Our Founder
Kwey, my name is Sunshine Tenasco, I’m from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, and I’m the Founder and Chair of Pow Wow Pitch.
I started Pow Wow Pitch because I believe entrepreneurship is the path to self-sufficiency having lived this first-hand after a Dragons’ Den win. Entrepreneurship has always been a big part of Indigenous heritage. We know it as trade— a practice that has always been a part of our way of life.
Appearing on Dragons' Den was a turning point in my life. Having Dragons Brett Wilson and Arlene Dickinson invest and believe in me gave me the confidence to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. Through Pow Wow Pitch, I hope to pass that gift forward, empowering others to chase their ambitions and build thriving businesses. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing entrepreneurs succeed.
Vision & Mission
We envision a world where Indigenous entrepreneurs thrive, feeling supported, safe, and encouraged to develop their ideas and build businesses that create a positive cycle of growth.
Our mission is to provide resources and mentorship to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs while amplifying their stories to inspire future generations and foster a more inclusive world.
Ackowledging Our Pow Wow Roots
Powwows are a place to gather, dance, sing, honour our culture, and trade. They are vibrant celebrations that bring our Nations together, where stories are shared, knowledge is passed down, and relationships are strengthened through the spirit of reciprocity.
Pow Wow Pitch is a grassroots movement that started at the Ottawa Summer Solstice powwow in 2015 as a platform to support Indigenous entrepreneurs. It provides opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to share ideas, gain mentorship, and access resources to grow their businesses. Rooted in the spirit of community and social impact, it has grown from being hosted at one powwow into a thriving network that empowers Indigenous entrepreneurs to succeed together.
Supporting Indigenous Entrepreneurship
Pow Wow Pitch is a not-for-profit organization supporting and funding early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island. Purpose-built to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs so they can thrive in the world, feeling supported, safe, and encouraged to develop their ideas and build businesses that create a positive cycle of growth. Through resources and mentorship, we empower Indigenous entrepreneurs to build businesses while amplifying their stories to inspire future generations and fostering a more inclusive world.
OUR VALUES
OUR STRATEGIC IMPERATIVES
Explore our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan—a visionary path to uplifting Indigenous entrepreneurs by fostering community, mentorship, and opportunities that create a positive cycle of growth and inspire future generations.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is comprised of a group of accomplished Indigenous entrepreneurs and alumni of Pow Wow Pitch, as well as legal and financial experts, who are dedicated to ensuring good governance and financial stewardship of the organization.
Sunshine Tenasco
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
Matt Nahdee
Walpole Island First Nation
Wanda Brascoupe
Bear Clan Skraù rę', Kanien'keha, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
Jessica Zhang-Chapman
ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Pow Wow Pitch Advisory Council comprises industry and government leaders who support Indigenous entrepreneurship and help guide the organization's ongoing growth and impact.
Trisha Hayter
Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
Kate Karn
Shannin Metatawabin
Fort Albany First Nation
Darian Kovacs
Red River Métis
Althea Wishloff
Gitxsan First Nation
Donna St. Louis
Coldwater Indian Band
TEAM
Pow Wow Pitch is run by a passionate and committed team and supported by volunteers and partners across Turtle Island.
Naomi Sarazin
Algonquins of Pikwakanangan First Nation
Naomi Sarazin is Anishinānekwe from the Algonquins of Pikwākanagān First Nation, rooted in her culture, homeland, and community. With nearly 20 years in Indigenous education and the non-profit sector and a Master of Professional Education in Leadership in Indigenous Education, she focuses on weaving traditional Anishinaabe models of learning, doing, and being into her work. As Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, Naomi empowers Indigenous entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into thriving businesses, inviting entrepreneurs and partners into a circle where business, culture, and community thrive together.
Keisha Perrin
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
Kwey kakina. Keisha Perrin nidijnikkaz; Kitigan Zibi nidonjiba. Hello everyone, my name is Keisha Perrin and I’m from Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg. I’m the granddaughter of my late nishomis Clifford Ottawa and Kokomis Florence Odjick, both residential school survivors whose legacy guides my personal and professional life. I’m a proud mother of twins, raising them in mino pimadiziwin—the good way of life. With a background in Office Administration and three years in the Federal Public Service, I now serve as Programs Coordinator at Pow Wow Pitch, where I advocate for Indigenous entrepreneurs by creating safe spaces for storytelling and healing, offering ceremony and teachings, and supporting the needs of entrepreneurs across Turtle Island.
Destiny Maluga
Waywayseecappo First Nation
Destiny Maluga is the Communications Coordinator at Pow Wow Pitch. She is from Waywayseecappo First Nation and Brandon Manitoba. In her role, Destiny leads communications initiatives that support Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, including storytelling, digital campaigns, and community engagement. With a background in marketing, media, and creative production, she is passionate about amplifying Indigenous voices and supporting entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses and share their stories.