From the
NOVEMBER
CIRCLE A Monthly Publication by Pow Wow Pitch
IN THIS EDITION OPENING THE CIRCLE
A message from the Executive Director
AROUND THE CIRCLE
The Grand Finale Recap & The Tech 4 Youth Recipients
WITHIN THE CIRCLE
Bring Pow Wow Pitch to Your Community
IN THE CIRCLE: NOVEMBER PODCAST
Choose Love First Featuring Dr. Kiera BrantBirioukov
IN MOTION
Program Updates
BUILDING TOGETHER Partner Announcements
THE ALUMNI NETWORK
Stories, Resources & Opportunities from the Circle
OPENING THE CIRCLE A message from the Executive Director November is a time to celebrate the incredible Indigenous entrepreneurs who continue to share their ideas, grow their businesses and create opportunities in their communities. As another Pow Wow Pitch season comes to a close, we're reflecting on the entrepreneurs and connections that have made this year so meaningful. Last month, we celebrated 17 outstanding entrepreneurs at our 2026 Grand Finale, awarding $45,000 in cash prizes to four winners. Each Finalist reminded us why we do this work and the importance of creating spaces where Indigenous entrepreneurs can be seen, heard and supported. From innovative technologies to cultural education and community wellness, their businesses reflect the creativity and determination found across our communities. As we look ahead, we're excited to recognize more Indigenous business leaders at the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards on November 13 and bring our community together in Ottawa for The Gathering. These celebrations provide an opportunity to recognize their accomplishments, share their stories and strengthen the relationships that help our businesses and communities thrive. We're also celebrating this year's Tech 4 Youth recipients, seven young Indigenous entrepreneurs received technology to support their businesses. Investing in young entrepreneurs helps create a future where Indigenous youth have the resources and opportunities to pursue their ideas. What connects all of these moments is our commitment to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Whether through funding, mentorship, technology or community connections, we're proud to continue building opportunities together. When Indigenous entrepreneurs have access to the resources and support they need, they can build businesses that reflect their values and create opportunities for their families and communities.
Thank you to our entrepreneurs, alumni, partners and community members for being part of the circle. Your continued support makes this work possible, and we look forward to celebrating more Indigenous entrepreneurs in the year ahead.
Naomi Sarazin Executive Director, Pow Wow Pitch
AROUND THE CIRCLE
GRAND FINALE
Celebrating the 2026 Grand Finale
Indigenous Entrepreneurs, Big Ideas and a Growing Community On October 21, Pow Wow Pitch brought together 17 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island for the 2026 Grand Finale, celebrating the ideas, businesses and people shaping the future of Indigenous entrepreneurship. Following the Semi-Finals, these entrepreneurs took the next step in their journeys, sharing their business visions with a panel of judges and an audience cheering them on. From emerging technologies and cultural education to wellness, food and sport, the Finalists represented the creativity, ambition and diversity of Indigenous-owned businesses. The Grand Finale also brought the Pow Wow Pitch community full circle, welcoming former winners Kendal Garlow and Dr. Shyra Barberstock back as judges alongside representatives from RBC and Mastercard. Their participation reflected the connections that continue beyond the competition, as alumni return to share their experience and support the next generation of entrepreneurs. While four entrepreneurs took home a combined $45,000 in cash prizes, the evening was a celebration of all 17 Finalists and the businesses they are building. Each brought a different story, a unique vision and a commitment to creating opportunities for themselves, their families and their communities.
AROUND THE CIRCLE
GRAND FINALE
Celebrating the 2026 Grand Finale Celebrating Our 2026 Winners Four Indigenous entrepreneurs received a combined $45,000 in cash prizes, recognizing their business ideas and entrepreneurial vision.
DANIELLE BOYER THE STEAM CONNECTION
1ST PLACE $25,000 GRAND PRIZE
A member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Danielle uses robotics and technology to create opportunities for Indigenous youth. Through The STEAM Connection, she develops accessible, culturally relevant educational tools that support hands-on learning, Indigenous language revitalization, and greater representation in science and technology.
RAIN WARD 2BEAR: INDIGENOUS WELLNESS
2ND PLACE $10,000 PRIZE
A member of Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation, Rain uses cultural teachings and traditional healing practices to support community wellness. Through 2Bear: Indigenous Wellness, he creates spaces for healing, connection, and cultural education, offering workshops, ceremonies, and community-based programming that support mental health and well-being.
COLE SANDERSON NORTH WRESTLE
3RD PLACE $5,000 PRIZE
A member of Sturgeon Lake First Nation, Cole uses sports media and storytelling to celebrate athletes and grow the sport of wrestling in Canada. Through North Wrestle, he is building a platform that highlights Canadian wrestlers, increases their visibility, and creates opportunities for athletes to share their stories and achievements with wider audiences.
