As part of Aritzia’s commitment to participating in acts of reconciliation, both within its organization and with Indigenous communities across Canada, the Everyday Luxury retailer has partnered with Pow Wow Pitch for its fourth year to support Indigenous entrepreneurs for the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Competition.

Aritzia’s impact extends beyond funding, recognizing and fostering the immense talent of Indigenous women and two-spirit entrepreneurs. By investing in their diverse ventures, Pow Wow Pitch and Aritzia advance reconciliation through creative, cultural, and economic empowerment, enriching communities and the broader economy.

On September 17th, Pow Wow Pitch completed their announcement of all eighteen Finalists that will be advancing to the 2025 Grand Finale. Among these exceptional individuals, thirteen women and two-spirit Finalists were recognized and awarded with an Aritzia Grant, providing vital support for their deeply rooted, culturally grounded, and diverse initiatives across multiple industries.

Meet the 2025 Aritzia Grant Recipients:

Debbie Courchene, Founder of IndigE-girl Comedy, is an Indigenous woman from Sagkeeng First Nation and operates her not-for-profit organization in Vancouver, British Columbia. IndigE-girl Comedy is an organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous women, queer, and non-binary voices in the stand-up comedy industry. Watch Debbie’s pitch.

Christen Meeko Falcon, Co-Founder of Backpacker’s Ferry, is an Indigenous woman from the Blackfeet Nation, near Montana, USA where she owns and operates her Indigenous tourism company alongside her partner. Backpacker’s Ferry is a tourism and transportation company on the traditional lands of the Blackfeet Nation that connects travelers to the culture, history, and landscapes of the Blackfeet people. Watch Christen’s pitch.

Ariana Fotinakis and Vanessa Lesperance, Co-Founders of Decolonize and Rize, are Indigenous women from Aamjiwnaang First Nation and the Manitoba Métis Federation who operate their organization from Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Decolonize and Rize, a heartfelt organization dedicated to guiding mid- to large-sized organizations on a journey toward holistic reconciliation, decolonial transformation, and employee well-being. Watch Ariana’s pitch.

Wendy Landry, Owner of Bebia Cho Foods Co., is an Indigenous woman from Deh Gáh Got’îê Dene First Nation who operates her business in Kelowna, British Columbia. Bebia Cho Foods, is a snack company bringing delicious and nutritious fruit snacks from the Okanagan to families in Northern and isolated Indigenous communities. Read about Wendy’s win.

Sunday Queskekapow and Victoria Perrie, Co-Founders of Kíwétinohk Consulting, are a two-spirit and Indigenous woman entrepreneur from Norway House Cree Nation and the Manitoba Métis Federation who operate their organization from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Kíwétinohk Consulting is a consulting firm serving northern Manitoba and the Nunavut Arctic, advancing justice, equity, and healing through culturally grounded consulting, programming, and restorative justice initiatives. Watch Sunday’s pitch.

Annie Pillaktuaq, Founder of Art Den by Annie, is an Indigenous woman from Iqaluit, Nunavut and is a talented artist based in Ottawa, Ontario. Art Den by Annie is an art and design studio by Annie Pillaktuaq that blends traditional knowledge with contemporary expression through visual art, sealskin accessories, and a vision to create a collaborative hub for Indigenous and Inuit artists in Ottawa. Watch Annie’s pitch.

Jackie DeCouteau-Gill, Founder of Kokums Helper Society, is an Indigenous woman from Liidlii Kue First Nation and is based in Edmonton, Alberta. Jackie is a passionate advocate for culturally grounded end-of-life care within Indigenous communities. Kokums Helper Society is an Indigenous-led organization providing trauma-informed, culturally grounded end-of-life care that honours ceremony, community, and connection. Watch Jackie’s pitch.

Shauna White Bear, Founder of White Bear Moccasins LLC, is an Indigenous woman from the MHA Nation, near Bozeman, MT, and a self-taught moccasin maker and leatherworker. White Bear Moccasins is an Indigenous-owned business specializing in handcrafted moccasins and offering unique moccasin repair services at powwows, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Watch Shauna’s pitch. 

Shyanne Yellowbird, Founder of mîmîNîsak, is an Indigenous woman from the Samson Cree Nation whose Seattle-based business brings Indigenous storytelling to life through art and design. mîmîNîsak is a new brand that features a unique line of dolls inspired by the Cree Little People, spiritual beings that embody guidance, protection, and cultural memory. Watch Shyanne’s Pitch.

