Muskowekwan First Nation business based in Calgary, Alberta wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 17th, Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that hosts a Turtle Island wide Indigenous Business Pitch Competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Alex Manitopyes, the Muskowekwan First Nation of SACRD THNDR, a business based in Calgary, Alberta as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Fashion Semi-Final Winner presented by Aritzia. Alex Manitopyes has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their business.
More than 300 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States) applied to Pow Wow Pitch this year for their chance to win cash prizes and advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale. From the 300 applicants, 100 were selected as Semi-Finalists and provided with training and mentorship to prepare for their semi-final pitch to the Judges.
Last night, ten Fashion Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their organizations and community initiatives in one-minute for their chance to win an industry prize and advance as a finalist.
Judges included Rachael Fouchier, Senior Director of Service Excellence at Aritzia; Katia Duchesneau, Première directrice relationnelle, Services financiers commerciaux, Marché autochtone – Québec at RBC; Brandon Davenport, Head of Equitable Commerce at Shopify; Teodoral Niculae, Director of Senior Legal Counsel at Mastercard Canada; and Trisha Pitura, Co-Owner and Co-Founder at MINI TIPI.
Pow Wow Pitch has announced the winners of the 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grants, in partnership with Aritzia, the Everyday Luxury retailer. Aritzia launched the Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grants in 2022 as part of its commitment to participate in acts of reconciliation and to empower the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs developing apparel, accessories, designer brands and businesses. To read the announcement of the 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grants, click here.
The following Fashion Semi-Finalists were selected and honoured with an Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant of $2,500:
- Shayna Boudreau, the Bilijk First Nation Founder of Amakehs Designs based in Bilijk First Nation, New Brunswick.
- Presley MacMillan, the Fort McMurray First Nation Founder of 12:21 streetwear based in Spruce Grove, Alberta.
The following Fashion Semi-Finalists also were selected and honoured with a Runner Up Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant of $1,000:
- Benjamin Nelson, the Kiowa Founder of The Son of Picasso based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
- Conlin McDonald, the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Founder of E3 Apparel Ltd. based in St. Albert, Alberta.
“I’ve learned that keeping calm and confident is key,” shared Alex Manitopyes, Founder and CEO of SACRD THNDR. “The entrepreneurial journey has its ups and downs, but each obstacle is a chance to learn something new. My advice to Indigenous entrepreneurs is to embrace your unique story. Our backgrounds are our superpowers—don’t hesitate to let your culture shine through in your work. People love authentic stories!”
SACRD THNDR is an Indigenous owned and designed brand that celebrates the intersection of culture and high fashion. Founded by Alex Manitopyes, a non-binary/trans masc fashion designer, SACRD THNDR embraces the rich art of Indigenous culture. Alex draws inspiration from their cultural roots, infusing each accessory with meaning and trends. SACRD THNDR’s approach to fashion is a celebration of identity, traditions, and artistry, making it a unique and pioneering force in the luxury fashion industry.
Alex Manitopyes pitched to win funds to expand their product line with new materials that are sustainable and ecologically conscious. Alex hopes to continue showcasing their culture in new and exciting ways.
“I can’t thank my family, friends, and mentors enough for all their support! Especially my fiancé, my personal cheerleader and my best supporter,” reflected Alex Manitopyes. “Winning this competition felt surreal—like, wow, I did it! I’m just so grateful to the Pow Wow Pitch team for believing in me and giving Indigenous entrepreneurs a platform to shine.”
The judges congratulate Alex Manitopyes for delivering an outstanding pitch presentation and demonstrating a strong potential to scale. They are excited to see Alex on their entrepreneurial journey and look forward to watching both Alex and SACRD THNDR grow. In addition to advancing to the Grand Finale, the judges selected Alex to receive an Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant of $2,500.
“Congratulations Alex, on being awarded an Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant and for being selected as the Semi-Final winner advancing to the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Alex’s vision for SACRD THNDR is a shining example of the power of embracing your story through your business. Their ability to blend culture and traditions with high fashion, while staying true to their identity, values, and authenticity is inspiring. We are excited to see how Alex will continue to break boundaries, share their story, and lead the way for future Indigenous entrepreneurs in the fashion industry. We look forward to spotlighting Alex and sharing more about SACRD THNDR with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing our impact together.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Fashion industry category. Janelle Alladina , Founder of Indiginize Creation, was recognized for her bright enthusiasm and pitch energy and for her strong community impact to collaborate with fellow Indigenous artists. Janelle was also the recipient of a Runner Up Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant of $1,000 to continue growing her brand.
“Pow Wow Pitch is an incredible showcase of Indigenous trailblazers who are making a transformative impact on our communities with their resilience, ingenuity and unwavering commitment to success.” said Tracy Antoine, Senior Director of Indigenous Programs and Policies at RBC. “We’re so proud of all our participants and semi-finalists – their courage to participate leads to life achievements and their shared stories are truly inspirational. We are committed to supporting their growth and success in the future.”
“Being involved in Pow Wow Pitch is not just an honour, it’s a privilege to witness the creativity and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Senior Lead for Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Shopify. “It’s a reminder of the resilience and strength of our communities and the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change. Shopify has played a proud role in supporting Pow Wow Pitch, so it is exciting to see how things have grown over the years. What an incredible opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs!”
“The innovative thinking and solutions brought forward by all the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch have been truly inspiring,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada. “At Mastercard, we’re committed to working with partners like Pow Wow Pitch to unlock access to resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs across the diverse communities we serve to power economies and empower people. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Alex on advancing to the next round.”
To watch Alex’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Fashion Semi-Final episode, click here.
Alex Manitopyes will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 23rd. Register to watch the 2024 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.