Otipemisiwak Métis Nation of Alberta business based in Medicine Hat, Alberta, wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 1, 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 JoLynn Parenteau, an Otipemisiwak Métis woman from the Métis Nation of Alberta and Founder + Facilitator of Métis Money Moves, as the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Knowledge Services Semi-Final Winner. JoLynn 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 Knowledge Services 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 Ashley Phillips, Relationship Manager, Commercial Financial Services at RBC; Jacky Lo, Manager, Business Process Improvement at Mastercard; and Amber Hudson, Managing Director at Sklar Wilton.
“I felt immediate joy when I found out I was advancing to the Grand Finale. The Pow Wow Pitch experience has fuelled an even deeper passion for my work, my brand and the connections I’m making with other Indigenous entrepreneurs and community changemakers,” said JoLynn Parenteau, Founder and Facilitator of Métis Money Moves. “This prize will help grow Métis Money Moves as a leader in Indigenous financial literacy coast-to-coast and bring financial education wherever it’s needed. By onboarding new facilitators, we have the potential to reach thousands more learners and continue making change for the next seven generations.”
JoLynn Parenteau founded Métis Money Moves, a financial education business dedicated to helping Indigenous people build confidence with money through culturally relevant workshops, resources, and community-based learning. By combining practical financial education with Indigenous values and lived experiences, Métis Money Moves empowers participants to make informed financial decisions and create stronger futures for themselves, their families, and the next seven generations.
To continue growing this work, JoLynn pitched to win funds to expand Métis Money Moves’ educational programming, develop new learning resources, and reach more Indigenous communities with accessible financial education. These investments will help more Indigenous individuals and families gain the knowledge and confidence to achieve their financial goals.
“Be relentless in your pursuit of professional growth, but also be gentle with yourself when the work gets heavy and the hours grow long,” shared JoLynn Parenteau. “I’ve learned to trust in my gifts, my knowledge and the people around me. When I took the first steps to heal my own money story in 2019, I never imagined it would grow into a thriving program reaching our neighbours and relatives coast-to-coast. Keep showing up, stay connected to culture and trust the path that is uniquely yours.”
The judges congratulated JoLynn for her engaging presentation, clear vision, and commitment to improving financial literacy within Indigenous communities. They were especially impressed by her practical approach to creating accessible financial education grounded in Indigenous perspectives.
“Congratulations to JoLynn on advancing to the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through Métis Money Moves, JoLynn is helping Indigenous people build confidence with their finances and equipping communities with knowledge that can support future generations. We are proud to celebrate her journey and look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also recognized the Runner-Up for the Knowledge Services industry category. Shyla Niemi, an Anishinaabe entrepreneur and Founder of Giigido Mikinaak, was recognized for her thoughtful presentation, strong vision, and dedication to supporting Indigenous communities through her work. The judges were especially impressed by her passion for language, culture, and community-centred knowledge sharing.
“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 JoLynn Parenteau for advancing to the next round.”
To watch JoLynn’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Knowledge Services Semi-Final episode, click here.
JoLynn 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.