Tessa Belanger, Founder of Pass the Sage, is an Indigenous woman from Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg who is writing her Indigenous perspective book from Ottawa, Ontario. Pass the Sage is an initiative that creates safe spaces for Indigenous storytelling, reflection, and healing, blending traditional knowledge with creative expression to support community wellness. Watch Tessa’s pitch. 

Destiny Moser, Founder of FoodZen, is an Indigenous woman and chef from Rainy River First Nation and operates her food-based business in Cambridge, Ontario. FoodZen revitalizes Indigenous food systems through a modern culinary lens, emphasizing hyper-local, seasonal ingredients and sustainable partnerships with local farmers. Through personal chef services, meal deliveries, and educational workshops, Destiny promotes food sovereignty and celebrates Indigenous culinary traditions. Watch Destiny’s pitch. 

Kendal Garlow, Co-Founder of SproutSync Ltd., is an Indigenous Mohawk woman from Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario where she and her partner operate their agri-tech company. SproutSync is a new greenhouse automation company with a vision to empower Indigenous growers through culturally aligned automation tools and solutions. Watch Kendal’s pitch.

Tannis and Rayel Smoke, Co-Founders of Niña Waṡte Events, are Indigenous women from the Dakota Plains Wahpeton Oyate and who operate their company from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Niña Waṡte Events, a vibrant Indigenous-owned game rental company reimagining the world of board games through an Indigenous lens by redesigning popular games to center Indigenous people, culture, and language. Read about Tannis and Rayel’s win.

“I feel blessed and honoured to be selected for this grant. Any funding we receive goes back into feeding our community through mentorship, fair and equitable pay, and visibility for women, gender-diverse and queer creatives who are making moves,” shared Debbie Courchene, Founder of IndigE-girl Comedy. “Your support helps us clear the path for others, removing barriers, and raising up the voices of women and two-spirit creatives. This funding allows us to continue creating spaces that uplift underrepresented voices, amplify joy and resilience in our communities, and support Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, and queer creators in sharing their stories.”

“Thank you to Aritzia for your continued support and for amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and two-spirit entrepreneurs through Pow Wow Pitch. Your partnership reflects a meaningful commitment to reconciliation and the growth of Indigenous-led businesses,”  said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “This year’s Aritzia Grant recipients shine with talent, creativity, and unwavering commitment to their communities. We’re inspired by all that you do and can’t wait to see your businesses thrive. Congratulations to each of you, and we are so excited to cheer you on in the Grand Finale.”

“Our partnership with Pow Wow Pitch continues to inspire and grow in meaningful ways,” said Corinne Kepper, Vice President of Corporate Giving at Aritzia. “We congratulate this year’s Aritzia Grant recipients who are all exceptional Indigenous women and two-spirit entrepreneurs, who bring creativity, vision, and dedication to their business ventures. Through this grant, we are proud to provide funding to help them scale their businesses and make a lasting impact in their communities. We’re cheering them on in the Grand Finale and can’t wait to see all they will achieve.”

All of the Aritzia Grant Recipients will be pitching in the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale on October 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET for their chance to win this year’s Grand Prize of $25,000. Register to watch the Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.

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From the deep history and culture of the Wendat people, Bastien Industries is bringing the traditional moccasins mainstream. Bastien Industries Owner and a 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipient, Jason Picard-Binet, shares his entrepreneurial journey and his passion for uplifting tradition to take up space in the fashion industry.

Jason’s business, Bastien Industries, is a family-founded business that designs, manufactures, and distributes 100% Huron Wendat moccasins. Founded in the late 19th century, Bastien Industries has been an intrinsic part of the Wendat Nation. “At one point,” Jason recalls, “almost 80% of Wendat families had some connection to the factory. Knowing that I’m continuing this rich history gives me immense pride and motivates me to elevate our brand further.”

“Since 1878, the Wendat people have been crafting moccasins with the greatest respect for traditional craftsmanship and heritage,” Jason shares. “That heritage is transmitted, one bead at a time, through the careful work of our dedicated and proud team. Our greatest ambition is that our moccasins bring you comfort and style, giving you the freedom to be yourself, everywhere.”

To Jason, Bastien Industries means more than a name or a brand, “It is the flagship of the Huron-Wendat heritage of being the people of trade.” Indigenous design and fashion holds deep history as explained by Jason, “Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have used their clothing to differentiate themselves, to communicate their origins.”

