Metepenagiag Mi'kmaq Nation-owned business wins $5,000 and a spot in the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale in St. Mary’s First Nation.
On June 20, 2026, Pow Wow Pitch announced Rain Ward, founder of 2Bear: Indigenous Wellness, as the 2026 Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch Winner. The Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation-owned business received $5,000 and will advance to the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale for a chance to win the $25,000 grand prize. Pow Wow Pitch is co-presented by RBC and Mastercard. The Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch was presented locally by St. Mary’s First Nation and the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI), in partnership with Women in Business New Brunswick (WBNB).
This past Friday and Saturday, 19 Indigenous entrepreneurs pitched their businesses live at the Sitansisk Powwow in St. Mary’s First Nation, New Brunswick, for their chance to win cash prizes to advance their businesses.
Hosts, Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch and Laura Englehart, Economic Development Manager of JEDI, co-emceed the action-packed program, where Indigenous entrepreneurs had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas and businesses in one-minute for their chance to win prizes and support to make their dreams a reality.
Following a first-round open pitch on Friday, June 19, judges Joy Andersen, Branch Manager at RBC; Laura Englehart, Economic Development Manager at JEDI; Julie Augustine, Economic Development Officer at JEDI; and Nacole Charlie, Indigenous Relations Coordinator at Women in Business New Brunswick, first shortlisted the ‘Top 10’ entrepreneurs to advance to the final round.
The Top 10 were paired up with mentors from RBC, Joint Economic Development Initiative, Women in Business New Brunswick, and Futurpreneur, to help them polish their presentations before they pitched one last time to judges: Naomi Leet, Financial Advisor at RBC; Stanley Barnaby, Chief Executive Officer at JEDI; and Bryan Harn, Commercial Account Manager at Ulnooweg Development Group.
The 1st Place $5,000 Prize Winner was Rain Ward from Metepenagiag Mi'kmaq Nation, Founder of 2Bear: Indigenous Wellness, a Mi’kmaq-owned and operated wellness collective specializing in holistic wellness, facilitation, workshops, and ceremony. Rain is dedicated to transforming the loss of his brother to suicide into medicine for others. He pitched to create safer healing spaces for the two-spirit people, neurodivergent communities, and all those on a healing journey.
“Don’t let anything hold you back. Don’t be afraid to take a leap,” shared 1st Place Winner Rain Ward. “I want to leave a legacy that if you ask for help, embrace community, and keep trying, you can find joy in your life.”
The 2nd Place $2,500 Prize Winner was Alesha Rossi from Tobique First Nation, CEO and Owner of Rossi Blends, a woman owned pop-up beverage brand serving handcrafted smoothies, specialty drinks, and seasonal beverages across New Brunswick. Alesha’s vision is to expand Rossi Blends by adding more trailers and mobile units to serve communities throughout New Brunswick while creating employment opportunities for Indigenous youth.
“I hope to inspire the next generation,” shared 2nd Place Winner Alesha Rossi. “One year ago, I was just starting out, and because I followed my dreams, I am here today. If you have a dream, go out there and chase it! Always believe in yourself!”
The 3rd Place $1,000 Prize Winner was Samantha Sanipass from Bouctouche First Nation, Founder of Sacred Roots Health & Wellness, a mobile rehabilitation clinic dedicated to bringing healing back to the community by blending Indigenous healing practices with modern rehabilitation. Through personalized rehabilitation programs, movement therapy, wellness education, and holistic wellness services, Samantha aims to decolonize healing and empower each client to recover, thrive, and achieve lasting wellness. The prize funding will help expand the clinic's reach, invest in additional equipment, and bring these services to more individuals and communities.
“Don’t be afraid to take the leap. The biggest hurdle I’ve faced has been letting go of the security of a steady job to build my own business. My hope is to leave a legacy for my children so they can continue spreading wellness and health throughout our communities,” shared 3rd Place Winner Samantha Sanipass.
The Fan Favourite $500 Prize Winner was Shelly Perley from Esgenoôpetitj First Nation, Owner of Jumi’s Wellness, a Mikmaw and Wolastoqwey-owned business that combines cultural teachings with modern day natural practices to support people in finding inner balance. She pitched to secure funds to purchase materials to expand her offerings, including cedar foot baths and Reiki for all ages, from youth through to elders, as well as building supplies for land-based programming.
“Follow your dreams! Find your inner strength and use your gifts to help others.” shared Fan Favourite Winner Shelly Perley. “As a woman who embraces the first light, I’d like to encourage everyone to embrace their own personal light to share traditions and cultures with others.”
“Congratulations to the Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch winners.” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Each of you are leading with vision, strength, and a deep commitment to your communities. Your businesses reflect the strength of Indigenous entrepreneurship and the positive change it continues to create. We are honoured to support your journeys as you grow. Kitchi-miigwech to the Sitansisk Powwow Committee for hosting us, and a heartfelt thank you to all 19 pitchers whose courage and vision made this day unforgettable.”
All pitchers will be welcomed into the Pow Wow Pitch community and gain access to the Indigenous Startup Program, a free .CA domain courtesy of CIRA, as well as various Pow Wow Pitch programs and partner opportunities.