Atikameksheng Anishnawbek business based in Toronto, Ontario wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 2, 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 Neecha Klee, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek founder of Aniibiish Herbal, a business based in Toronto, Ontario, as the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Health & Wellness Semi-Final Winner. Neecha Klee 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. Five Health & Wellness Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their business in one-minute for their chance to win an industry prize and a spot in the finals.
Judges included Sheri Levy, VP, Account Management at Mastercard and Kyle Morrison, Strategy Director at Sklar Wilton.
“There are so many incredible Indigenous entrepreneurs in this competition, so having the judges see value in what I’m building with Aniibiish means a lot,” said Neecha Klee, founder of Aniibiish Herbal. “Being recognized in this way has made me feel more validated and seen in the journey, especially as I continue figuring out what this business can become. I’m especially excited to build partnerships and a wider network of people working across women’s wellness, natural health and herbalism. I want Aniibiish to grow beyond a product brand and become part of a larger conversation about what the future of wellness can look like.”
Neecha Klee, founder of Aniibiish Herbal, is building a women’s health and wellness brand inspired by traditional plant knowledge that has supported Anishinaabe women for generations. Aniibiish Herbal creates herbal tea blends designed around the changing needs of a woman’s cycle, bringing this knowledge into products made to support women throughout different stages of their wellness journey.
In her pitch, Neecha shared her plans to grow Aniibiish Herbal into a nationally recognized brand. If she wins the $25,000 Grand Prize, she plans to use the funding to scale production, expand her product line, and invest in marketing, allowing her to reach more customers and continue growing the business across Canada.
“Trust that your perspective has value,” shared Neecha Klee. “Indigenous entrepreneurs bring lived experience, knowledge and ways of seeing the world that can lead to ideas other people may not have considered. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. If you see an opportunity to make something better, start building, test it, learn from the people around you and keep going. Sometimes the most important step is simply giving yourself permission to take your idea to the next level. Thank you to my friends, who have listened to me ramble endlessly about Aniibiish and given me feedback at every stage”.
The judges congratulated Neecha for her authentic storytelling and the care she brings to every aspect of her business. They were impressed by her thoughtful approach to developing products inspired by Indigenous plant knowledge and her commitment to making wellness more accessible.
“Congratulations to Neecha Klee on advancing to the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Neecha’s passion for sharing traditional plant teachings in an accessible and meaningful way is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing her continue to grow her business and reach more communities.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Health & Wellness industry category. Kayla Maurice, Founder of Karm Collective, was recognized for her passion for creating culturally grounded wellness experiences and her commitment to supporting healing, connection, and community through Indigenous-led programming.
“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 Neecha Klee for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Neecha’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Health & Wellness Semi-Final episode, click here.
Neecha 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.