Kebaowek First Nation business based in Tyendinaga, Ontario wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 11th, 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 Shyra Barberstock, the Kebaowek First Nation Co-Founder of Kebaonish Inc., a business based in Tyendinaga, Ontario as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Food & Drink Semi-Final Winner. Shyra has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her 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, eight Food & Drink 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 Philippe Forest, Vice-President, Indigenous Markets at RBC; Crystal Hunt, Senior Manager at Shopify; Natalia Karpova, Associate Managing Consultant at Mastercard Canada; and Tara Saunders, Director of Business Development at Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada;
“Entrepreneurship is both exhilarating and challenging,” shared Shyra Barberstock, Co-Founder of Kebaonish Inc. “My experience with Kebaonish has been transformative, largely due to the support of my four co-founders, who are exceptional leaders in their respective fields. The key lesson I’ve learned is the immense value of teamwork. I don’t need to have all the answers; instead, I can leverage my strengths and rely on my co-founders to bring their expertise to the table. While working solo can yield a good business, collaborating with a strong team creates an exceptional one.”
Kebaonish Inc. is an Indigenous and woman-led coffee and tea company that highlights the spirit of sharing in Indigenous cultures and communities worldwide. Co-founded by Dr. Shyra Barberstock and Dr. Rye Barberstock, Kebaonish is blending together concepts from Anishinaabe and Kanienkehaka teachings to promote leading with a good mind and good heart into every day, and it all starts with a cup of coffee or tea. Kebaonish also collaborates with Indigenous artists and creatives to wrap their product in culturally rich and colourful designs, a thoughtful initiative to strive for economic reconciliation and opportunity for Indigenous artists.
Shyra pitched to win funds to invest in Kebaonish’s packaging and marketing materials to be in competition with other brands in the market. 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.
“Winning the semi-finals for the Food & Drink category at Pow Wow Pitch is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Kebaonish story and brand to a broader audience,” expressed Shyra. “As a woman and Indigenous-led startup, advancing to the finals is incredibly exciting! I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my remarkable co-founders—Dr. Rye Barberstock, Barry Hillier, John Snell, and Mike Carrick. Your leadership and friendship have been invaluable. I also want to thank our families, friends, and colleagues for their unwavering support and encouragement. Your belief in us means the world!”
The judges congratulate Shyra for her clear presentation, business acumen, and strategic planning to uplift herself, team, and those around her. The judges applaud Shyra’s efforts and wish her the best in her journey.
“Congratulations Shyra on your Semi-Final win and for advancing to the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through Kebaonish, Shyra embodies the values of Indigenous entrepreneurship, blending traditional knowledge systems with innovation and passion in the food and drink industry. Her commitment to blending traditional values of the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee, shines brightly in every cup of coffee and tea her business serves. We look forward to spotlighting Shyra and sharing more about Kebaonish with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing our impact together.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Food & Drink industry category. Runner Up Bailie Stewart, Founder of Ts̓iwens Meat Co., was recognized for her clear vision and knowledge of her industry, the judges applaud Bailie’s passion and look forward to seeing her grow.
“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 Shyra on advancing to the next round.”
To watch Shyra’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Food & Drink Semi-Final episode, click here.
Shyra 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.