Our History
In 2007,
Coastal First Nations began researching ways to derive essential oils from the conifer trees that grow wild in the pristine reaches of the Great Bear Rainforest. These trees have grown naturally in the coastal forests of British Columbia for millennia.
Starting out as a Non-Timber Forest Products project of the Great Bear Initiative Society, the goal was to find culturally appropriate value-added products from the Great Bear Rainforest that would provide long-term sustainable and meaningful employment for remote communities, while at the same time protecting the forests.
After many years of research and development, Great Bear Rainforest Essential Oils, a non-profit society and alliance of eight First Nations on British Columbia’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii launched in 2019.
Our Purpose - Stewardship and Sustainability
The Great Bear Rainforest Essential Oils venture creates a sustainable business and long-term employment for individuals with limited opportunities in our remote communities.
Since our stewardship responsibilities extend to the well-being of our people, our essential oils business enables us to strike a crucial balance between economic prosperity and environmental protection while supporting our Nations and ensuring our diverse people, culture and languages continue to thrive.
As residents of the Great Bear Rainforest, we are dedicated stewards of our region’s lands, waters and resources, and take deep responsibility for the economic and cultural well-being of our members.
Great Bear Rainforest Essential Oils are deeply rooted in ethical responsibility and environmental sustainability. Our essential oils are carefully steam-distilled from fresh, sustainably harvested conifer needles gathered in the Great Bear Rainforest region. And along every step of production, great care is taken to produce and distribute our essential oils in the most sustainable way possible.
Our Pure Essential Oils
Our range of essential oils reflect the verdant landscape we call home. Harvested sustainably from the rainforest they include: Douglas Fir Oil, Sitka Spruce Oil, Shore Pine Oil, Western Hemlock and our most popular Rainforest Blend.
Great Bear Rainforest Essential Oils beautifully infuses home, work and contemplative spaces with the fresh, invigorating fragrances of this carefully protected area of Canada.
More Than Just a Product
Beyond being an important, healing aromatherapy product, Great Bear Rainforest Essential Oils are a powerful labour of love, conservation, care and community, and your purchase will have a positive impact on the people who call this region home.
Your support of this project helps ensure sustainable employment opportunities and promotes the continued cultural health, growth and prosperity of these important communities with the pristine Great Bear Rainforest.
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