First-Nations and Modern Tea Culture Blend In Exquisite Vancouver Tea House

From pop-up shops to Hawkers Markets, The Capilano Tea House & Botanical Soda Co. has finally opened its doors in a permanent location in Vancouver’s vibrant neighborhood of Gastown. A First Nations-owned venture, it has developed a line of local meets global teas and botanical sodas designed with a flavor first approach to blending indigenous plants with global teas. Names like Senakw Village and The Sisters are featured in the product line to center local Indigenous knowledge within the transnational context of tea.

 

The interior design of the new shop features traditional weavings juxtaposed with reclaimed fir and exposed brick. The space offers a peaceful sanctuary within the city, bringing the nurturing energy of the Capilano River into the downtown Tea House. “Our goal was to create a welcoming space to meet and share our common traditions.”, says Paisley Nahanee, co-owner of the mother-daughter business.

 

Master weavers, Buddy Joseph and Chief Janice George from the Squamish Nation gifted them with a beautiful Coast Salish wool weaving that anchors the Tea House with spirituality and cultural connection. They commissioned Basic Design to create benches and small tables that reference Squamish culture. Their reclaimed-fir benches incorporate Squamish longhouse architecture and their upcycled small tables feature designs from Michelle’s grandmother’s (and Paisley’s great-grandmother’s) cedar-root basketry.

 

 

“Today is a new era for Indigenous people, where many of us choose to walk in two worlds: one reflecting the culture and traditions of our Indigenous heritage, and the other, the global world we live in today, where differences are both celebrated and feared. The Capilano is a way for us to share and celebrate this duality, in a space where everyone is welcome.” says Michelle Nahanee, co-­owner.

 

They are also offering a curated selection of plant-love retail products from up-and-coming local brands including Longbranch Flora, Products of Science and Art, Kunye Skincare, & Black Candle Society, aside from other great local creations. We at Hayo are very excited to be part of their collection and now you can find your copy of the magazine here as well!

 

The Capilano is located at 221 Abbott Street, Vancouver. Visit www.thecapilano.com for more info.