Our STory
Mother Earth Essentials was founded by Carrie Armstrong — a Cree woman born and raised in Hinton, Alberta, a Registered Treaty Status card holder connected to the disenfranchised Michel First Nation, of the Belcourt and Callihoo families. Her passion for plants comes from her grandmother.
Carrie’s background spans esthetics, cosmetic sales, and education — she taught at Amiskwaciy Academy. In 2020 she published Mother Earth Plants for Health & Beauty: Indigenous Plants, Traditions and Recipes. She collaborates with Elders and knowledge keepers, holds CCIB registration, and her Indigenous status is verified.
Carrie’s mother and aunts carried the trauma of residential school, and cultural knowledge was kept hidden for safety. Teaching at an Indigenous high school in Edmonton became the turning point that led her to found the company.
The company is a way to reclaim identity and honour the teachings of her mother, aunts, grandmother, and Elders — a movement for cultural preservation, not only a product company. It ties directly to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to revitalize relationships.
The range includes bath salts, lotions, scrubs, candles, and teas, based on Indigenous plants.
Western Chiefs Economic Alliance
The Western Chiefs Economic Alliance — Enoch Cree Nation, Pipikisis Cree Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation, and Whitecap Dakota Nation — has acquired Mother Earth Essentials, with Carrie remaining a part owner. The four nations came together to create jobs, investment, and opportunity, and Mother Earth Essentials fits that mandate exactly: a proven Indigenous brand with two decades behind it. Now the growth, the jobs, and the returns stay in the communities.
The company continues to operate as Mother Earth Essentials, headquartered in Enoch. In addition to leading Mother Earth Essentials, Carrie takes on the role of head of brand and business development for the Western Chiefs Economic Alliance. The brand will also be featured at the Nations Hotel.
“It’s an incredible honour to partner with the Western Chiefs Economic Alliance,” says Carrie. “After 20 years of building Mother Earth Essentials, I’m excited to see our Indigenous-made body care and teas grow to the next level while showcasing the beauty and strength of our culture.”