Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island win $45,000 in prizes
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 Dr. Shyra Barberstock, Co-Founder and CEO of Kebaonish Inc., as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Winner and the recipient of the Grand Prize of $25,000.
The Grand Finale was hosted by Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch, and featured Indigenous entrepreneurs from Nations across Turtle Island like the Choctaw, Cree, Anishinaabe, Maliseet, Inuit, Métis, Native Hawaiian, Lakota, and Mohawk.
Following a qualifying Semi-Final round, the top 20 Indigenous entrepreneurs, from more than 300 applications from across Turtle Island, went head-to-head pitching their businesses to an esteemed panel of Judges who scored and selected the Grand Finale winners.
The 2024 Judges included Herb ZoBell, Vice President of Commercial Financial Services at RBC; Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Senior Lead of Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Shopify; Kate Karn, Director of Public Policy at Mastercard Canada; the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Winner Ashley Michel, Founder and Owner of 4 Generations Creations; and the 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Winner Erica Daniels, Founder and CEO of Kejic Productions.
MEET THE WINNERS
The First Place Prize of $25,000 presented by RBC went to Dr. Shyra Barberstock, Co-Founder and CEO of Kebaonish Inc., from Kebaowek First Nation in Quebec. Kebaonish Inc. is an Indigenous and woman-led coffee and tea company based in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in Ontario that highlights the spirit of sharing in Indigenous cultures and communities worldwide. Watch Shyra’s pitch.
“Winning Pow Wow Pitch is both a personal achievement and a significant milestone for Kebaonish,” shared Shyra Barberstock, Co-Founder and CEO of Kebaonish Inc. “Our company embodies the spirit of the Indigenous economy and highlights the importance of Indigenous businesses entering new markets. Ultimately, this success is about creating a ripple effect—where our achievements benefit not only our business but also strengthen our communities and inspire the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs.”
Shyra plans to use her $25,000 grand prize to invest in her brand and community by creating job opportunities and launching a give-back program. Shyra has a goal to be one of the main leaders in the coffee and tea industry, expanding their reach with Indigenous art at each step of the way.
“My advice to emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs is to stay true to your values and your community,” reflects Shyra. “Remember, your unique perspective as an Indigenous entrepreneur is your strength—use it to innovate and create positive change.”
Shyra expresses her gratitude for her accomplishment to her community, team, mentors, and support networks. “I want to express my profound gratitude to my Kebaonish Co-Founder team—Rye Barberstock, Barry Hillier, John Snell, and Mike Carrick. I feel fortunate to have such an exceptional team—your friendship, support, and dedication mean the world to me. Additionally, I would like to thank our First Nations communities—Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory) and Kebaowek First Nation—who have been incredible cheerleaders and supporters throughout this journey. Finally, I offer my sincere thanks to the family and friends who have tirelessly supported my team and me along the way. Your belief in our vision has been a constant source of inspiration.”
The Second Place Prize of $10,000 presented by Shopify went to Dolly Kruger, Founder of SilverSky Cradle & Casket from Snpintk’tn Indian Band in British Columbia. SilverSky Cradle & Casket is a funeral arrangement service that offers personalized, hand-crafted caskets and urns that incorporate Indigenous traditions and practices to honour passed loved ones. Dolly is a carpenter by trade and created SilverSky after the unfortunate passing of her son and having no traditional services to turn to. Dolly shared in her pitch that she passes along her knowledge to her children and youth community members to continue the tradition. Watch Dolly’s pitch.
“Being a winner to me means continuously showing up to do work. I hope to impact the way Indigenous people are represented within the funeral industry in Canada,” shared Dolly Kruger, Founder of SilverSky Cradle & Casket . “One thing I would like to say to Indigenous entrepreneurs is that we each have a calling so continue reaching for the stars, know you are making a difference, and continue being the change our ancestors prayed for.”
The Third Place Prize of $5,000 presented by Mastercard Canada went to Darion Ducharme from LacSeul First Nation and Zachary Flett from Sagkeeng First Nation, Co-Founders of Teqare. Teqare is an Indigenous-owned and operated company based in Manitoba, offering technology training, education, and support with a focus on our nation’s most vulnerable. Darion and Zachary have spearheaded initiatives such as scam prevention workshops for all ages, both urban and rural communities across Canada. Teqare is doing important work to keep elders’ information safe online. Watch Darion and Zachary’s pitch.