“Authenticity” is the word Jason Picard-Binet chooses when asked about the emotion he wishes to evoke with Bastien Industries’ designs. In a global landscape where Indigenous designs are often misused or misrepresented, Jason aspires for his brand to stand as the hallmark of genuine Indigenous moccasin craftsmanship.

His aspirations for Bastien are crystal clear: “To break into the fashion world. I want our moccasins to be acknowledged for their true value, history, and authenticity.”

When asked about the impact of the Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant on Bastien Industries, Jason reflected on the brand’s recent ventures. Just last February, they delved into the B2C sales domain, underwent a significant rebranding, and kickstarted new social media initiatives along with an ecommerce website. He envisions the Aritzia grant as a vital catalyst, planning to channel these funds into developing website marketing and enhancing online sales.

Jason’s message to aspiring Indigenous youth in entrepreneurship is emphatic. “Now is the ideal time for us. Our ancestors worked hard to gain recognition and it’s time for us to use those opportunities to break into the business world. We must take our place everywhere on Turtle Island and beyond.”

With a deep-rooted dedication to tradition and authenticity, Jason Picard-Binet is steering Bastien Industries forward, ensuring its legacy as a beacon of genuine Indigenous craftsmanship and heritage that thrives in the modern era.

To watch Jason’s winning pitch, click here. To register to watch the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale on October 19th at 6 PM ET, click here. To read more about the 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipients, click here. To shop Bastien Industries, click here. 

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From the rich heritage of the Williams Lake Indian Band Shuswap, Indiginize Creation embodies tradition through custom, free-hand design hats inspired by Mother Earth. Owner and 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipient, Janelle Alladina, shares her journey with Indiginize Creation and how she is empowered by tradition and carving out her niche in the fashion industry.

Janelle’s business, Indiginize Creation, crafts custom designed hats inspired by Mother Earth and Indigenous teachings. Merging traditional designs with a modern perspective, the brand aims to share Indigenous culture in a contemporary fashion light. Janelle forged this new path of her entrepreneurial journey after a period of reflection. She shares, “I sat and prayed, meditated on what my next chapter was and I came up with the hats. I saw Western stores stamping and branding hats and I thought I could do this freehanded and make each hat unique to each buyer.”

There’s an emotional depth to Janelle’s venture. “This is the first time I feel empowered, and driven and can feel the support of my ancestors behind me,” she shares. To her, Indiginize Creation isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement to reclaim a rightful space in the fashion domain and to light a path for future generations to share their passions.

When asked about her brand’s ethos, she doesn’t hesitate, “My brand represents resilience, empowerment, taking back our space, and being able to represent not only myself but my culture and our Indigenous women in business.”

The significance of Indigenous designs and fashion isn’t lost on Janelle. Having personally adversity for wearing her cultural attire, she envisions a different world for the younger generation where they can wear their heritage with pride. “Indigenous fashion is everything to me and my business,” she shares, expressing her hope to inspire the youth to never feel ashamed of their roots.

For those who come across her fashion pieces, Janelle hopes to evoke feelings of “joy and happiness,” emphasizing the importance of supporting Indigenous communities as a step towards reconciliation.

Looking ahead, Janelle shares her aspirations for Indiginize Creation, “My vision is to inspire our Indigenous youth and see more Indigenous apparel in retail stores,” she says, aiming for Indigenous designs to have their rightful place in mainstream fashion and runways.

With the support from the Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant, Janelle is eager to expand into new artistic mediums. Her plan is to leverage these resources to elevate the uniqueness of her hat designs, to bring a new kind of innovation and style into the fashion world.

Janelle leaves with a message for the aspiring Indigenous youth poised to make their mark in the fashion industry: “Follow your dreams, stand tall, and know your ancestors would be proud of you for becoming a trailblazer for the future generations to come.” She stresses the importance of connecting with one’s roots, taking inspiration from nature and the wisdom of the elders. To them, she says, “lead with your heart and the designs will flow.”

To watch Janell’s winning pitch in the Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finals, click here. To read more about the 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipients, click here. To shop Inidiginize Creation, click here. 

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In Santa Fe’s bustling art and fashion district, Founder and 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipient, Dante Biss-Grayson stands as an inspiration for many. His fashion brand, Sky-Eagle Collection, elegantly redesigns traditional styles of Osage heritage into modern silhouettes. 

Dante’s business, Sky-Eagle Collection, is a high-end and ready-to-wear custom fashion brand that seamlessly merges Native American heritage with contemporary design aesthetics. Rooted in celebrating and honouring Native American culture, the brand serves as a powerful statement of resilience, tradition, and modernity in the fashion world.