DANA SWART TRAILBREAD HEAD
ALUMNI CHOICE $5,000 PRIZE
A member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Dana brings her passion for baking and local ingredients to her community in Crowsnest Pass. Through Trailhead Bread, she creates handcrafted sourdough and artisan baked goods while working to expand retail opportunities, promote food literacy, and bring people together through food.
WITHIN THE CIRCLE Bring Pow Wow Pitch to Your Community
BRING POW WOW PITCH TO YOUR COMMUNITY! 2027 Community Host Applications Now Open Pow Wow Pitch is inviting powwow committees, conference organizers and community event coordinators to bring the Indigenous Business Pitch Competition to their gatherings in 2027. By hosting Pow Wow Pitch, communities can create opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to share their business ideas, gain visibility, connect with new audiences and compete for cash prizes. Bringing entrepreneurship into community gatherings also provides an opportunity to celebrate local businesses, strengthen community connections and inspire the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Why Host Pow Wow Pitch? Celebrate Indigenous Business: Spotlight entrepreneurs and the businesses being built in your community. Support Business Growth: Connect entrepreneurs with funding opportunities, mentorship and greater visibility. Inspire Future Entrepreneurs: Encourage the next generation to explore entrepreneurship through community-led celebrations.
Bring Pow Wow Pitch to Your Gathering Help create opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs in your community. Applications for 2027 Community Hosts are now open, with the first review taking place after November 30, 2026. Learn more and apply at powwowpitch.org/community-host.
AROUND THE CIRCLE
TECH 4 YOUTH
Investing in the Next Generation Indigenous Entrepreneurs, Big Ideas and a Growing Community Pow Wow Pitch, in partnership with Best Buy Canada, is celebrating the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs through the 2026 Tech 4 Youth program. Tech 4 Youth provides young Indigenous entrepreneurs with technology to help launch, manage and grow their businesses. From laptops and cameras to digital tools and equipment, the program helps address barriers to technology access while giving young business owners practical resources to bring their ideas to life. Through their creativity, ambition and commitment to their communities, this year's recipients are demonstrating the exciting future of Indigenous entrepreneurship. Whether developing new products, sharing cultural knowledge or building community-focused businesses, these young entrepreneurs are turning their ideas into opportunities.
Meet the 2026 Tech 4 Youth Recipients Discover the young Indigenous entrepreneurs receiving technology grants this year and learn how these tools will support the next steps in their business journeys. Meet the Tech 4 Youth Recipients.
CODY MCDONALD
ALLIAH OLDPAN
BRANDON HART
MCBAIN-NEPTON
MAYZOON PARISIEN
SKY DANCER MOVEMENT
NUNIYEH
BELLA MCBAIN CREATIONS
HARLEY
KIERA BROWN
KASHTIN DELORME
ANISH LUXE
K’S HANDMADE BEADED BRACELETS
KASHT2N PRODUCTIONS
MAYTWAYASHING
ISABELLA
IN THE CIRCLE: NOVEMBER PODCAST Choose Love First Featuring Dr. Kiera Brant-Birioukov Dr. Kiera Brant-Birioukov, co-founder of Ridge Road Training and Consulting and a 2025 Indigenous Entrepreneur Award recipient, joins us on the November episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast to share her journey from academia to Indigenous entrepreneurship. Kiera reflects on redefining success, stepping away from traditional career expectations, and building a business that reflects her values and commitment to community. After building a career in academia, Kiera began questioning whether the professional path she had followed still aligned with the life she wanted to create. Her decision to pursue entrepreneurship was rooted in a desire for greater creative freedom, stronger personal boundaries, and more time for the people and relationships that mattered most. Rather than viewing the transition as leaving something behind, Kiera describes it as choosing a different way forward, grounded in love for herself, her family, and her community. Throughout the conversation, Kiera discusses how Ridge Road Training and Consulting is making Indigenous education more accessible through online learning. She explores the importance of creating educational opportunities that encourage meaningful engagement with Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. This includes reimagining land acknowledgments as more than prepared statements, encouraging individuals and organizations to move beyond reciting words toward developing a deeper understanding of the lands, histories, and relationships they acknowledge.
Through Ridge Road Training and Consulting, Kiera continues to explore how Indigenous entrepreneurship can create space for knowledge sharing, education, and giving back while building a legacy grounded in care and responsibility. Listen this Pow Wow Pitch Podcast Episode: powwowpitch.org/podcast.
