By Karen Habashi

Activism can start with your wallet. Support the BC economy and diversify your gifts at the same time with a wide selection of offerings from these BIPOC-owned businesses.

Emkao Foods Pokao Cocoa Powder

Mission-based Emkao ethically and sustainably sources cocoa beans from farms in Cameroon. The Pokao Cocoa Powder is great for baking, hot chocolate, and more.

Kula Sauce Trio Bundle

Some of the best Afro-vegan food  in Canada is right here in Vancouver. Kula, meaning “eat” in Swahili, was founded by Asha Wheeldon. The Sauce Trio Bundle makes a fantastic gift, letting your receiver try Kula’s Red Pepper BBQ Sauce, Scotch Bonnet BBQ Sauce, and Pili Pili Hot Sauce.

Kunye The Body Butter

Founded by Melissa Nkomo, Kunye is a wellness studio with its own line of products. Handmade in small batches, The Body Butter is enriched with Vitamin E, shea butter, macadamia seed oil, and meadowfoam oil for increased moisture, softness, and all-over glow.

Tayybeh dips

What began as a way for newcomer Syrian women chefs to have a steady income and find community grew into a well-established business that caters events and sells ready-to-eat dishes, too. Any socially-conscious foodie will love getting one of Tayybeh’s dips, which include classic hummus and creamy smoked eggplant.

Naa Sheka Bucket Hat

Made with wax-printed fabric from Ghana, Naa Sheka’s Bucket Hat comes in an array of vibrant patterns. It’s also reversible—double the fashion, double the fun, right?

Blaze Beauty liquid eyeliner

This award-winning vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free cosmetic brand comes at an affordable price point that doesn’t sacrifice quality. The liquid eyeliner and lip gloss are nice go-to options for someone who loves to play with makeup.

Skwachàys Lodge staycation

Pamper a loved one with a staycation at this boutique hotel. Incorporating Indigenous knowledge, art, and storytelling, each suite has a different theme, be it the Forest Spirits Room or the Northern Lights Room. The hotel also has a street-level gallery that supports Indigenous artists.