Alanah Jewell, Oneida Nation artist, honours cultural teachings through illustration.
Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs, co-presented in partnership with RBC and Mastercard, announced the selection of artist Angela Gillette’s piece ‘Sisterhood’ as the official art for the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Box, a mailer box featuring quality products created by early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs. Pow Wow Pitch, a non profit organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced the selection of ‘Cornhusk Dolls’ created by Alanah Jewell as the Official Art of the 2026 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards.
About ‘Cornhusk Dolls’
The illustration ‘Cornhusk Dolls’ reflects a personal and cultural journey for the artist. Inspired by the traditional corn husk dolls that Alanah grew up seeing, the piece represents the moment when learning the teachings and creating one herself brought a deeper connection to her culture and community.
The artwork speaks to the role that cultural knowledge plays in creation. When teachings, protocols, and ways of life are carried into creative work, each piece becomes an extension of culture and identity.
“Let our way of life guide your practice. When you embed cultural teachings, protocol, and beliefs into your work, your creations become an extension of your culture, reflective of the love, care, time, and effort you put into it,” shared Alanah Jewell.
Through this work, the artist reflects on the shared experience many Indigenous entrepreneurs carry in their journeys. Building something meaningful often begins with a moment of cultural connection that opens the door to creativity and purpose.
Indigenous entrepreneurs understand the responsibility of carrying generations of stories, teachings, and ways of life through their work. For many, their path can be traced back to a moment when culture became a guide for what they create and how they move forward.
About Alanah Jewell
Alanah Jewell, also known as Alanah Astehtsi̲’ Otsistóhkwaˀ (Morningstar) Jewell, is a contemporary artist from the Bear Clan of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. She grew up off reserve and currently lives in Kitchener, Ontario.
Alanah works across multiple mediums including illustration, painting, and mural work. Her creative practice is deeply inspired by her relationship to the land and by the teachings that guide Indigenous cultural expression.
Her work blends contemporary illustration with cultural storytelling, often reflecting the connections between people, land, and tradition.
About the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards celebrate excellence and achievement in Indigenous entrepreneurship. The 2026 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards are co-presented by Mastercard and RBC, and in partnership with Sklar Wilton, and Altis Recruitment.
Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous-owned businesses across Canada can apply or nominate others who demonstrate perseverance, growth, leadership, and strong examples of Indigenous business success.
Nominations and applications for the 2026 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards open April 7, 2026.
For more information, visit powwowpitch.org/awards.