Ten Indigenous Entrepreneurial Leaders Recognized for Outstanding Achievements and Impact

Ten Indigenous Entrepreneurial Leaders Recognized for Outstanding Achievements and Impact

On November 13, 2024, Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced ten Award recipients from across Turtle Island at the 4th Annual Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, co-presented by RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard Canada, and with the valued support and partnership of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Export Development Canada, Sklar Wilton & Associates, and Raven Indigenous Capital Partners.

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Dr. Shyra Barberstock, Kebaonish Inc., Wins 2024 Pow Wow Pitch

Dr. Shyra Barberstock, Kebaonish Inc., Wins 2024 Pow Wow Pitch

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. 

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The Son Of Picasso, Be Real With Products Of My Environment

The Son Of Picasso, Be Real With Products Of My Environment

From the Kiowa Nation, The Son of Picasso, Founder of Products Of My Environment and 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant Recipient, is a visionary in the world of sustainable streetwear. He launched Products Of My Environment five years ago with a mission to create clothing that not only redefines fashion but also serves as a canvas for self-expression and liberation.

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Presley MacMillan, Stay Resilient with 12:21 streetwear

Presley MacMillan, Stay Resilient with 12:21 streetwear

From Fort McMurray First Nation, Presley MacMillan, Founder of 12:21 streetwear and 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant Recipient, is on a mission to create a premium streetwear brand that not only offers luxury aesthetics but also fosters positive change. Established just over a year ago, 12:21 streetwear is committed to using sustainable materials and ethical production methods, ensuring that the brand aligns with values of social responsibility and environmental conservation. Additionally, a percentage of the brand’s sales go toward raising awareness and supporting individuals facing substance abuse, homelessness, and environmental causes.

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Alex Manitopyes, Celebrate Your Achievements With SACRD THNDR

Alex Manitopyes, Celebrate Your Achievements With SACRD THNDR

From Muskowekwan First Nation, Alex Manitopyes, a and non-binary and trans masc, Founder and CEO of SACRD THNDR, and 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant Recipient, is creating a luxury fashion brand that celebrates Indigenous culture through modern accessories. With a focus on inclusivity and cultural expression, SACRD THNDR blends traditional Indigenous art and symbolism with contemporary fashion trends, offering lightweight acrylic earrings and accessories that carry both aesthetic and cultural significance. 

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Conlin McDonald, Learn By Doing With E3 Apparel

Conlin McDonald, Learn By Doing With E3 Apparel

From the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Conlin McDonald, Founder of E3 Apparel Ltd. and 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant Recipient, is building an Indigenous brand rooted in cultural awareness and language revitalization. Named after his three sons, E3 Apparel Ltd. represents a deeper mission: connecting with his Indigenous roots and passing that knowledge on to future generations.

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Shayna Boudreau, Stay True To Your Roots with Amakehs Designs

Shayna Boudreau, Stay True To Your Roots with Amakehs Designs

From the heart of the Biljik First Nation in New Brunswick, Shayna Boudreau, Founder of Amakehs Designs and 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant Recipient, embodies the spirit of Indigenous creativity and cultural celebration through her unique powwow attire. Known for her beautifully crafted garments, Shayna’s most popular creation is the Overall Ribbon Dress, a piece that combines traditional elements with modern designs, resonating deeply with families looking for something special for cultural events. 

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Janelle Alladina, Standing Tall With Indiginize Creation

Janelle Alladina, Standing Tall With Indiginize Creation

From the rich heritage of the Williams Lake Indian Band Shuswap, Indiginize Creation embodies tradition through custom, free-hand designed hats inspired by Mother Earth. Owner and 2024 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipient, Janelle Alladina, shares her journey with Indiginize Creation and how she is empowered by tradition and etching her niche in the fashion industry.

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Simon Monteith, Simon the Scientist, wins 2024 Alumni Choice

Simon Monteith, Simon the Scientist, wins 2024 Alumni Choice

On September 19th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Simon Monteith, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Founder of Simon The Scientist, a business based in Winnipeg, Manitoba as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Alumni Choice Semi-Final Winner. Simon has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his business.

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Esther Maud, Wabshkaa Animkii Benesii, wins 2024 People’s Choice

Esther Maud, Wabshkaa Animkii Benesii, wins 2024 People’s Choice

On September 18th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Esther Maud, the Skownan First Nation Founder of Wabshkaa Animkii Benesii, a business based in Thunder Bay, Ontario as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch People’s Choice Semi-Final Winner. Esther has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.

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Alex Manitopyes, SACRD THNDR, wins Fashion Semi-Final

Alex Manitopyes, SACRD THNDR, wins Fashion Semi-Final

On September 17th, Pow Wow Pitch, 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. 

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Darion Ducharme & Zachary Flett, Teqare, win Technology Semi-Final

Darion Ducharme & Zachary Flett, Teqare, win Technology Semi-Final

On September 16th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Darion Ducharme & Zachary Flett, the Lac Seul and Sagkeeng First Nations Co-Founders of Teqare, a business based in Winnipeg, Manitoba as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Technology Semi-Final Winners. Darion and Zachary, winners of the Technology Semi-Finals, presented by Mastercard Canada, have won $1,000 and are advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their business.

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