Whiteduck Makes Aboriginal Teas

Reuel S. Amdur

Kayoki Whiteduck is a young farmer from Kitigan Zibi who produces and sells herbal teas.  He currently lives on his farm in Farrellton.  He moved there about 18 months ago from a small plot in Chelsea.  Whiteduck continues to produce the herbs on larger acreage, around three acres.  There is room to expand this usage.   The farm also produces vegetables and chickens, but the herbs are the basic raison d’être.

The tea business received an important boost in 2019, when Whiteduck’s business plan won a competition for Aboriginal business proposals conducted by Pow Wow Pitch.  The $5,000 helped him to eventually buy the farm, with the aid of a mortgage.  The farm is called Mitigomin, acorn of the red oak, in the Algonquin language. 

Whiteduck began farming in 2016.  His favorite plant is mint.  “These are easy to hybridize.  Now there are thousands of types.”  We are all aware of spearmint and peppermint, but there are many others—ginger mint, apple, orange, strawberry, and so on.

He produces a number of herbal teas.  “Some people asked me for a tea to help them sleep.  I produced Sleepy Time, bringing together catnip, lemon balm, and anise.  Various herbs are said to have medical benefits.  I am not a doctor but I did take a course in western herbal medicine.”   In any case, herbal teas are not just for medical purposes.  They are usually drunk as a relaxing and pleasant-tasting beverage. 

His company is Kayo-Tea.  Kayo-Teas may be purchased at Khewa, a Wakefield store specializing in Aboriginal products, or online, at www.mitigomin.ca. 

Whiteduck says that his teas are organic.  He is presently in the process of obtaining organic certification.