Listen Now
IN MOTION
OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE CIRCLE
INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2026 This November, Pow Wow Pitch is bringing Indigenous entrepreneurs, business leaders, mentors and community members together to celebrate Indigenous entrepreneurship. On November 13, the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards will recognize outstanding entrepreneurs who are building businesses, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for future generations. The annual Digital Gala will highlight this year's recipients, sharing their stories and accomplishments.
CELEBRATING TOGETHER IN OTTAWA To mark the occasion, Pow Wow Pitch is hosting The Gathering, a free, in-person celebration at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Indigenous entrepreneurs are invited to connect with fellow business owners, meet mentors and celebrate this year's award recipients. The evening will feature networking, light refreshments and a collective viewing of the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards Digital Gala, bringing the community together to celebrate Indigenous excellence.
TWO WAYS TO CELEBRATE JOIN US IN OTTAWA
WATCH THE DIGITAL GALA ONLINE
November 13, 2026 | 5–8 PM ET National Arts Centre, Ottawa Free admission for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
November 13, 2026 | 7 PM ET Tune in from anywhere to discover the 2026 Indigenous Entrepreneur Award recipients and celebrate their achievements.
REGISTER FOR THE GATHERING
REGISTER TO WATCH
BUILDING TOGETHER
PARTNER UPDATES
PARTNER NEWS Before You Apply:
Six Ways to Help Strengthen Your Business Financing Application Getting ready to apply for business financing? If so, you’re likely wondering what lenders are looking for. While no two applications are alike, the key questions lenders ask are consistent — see how PAKT Fitness structured their application to help get an approval. Prepare Your Application With Confidence.
Your Next Step into HR & Recruitment Getting ready to apply for business financing? If so, you’re likely wondering what lenders are looking for. While no two applications are alike, the key questions lenders ask are consistent — see how PAKT Fitness structured their application to help get an approval. Curious about a career in HR or recruitment? Altis’ first Indigenous Apprenticeship Program offers First Nations, Inuit and Métis job seekers hands-on experience, coaching and practical skills. This paid, 12–14-week opportunity is fully remote within Canada at $22–$25/hour. No previous corporate HR or recruitment experience required. Learn more and apply.
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 powwowpitch.org/partners.
CO-PRESENTING
FRIENDS
COMMUNITY
FUNDERS
BECOME A PARTNER
PARTNERS
Pow Wow Pitch is looking for capital support to help us achieve our vision of $1 million to
100 Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Your Partnership helps Indigenous entrepreneurs transform ideas into thriving businesses by:
Funding grants & awards
Supporting mentorship & training
Growing sustainable Indigenous businesses
Amplifying Indigenous stories
Empowering the next generation
Why Partner With Pow Wow Pitch? NATIONAL REACH
YEAR-ROUND VISIBILITY
Over a decade of programming supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada.
Recognition across live events, digital campaigns, podcasts, and publications.
TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPS
AUTHENTIC ENGAGEMENT
Strong connections with founders, youth, and community partners.
Opportunities to mentor, judge, host, or collaborate beyond brand placement.
Start the Conversation. 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.
Email: hello@powwowpitch.org
Become a Partner!
SHARE YOUR STORY
THE ALUMNI NETWORK Stay Connected to the Circle
Being part of Pow Wow Pitch continues beyond the pitch. Stay connected with the Alumni Network to share your latest news, discover opportunities and resources, and keep up with what entrepreneurs across the circle are building.
Tools for Your Journey Looking for support as you build and grow? Explore tools, programs, and opportunities available through Pow Wow Pitch and our partners.
Indigenous Startup Program Free modules, toolkits and learning resources covering business planning, branding, pitching, finance, funding, exporting and more.
CIRA Free .CA domains and Indigenous stock images
NACCA & Futurpreneur Financing and business support opportunities
Wellness Resources 24/7 and culturally grounded supports across Canada and the United States
Explore More Pow Wow Pitch Partners and Resources
Artist Callout Coming Soon!
Share Your Story!
Pow Wow Pitch will be inviting Indigenous artists to submit their artwork for our 2027 programming! Stay tuned for more details on this upcoming opportunity to showcase Indigenous creativity and talent.
Have a new product, launch, milestone, award, expansion, or business update? We want to hear about it. Submit your story for a chance to be featured across Pow Wow Pitch platforms. SHARE YOUR STORY!
ALUMNI NETWORK Making Space for Indigenous Creativity
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Siera Hancharyk | Three Sisters Indigenous Collective | Wiikwemkoong First Nation
Co-founded by Siera Hancharyk, Three Sisters Indigenous Collective is creating opportunities for Indigenous designers, artists, makers, and youth to be seen, celebrated, and supported in urban spaces. Rooted in Anishinaabe identity, the Toronto-based collective is celebrating two exciting milestones: receiving its first grant from the Toronto Arts Council and reaching the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale. Continuing to create space for Indigenous creativity, Three Sisters will host the Gawishigame-giizis Daagwaagin Fashion Show and Market on November 15, 2026, at 58 Cecil Street in Toronto. The event will feature Indigenous designers, models, artists, vendors, and a community fashion show, celebrating representation, culture, and creativity. Everyone is welcome to attend and support Indigenous entrepreneurs and artists!
