Blackfeet Nation business based in Blackfeet, MT, USA, wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 2nd, 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 and Mastercard, announced Christen Meeko Falcon, the Blackfeet Nation Founder of Backpacker’s Ferry, a business based in Blackfeet, MT, USA as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Tourism Semi-Final Winner. Christen has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.
More than 130 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States) were selected as Semi-Finalists in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch. Each received training and mentorship to prepare for their semi-final pitch to the Judges, competing for the chance to advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale. Tuesday night, five 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 a spot in the finals.
Judges included Amy Seabourne, Director of Product Management at Mastercard; Katherine Soler, Account Executive & Newcomer Program Lead at Altis Recruitment; and Donna St. Louis, National Lead of Indigenous Business at EDC.
“The Blackfeet presence is low within Glacier National Park, we want to provide more hiring opportunities for our community to share our perspectives and knowledge with visitors,” said Christen Meeko Falcon, founder of Backpacker’s Ferry. “Also being that we are an ecotourism company, we can help funnel business into our tribe’s economy which is often missed due to the lack of support from the park. More shuttle vehicles, more hiring, more presence.”
Christen Meeko Falcon founded Backpacker’s Ferry, a tourism and transportation company rooted in the traditional homelands of the Blackfeet Nation, bordering Glacier National Park. With a mission that extends beyond travel, Backpacker’s Ferry creates meaningful connections between visitors and the rich history, culture, and landscapes of the Blackfeet people. By offering reliable ferry and shuttle services, the company provides safe, accessible ways to explore one of North America’s most breathtaking regions, while honouring the Nation’s deep ties to the land and its stories.
Through this work, Backpacker’s Ferry not only supports local tourism but also uplifts the Blackfeet community by sharing cultural knowledge, creating jobs, and showcasing Indigenous stewardship of the area. To continue expanding this impact, Christen pitched to win funds to extend the company’s current fleet and provide more employment opportunities for her Nation. These investments will strengthen the business’ ability to welcome more visitors, highlight Blackfeet culture, and ensure that tourism in Glacier National Park reflects the voices, culture, and traditions of the people who have called it home for generations.
“My advice is to reach out to supportive state or tribal institutions that can guide you through your business needs,” shared Christen. “Even if traditional loans don’t work out, don’t lose hope—there are funding opportunities like Pow Wow Pitch that can help you start or grow your business. Challenges will come, but don’t let them discourage you. As an Indigenous entrepreneur, it can feel overwhelming at first, but with time things begin to fall into place. The journey is part of the learning, so do your best to embrace and enjoy the process.”
The judges congratulated Christen for her incredible idea, the positive energy she brought to her pitch, and the strong potential of her business to make a positive and sustainable impact to her community.
“Congratulations to Christen on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “In tourism, it is vital that we honour and acknowledge the original peoples of the territory, whose stories, culture, and deep ties to the land make each place truly unique. Christen’s work with Backpacker’s Ferry is a powerful example of how tourism can create meaningful connections, celebrate Indigenous stewardship, and ensure that visitors experience Glacier National Park through the voices and traditions of the Blackfeet people and Nation.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Tourism industry category. Breanna Boyer, Founder of Riverway Rentals, was recognized for her clear and compelling pitch, strong passion, and the great promise her business holds for the future.
“Pow Wow Pitch is an incredible showcase of Indigenous changemakers who are making a meaningful impact through their passion, creativity, and determination,” said Chinyere Eni, Head of RBC Origins. “We are so inspired by all the participants and semi-finalists – their ingenuity and perseverance to bring their innovative ideas to life is truly commendable. At RBC, we are committed to supporting their entrepreneurial journey and celebrating their successes.”
“The talent and determination showcased by this year’s Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs have been nothing short of inspiring,” said Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard, Canada. “Our team at Mastercard works closely with partners like Pow Wow Pitch to break down barriers and create new opportunities for growth and economic prosperity across Canada. Congratulations to all the pitchers for sharing their ideas and stories, and a special congratulations to Christen Meeko Falcon for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Christen’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Tourism Semi-Final episode, click here.
Christen will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 22, 2025. Register to watch the 2025 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.