Our STory
Welcome to Mother Earth Essentials, founded by Carrie Armstrong, a Cree woman born and raised in Hinton, Alberta. She is a Registered Treaty Status card holder, connected to the disenfranchised Michel First Nation. Rooted in the Belcourt and Calliou families, Carrie’s passion for the healing power of plants was inspired by her grandmother.
With experience as an esthetician, cosmetic sales representative, and educator at Amiskwaciy Academy, Carrie created Mother Earth Essentials to celebrate the beauty and benefits of Canadian plants. In 2020, she published "Mother Earth Plants for Health & Beauty: Indigenous Plants, Traditions and Recipes," showcasing Indigenous knowledge and traditional uses of wild plants.
Carrie collaborates with her Elders and knowledge keepers to preserve Indigenous plant wisdom at the heart of our business. As a registered Treaty Status member, she proudly upholds her cultural heritage. Our business is registered with the CCIB, which requires verified proof of Indigenous status, ensuring that we authentically represent our community.
Thank you for supporting our journey. We invite you to explore our products and celebrate the rich heritage of Indigenous plants with us.
At Mother Earth Essentials, we are deeply rooted in the traditions and wisdom passed down through generations. Our founder, Carrie Armstrong, was inspired by her grandmother, mother and aunts’ teachings of healing plants and natural remedies, which were kept hidden out of fear but shared in moments of solitude. It was through these teachings that Carrie discovered the power of cultural wisdom to heal not only individuals but communities as well.
Carrie’s grandmother had experienced great loss and trauma as a result of the residential school system, leading her to hide her cultural knowledge to protect her family. The generational shame and disconnect from their Indigenous heritage weighed heavily on the family members, including Carrie, who initially believed it best to shield her own children from their cultural background.
However, a pivotal teaching job at an Indigenous high school in Edmonton opened Carrie’s eyes to her past and cultural identity. It was there that she saw the power of cultural teachings in revitalizing communities and recognized the importance of preserving and celebrating Indigenous traditions. Drawing from her previous experience in cosmetics and a deep desire to showcase the beauty and contributions of her culture, Mother Earth Essentials was born.
The history of residential schools in Canada has had a lasting impact on Indigenous communities, creating a legacy of trauma that has been passed down through generations. More than 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were forced to attend these schools, where they were stripped of their language, culture, and connection to their families. The lasting effects of this experience have created barriers to cultural revitalization and reconciliation.
Carrie’s journey of rediscovery and connection to her heritage led her to recognize the importance of reclaiming Indigenous identity and celebrating cultural traditions. Through Mother Earth Essentials, she aims to empower individuals to reconnect with their roots, reclaim the wisdom of their ancestors, and embrace the beauty of Indigenous culture. Carrie hopes to help others heal and find pride in their heritage by honouring the teachings of her mother, aunts, grandmother and other Indigenous elders.
Mother Earth Essentials is not just a company; it's a movement dedicated to cultural preservation and empowerment. We offer community initiatives and products that celebrate Canada's healing plants. Each product is thoughtfully crafted from natural ingredients, reflecting the resilience and wisdom of Indigenous traditions.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada emphasizes the importance of revitalizing relationships between Indigenous peoples and Canadian society. Achieving reconciliation requires the commitment of multiple generations. At Mother Earth Essentials, we are dedicated to this journey, celebrating Indigenous wisdom and sharing it with the world.
Our product line at Mother Earth Essentials is a reflection of our mission to honour tradition, reclaim heritage, and create a stronger, more connected Canada. From soothing bath salts and moisturizing body lotions to invigorating body scrubs and aromatic candles, each item is carefully crafted to nourish both body and soul. Every product is infused with the wisdom of the past, the power of healing plants, and the beauty of Indigenous culture.
When you choose Mother Earth Essentials, you are not only purchasing a product—you are supporting a movement towards healing, connection, and cultural revitalization. Our products celebrate the natural world and the stories that bind us together while reminding us of the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities.
Together, let’s honour tradition, reclaim heritage, and create a better, stronger Canada for future generations. Embrace the power of cultural wisdom, the beauty of healing plants, and the resilience of Indigenous culture with Mother Earth Essentials.