Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg business based in Kitigan Zibi, Quebec wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 9, 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 Shilo Cote, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Owner and Creator of Quality Quills, a business based in Kitigan Zibi, Quebec, as the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Fashion Semi-Final Winner. Shilo 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 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. Seven Fashion 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 Tara Brown, Regional Vice President at RBC; Allyson Goodman, Senior Manager, Operations, Transformation Management Office at Aritzia; and Trisha Pitura, Co-Owner and Creative Director at MINI TIPI.
“I was in disbelief at first. There was the initial shock, followed by big smiles all around,” said Shilo Cote, Owner and Creator of Quality Quills. “It was such an exciting and meaningful moment for me. It reminded me that all of the hard work, learning and courage it took to put myself and Quality Quills out there were worth it. It gave me even more confidence to keep going, continue learning and see just how far I can take Quality Quills.”
Shilo Cote, Owner and Creator of Quality Quills, is an Algonquin and Odawa artist from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg who has been creating jewelry for more than 20 years. Through Quality Quills, Shilo creates handcrafted jewelry using ethically sourced porcupine quills alongside materials including semi-precious stones, crystals, shells, antler and bone. Her work brings natural materials and Indigenous artistry together to create distinctive, wearable pieces.
In her pitch, Shilo shared that winning the $25,000 Grand Prize would help her grow Quality Quills and reach more customers. She plans to expand her website and invest in additional tools and materials to support her work. The funding would also help cover vendor and travel costs, giving her more opportunities to bring Quality Quills to markets and events.
“Believe in yourself and in what you have to offer. It can be easy to doubt yourself, especially when you are starting something new, but your skills, knowledge, culture, creativity and lived experiences are strengths,” shared Shilo. “Stay true to who you are, take your time, celebrate the small wins and keep moving forward.”
The judges commended Shilo for the creativity and craftsmanship behind Quality Quills and her ability to transform natural materials into distinctive pieces of wearable art. They were impressed by the care that goes into her work and the way she has built a business around her artistry and connection to culture.
“Congratulations to Shilo Cote on advancing to the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through Quality Quills, Shilo is bringing traditional materials, cultural knowledge, and contemporary fashion together to create beautiful wearable art. It’s inspiring to see her honour her Anishinaabe roots while building a business that shares her culture in a creative and meaningful way. We are so proud to celebrate Shilo and the artistry, care, and vision she brings to her work.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Fashion industry category. Quinn Williams, Founder of For The People, was recognized for building an Indigenous athletic streetwear brand that brings culture and traditional teachings into contemporary clothing. The judges appreciated the purpose behind the brand and Quinn’s approach to creating clothing that gives people another way to carry and celebrate their culture.
“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 Shilo Cote for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Shilo Cote’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Fashion Semi-Final episode, click here.
Shilo Cote 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.