The trauma of PTSD, a remnant from his service as a veteran, Dante found solace and purpose in his art. This enables him to externalize trauma while simultaneously highlighting critical issues that touch Native communities. Dante’s core message that he pours into his work is the reminder that “We are still here.”

Dante believes, “Fashion is a powerful tool that can uplift, empower, and inspire people.” His brand serves as a medium to spotlight issues affecting Native Communities and push for social justice. The aim is not just to be another name in fashion but to resonate globally, proving that they can stand tall alongside renowned fashion houses. 

To Dante, Indigenous design and fashion means merging tradition and modernity. Dante explains “The modern world is home to new warriors: leaders in our community who walk in both worlds, the traditional and the modern. I hope that they will inspire others to walk in both worlds and create something new and beautiful.” As an Osage Straight Dancer, his designs are deeply rooted in his tribe’s ribbon work where the fusion of the two worlds meet. 

With aspirations to expand into various sectors like ranch wear, resort wear, and more, Dante’s vision for Sky-Eagle Collection is ambitious. He has goals to branch out and provide Indigenous communities with skills, jobs, and a platform to shine.

Receiving the Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant is a step in the right direction. Dante is honored and believes that this will pave the way for more collaborations and growth. “Networking is key to growth, and finding new projects will be most welcomed.” His brand’s recognition can be seen through the numerous projects featured on Sky-Eagle Collection’s website.

For aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs in the fashion world, Dante offers a piece of advice, “Don’t wait to be discovered! If you want to make your vision a reality, put in the work, stay flexible, and keep motivated…And make sure to enjoy the journey!” 

Dante Biss-Grayson’s journey with the Sky-Eagle Collection underscores the profound impact of uniting passion with purpose, crafting a legacy that resonates beyond the runway.

To watch Dante’s winning pitch, click here. To register to watch the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale on October 19th at 6 PM ET, click here. To read more about the 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipients, click here. To shop Sky-Eagle Collection, click here.

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Hailing from the Pekuakamiulnuatsh heritage, Raphaëlle Langevin is the passionate force behind Matsheshu Créations, a brand that offers a unique blend of clothing and accessories infused with Indigenous designs. As a 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipient, Raphaëlle’s commitment to blending tradition with fashion is gaining widespread recognition.

Raphaëll’s business, Matsheshu Créations, offers a wide variety of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. “Our accessories feature exclusive prints that I design myself, taking inspiration from traditional symbols and natural elements.” Additionally, the brand showcases hand-made jewelry crafted by Indigenous artisans, celebrating authenticity and craftsmanship.

Raphaëlle got her entrepreneurial start in 2021 when she was on maternity leave and took a chance on the launch of Matsheshu Creations. “I had been brainstorming business ideas for a couple of years and found the name during summer 2020. Matsheshu means fox in Nehlueun. It is an animal that is very meaningful to me.” 

Raphaëlle’s passion for her business stems from its ability to provide a platform for creation, education, and sharing. Through Matsheshu Créations, she uplifts individuals, opens doors of opportunity, and supports her family, all while pursuing what she deeply cherishes.

When asked about her take on Indigenous design and fashion, Raphaëlle responded, “[Indigenous fashion] is a way to show that we are still here and that we are proud of who we are.” Raphaëlle also believes that fashion is a tool that can be used to share culture and facilitate reconciliation by building those bridges. 

Raphaëlle cherishes the connection between her creations and her customers. She f loves when someone resonates with her designs, “There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone fall in love with a skirt, a pair of earrings, a bag…I feel very grateful to be able to witness many of those magical moments.”

Looking ahead, Raphaëlle’s aspirations for Matsheshu Créations are both grand and grounded. “I envision Matsheshu Créations as a renowned brand across Turtle Island, built on a model that champions small crafters while offering a vast array of products. I hope to be able to create as many jobs as possible for Indigenous people. I want to go big, all the while staying true to our community’s values.”

Reflecting on the honor of receiving a 2023 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant, Raphaëlle expressed her gratitude. “As a Mom and an entrepreneur trying to balance a fast growing business and two children under three, this recognition felt like a pat on the back encouraging me to continue giving my best.”

For Indigenous youth considering a journey into fashion, Raphaëlle encourages them to be proud of who they are, “Fashion is such a great way to create, connect and make a living. Our communities are full of talented creators. Be proud of that heritage and show it to the world!”

