Western Varieties Wholesale is entering an exciting new chapter. The long-standing Edmonton business is now Indigenous-owned, with Veronica McRae stepping into ownership after working with the company for 14 years.
Veronica joined Hannah of The Raven Morning Show to talk about what Western Varieties represents, what’s next for the business, and why community, culture, and opportunity are at the heart of this new era — plus, we’re teaming up with Western Varieties for a major giveaway you’ll want to enter.
🎧 Listen to the full interview:
Interview Highlights:
🌿 A Bridge Between Community and Culture
Veronica describes Western Varieties as more than a store – it’s a bridge connecting people to Indigenous culture and community. While retail goods have been the foundation for 16 years, she says the vision is expanding into jobs, training opportunities, workshops, and cultural programming.
👩🏽💼 Supporting Indigenous Women in Business
One of Veronica’s key goals is creating space for Indigenous women entrepreneurs. She’s launching a project called “The More The Merrier,” where proceeds from select products will support scholarships and entrepreneurship initiatives – helping more Indigenous women reach decision-making roles in business.
🏬 “The Costco of Indigenous Goods”
Western Varieties spans 20,000 square feet and carries Indigenous art, gifts, cultural items, and supplies from across Western Canada. Veronica calls it “the Costco of Indigenous goods” with a warm, welcoming staff that customers consistently praise.
🎄 Delivering Christmas for 40+ Years
One of the most powerful parts of Western Varieties’ work happens behind the scenes. For over 40 years, the business has wrapped and delivered 25,000 Christmas presents every year, including to fly-in-only northern communities.
🎁 Western Varieties Giveaway with Windspeaker (Dec 15–19, 2025)
We’re partnering with Western Varieties Wholesale to give away some incredible prizes, including:
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🍽 Firelight – $200 gift certificate to Bernadette’s Restaurant
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🔬 TELUS World of Science Edmonton – Annual Family Pass
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🎶 Two tickets to a live performance at River Cree Resort
👉 Keep it locked to Windspeaker stations for your chance to win.
📍 Bonus: Community Celebration at Western Varieties Wholesale
Veronica also shared details about a community celebration happening at Western Varieties:
📍 7003 Roper Road, Edmonton
🗓 Saturday, December 20
⏰ 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Expect:
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Live performances
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Tea and bannock
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Door prizes and giveaways
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A chance to shop meaningful, Indigenous made gifts
With new Indigenous ownership, a bold vision for community impact, and deep roots in giving back, Western Varieties Wholesale is stepping confidently into its next chapter — and inviting the community along for the journey.
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