feedback. UBC is definitely an organization that is at the top of our list for working with.
The only challenge we encountered was with payment processing. It took some time for someone to inform us that, as an Indigenous business, we are eligible for immediate payment rather than the standard net 30 terms. This makes a huge difference for us as a small, self-sufficient Indigenous business. The availability of such an option is incredibly beneficial and helps Indigenous businesses like ours succeed and thrive.
Do you have any advice for people at UBC who want to work with Indigenous Businesses? What advice would you give to Indigenous businesses who want to work with UBC?
If we had to give any advice, it would be to keep on doing what you're doing. Keep recognizing that Indigenous businesses are out there, and that Indigenous people deserve the same opportunities and respect as non-Indigenous people and businesses. Keep acknowledging unceded territories and the struggles that Indigenous people face today and have faced in the past. Being respectful and understanding that there is no single Indigenous way—Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island are made up of different cultures with different spiritual practices, regalia, and food. This diversity is beautiful and deserves to be celebrated.
As for advice to Indigenous businesses who want to work with UBC, it would be more or less the same. Recognize that you deserve the same opportunities and respect as non-Indigenous people and businesses. It's also important to give that respect back to those who are allies and who support us. Hold yourself accountable, learn business practices, and be able to fulfill the needs of consumers.
Learn more about Westcoast Bannock on their Instagram or their website.