Learn More and Follow Along: Instagram: @threesistersmarkett.o. | Watch Siera’s Pitch Here
BEYOND THE PITCH Indigenous Entrepreneur Storytelling
ALUMNI NETWORK
Congratulations to everyone who participated in Pow Wow Pitch this year! As a Pow Wow Pitch alumnus, Bee wants to continue paying that support forward through Bee Productions Inc. by inviting Indigenous entrepreneurs to create affordable video business cards that showcase their businesses, stories, and milestones, helping them reach future customers, judges, funders, and supporters. These videos can also strengthen future pitches and celebrate how far your business has come. Bee is also developing Where the City Divides, a Saskatchewan film project, after being accepted into the Independent Production Fund Prairie Producers Pre-Application Training Program. As the project develops, Bee hopes to create paid opportunities for Indigenousowned businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, crew, consultants, technicians, and emerging creatives across all stages of filmmaking, from development and production to postproduction and marketing. Bee was also recently featured in SaskToday, sharing more about his filmmaking journey and the opportunities he hopes to create for Indigenous entrepreneurs and creatives. Read the full article to learn more about Bee’s journey and his vision for Where the City Divides. Bee also gives a special shoutout to Shaelyn Johnston and the team at Filmmakers in Indigenous Leadership & Management Business Affairs (FILMBA), sharing: “I want to thank Shaelyn Johnston and everyone at FILMBA for helping me learn what it takes to produce a film. I’m already putting those lessons to work on Where the City Divides.”
Interested in having your business featured or exploring opportunities to collaborate? Connect with Bee Productions Inc. I(639) 533-5280 | www.beeproductionsinc.com | beeproductions.sk@gmail.com
ALUMNI NETWORK Building a Home for Business, Art & Community
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Rachel Brimacombe | Founder & Owner, Lumsden Florist Gift & Gallery | Métis, Saskatchewan
For Rachel Brimacombe, a 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finalist, growing a business has been a journey of dedication, creativity and perseverance. After 16 years of renting, Rachel reached an exciting milestone in 2024 when she purchased her own building and moved Lumsden Florist Gift & Gallery into a space she could finally call her own. This move not only gave her business a permanent home but also allowed her to build equity and create a foundation for the future. Located in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, the business brings together Rachel's passion for floristry, gifts and art. With the move into her new building, Rachel was able to expand the gallery, creating more space to showcase her own artwork alongside pieces by local artists. The expanded space has allowed her to bring different parts of her creative work together while providing opportunities for other artists to share their talents with the community. Reaching this milestone was made possible in part through support from Métis organizations, including the Clarence Campeau Development Fund and the Gabriel Dumont Institute. Their contributions helped Rachel take an important step toward long-term business ownership after more than a decade of operating in rented spaces.
In August 2026, Lumsden Florist Gift & Gallery celebrated two years in its new home. For Rachel, owning the building represents more than a change of location. It offers greater financial security, an opportunity to continue growing her business and the possibility of retirement in the future. Her journey reflects the value of perseverance, community support and investing in a business that can continue to grow for years to come. Explore Lumsden Florist Gift & Gallery Website: lumsdenflorist.com | Instagram: @lumsdenflorsit | Facebook: @lumsdenflorist
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WHO WE ARE
SUNSHINE TENASCO Founder & Chair
JESSICA ZHANG-CHAPMAN
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.
Treasurer & Director
WANDA BRASCOUPE Director
MATTHEW NAHDEE Director
STAY IN THE CIRCLE
ADVISORY COUNCIL TRISHA HAYTER
Questions, partnership inquiries, or story submissions? Email us at hello@powwowpitch.org
Director, Portfolio Management & Data, RBC Origins
NADINE AROUS
Website powwowpitch.org
Director, Project Management, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mastercard
Follow Us Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
DONNA ST. LOUIS National Lead of Indigenous Exports, Inclusive Trade, EDC
SHANNIN METATAWABIN CEO, NACCA
OUR TEAM NAOMI SARAZIN
KEISHA PERRIN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
hello@powwowpitch.org
keisha@powwowpitch.org
DESTINY MALUGA COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
destiny@powwowpitch.org
DARIAN KOVACS CEO, Jelly Marketing
ALTHEA WISHLOFF Partner, Raven Indigenous Capital Partners