Owners of 11 Indigenous dispensaries in Ottawa unite to oppose what they describe as “racist” actions by OPS Superintendent Jamie Dunlop.
OTTAWA – On April 2, 2025, Indigenous treaty rights advocates met to address an undated letter sent to many of the landlords of Indigenous cannabis dispensaries in Ottawa. The letters, signed by Supt. Jamie Dunlop of the Ottawa Police Services allege that unauthorized cannabis sales are in clear violation of provincial law, with Dunlop stating, “Immediate compliance is expected,” even as his underhanded tactics—ignoring Indigenous rights and pressuring landlords—undermine the Indigenous economy and breach multiple legal obligations.
Former National Chief Del Riley – who negotiated protections for Aboriginal and treaty rights into Canada’s Constitution Act, 1982 – has been assisting the Indigenous store owners in responding to the actions of the Ottawa Police. Speaking about Supt. Dunlop, former Chief Riley said, “These letters reveal his racist views: he thinks Indigenous entrepreneurs belong on reserves, echoing outdated, racist policies of the Indian Act. His actions violate Treaty Rights under Sections 25 and 35 of the Constitution Act. He should not deal with Aboriginal people, and we demand the city reassign him away from our community.”
The council issued a declaration signed by all members that outlines its structure and mode of operation that resolved to “create a 1701 Treaty Trade Council… that jointly defends the s. 25 and 35 Constitution Act, 1982 Aboriginal and treaty collective rights” of its members. The Council follows traditional decision-making protocols based on the Two Row Wampum and Dish with One Spoon agreements, and the year 1701 refers to the great peace concluded between Anishinaabe and Onkwehon:we peoples in Montreal that year.
The Council will meet monthly to implement health and safety standards and to address any issues with nation-to-nation trading practices. By doing so the Council is asserting Indigenous economic sovereignty and its own responsibilities to for peaceful trade in the Ottawa area.
Council calls for protest at noon on May 14
The council is calling for a protest to take place at noon on May 14th at the Ottawa Police Services headquarters at 474 Elgin St, Ottawa. A public meeting open to the media will be held at 2pm at a location to be announced.
A petition denouncing Supt. Dunlop’s actions and calling for him to “be reassigned to work not involving Indigenous people” may be viewed below or at the following link.
