Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership with Aritzia, a design house with an innovative global platform, to award and spotlight six emerging Indigenous fashion entrepreneurs with the Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grants.
As part of Aritzia’s commitment to participating in acts of reconciliation, both within its organization and with Indigenous communities across Canada, the Everyday Luxury retailer has partnered with Pow Wow Pitch for its third year to support Indigenous fashion entrepreneurs and businesses.
In 2022, Pow Wow Pitch introduced a fashion industry category with the support of Aritzia. The partnership included the launch of Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grants to empower the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs developing apparel, accessories, designer brands and businesses. Additionally, Aritzia provides mentorship to semi-finalists across all categories to help refine their pitches.
This year, Aritzia will award six Indigenous Fashion Grants to the winners of the fashion category. Three $2,500 grants and three $1,000 grants will be presented to those recognized for creativity, motivation, community impact, presentation and their capacity to scale.
Aritzia’s support goes beyond providing funds by creating opportunities to recognize the immense talent and dedication of Indigenous entrepreneurs. Together, Aritzia and Pow Wow Pitch are taking steps toward reconciliation through creative, cultural and economic empowerment.
“The Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grants, in collaboration with Pow Wow Pitch, are a key part of our commitment to fostering creativity, diversity, and meaningful reconciliation year-round,” said Corinne Kepper, Vice President of Corporate Giving at Aritzia. “We’re proud to offer not only funding but also mentorship to these talented entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses and make a significant impact in their communities.”
“We’re grateful to Aritzia for their unwavering support of Indigenous entrepreneurs, brands, and designers. Their commitment to providing direct support to Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs with fashion grants showcases Aritzia as a leading example of how to enable businesses to scale and thrive,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Together, we’re creating a future where Indigenous entrepreneurs can inspire the next generation and demonstrate the growth of the global Indigenous fashion industry.”
By investing in Pow Wow Pitch, Aritzia aims to champion and contribute to the growing community of support for Indigenous entrepreneurship.
About Pow Wow Pitch
Pow Wow Pitch is a program for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, which provides a safe, supportive, collaborative, empowering and culturally supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurship. Pow Wow Pitch enhances, develops and accelerates the growth of current and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs in a sustainable way through programs and resources. Community leadership through volunteerism is promoted as a reflection of respect and reciprocity as the foundation of the Pow Wow Pitch.
For more information, visit powwowpitch.org
About Aritzia
Aritzia is a design house with an innovative global platform. Creators and purveyors of Everyday Luxury, Aritzia is home to an extensive portfolio of exclusive brands for every function and individual aesthetic.
Founded in 1984 in Vancouver, Canada, Aritzia prides itself on creating immersive, highly personalized shopping experiences at aritzia.com and in its 115+ boutiques throughout North America — for everyone, everywhere.
About Aritzia Community™ Giving
Aritzia is committed to giving — to elevate the lives of its People, clients and the communities in which it operates.
With a focus on building meaningful relationships with community partners and creating impactful programs to drive positive change, Aritzia invests in communities by providing learning and growth opportunities, supporting wellbeing and fostering a sense belonging.
To date, Aritzia has contributed more than $66.4 million in product donations, financial support, and volunteer hours to non-profit organizations and Aritzia Community™ partners that share their values.
Visit aritzia.com to learn more.