IN THIS EDITION
OPENING THE CIRCLE
A message from the Executive Director
AROUND THE CIRCLE
Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch Recap
WITHIN THE CIRCLE
2026 Pow Wow Pitch Box Reveal
IN THE CIRCLE: JULY PODCAST
Healing Through Story Featuring Tessa Belanger
IN MOTION
Opportunities Within the Circle
Gesgapegiag Pow Wow Pitch
BUILDING TOGETHER
Partner Announcements
JOIN THE CIRCLE
Alumni Stories & Community Leadership
OPENING THE CIRCLE
A message from the Executive Director
Season of Momentum
Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year at Pow Wow Pitch Across communities, entrepreneurs are stepping forward to share their ideas, build connections, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. From live events and mentorship opportunities to new partnerships and alumni spotlights, we continue to witness the creativity, determination, and leadership of Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island. Every pitch, conversation, and connection contributes to a growing movement of Indigenous entrepreneurship that is creating opportunities for families, communities, and future generations
Celebrating New Voices
In June, we gathered in St Mary's First Nation for Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch, where nineteen entrepreneurs took the stage to share their one-minute business pitches. Each entrepreneur brought a unique vision rooted in community, culture, innovation, and purpose. Watching entrepreneurs take that step to share their ideas is a reminder of the courage and commitment that entrepreneurship requires, and we are honoured to be part of their journey
This month also marks another exciting step forward with the announcement of the 2026 Turtle Island Pow Wow Pitch Competition Semi-Finalists Congratulations to all of the
entrepreneurs advancing to the next stage of the competition We know the work, dedication, and passion that goes into building a business, and we are proud to celebrate each entrepreneur who applied, pitched, and continues to pursue their vision
Looking Ahead
As you explore this month's issue, you'll find stories from the Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch, the reveal of the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Box, updates from our partners, and inspiring entrepreneurs who continue to make a difference through their work. Thank you for being part of this growing community. Together, we are creating opportunities, building connections, and helping Indigenous entrepreneurs thrive today and for generations to come
Naomi Sarazin Executive Director,
Pow Wow Pitch
AROUND THE CIRCLE SITANSISK POWWOW PITCH
A Milestone for the 2026 Season
One Stage. Nineteen Stories.
The 2026 Pow Wow Pitch season officially kicked off with the first live event at Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch, held June 19 and 20 in St Mary's First Nation, New Brunswick Nineteen Indigenous entrepreneurs stepped onto the stage to share their one-minute pitches, bringing forward innovative businesses rooted in culture, community, wellness, and creativity
Following two days of inspiring pitches, Rain Ward of Metepenagiag Mi'kmaq Nation, Founder of 2Bear: Indigenous Wellness, was awarded the 1st Place $5,000 Prize Alesha Rossi of Tobique First Nation, CEO and Owner of Rossi Blends, received the 2nd Place $2,500 Prize Samantha Sanipass of Bouctouche First Nation, Founder of Sacred Roots Health & Wellness, earned the 3rd Place $1,000 Prize, while Shelly Perley of Esgenoôpetitj First Nation, Owner of Jumi's Wellness, was selected as the Fan Favourite $500 Prize
Beyond the awards, Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch was a celebration of entrepreneurship, community, and connection, bringing together entrepreneurs, judges, mentors, partners, and supporters to celebrate Indigenous innovation.
Read the full event recap and meet the winners at: powwowpitch.org/stories
Celebrating Every Entrepreneur
Every entrepreneur who stepped onto the stage brought a unique story, vision, and purpose to the 2026 Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch While four entrepreneurs received prizes, all 19 participants demonstrated the courage to share their ideas, represent their communities, and take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey We celebrate each entrepreneur for being part of this year ' s Pow Wow Pitch season
VirtualCompetition Semi-FinalistsAnnounced
Pow Wow Pitch is proud to announce the 120 Semi-Finalists advancing in the 2026 Indigenous Business Pitch Competition. Representing 13 business categories and communities across Turtle Island, these entrepreneurs have been selected to move forward in the competition and share their businesses with a national audience
From artists and makers to innovators, service providers, and community builders, this year ' s Semi-Finalists reflect the diversity, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Indigenous businesses today We congratulate all entrepreneurs who applied and look forward to celebrating the next stage of their journey as they compete for a place in the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale.
