INDIGENOUS GRANTS
For the fourth year, Pow Wow Pitch is proud to partner with Aritzia, the global fashion retailer and design house, to launch and award the Aritzia Grants to emerging Indigenous women and two-spirit entrepreneurs. As part of Aritzia’s commitment to actively work towards reconciliation, Aritzia awarded Grants to acknowledge and support the achievements and ambitions of Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs to support these emerging Indigenous-owned businesses to grow with a community rallying for their success. Read the full announcement on this year's Aritzia Grant Recipients here.
MEET THE 2025 GRANT RECIPIENTS
Debbie Courchene
GRANT WINNER
“Your support helps us clear the path for others, removing barriers, and raising up the voices of women and two-spirit creatives. This funding allows us to continue creating spaces that uplift underrepresented voices, amplify joy and resilience in our communities, and support Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, and queer creators in sharing their stories.” - Debbie Courchene
Christen Meeko Falcon
GRANT WINNER
“We are very grateful for this opportunity and thank you helping us better prepare. This grant will help us get more advertising out there in the greater Montana area." - Christen Meeko Falcon
Ariana Fotinakis & Vanessa Lesperance
GRANT WINNER
“As a boot strapping business, every bit of support has a big impact. Miigwetch/maarsii from Decolonize and Rize.” - Ariana Fotinakis
Annie Pillaktuaq
GRANT WINNER
“This grant represents more than its dollar value — it’s an investment in visibility and access. It helps me keep creating space where Indigenous art and entrepreneurship can exist on our own terms. Even a small grant can have a ripple effect when it supports artists who are already building change." - Annie Pillaktuaq
Kendal Garlow
GRANT WINNER
“This grant represents recognition for SproutSync. It's proof that Indigenous innovation belongs in conversations about sustainability and technology. Aritzia's support enables us to continually push the boundaries of what technology can achieve in Indigenous communities. It helps us expand our pilot programs, refine our technology, and ensure that Indigenous growers have access to tools designed with them in mind." - Kendal Garlow
Victoria Perrie & Sunday Queskekapow
GRANT WINNER
“To us, this grant represents so much more than financial support—it’s affirmation. It tells us that Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people belong in entrepreneurship, in leadership, and in spaces where we can shape real change. We’re deeply thankful to Aritzia for investing in that vision and helping us continue building Kíwétinohk in a way that honours our people and our teachings." - Sunday Queskekapow
Destiny Moser
GRANT WINNER
“I want to say thank you for the funding and for believing in the vision of Indigenous women entrepreneurs. This grant gives me the resources to grow FoodZen in ways that will directly impact families, schools, and communities with healthier food options. More than that, it’s a reminder that our stories, our voices, and our businesses matter. Your support helps me not only build a stronger business, but also reclaim food sovereignty and carry that forward for the next seven generations." - Destiny Moser
Tessa Belanger
GRANT WINNER
“Receiving this grant from Aritzia means more to me than a financial support—it’s a recognition of Indigenous voices and the importance of our stories. It gives me the confidence and resources to grow Pass The Sage into a platform that continues to uplift my community, honours our resilience, and builds something lasting for future generations. This support tells me that our entrepreneurial journeys are worth investing in and even a small dream can have endless opportunities I am very grateful - thank you!" - Tessa Belanger
Shyanne Yellowbird
GRANT WINNER
“Thank you, Aritzia! This grant means being seen, not just as an entrepreneur, but as an Indigenous woman carrying generations of creativity forward. Aritzia’s support affirms that Indigenous stories have value, our art has power, and that I can build something that uplifts my community while standing beautifully in the modern world." - Shyanne Yellowbird
Shauna White Bear
GRANT WINNER
“Thank you, Aritzia, I appreciate the recognition and am grateful to receive this grant." - Shauna White Bear
Jackie DeCoteau-Gill
GRANT WINNER
“Thank you, Aritzia! This grant means being seen, not just as an entrepreneur, but as an Indigenous woman carrying generations of creativity forward. Aritzia’s support affirms that Indigenous stories have value, our art has power, and that I can build something that uplifts my community while standing beautifully in the modern world." - Shyanne Yellowbird
Tannis & Rayel Smoke
GRANT WINNER
“Pidamaya tanka (big thank you), Aritzia! That this grant means so much to us as two Indigenous sisters building their business from the ground up. It reminds us that our work matters and that together, we’re building something beautiful! We are so thankful for your support, we can now help amplify this momentum, creating more spaces for more moments for families to connect, and more reasons to share with Turtle Island that we are here, we are plenty, and we are growing! Thank you, Aritzia, for believing in entrepreneurs like us and for all that you do each year through your sponsorship and support!"- Tannis & Rayel Smoke
Wendy Landry
GRANT WINNER
“It is so incredible and amazing for the support, I could never had imagine the reach with Pow Wow Pitch and the opportunities. When I found out I won an Aritzia grant I was speechless. This has been life changing for my family and such an empowering accomplishment, thank you so much!" - Wendy Landry
READ PAST ARITZIA INDIGENOUS GRANT STORIES
Aritzia and Pow Wow Pitch award thirteen Grants to Indigenous Women and Two-Spirit Entrepreneurs
Take your place
Stand tall
Enjoy the journey
Be proud
