1. Medicine Wheel Traditional Wellness Centre
A place of healing, not only for the mind and body, but for our community, culture, and our people

2. What We Believe
“Indigenous peoples have the right to their traditional medicines and to maintain their health practices, including the conservation of their vital medicinal plants, animals and minerals. Indigenous individuals also have the right to access, without any discrimination, to all social and health services.”
-United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples - Article 24:1

3. Support in Scripture The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. -Genesis 1:12  Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it.” -Genesis 1:29

4. Who Are We and What Are We Doing?
We are here to create a comfortable and safe environment to purchase quality, natural medicine to give patients the option to use safe, natural products as opposed to conventional pharmaceuticals
Safe access to medicine, effectively reducing black market sales
Highest regard for the safety and security of our customers and staff
We are sharing knowledge and information with our community
Free medicine will be provided to cancer patients
Making our mark as Indigenous peoples in one of the fastest growing industries in the world
We are working under the mandate of the National and Ontario Indigenous Medical Cannabis Associations
We will provide our clients with access to doctors to assist in getting their medical licenses as well as keeping medical records to ensure accurate and informed treatment

5. NIMCA Mandate
Encourage the self-regulation of the Indigenous Medical Cannabis industry through the application of Indigenous political and economic principles that will: uphold Indigenous self determination, protect minors, combat addiction, keep out organized crime, provide quality control and safe handling and consistency of product, educate consumers, regulate prices, ensure fair standards of wages and benefits to workers, and otherwise promote public health and well-being.
Our goal is to improve the quality of life and personal well-being for all members of our community

6. “Indigenous individuals have an equal right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. States shall take the necessary steps with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of this right.” - United Nations declaration on the rights of indigenous people Article 24:2

7. What We Will Do For Our Community
We will implement the NIMCA’s national strategy for using cannabis as treatment for opioid addictions
We will generate employment for people in our community
We will pay staff fair wages with opportunity for advancement
Not only will we create employment, but we will also create economic spin off thereby working to reduce poverty in Alderville
Percentage of profits will be distributed within the community

8. What We Will Do For Our Community
Increase economic growth by bringing visitors to our reserve
Engage our community members and visitors to become attuned to Ojibway culture, beliefs, and traditions
Introduce new people to our culture and traditions
Feature and engage people in our teachings, art, music, smudging, and other ceremonies
Promote and support local musicians and artists
Feature Alderville and our culture on our website and other materials

9. “Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and develop their political, economic and social systems or institutions, to be secure in the enjoyment of their own means of subsistence and development, and to engage freely in all their traditional and other economic activities.” -United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples Article 20:1

10. A New and Booming Industry
Health Canada has estimates there are approximately 400,000 medicinal users, however current licensed producers can only supply approximately 80,000 people (2011 statistic)
Dispensaries fill a large void for Canadians that are not covered by existing laws
Patients go through tremendous struggles to obtain natural medicines including turning to the black market and untested sources
Since April 2017, approximately 350 new dispensaries have opened up
Many cities have become tolerant and are granting business licenses
Between 2013 and 2014 the medicinal cannabis industry grew by 74% in the U.S. alone

11. Employment Opportunities
Provide various employment opportunities for people within the community
Positions including but not limited to: management, greeters, bud-tenders, security, quality assurance, packer, and sorter
Education and training is provided and required by all employees!
Economic spin off as the industry grows and money is brought into our community
This includes: licenced growers, bakers, candy producers, tinctures/concentrates, medicinal salves and topicals, promoters
Our employees must be knowledgeable and trained properly in order to provide top quality advice and service to people
"Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.“
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Section 7

12. How Are We Different?
We strive to maintain a professional, clean and comfortable atmosphere
We provide for a smoke free environment
There will be zero tolerance for illegal activities
Strict monitoring of sales to minors as well as sales of drugs
Become a source of trusted, top quality medicine
Eliminate poor standards within this industry and become a model of good practice
We have support and oversight from the OIMCA

13. Our Promise To You We will be: Transparent Honest Professional
Respectful
Set high standards
Be Lawful to the utmost of our capacity

14. “Indigenous peoples have the right to own, use, develop and control the lands, territories and resources that they possess by reason of traditional ownership or other traditional occupation or use, as well as those which they have otherwise acquired. “ -United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples Article 26:2

15. Final Comment There is room for every single member of this reserve to join this fast-growing industry. This would create an economic boom for our people It is time for Indigenous people to stand together in this new economy, time for self- governance, economic opportunity, and to know our rights for our land  

16. What We Hope For Thank you for your time Chi-miigwech
We ask that you be tolerant of us and allow us time to earn trust and respect
Grant us time to continue our fight and assert our independence
Allow us the opportunity to help our people, our community, and our seven generations to become healthier and to prosper
We hope the Band Council will offer suggestions and guidance
Thank you for your time
Chi-miigwech