the 2026 Semi-Finalists: powwowpitch.org/semi-finalists/
WITHIN THE CIRCLE
The 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Box Revealed
SupportingIndigenousEntrepreneurs,OneBoxataTime
The2026PowWowPitchBoxhasofficiallybeenrevealed,showcasingacuratedcollectionof thirteenphysicalproductsanddigitalexperiencescreatedbyIndigenousentrepreneursfrom across Turtle Island. Co-presented by RBC and Mastercard, the annual box celebrates the creativity,innovation,anddiversityofthePowWowPitchAlumnicommunitywhileconnecting entrepreneurswithhundredsofnewcustomersacrossCanada.
Every Pow Wow Pitch Box purchase helps create new opportunities for Indigenous-owned businesses by providing visibility, procurement, and meaningful connections with customers. More than a collection ofproducts, the box is a celebration ofIndigenous entrepreneurship, storytelling, and community, with each item representing the passion and vision of the entrepreneursbehindit.
powwowpitch.org/stories.
powwowpitch.org/box
Inside the 2026 PowWow Pitch Box
Thirteen Indigenous-owned products and digital experiences Every item featured in this year ' s Pow Wow Pitch Box tells a story From wearable art and wellness products to food, accessories, books, and digital experiences, the collection showcases the incredible talent of Pow Wow Pitch Alumni and Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island
Berry Patch Bundle by Bougie Birch
PASS TEH SAGE byTessa Belanger
Rooted Cap byTapwi
Antler Pin byTaqqiq
Beaded Keychain by Eiralize Dreams
Shaker Bottle by ForThe People
Lotion Bar by Nature Spirit Soaps
Room Linen Mist by Mashkiki Lifestyle Co.
Phone Cozy by Aurora Heat
Digital Experiences byJamie Stevenson Photography & Adakai Media Group
Sedna Greeting Card byAnnie Pillaktuaq
Red Hamburger Relish by Rad Relish Co.
IN THE CIRCLE: JULY PODCAST
Healing Through Story featuring Tessa Belanger
Tessa Belanger, founder of Pass the Sage, a 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Finalist, and featured entrepreneur in the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Box, joins us on the July episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast to share how a community-led storytelling project grew into a creative platform centered on healing and reflection.
Drawing on her own lived experience, Tessa reflects on her journey from first-time author to entrepreneur and how storytelling became the foundation of her work.
What began as an anthology inviting Indigenous people across Canada to share their stories has grown into a space that includes reflection journals, writing workshops, and opportunities for people to process hardship through creativity in safe and supportive environments
Throughout the conversation, Tessa explores the idea that creativity is medicine rather than something that demands perfection. She shares how leading with care and community has shaped every part of Pass the Sage, while emphasizing that success is measured not only by business growth, but by the positive difference her work makes in the lives of others. Her perspective offers a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship can create lasting value through relationships
Tessa also speaks to the responsibility of giving back, including supporting Indigenous organizations and creating opportunities for more voices to be heard Her story is a reminder that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for healing and collective growth, demonstrating how stories have the ability to strengthen both individuals and communities.
Listen at powwowpitch.org/podcast. Listen Now
IN MOTION OPPORTUNITIESWITHINTHECIRCLE
JULY17&18,2026
Join us live at the Gesgapegiag Mawiomi PowWow, in Gesgapegiag, Quebec July 17 & 18, and share your 1-minute business pitch to win funds and the support of the entire community!
Who qualifies?
Any Indigenous person with a business idea or a business of any type and in any industry can pitch for a chance to win cash prizes and gain a community of support.
For more details visit: powwowpitch.org/gesgapegiag
SCHEDULE
DAY 1 - FRIDAY, JULY 17
10:00 - 11:00 a m - Registration Table Open
11:00 a m - 12:00 p m - Round 1 Pitch
1:00 - 1:20 p m - Top 10 Announcement
1:20 - 2:30 p.m. - Mentorship
DAY 2 - SATURDAY, JULY 18
9:30 - 10:30 a m - Round 2 Pitch 11:15 - 11:30 a m - Fan Favourite Voting 11:15 - 11:30 a m - Winners Announcements
BUILDING TOGETHER PARTNER UPDATES
Partner Announcements
In June, Pow Wow Pitch continued to strengthen its network of partners, renewing collaborations with organizations committed to advancing Indigenous entrepreneurship.
