Peepeekisis Cree Nation business based in Nisku, Alberta, 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 Monique Collins, the Peepeekisis Nation Founder of Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions Ltd., a business based in Nisku, Alberta, as the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Tourism Semi-Final Winner. Monique has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.
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. Nine Tourism Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their businesses in one-minute for their chance to win an industry prize and a spot in the finals.
Judges included Levi Greene, Senior Manager, Indigenous Community Relations at RBC Origins; Amy Seabourne, Director of Product Management at Mastercard; Mike D’Ambramo, Managing Director at Sklar Wilton, and Ryan St. Germaine, who joined on behalf of Raven Indigenous Capital Partners.
“I was completely overwhelmed with excitement when I found out I was advancing to the finals,” said Monique Collins, Founder of Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions Ltd. “There has been so much work and heart behind Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions, so this moment felt like recognition that the vision I’ve been carrying has a place and a future. I’m excited to grow the Moon Dinner Experience and bring people together around a beautiful table where food, Indigenous teachings, storytelling and community come together in a meaningful way.”
Monique Collins founded Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions Ltd., an Indigenous tourism company that offers immersive cultural experiences centered on Cree traditions, teachings, and hospitality. Based in Nisku, Alberta, the business welcomes visitors into authentic cultural spaces where they can learn through storytelling, ceremonies, traditional foods, and land-based experiences. Through her work, Monique is creating opportunities for people to connect with Indigenous culture in meaningful and respectful ways while sharing the richness of Cree traditions.
Through Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions, Monique is helping grow Indigenous tourism while creating opportunities for cultural learning, economic development, and community connection. To continue growing this work, Monique pitched to expand her team and grow the dinners across Alberta, and if she won the $25,00 she would donate a portion of the revenue to support children at the Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch
“Keep going, and don’t stop because someone tells you no,” shared Monique Collins. “A ‘no’ doesn’t mean your idea isn’t good enough. Sometimes it simply means you haven’t found the right person or opportunity yet. Build relationships, find mentors who believe in you, and know the value of what you bring to the table. Most importantly, stay true to your vision and why you started. Success doesn’t happen overnight, so keep showing up and keep moving forward.”
The judges congratulated Monique for her authentic presentation, strong vision, and commitment to creating meaningful Indigenous tourism experiences that celebrate Cree culture and traditions.
“Congratulations to Monique on advancing to the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions, Monique is creating opportunities for visitors to experience Cree culture through authentic, Indigenous-led tourism. Her work celebrates culture, strengthens understanding, and demonstrates how Indigenous entrepreneurs are shaping the future of tourism by sharing their stories and welcoming others to learn from them.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also recognized the Runner-Up for the Tourism industry category. Aspen Bear, Welamukotuk owner and CEO of Wolastoq Adventures Inc., was recognized for her engaging presentation, strong vision, and commitment to creating authentic Indigenous tourism experiences. The judges were especially impressed by her passion for sharing Wolastoqey culture and connecting visitors with the land through meaningful experiences.
“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 Monique Collins for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Monique’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Tourism Semi-Final episode, click here.
Monique 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.