At West Coast Wildflowers (WCW), we’re not just a lifestyle boutique—we’re a collective of passionate individuals deeply rooted in Indigenous kinship, culture, and community. Our mission goes beyond business as usual; we believe in maximizing both profit and meaningful financial contributions to uplift and strengthen our local communities. We embrace the idea that shopping locally and supporting small, independent businesses plays a crucial role in building vibrant, connected neighborhoods.

Our team is proud to be female-powered and Indigenous-owned, with a commitment to curating exceptional handmade goods from Canadian artisans. We believe that each product we carry tells a story and contributes to the growth of a broader, inclusive community. As a company grounded in local values, we aim to inspire a shopping experience that is far more than transactional. It’s about supporting one another and fostering a sense of belonging that larger corporations just can’t offer.

The staff at Wildflowers is here to make you feel more than just okay—we’re building a different kind of community. It’s not about how much money we can make, but about making the biggest impact possible. For Alissa Assu, Founder and Visionary of West Coast Wildflowers, this has always been the guiding principle. Every interaction, every purchase, and every piece of our store aims to contribute to something bigger than ourselves.

We proudly stand for Body Inclusivity, BIPOC Safety, and Two-Spirit Pride, ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors is welcomed with warmth and respect. We support Canadian Makers by showcasing the incredible talent of artisans from across the country, and we strive to create an atmosphere filled with Laughter + Kindness (We mean BIG AUNTY laughs and tears of kindess). Our community is one where every individual can feel seen, valued, and appreciated.

Nestled in Campbell River on Vancouver Island, BC, WCW was founded in 2020 by Alissa Assu. A former Provincial Coordinator for Performance Sport, Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council. Alissa made the bold decision to pivot her career after years of supporting Team BC athletes at events like the North American Indigenous Games and the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships. In the midst of the global pandemic, Alissa took the time to reflect on the "new normal" and the impact it was having on her friends, family, and community. It was from this space of reflection that WCW was born—a place where stories, culture, and wellness intersect and bloom like Wildflowers on the West Coast.

We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to share in this journey with our community, and we appreciate every person who supports us and our mission. Misiyh (thank you) for being part of our story.

xx

Ali Assu
Founder and Visionary, West Coast Wildflowers

My name is Alissa Assu and I belong to the Laksamshu (Fireweed and Owl) Clan from the Wet'suwet'en First Nation People located in Witset, British Columbia. With humble roots, West Coast Wildflowers (WCW), formerly Wildflowers & Co launched during the global pandemic on Quinsam Reserve. Our business acknowledges that it is located on the unceded traditional territory of the Ligwiłda’xw people; the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, and Kwiakah First Nations, whose historical relationships with the land and sea continue to this day.

As a child, I spent summer harvesting niwis (soapberries) on our yintah (land) during cultural clan camps with Elders. During the school year, I attended and participated in our feasting system with Skokumhylate (my grandmother) who raised 5 skak (babies) on her own. The most powerful reconnection to culture has been becoming a mother and launching West Coast Wildflowers.  We are teaching a new generation of Indigenous youth that culture and roots to our communities can be embraced in anything you pursue in this life. Culture — it holds deep roots and connection with our staff, Indigenous Collective, and across communities that support us. WCW has allowed the owner and Indigenous staff to connect to culture and community through learning from and working alongside our Authentic Indigenous Collective.