Western Chiefs Economic Alliance acquires Mother Earth Essentials

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indigenous-made body care and teas will be featured in hotels and restaurants owned by WCEA member nations

WHITECAP DAKOTA NATION, SK and EDMONTON, AB — October 2, 2026 — The Western Chiefs Economic Alliance (WCEA) has acquired Mother Earth Essentials, the Indigenous-owned company that makes body care, skincare, and herbal teas from Canadian plants and traditional recipes.

Under the agreement, Mother Earth Essentials products will be featured in hotels and restaurants owned by WCEA member Nations: Enoch Cree Nation, Peepeekisis Cree Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation, and Whitecap Dakota Nation. Guests will find sweetgrass, sage, cedar, and wild rose in the rooms where they sleep and on the tables where they eat — made by an Indigenous company, served in Indigenous-owned businesses, on the land those plants come from.

The products can already be found at Dakota Dunes Resort and in the gift shop at River Cree Resort and Casino.

The four Nations are partnering with founder Carrie Armstrong to grow the brand through expanded distribution, stronger operations, and new market opportunities.

Many hospitality supply chains send money somewhere else. This one keeps it home.

“Our Nations came together in the Alliance to create jobs, investment, and opportunities our people. Mother Earth Essentials fits that mandate exactly. It’s a proven Indigenous brand with two decades behind it, and now the growth, the jobs, and the returns stay in our communities.” commented Dalyn Bear, Chief Executive Officer, Western Chiefs Economic Alliance

Mother Earth Essentials was founded by Carrie Armstrong, a Cree woman from Hinton, Alberta, who built the company around the plant knowledge her grandmother carried and, for a long time, could not safely share. It has grown from that kitchen-table beginning into a national brand with a retail store in Edmonton and a wholesale program across Canada. Armstrong has since published a book on Indigenous plants and their traditional use.

The company will continue to operate as Mother Earth Essentials from its Edmonton facility with its existing team. In addition to leading Mother Earth Essentials, Armstrong takes on the role of Head of Brand and Business Development for WCEA.

“It’s an incredible honour to partner with the Western Chiefs Economic Alliance. After twenty years building Mother Earth Essentials, I’m excited to see our Indigenous-made body care and teas grow to the next level while showcasing the beauty and strength of our culture.” added Carrie Armstrong, Founder, Mother Earth Essentials

Details on the partnership, participating properties, and member Nations are available at westernchiefs.ca . Mother Earth Essentials products can be found at motherearth.ca