Embracing Rural Living and Celebrating Culture

After fifteen years of planting trees in Western Canada, Jon Welch felt the magnetic pull of his native province, igniting his desire to pursue other passions. Driven by his love for the perfect cup of coffee and a passion for restoring old buildings, Jonathan discovered the old I.O.O.F hall in Bear River—a hidden gem waiting for an entrepreneur with innovative ideas. Nestled along the picturesque main street, flanked by the serene Harris Brook, this historic building became the ideal backdrop for Jon and his family's new adventure: crafting the finest fair trade organic coffee while nurturing the visual arts.

Jon and his partner Erin share a deep appreciation for rural living, cherishing the rewards of close-knit communities and the simple pleasures found within. Their commitment to their community is manifested through contributing to the vibrant tapestry that exists in Southwest Nova Scotia. As part of a new generation embracing timeless values, they wholeheartedly believe in living with less, finding joy in self-entertainment, and fostering a fulfilling life within a small, rural community.

𖠂 As seen on CBC's Still Standing

The Sissiboo River is an impressive tidal river located in southwest NS. The most credible origin of the word Sissiboo is a derivation of the Mi’kmaq word for river sipu (si·bu). Less probable and more mythic is the story of a Loyalist settler and a member of the Mi’kmaq nation using a French word six hiboux to describe….. the river?….the six owls in the tree…?

What is known for certain is that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq
People. Gratitude is given to the many people and cultures throughout the centuries who have shaped and stewarded this land.

Coffee roasting is an intricate blend of art and science, influenced by the collective effort of coffee producers worldwide. Before reaching Canadian shores, immense dedication goes into cultivating, harvesting, and preparing the beans. As one of the world's most traded commodities, the fair trade movement has been instrumental in combating inequality and improving the lives of farmers, their families, and their communities. By valuing fairer prices for green beans, we honor the interconnectedness of rural economies between coffee farmers and the people of rural Nova Scotia, resulting in an unparalleled taste experience in every cup.

Upon arrival at 1890 Clementsvale Rd, each batch of beans undergoes meticulous observation through the senses. The roaster engages in an intimate relationship with the beans, their eyes, nose, hands, and ears attuned to the nuances of the roasting process. It is a delicate dance of sugars, acids, intuition, and experimentation—a symphony of flavors orchestrated with utmost care.

We acknowledge that we live and work in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) People first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with the surrender of lands and resources, but in fact, recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.

our story

Embracing Rural Living and Celebrating Culture

𖠂 As seen on CBC's Still Standing

The Art and Science of Coffee Roasting

Fairtrade is at the heart of our mission

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