Welcome to the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, a show empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs.
On this Podcast, Host Sunshine Quem Tenasco, a Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg entrepreneur, author, and founder of Pow Wow Pitch, interviews some of the most successful Indigenous entrepreneurs, makers, and creators to share their stories, learnings, and wisdom to lift us all.
The Pow Wow Pitch Podcast is a production of Pow Wow Pitch and is co-presented by RBC and Mastercard.
Pow Wow Pitch Podcast E62 – Healing Through Story with Tessa Belanger
“Storytelling has always been medicine to our people.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we’re joined by Tessa Belanger, founder of Pass the Sage. Tessa shares how a community-led storytelling project grew into a creative healing platform offering reflection journals and writing workshops rooted in safety, consent, and lived experience. What began as a space for people to share their truths has evolved into a circle of care where stories are honoured. She reflects on her journey from first-time author to entrepreneur, the responsibility of giving back to the community, and why storytelling creates space for processing hardship and reclaiming voice. Grounded in care and community, Tessa’s work reminds us that creativity is not about perfection, it’s about connection, collective growth, and healing together.
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“Storytelling has always been medicine to our people.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we’re joined by Tessa Belanger, founder of Pass the Sage. Tessa shares how a community-led storytelling project grew into a creative healing platform offering reflection journals and writing workshops rooted in safety, consent, and lived experience. What began as a space for people to share their truths has evolved into a circle of care where stories are honoured. She reflects on her journey from first-time author to entrepreneur, the responsibility of giving back to the community, and why storytelling creates space for processing hardship and reclaiming voice. Grounded in care and community, Tessa’s work reminds us that creativity is not about perfection, it’s about connection, collective growth, and healing together. [...]
July 8, 2026
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“The advice we would give to those just starting out, is to plan ahead.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we’re joined by Jennifer and Drew Tenasco, twin sisters and founders of Tendesi Air Fresheners. Jennifer and Drew share how they combined art, retail experience, and powwow connections to turn a simple idea into a growing brand carried across multiple provinces. They reflect on the importance of long-term planning, honest feedback, and working in clearly defined roles as siblings and business partners. From early powwow booths to placing second at Pow Wow Pitch, their story highlights patience, community support, and building a business with intention, care, and sustainability at its core. [...]
June 3, 2026
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“This idea is very personal to me. This idea is so close to home.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we’re joined by Kendal Garlow, 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Winner and Founder of SproutSync. Kendal shares how her startup is making greenhouse technology more accessible to Indigenous communities through automated monitoring systems designed to work without reliable internet. She reflects on the importance of food sovereignty and the challenge of building scalable technology without putting communities at risk, reimagining innovation as a supportive system rooted in care, sustainability, and collective growth. [...]
May 6, 2026
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“If you can be self-aware, that’s the best gift in the world.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we’re joined by Donavan Robinson, Founder of Pop CoLab. Donavan shares his journey from graphic designer to building a business centered on strategic play and workplace transformation. He reflects on how a late ADHD diagnosis reshaped his understanding of productivity and why people thrive when they’re supported by the right environment. Drawing on play research and lived experience, Donavan explains how embracing neurodiversity, psychological safety, and different play styles can unlock creativity, trust, and collaboration. At its core, this conversation invites leaders to rethink rigid work cultures and learn how to play together better. [...]
April 1, 2026
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“This work can’t continue without you. So, please remember that you are the work.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we’re joined by Robyn Soulier-Ritchot, Founder of Eagle Medicine Coaching & Consulting, and a 2025 Pow Wow Pitch semi-finalist. Robyn shares how her journey through sobriety, motherhood, and lived experience shaped her calling to support Indigenous youth and purpose-driven leaders. She reflects on transforming past struggles into medicine, the importance of emotional balance in leadership, and why wellness must be treated as a strategy rather than a luxury. Through honest conversations about burnout, compassion, and authenticity, Robyn reminds us that sustainable leadership begins by leading from within. [...]
March 4, 2026
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“Follow your dreams and go for what you’ve always wanted to become. My late uncle Ronnie, a talented artist and one of my biggest supporters, always told me, ‘Just do it, Priscilla,’ and that advice has stuck with me ever since.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we’re joined by Priscilla Boulay, Founder of Inuvialuit Carvers. Priscilla shares her journey as an artist and entrepreneur, reflecting on her family’s deep roots in carving and the importance of passing down Inuvialuit traditions. She explores the role of art in cultural preservation, the challenges and rewards of growing an Indigenous art business, and her vision for inspiring future generations through creativity. [...]
December 3, 2025
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“I hope this inspires people to explore beyond what’s immediately available and discover the many untold stories that exist. My hope is that it also encourages more open conversations—especially with Elders and community members—so we can learn, connect, and grow together.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we’re joined by Kariza Manychief, Founder of Night Owl Games. Kariza shares her journey as an entrepreneur and dives into the power of creating educational resources for language revitalization and cultural preservation. She explores the richness of Blackfoot culture, the importance of building strong support networks, and her vision for the future of language-based games [...]
November 5, 2025
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“The first step is strengthening your belief system and mindset—when you truly believe something is possible, you open the door for it to happen.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we’re joined by Darion Ducharme, Founder of Teqare. Darion shares his journey in the tech industry and explores the importance of digital literacy, community collaboration, and redefining what it means to be a game changer. He offers inspiring insight into how technology can empower Indigenous communities and how purpose-driven innovation can spark lasting impact. [...]
September 30, 2025
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“Education is power. If we want to learn something new, we have to seek out that knowledge from beyond ourselves.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Andrew Dutcher, Founder and Author of Big-Hearted Parenting. Andrew shares his journey as a therapist and writer, and opens up about the intersection of parenting, mental health, and building healthy relationships. He offers thoughtful insight into how emotional awareness and connection can create stronger families and communities. [...]
September 2, 2025
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“In the Indigenous fashion movement, uplifting one another should go beyond gatekeeping or keeping things as trade secrets—there’s plenty of space for all of us to thrive. It’s about openness and progress, like an inter-tribal powwow, where everyone comes together, shares ideas, and moves forward as one.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we’re joined by Dante Biss-Grayson, Founder of Sky-Eagle Collection. Dante shares his journey as an artist, U.S. Veteran, and entrepreneur, and discusses how fashion has become his platform for advocacy, storytelling, and empowering underrepresented communities. [...]
August 5, 2025
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