“I stand before you today deeply humbled and grateful to receive this award,” said Michelle. “I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible team at Northern Nursing Solutions, their dedication is the driving force behind our mission success. I am also indebted to my family and community, whose unwavering support and encouragement have been my pillars of strength throughout this journey.”
“I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Pow Wow Pitch organizers, sponsors, and my family for believing in me,” said Terry. “Eight years ago I embraced entrepreneurship, seeking autonomy and ownership after a decade of building entities for others. The arrival of my daughter became my greatest inspiration to create a greater future for her and other generations to come. None of this would be possible without my incredible team at Okimaw Community and HR Solutions, their dedication and hard work have been the driving force behind our success.”
“This means so much to me because it took me decades to be able to claim storytelling as a career path,” said Sarain. “To me the art of storytelling and entrepreneurship started in the world of theater and seeing what could happen when you have the power to tell your own stories. Through my platform at Sarain Fox and my production studio, our goal is to create meaningful representation through all sectors. This award means so much because it not only recognizes recent work over the last few years, but decades worth of work that myself and so many Indigenous people have been doing to create space, meaningful dialogue, and to create activists.”
“I would like to thank my family, sisters, and friends who have been my biggest supporters throughout this process,” said James. “As an Indigenous artist and entrepreneur, I have learned that we belong in these spaces, whether it’s on billboards or in the media, we 100% deserve to be here. Thank you to all of the organizers of this event for this award! My number one call to action to any looking to start their social media journey is to ‘Just giv’er!’”
“I am honoured to accept this award in recognition for the work being done for Indigenous survivors by survivors,” said Vanessa. “I am here today because of my great grandparents and survivors, Emily and David. What started out as a grassroots project quickly became an international way to bring honour, respect, and love to survivors. Thank you to Pow Wow Pitch and Mastercard for honouring Indigenous entrepreneurs. I would also like to thank our many volunteers, our supporters, my first nation, our board, friends, and family.”
“I am really grateful to be here and I would like to thank all the sponsors and the hardworking team of the Pow Wow Pitch organizers for sharing the message across Turtle Island that entrepreneurship is a possibility for Indigenous peoples,” said Lori. ”It has been a historic fire season and I would like to honour and thank the brave people that are out on the fireline keeping communities safe. I would also like to thank my incredible team at FIRE 1 for their support. Thank you to everyone, migwetch.”
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to accept the EDC export award for domestic success and global potential,” said Vanessa. “This award holds profound significance for not just myself, but for the broader Indigenous communities and our collective journey towards redefining entrepreneurship and paving the way for future generations.”
“I have lived and operated our organization, Indigenous Experiences, on the traditional unceded algonquin territory for over 25 years,” said Trina. “I am grateful to the organizers of pow wow pitch for this recognition and to all of their sponsors for making it possible. I am incredibly grateful for the strong team and community I have behind me at Indigenous Experiences and Mādahòkì Farm who share this honour, chi miigwetch.”
Niiostoseraah shares the following description of the design, materials and vision, “My intention for this pin was for everyone to feel proud of their accomplishments. From Chief Lady Bird’s ‘Ring’ art piece, I interpreted the flower and vines of the medallion to represent that anyone can blossom into whoever they want to be and take different paths to success.”
Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Ashley Michel, Founder and Owner of 4 Generations Creations, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Winner and the recipient of the Grand Prize of $25,000.
Levi Wild, a passionate advocate for Indigenous empowerment from the Michif & Passpasschase Cree communities, shares how his initiative, the Children Of The North Project Corp., is uplifting Indigenous people to lead the clean energy transition. Based in a remote corner of the Northwest Territories, Levi’s entrepreneurial journey was born out of necessity and a profound commitment to his community.
Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced a new partnership with the Mana Up to put the spotlight on Indigenous entrepreneurs in Hawai‘i, USA.
From the rich heritage of the Williams Lake Indian Band Shuswap, Indiginize Creation embodies tradition through custom, free-hand design hats inspired by Mother Earth. Owner and 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipient, Janelle Alladina, shares her journey with Indiginize Creation and how she is empowered by tradition and carving out her niche in the fashion industry.
In Santa Fe’s bustling art and fashion district, Founder and 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipient, Dante Biss-Grayson stands as an inspiration for many. His fashion brand, Sky-Eagle Collection, elegantly redesigns traditional styles of Osage heritage into modern silhouettes.
Hailing from the Pekuakamiulnuatsh heritage, Raphaëlle Langevin is the passionate force behind Matsheshu Créations, a brand that offers a unique blend of clothing and accessories infused with Indigenous designs. As a 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipient, Raphaëlle’s commitment to blending tradition with fashion is gaining widespread recognition.