Jacques T. Watso and Tina Archuleta win Food & Drink Semi-Final

Jacques T. Watso and Tina Archuleta win Food & Drink Semi-Final

Sep 13, 2023 |

On September 12, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced two winners of the 2023 Food & Drink Semi-Final:

Food & Drink Products Winner: Jacques T. Watso, the Abenaki Founder of Sagamité Watso from Odanak, Québec.

Food & Drink Services Winner: Tina Archuleta, the Jamez Nation Founder of ITALITY PLANT BASED FOODS from Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico (USA).

Each entrepreneur has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their businesses.

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Ricky Dankewich and Levi Wild, win Professional Services & Trades Semi-Finals

Ricky Dankewich and Levi Wild, win Professional Services & Trades Semi-Finals

Sep 12, 2023 |

On September 11, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced two winners of the Professional Services & Trades Semi-Final:

Professional Services Skilled Trades Winner: Ricky Dankewich, the Cat Lake First Nation Owner of Blackstone Concrete from Dryden, Ontario. 

Professional Services B2B Winner: Levi Wild, the Michif & Passpasschase Cree Founder of Children Of The North Project Corp. from Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton), Alberta

Ricky and Levi have each won $1,000 and are

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Desiree Streit, friday.night.beading.club, wins Startup Innovation Semi-Final

Desiree Streit, friday.night.beading.club, wins Startup Innovation Semi-Final

Sep 11, 2023 |

On September 8, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Desiree Streit, The Pas, MB Founder of friday.night.beading.club from Gatineau, QC, CA as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Startup Innovation Winner. Desiree Streit has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.

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Alana Cook and Dr. Sadie Laronde win Health & Wellness Semi-Finals

Alana Cook and Dr. Sadie Laronde win Health & Wellness Semi-Finals

Sep 8, 2023 |

On September 8, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced two winners of the Health & Wellness Semi-Final:
Health & Wellness Movement Winner: Alana Cook, the Métis, Founder of Walking Like Warriors from Maple Ridge, British Columbia.
Health & Wellness Services Winner: Dr. Sadie LaRonde, the Temagami First Nation Founder of The Butterfly Effect Chiropractic & Healing from Ottawa, Ontario.
Each winner has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their businesses.

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Shay Dekock Kruger, Chelsee Pettit, and Tanis Simpson win Consumer Semi-Finals

Shay Dekock Kruger, Chelsee Pettit, and Tanis Simpson win Consumer Semi-Finals

Sep 8, 2023 |

On September 7, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced three winners of the Consumer Semi-Final category:

Consumer Bath, Body and Beauty Winner: Shay Dekock-Kruger, the Penticton Indian Band Founder of HOLO EYES from Penticton, British Columbia. 

Consumer Retail Winner: Chelsee Pettit, the Aamjiwnaang Founder of aaniin retail inc. from Tkaronto, Ontario.

Consumer Products Winner: Tanis Simpson, the Inuvialuit Founder of Qiviut Inc. from Nisku, Alberta.

Each winner has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their businesses.

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Rachael Hunt, Freedom School Co., wins Knowledge Services Semi-Final

Rachael Hunt, Freedom School Co., wins Knowledge Services Semi-Final

Sep 6, 2023 |

On September 6, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Rachael Hunt, the Cape Croker, Chippewa of Nawash Founder of Freedom School Co. from Collingwood, Ontario, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Knowledge Winner. Rachael Hunt has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.

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Kona Slays, Love Koko, wins Startup Semi-Final

Kona Slays, Love Koko, wins Startup Semi-Final

Sep 6, 2023 |

On September 5th, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Kona Slays, the Rapid Lake  Founder of Love Koko from Montreal, Québec, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Startup Winner. Kona Slays has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their business.

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Sarah Sproule, Wayeshkad, wins Tourism Semi-Final

Sarah Sproule, Wayeshkad, wins Tourism Semi-Final

Sep 6, 2023 |

On September 5th, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Sarah Sproule, the Chippewas of Georgina Island Founder of Wayeshkad from Land O Lakes, Ontario, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Tourism Winner. Sarah has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.

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Kelly Kristin, Indigenous Parents Community, wins Non-Profit Semi-Final

Kelly Kristin, Indigenous Parents Community, wins Non-Profit Semi-Final

Sep 5, 2023 |

On September 5th, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard, announced Kelly Kristin, the Shamattawa First Nation Founder of Indigenous Parents Community from Winnipeg, MB, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Non-Profit Semi-Final Winner. Kelly has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.

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Follow your heart

Follow your heart

Sep 5, 2023 | ,

Community, according to Cadence, is at the heart of her entrepreneurial journey. Drawing inspiration from her mother’s work ethic and dedication to the community, Cadence believes in originality and creating a positive impact. “That whatever I do needs to positively impact my community, and my community is the horse world and the Indigenous community so doing both,” she says.

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Remember to have fun

Remember to have fun

Sep 5, 2023 | ,

Chrissy’s advice for budding entrepreneurs is crystal clear: “Invest in your personal and professional development… Celebrate your culture and heritage… Build a network of mentors and advisors… And the most important part is getting out there, living your dreams, and having fun!”

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Make mistakes and learn from them

Make mistakes and learn from them

Aug 31, 2023 | ,

“I have learned to just go for it. To push through the negative talk and take the advice I was given when I was thinking of starting – to ‘just do it.’ Make mistakes and learn from them,” she emphasized. Streit further stressed the importance of community and collaboration, advising new entrepreneurs to “connect with the community, find resources, and find help in any way you can.”

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Put good vibes and energy into your business

Put good vibes and energy into your business

Aug 31, 2023 | ,

A reflection of Secwepemc values, Ashley’s business integrates Indigenous approaches throughout. “A big lesson that I implement is putting the good vibes and energy into anything I am doing,” she says, stressing the importance of positive energy in her work.

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Be reciprocal to be part of something bigger than yourself

Be reciprocal to be part of something bigger than yourself

Aug 31, 2023 | ,

Central to Alana’s teaching approach is the integration of traditional practices. “An individual’s health and wellness must maintain the balance between the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual realms,” she says, drawing parallels between the philosophies of Indigenous communities and martial artists.

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Build a strong support system

Build a strong support system

Aug 31, 2023 | ,

Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is heartfelt: “Build a strong support system… Staying grounded in your culture and beliefs will help shape your mindset. Be prepared to adapt and learn as you go. Set big goals and little goals – and celebrate all you have accomplished!”

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