Inuvialuit & Gwich’in business based in Nisku, Alberta wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 6th, 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 Tanis Simpson, the Inuvialuit & Gwich’in Founder of Qiviut Inc., a business based in Nisku, Alberta, as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Consumer Products & Retail Semi-Final Winner. Tanis 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, twelve Consumer Products & Retail 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 Tom Montaruli, Director of Indigenous Financial Services at RBC; Niree Perian, Director of Content & SEO at Shopify; Kevin Chun, Manager of Loyalty Product and Program Management at Mastercard; and Mélanie Bernard, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of MINI TIPI.
“It can be intimidating to get started as an entrepreneur, but the one thing you need to know is that there is so much support available,” shared Tanis Simpson, Founder of Qiviut Inc. “The community of Indigenous entrepreneurs is extremely generous and I have found so many people willing to share knowledge and guidance along the way. If you are struggling or facing obstacles, there is guaranteed to be someone out there – whether an individual or an organization prioritizing mentorship, like Pow Wow Pitch – who is willing to help you!”
Qiviut Inc. is an Inuvialuit-owned business based in Nisku, Alberta, rooted in the traditional knowledge of harvesting qiviut (muskox fibre), and now manufactures and produces high-quality qiviut yarns and knitwear. Founder, Tanis Simpson, is proud to carry on the traditions that have kept her family warm for future generations. Tanis prides her company on being Inuit-owned and gives back by creating opportunities for muskox hunters that provide for their families.
Tanis pitched to win funds to purchase the necessary equipment for their mill that will help them save money to provide job opportunities for Indigenous people in the arctic.
“I would like to thank the entire team at Qiviut Inc., without you none of this would be possible,” expressed Tanis. “Thank you to my amazing mentors and the Pow Wow Pitch team for the amazing advice and opportunity!”
The judges congratulate Tanis on a job well done and for her brilliant vision, efforts to strive for sustainability, and initiative to create job opportunities in the arctic.
“Congratulations Tanis 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. “Tanis is a true role model for carrying on family traditions into a thriving business rooted in the cultural knowledge and heritage of her northern community. We love seeing cultural knowledge and practices preserved for generations to come. We look forward to spotlighting Tanis and sharing more about Qiviut Inc. with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing our impact together.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Consumer Products & Retail industry category. Amanda Bernard, Founder of Shawish Market, was recognized for her clear value proposition, enthusiasm, and storytelling presentation. The judges would like to applaud her on a bright future and are eager to watch her path to success.
“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 Tanis on advancing to the next round.”
To watch Tanis’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Consumer Products & Retail Semi-Final episode, click here.
Tanis 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.