Ermineskin Cree Nation business based in Edmonton, Alberta wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 4, 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 Alliah Oldpan, Ermineskin Cree Nation Founder of Skydancermovement, a business based in Edmonton, Alberta, as the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Youth Semi-Final Winner. Alliah 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. Four Youth 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 Cynthia Desjardins, Senior Relationship Manager at RBC; Tash Brown, Director, Product Management at Mastercard; Angelo Daga, Director, Geek Squad Remote Services at Best Buy Canada; and Kelly Walter, Senior Director, Recruitment at Altis Recruitment.
“When I first saw my name announced, I honestly couldn’t believe it. I screamed, started shaking and had to take a moment to process what I was seeing. I thanked Creator for this blessing,” said Alliah Oldpan, Founder of Skydancermovement. “I’ve put so much heart, time and energy into building Skydancermovement, and this reminded me that the work I’m doing matters and that my story and vision are worth sharing. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me and believed in me.”
Alliah Oldpan, Founder of Skydancermovement, is a young entrepreneur from Ermineskin Cree Nation based in Edmonton, Alberta. Having danced powwow since she was in Tiny Tots, Alliah created Skydancermovement to bring Indigenous youth together through powwow dance culture and workshops. Inspired by her own journey of reconnecting with dance and culture, she wants to help young people feel proud of who they are and strengthen their connection to their culture and community.
In her pitch, Alliah shared her vision to bring Skydancermovement workshops to more Indigenous youth and communities. If she wins the $25,000 Grand Prize, she plans to invest in transportation, equipment, and supplies that will allow her to expand her programming. Through this growth, she hopes to create more spaces where Indigenous youth can come together, connect with culture, and feel confident in who they are.
“My advice to other Indigenous entrepreneurs is to believe in your vision, even when you’re still figuring things out. You don’t have to have everything perfectly planned before you start. Your story, your culture and your experiences are strengths. Don’t be afraid to take up space and share what you have to offer” shared Alliah Oldpan.
The judges commended Alliah for her talent, passion, and authenticity, noting the personal journey and deep connection to dance she brought to her pitch. They were inspired by the heart behind her vision and her commitment to creating opportunities for others to experience the same sense of community and cultural connection and belonging that dance has brought to her.
“Congratulations to Alliah Oldpan on advancing to the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through Skydancermovement, Alliah is creating space for young people to connect through dance, build confidence, and celebrate community. It’s inspiring to see her turn something she loves into a growing business while creating opportunities for others along the way. We are so proud to celebrate Alliah and cheer her on as she continues to grow her vision and inspire the next generation.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Youth industry category. Cody McDonald, Founder and Owner of Mayzoon Parisien, was recognized for the creativity and cultural connection he brings to his work. A young Red River Métis creator based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Cody designs clothing, accessories and other pieces that bring together Métis design influences. The judges appreciated his creativity, attention to detail, and the way he is using fashion to explore and share Métis identity and 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 Alliah Oldpan for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Alliah Oldpan’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Youth Semi-Final episode, click here.
Alliah Oldpan 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.