Manitoba Métis Federation & Norway House Cree Nation business based in Winnipeg, MB, wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 8th, 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 Victoria Perrie and Sunday Queskekapow, the Métis and Cree Co-Founders of Kíwétinohk Consulting, a business based in Winnipeg, MB, as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Professional Services & Trades Semi-Final Winner. Victoria and Sunday have won $1,000 and are advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their 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. Thirteen Professional Services & Trades 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 Brayden Bumstead, Relationship Manager of Commercial Financial Services at RBC; Teodora Niculae, Senior Counsel at Mastercard; Wade Kerr, Manager of Indigenous Entrepreneurship at BDC; and Holly Brown Bear, Entrepreneur Development Officer at Joint Economic Development Initiative.
“When we found out we won, we felt gratitude and strength,” said Sunday Queskekapow, Co-Founder of Kíwétinohk Consulting. “This recognition belongs to our communities who guide and carry this work. Ékosáni, maarsí, thank you to Pow Wow Pitch, the judges, and our communities. This win drives us to keep pushing forward—healing, opening doors, and building a future where justice is shaped by our communities.”
Victoria Perrie and Sunday Queskekapow, Co-Founders of Kíwétinohk Consulting, lead an Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+-owned consultancy serving northern Manitoba and the Nunavut Arctic. Guided by the Cree word Kíwétinohk, meaning “Northwind,” their practice is dedicated to advancing justice, equity, and culturally grounded approaches across Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, and northern contexts. Their services span Gladue report writing, policy and program consulting, 2SLGBTQ+ programming, and restorative justice initiatives, each informed by Indigenous knowledge, lived experience, and a commitment to healing and community well-being.
In their pitch, Sunday highlighted Kíwétinohk Consulting’s plans to strengthen access to community-driven justice by finalizing projects and toolkits for restorative justice and reporting. With the support of Pow Wow Pitch’s funds, these resources will expand the firm’s impact, helping to bridge systemic gaps while amplifying Indigenous voices and creating practical, culturally responsive tools that foster fairness, accountability, and meaningful change.
“We’ve learned that entrepreneurship is a tool for justice, grounded in community care,” shared Sunday. “Success isn’t about standing alone—it’s about how your work helps your people, opens doors for the next generation, and brings our communities closer to healing.”
The judges commended Sunday for an impactful pitch that showcased the integration of technology and vital resources, such as legal aid, to advance their work. They highlighted the clarity and confidence of the presentation, along with Sunday’s dedication to creating practical, community-driven solutions for Indigenous justice.
“Congratulations to Victoria and Sunday on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “They are such an inspiring example of how entrepreneurship can lift up communities with care, vision, and heart. Through Kíwétinohk Consulting, they are creating tools and solutions that honour Indigenous knowledge, uplift 2SLGBTQ+ voices, and open pathways to justice and healing. We’re proud to celebrate their vision as they help shape a more inclusive world.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Professional Services & Trades industry category. Stan Knight, Founder of Zachary Knight Enterprises, was recognized for his clear and confident communication of his business goals, progress, and vision for the future. The judges were impressed by his passion, dedication, and the positive impact his business strives to have on the community.
“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 Victoria and Sunday for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Sunday’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Professional Services & Trades Semi-Final episode, click here.
Victoria and Sunday 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.