Mistik Cannabis is owned by local entrepreneur Othmar Joos (OJ) and currently operates retail cannabis stores in Alberta and Manitoba. OJ opened his first store with his wife in Peace River, AB in 2019. Their focus has always been to ensure Indigenous inclusion in the cannabis industry by hiring Indigenous employees, carrying Indigenous-grown cannabis products and selling artisans’ products in their stores.
In 2024, Mistik Cannabis Co. was the recipient of the Grow Up “Indigenous-owned Retailer of the Year” award, selected by vote from the industry across Canada.
OJ expects that Mistik Cannabis NCN will be opening in the next couple of months. The new store will be located in the former vendor site. Mistik Cannabis will be fully licensed providing access to safe, legal products within the community. The operation will be inspected and regulated by the LGCA and only Health Canada-approved products sold to people over 19 years of age.
OJ believes that access to legal cannabis can play a role in harm reduction by providing an alternative to more harmful substances and reducing illicit market risks.
OJ is a strong advocate for Indigenous entrepreneurship and empowering First Nations people to build their own businesses. “I think it’s important that as a community and as First Nations people, we support Indigenous entrepreneurs however we can. At the end of the day, we vote with our dollars and I always try to support my fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs wherever possible,” OJ commented.
“Opening a location in NCN has been a dream of mine since I started the company. I’d like to acknowledge Chief & Council for supporting local entrepreneurship and allowing this project to move forward,” said OJ. “The new business will also mean job opportunities in an emerging industry for our people. It’s a great day for entrepreneurship in NCN.”
~ Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Chief and Council
