2023 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards
November 9, 2023 | Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, co-presented by RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard in partnership with Export Development Canada and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, presented Lori Anne Stanger from Timiskaming First Nation with the Mastercard Game Changer Award at the Third Annual Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards.
Lori was presented with the Mastercard Game Changer Award by Jennifer Sloan, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard.
Lori Anne Stanger, from Timiskaming First Nation, leads FIRE 1 with strategic expertise, turning it into a frontline defence against wildfires.
Her accredited training facility, recognized by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests, provides rigorous training and education, equips communities across Ontario to effectively mitigate fire risks.
Through FIRE 1, accredited by Ontario’s Ministery of Natural Resources and Forrests, Lori leads a specialized team in a field where indigenous knowledge and modern techniques intersect, creating a formidable force against the perils of fire.
Together with her daughter, they exemplify leadership and solid business growth, setting a new benchmark in fire management.
For her pivotal role in enhancing safety and preparedness, and as an Indigenous woman directing essential wildfire training, Lori is a standout recipient of the Mastercard Game Changer Award.
“I am really grateful to be here and I would like to thank all the sponsors and the hardworking team of the Pow Wow Pitch organizers for sharing the message across Turtle Island that entrepreneurship is a possibility for Indigenous peoples,” said Lori. ”It has been a historic fire season and I would like to honour and thank the brave people that are out on the fireline keeping communities safe. I would also like to thank my incredible team at FIRE 1 for their support. Thank you to everyone, migwetch.”
“It is an honour for us to celebrate the incredible initiative of Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Congratulations, Lori Anne, we are so proud of your work to take care of our communities and our environment.”
To watch Lori’s feature, click here. To watch the full Awards show, click here.