Nadia “Bogs” Bogayevsky: Restoring Land, Culture, and Connection with Good Native Plants
Nadia “Bogs” Bogayevsky, Founder and CEO of Good Native Plants and a proud member of Elsipogtog First Nation, is bringing native plants and their stories back to the land. Based in Balmoral, New Brunswick, her work combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with western ecology to create ethical, regionally appropriate seed collections that restore ecosystems, support pollinators, and revive cultural teachings. Alongside selling seeds, she leads workshops on native-plant-based wildlife conservation, helping people understand the deep ties between Mi’kmaq language, culture, and the plants that have shaped them for generations.
Nadia’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a desire to preserve Mi’kmaq culture and language, which are closely tied to native flora. In just her first quarter of operations, she attended four market events, sold over 400 packets of seeds, and hosted two seedbomb-making workshops where participants learned about Indigenous plant relationships and hands-on conservation. For Nadia, these moments confirm that her mission is about healing both the land and the people.
Applying to Pow Wow Pitch was an intentional step to connect with a network that understands the cultural grounding behind her work. Nadia saw the platform as a way to grow a movement that restores biodiversity, revives traditional plant knowledge, and creates sustainable income for Indigenous seed sellers across Canada. The experience has been a highlight of her entrepreneurial journey, offering mentorship, feedback, and a supportive community of innovators who share her values.
Nadia credits her mentor, My Tran from RBC, with helping her refine her pitch for business-focused audiences. Through thoughtful questions and practical recommendations, My encouraged her to include measurable outcomes and industry language while staying true to her vision. The process gave Nadia confidence and clarity in sharing her story.
For aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, Nadia offers this advice: “Build your business on the strengths and values of your community, not just market trends. Know your ‘why’ and let it guide you, especially when opportunities could pull you off course. Start small, test your ideas, and grow through relationships rather than quick wins. Seek out Indigenous-led networks and mentorship to stay grounded, supported, and culturally connected.”
For Nadia, entrepreneurship is an act of cultural restoration. “Every seed I sell is part of bringing our plant relatives home, healing the land, and reviving knowledge that was almost lost,” she reflects. Being part of Pow Wow Pitch has reminded her that she is part of a larger movement toward sovereignty, self-determination, and thriving communities for the next seven generations.
Watch Nadia as she pitches her business in the Sustainability category airing on September 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET. Click here to see all episodes: powwowpitch.org/episodes.