Chippewas of the Thames First Nation business wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 4th, 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 Zhaawshko Nimkii Bneshiih (Tyler French), the Chippewa Founder of CELEBRATION: Event Facility & Museum, a business based in Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Ontario, as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Tourism Semi-Final Winner presented by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. Zhaawshko has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his 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, seven Tourism 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 Katelyn Lawson, Commercial Relationship Manager of Indigenous Banking at RBC; Rob Stong, Incident Response Lead at Shopify; Stephanie Ying, Product Management Manager at Mastercard Canada; Tamara Littlelight, Director of Marketing at ITAC; and Noah Wilson, Senior Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur.
“Perseverance and revitalization of the Anishinaabemowin language are a huge part of our future moving forward,” said Zhaawshko Nimkii Bneshiih, Founder of CELEBRATION: Event Facility & Museum. “CELEBRATION is going to build a ‘Ziiwaagmideke – ‘s/he is making syrup,’ a sugar shack and language nest. This will enable us to continue tourism during the winter months and allow us to be successful throughout the entire year. Including our language within the business is all part of that authentic Indigenous adventure tourists’ are hoping to experience!”
Zhaawshko founded CELEBRATION to create a place for his community to gather and celebrate the strength of their community and culture on twelve acres of land along the Thames River watershed. From weddings and festivals to land-based learning workshops, CELEBRATION is a testament to the rich history and culture that Zhaawshko hopes to share with other communities across Canada. In addition to hosting events, CELEBRATION is proud to be working on many archaeological projects in an effort to return artifacts to Zhaawshko’s home territory and to share the knowledge from a more genuine perspective.
Zhaawshko pitched to win funds to build a new addition to the facilities with a sugar shack to make maple syrup and launch an Anishinaabemowin language-based learning program. This new build will allow CELEBRATION to expand its services throughout the winter months and contribute to the need for language revitalization.
“Nmiigwechwendam nbweziimag gonda Dorothy, Eldon, James, nwiiw Andrea, minwaaniijkiwenziinh Jaquie.” expressed Zhaawshko in Anishinaabemowin. “I’m thankful for my family Dorothy, Eldon, James, my wife Andrea, and friend Jaquie.”
The judges congratulate Zhaawshko for his great work in presenting his business, how he plans to grow during the winter season, and for bringing a positive energy into his pitch and putting a spotlight on his community.
“Congratulations Zhaawshko 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. “CELEBRATION: Events Facility & Museum is a shining example of Indigenous-led community work that uplifts our rich histories while restoring vital connections to the land and our language. Kitchi-mìgwech (a big thank you) for your dedication in preserving Anishinaabemowin for future generations. We look forward to spotlighting Zhaawshko and sharing more about CELEBRATION with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing our impact together.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Tourism industry category. Monique Collins, Founder of Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions, was recognized for an informative pitch, great community impact, and applaud Monique’s positive energy and passion she brings to Indigenous tourism.
“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 Zhaawshko on advancing to the next round.”
To watch Zhaawshko’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Tourism Semi-Final episode, click here.
Zhaawshko 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.