Six Nations of the Grand River organization based in Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario, wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On August 31, 2026, Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that hosts Turtle Island’s premier Indigenous Business Pitch Competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC and Mastercard, announced Aleria McKay, an Onondaga woman from Six Nations of the Grand River and Founder and Director of the Miss Indigenous Canada Leadership Development and Ambassador Program, as the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Not-for-Profit Semi-Final Winner. Aleria has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her organization.
More than 120 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. Eight Not-For-Profit 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 Crystal Brummell, Senior Digital Product Owner at RBC; Gustavo Soto, Account Manager at Mastercard; and Brad Coutu, Software Development Manager at Best Buy Canada.
“I was truly shocked to find out I had won,” said Aleria McKay, Founder and Director of the Miss Indigenous Canada Leadership Development and Ambassador Program. “It was already such an honour to be selected as a Semi-Finalist alongside so many impressive Indigenous entrepreneurs and people doing meaningful work in their communities. As we move into our fourth year, this support will help us continue growing the program, reaching more Indigenous youth across the country, and creating an experience where every participant leaves feeling stronger and more confident in themselves.”
Aleria McKay founded the Miss Indigenous Canada Leadership Development and Ambassador Program, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous women through leadership development, cultural connection, mentorship, and community service. The program provides opportunities for participants to strengthen their confidence, deepen their cultural knowledge, and develop the skills to become leaders and ambassadors within their communities.
Since its founding, the Miss Indigenous Canada Leadership Development and Ambassador Program has supported Indigenous women from Nations across Canada through leadership experiences, cultural teachings, and opportunities to represent their communities on a national stage. To continue expanding this work, Aleria pitched to incorporate the program as a nonprofit, reduce participant fees, and expand travel support to make the program more accessible and sustainable
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to be afraid to ask for help,” shared Aleria McKay. “Miss Indigenous Canada wouldn’t be what it is today without the people who have supported this dream and believe in the mission of the program. I’ve also learned how important it is to take a chance on yourself. I waited a long time to launch Miss Indigenous Canada because I was afraid of failing, but I’m so thankful I took that chance. My advice to other Indigenous entrepreneurs is to trust yourself and go for it. You never know where that first step might lead.”
The judges congratulated Aleria for her inspiring vision, passion for empowering Indigenous women, and commitment to fostering the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
“Congratulations to Aleria on advancing to the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through the Miss Indigenous Canada Leadership Development and Ambassador Program, Aleria is creating opportunities for Indigenous women to grow as leaders, strengthen their confidence, and celebrate who they are. Her dedication to supporting the next generation of Indigenous women is inspiring, and we are proud to celebrate her journey with the Pow Wow Pitch community.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also recognized the Runner-Up for the Not-for-Profit industry category. Sondra Segundo, Haida founder and CEO of Haida Roots, was recognized for her compelling presentation, clear vision, and dedication to preserving and sharing Haida language, culture, and knowledge through her organization’s work. The judges were especially impressed by her authenticity and passion for creating meaningful opportunities for her community.
“We’re committed to playing a role in paving a path forward for Indigenous entrepreneurs, exemplified by our support of Pow Wow Pitch,” said Brittanee Laverdure, Director, Truth and Reconciliation Office, RBC Origins. “Pow Wow Pitch offers a holistic support system to power the next generation of Indigenous innovators across Turtle Island, including this year’s participants and semi-finalists.”
“The creativity, determination, and ambition demonstrated by this year’s Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs have been truly inspiring,” said Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard, Canada. “We’re proud to work alongside partners like Pow Wow Pitch by mentoring pitchers, representing Mastercard’s commitment to help remove barriers and open pathways to growth and economic opportunity. Congratulations to all the pitchers for sharing their business ideas, entrepreneurial journeys, and stories, and a special congratulations to Aleria McKay for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Aleria’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Not-For-Profit Semi-Final episode, click here.
Aleria will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 21, 2026. Register to watch the 2026 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.