Inuk business based in Ottawa, ON, wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 3rd, 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 Annie Pillaktuaq, the Inuk Founder of Art Den by Annie, a business based in Ottawa, ON, as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Consumer Products & Retail Semi-Final Winner. Annie 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. Fourteen Consumer Products & Retail Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their business in one-minute for their chance to win an industry prize and a spot in the finals.
Judges included Kenna Stanley, Senior Relationship Manager at RBC; Nicole An, Specialist of Product Management at Mastercard; Kat Collins, Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Altis; and Jocelyn Eisert, Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur.
“I am so excited to open my artist hub in Ottawa,” said Annie Pillaktuaq, founder of Art Den by Annie, “This space will provide artists with the tools they need to thrive. It’s not just about creating art—it’s about building a sustainable system that helps Indigenous artists grow their skills, connect with markets, and preserve traditions. The funds will help to establish a strong foundation so artists can focus on their creativity without the barriers that often hold us back.”
Annie Pillaktuaq, Founder of Art Den by Annie, is an accomplished Inuit visual artist and designer whose work bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary expression. She creates abstract cubist paintings and handcrafted accessories, including sealskin jewellery, mukluks, and mittens, rooted in Inuit heritage and storytelling. Her art has been exhibited nationally and internationally, featured in outlets such as Artsy Shark and Saatchi Art, and acquired by the Canada Council for the Arts for its permanent collection. Annie continues to gain recognition for her bold, culturally rich works that celebrate Inuit identity and resilience.
In her pitch, Annie revealed her ambitious vision to deepen her impact by establishing a creative hub in Ottawa, a welcoming space dedicated to Indigenous and Inuit artists to collaborate, create, and exhibit. This proposed hub aligns with her mission to elevate Inuit culture into mainstream spaces, offering a supportive environment that fosters community, creativity, and cultural continuity. Through this expansion, Annie aims not only to amplify accessibility and visibility for underrepresented artists, but also to strengthen the cultural infrastructure that supports artistic resilience and intercultural understanding.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that survival and resilience can be powerful teachers,” shared Annie. “My advice is to root your business in who you are and where you come from. Don’t be afraid to build differently— strength lies in creating systems that uplift others while staying true to our culture and values. Collaboration, patience, and persistence are key—you don’t have to do everything alone.”
The judges congratulated Annie for her clear and compelling value proposition and the thoughtful way she outlined her goals for growth while staying grounded in community. They were impressed by her well-defined plan for using the winnings to support future expansion, and the stunning artwork she shared added a powerful visual element to her pitch.
“Congratulations to Annie on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Her work shines with the beauty and strength of Inuit culture, and her vision to create accessible spaces for Indigenous and Inuit artists is truly inspiring. Annie leads with heart, creativity, and community, and we are so excited to see her impact grow as she shares her gifts and bold dreams with the world.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Consumer Products & Retail industry category. Molly Huntingdon, Founder of Roots and Patterns, was recognized for her thoughtful presentation, the passion behind her business inspired by community and education, and her impressive achievements as a solo entrepreneur.
“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 Annie Pillaktuaq for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Annie’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Consumer Products & Retail Semi-Final episode, click here.
Annie 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.