“Winning third place for Pow Wow Pitch is a significant milestone for us at Teqare,” shared Darion Ducharme, Founder of Teqare. “It’s not just about recognition; it affirms that our vision and the work we are doing for Indigenous communities are impactful and necessary. Moving forward, we aim to expand our reach, continuing to empower Indigenous peoples through digital literacy, financial education, and scam prevention.”
Echoing Darion, Zachary Flett, Co-Founder of Teqare continues, “Our most memorable experience was connecting with other Indigenous entrepreneurs. The sense of community and support from everyone involved really stood out. Hearing their stories and sharing my own created a powerful space of encouragement. It’s not just a competition—it’s a platform for all of us to learn, grow, and elevate each other.”
ALUMNI CHOICE
The Alumni Choice Prize of $5,000 was presented on behalf of Pow Wow Pitch Alumni by 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Winner, Ashley Michel, to Lisa Vicaire, Founder of Algonquin Acres. Algonquin Acres is an equestrian therapy centre that hosts riding programs and clinics. Lisa started Algonquin Acres in 2022 and was inspired to bring her dream to life after witnessing the transformative impact equine therapy had for her own daughter’s health. Lisa is certified in equine assisted learning from the University of Guelph and is able to offer tailored therapeutic programs that combine cultural traditions with evidence-based practices. Watch Lisa’s pitch.
“Winning Pow Wow Pitch’s Alumni prize means so much, I look up to the Alumni and their hard work and success, and was so thankful they chose to support my business,” shared Lisa Vicaire, Founder of Algonquin Acres. “I hope to impact the children I work with in a positive way with memories they can hold onto for a lifetime, memories they made right at home in the community.”
Lisa shares a piece of advice to Indigenous entrepreneurs thinking about participating in future competitions, “It can be so scary to jump into something unknown like a pitch competition, but just know you have the support from all other competitors, your community, and so many others waiting to encourage you! You can do this!”
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
In addition to announcing the top three winners and the Alumni Choice winner, the judges recognized four Finalists with an Honourable Mention for their impressive pitches, businesses, achievements to date and potential. The Honourable Mentions are:
- Simon Monteith, Founder of Simon The Scientist
- Charity Fleming, Co-Owner of Qualia Counseling Services
- Tanis Simpson, Founder of Qiviut Inc. and,
- Puna Tripp, Co-Founder of Hā Tonics.
“Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island showcased their remarkable businesses and passion for creating positive impact, embodying the true spirit of entrepreneurship and community-building.” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “It is an honour to celebrate these visionary leaders who are shaping the future of Indigenous business. To our Grand Prize winners, Shyra, Dolly, Darion & Zachary, and Lisa, and all our finalists, your dedication to your vision and communities are truly inspiring. We are proud to support you on your entrepreneurial journey. Mìgwetch for sharing your stories and for leading the way in Indigenous entrepreneurship; I look forward to following your journeys ahead!”
“Indigenous entrepreneurs are at the forefront of innovation and it’s an honour for us to recognize and celebrate their outstanding contributions to Canada’s economic growth and prosperity,” said Tracy Antoine, RBC Origins, Senior Director, Client Strategy at RBC. “Congratulations to all the finalists and winners – their passion, creativity and relentless pursuit of excellence is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and we are so proud to support them on this journey.”
“Being involved in Pow Wow Pitch is not just an honor, 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!”
“At Mastercard, we’ve been inspired by the innovative thinking and solutions brought forward by all the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada. “By supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, we are building a future where everyone can reach their full potential, contributing to a more prosperous and inclusive society. We are honoured to play a role in the continued success and growth of these entrepreneurs. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Shyra, Dolly, Darion & Zachary, and Lisa on winning the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch.”
To watch the Grand Finale, click here.
To book an interview with Pow Wow Pitch Founder Sunshine Tenaco, Dr. Shyra Barberstock, Dolly Kruger, Darion Ducharme & Zachary Flett, or Lisa Vicaire, please contact hello@powwowpitch.org.
About Pow Wow Pitch
Pow Wow Pitch is non-profit organization supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island. It provides a safe, collaborative, empowering and culturally supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurs and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs. Pow Wow Pitch enhances, develops and accelerates the growth for current and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs in a sustainable way through programs and resources. Community leadership through volunteerism is promoted with respect and reciprocity as the foundation of the Pow Wow Pitch.
For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.