The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) renewed its partnership with Pow Wow Pitch through a new three-year commitment, continuing its support of Indigenous entrepreneurs and helping strengthen pathways to business financing, growth, and economic prosperity for Indigenous communities across Canada
Export Development Canada (EDC) also renewed its partnership with Pow Wow Pitch in 2026, continuing to support Indigenous entrepreneurs looking to expand into new markets and grow their businesses beyond local and regional borders Additionally, EDC will again be partnering on the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards and presenting this year ’ s Export Award to celebrate Indigenous Entrepreneurs in the export sector
Read more about our partnership announcements at powwowpitchorg/stories
Choosing the Right Type of Business Structure
Starting a business involves many decisions, and your business structure is one of the most important decisions you’ll make A business structure is the legal structure of your business, which helps define day-to-day operations, taxes, liability and more In Canada, there are four main types: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and co-operative. See which one may be right for you.
You’re Invited: WBNB Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Summit & Pop-Up Shop
Women in Business New Brunswick invites you to join us November 20–21, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Fredericton for the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Summit & Pop-Up Shop.
This two-day gathering will feature inspiring speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and a chance to showcase Indigenous womenowned businesses from across New Brunswick
Keep an eye on our social media or visit wbnb-fanbca for more details coming soon!
BUILDING TOGETHER PARTNERS
Our work is made possible through the support of partners who share our commitment to strengthening Indigenous entrepreneurship Learn more about our partners at powwowpitchorg/partners
CO-PRESENTING
BECOME A PARTNER PARTNERS
NATIONAL REACH
Over a decade of programming supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada
TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPS
Strong connections with founders, youth, and community partners. YEAR-ROUND VISIBILITY
Recognition across live events, digital campaigns, podcasts, and publications
AUTHENTIC ENGAGEMENT
Opportunities to mentor, judge, host, or collaborate beyond brand placement
There’s more than one way to partner. We welcome contributions of all kinds, grounded in generosity, reciprocity, and a shared commitment to uplift Indigenous entrepreneurs. Let’s start the conversation and explore what partnership could look like together
JOIN THE CIRCLE SHARE
YOUR STORY
Alumni Stories & Community Leadership
Pow Wow Pitch does not end at the pitch stage. Our alumni continue to lead, build, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. As our network grows, we want to create space to highlight where you are now and how your journey continues to unfold.
Are you mentoring others? Providing support in your community? Growing in new ways as a leader? We invite Pow Wow Pitch alumni to share your experience with participating in Pow Wow Pitch Programs, updates, reflections, and stories of community leadership
Selected submissions may be featured in future editions of From the Circle, on our website, and across our social platforms By sharing your story, you help strengthen the network and inspire entrepreneurs who are just beginning their journey
Your story remains part of this circle.
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
WHO WE ARE
Pow Wow Pitch is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, with the co-presenting support of RBC and Mastercard
STAYINTHECIRCLE
Questions, partnership inquiries, or story submissions? Email us at hello@powwowpitchorg
Website powwowpitchorg
Follow Us Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
OURTEAM
NAOMISARAZIN
EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR
hello@powwowpitch org
DESTINYMALUGA
COMMUNICATIONSCOORDINATOR
destiny@powwowpitchorg
KEISHAPERRIN
PROGRAMSCOORDINATOR
keisha@powwowpitchorg
SUNSHINE TENASCO Founder & Chair
JESSICA ZHANG-CHAPMAN
Treasurer & Director
WANDA BRASCOUPE Director
MATTHEW NAHDEE Director
ADVISORY COUNCIL
TRISHA HAYTER Director, Portfolio Management & Data, RBC Origins
NADINE AROUS Director, Project Management, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mastercard
DONNA ST. LOUIS National Lead of Indigenous Exports, Inclusive Trade, EDC
SHANNIN METATAWABIN CEO, NACCA
DARIAN KOVACS CEO, Jelly Marketing
ALTHEAWISHLOFF Partner, Raven Indigenous Capital Partners