To watch Raphaëlle’s winning pitch in the Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finals, click here. To read more about the 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipients, click here. To shop Matsheshu Créations, click here. 

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From Timiskaming, Ontario to the dynamic landscape of the fashion industry, Jodie Moonie, the visionary founder behind Muusa, and a proud recipient of a 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant, shares her entrepreneurial journey and how she is leaving an impact in Indigenous fashion and innovation.

Jodie’s business, Muusa, is a brand that has redefined medical scrubs, blending fashion-forward thinking with functionality. Her journey began as an endeavour to bridge the gap between basic healthcare apparel, aka ‘scrubs, and contemporary athleisure trends. This resulted in a line of scrubs that not only cater to the practical needs of healthcare professionals but also embody unique designs that celebrate culture.

The name ‘Muusa’ is a tribute to the Finnish word for “muse,” reflecting the brand’s ethos of celebrating its customers and drawing inspiration from their unique stories. Indigenous design and fashion, to Jodie, signify a celebration of Indigeneity and pride in one’s culture. Muusa embodies this spirit through its ‘Artist Edition’ collaborations, “Indigenous design and fashion to me, means celebrating Indigeneity and being proud of our culture. Our goal is to showcase the talents of Canadian Indigenous artists and turn our scrubs into works of art.”

For Jodie, fashion holds the power to transform how we feel about ourselves. Muusa’s scrubs are more than garments; they are tools of empowerment, designed to boost confidence and comfort in healthcare professionals. “I believe that what we wear has the power to transform how we feel about ourselves. When we look our best, we feel our best.”

Jodie’s ambitions for Muusa are as grand as her vision. She envisions the establishment of a warehouse on her reserve, providing employment opportunities within her community. Additionally, the acquisition of a cargo van will enable Muusa to reach a wider audience by attending trade shows and setting up pop-up shops at educational institutions across Canada.

The Aritzia Fashion Grant marks a significant moment for Muusa. It will support Muusa in enhancing its online presence and growth. Jodie intends to use the grant for vital marketing efforts and facilitating her plan to acquire a cargo van for trade shows and pop-up shops at medical colleges and universities across Canada. This Aritzia Fashion Grant demonstrates the industry’s acknowledgment of Muusa’s innovation and its fashion industry potential.

Jodie’s journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration for Indigenous youth aspiring to break into the fashion industry. Her advice is a testament to her resilience: “Always believe in yourself and keep pushing forward, no matter how challenging things may get. You can achieve anything you put your mind to.”

Muusa is a testament to the transformative power of fashion and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. With recent accomplishments and the support of the Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant, Jodie is poised to make a lasting mark on the industry while celebrating her Indigenous heritage and empowering those she serves. 

To watch Jodie’s winning pitch, click here. To register to watch the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale on October 19th at 6 PM ET, click here. To read more about the 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipients, click here. To shop Muusa, click here.

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From the community of the Métis Nation of Alberta to the broader fashion world, Jaret Smith, Founder of Unparalleled Clothing Company, and a 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipient, shares his journey into entrepreneurship and the milestones of his Pow Wow Pitch experience.

Jaret’s business, Unparalleled Clothing Company, grew from a university project and his genuine belief in quality. “I chose the name Unparalleled because of its definition of ‘having no parallel or equal,’” Jaret expressed. The essence of the name ‘Unparalleled’ stemmed from his perspective of life’s diverse pathways. “When I look at everyone’s life, I see that we all have different obstacles to go through to get to where we are. We have all had different paths.” 

Unparalleled Clothing Co. is more than a clothing brand, it is a movement. As Jaret puts, “I believe in quality. I am driven to give people quality products and exceptional customer service.” With ambitious dreams of becoming the ‘Indigenous Nike,’ Jaret aspires not only to make a mark in the fashion industry but also to inspire Indigenous youth. “We aren’t here to just take part in business, we are here to take over,” he confidently shares.

This entrepreneurial journey speaks volumes of Jaret’s grit and determination for Indigenous fashion. “We have our own culture, we have our own sense of style and design. Everyone’s art comes in different forms,” Jaret remarked.

Jaret Smith’s venture into Pow Wow Pitch showcased his dedication and vision for Unparalleled Clothing Company Inc. Winning the Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant, he plans to enhance his inventory, introducing higher-end sample pieces for the upcoming spring/summer collection.

To budding Indigenous entrepreneurs, Jaret offers, “Don’t let anyone stop you from pursuing your dreams. Fashion is an accessible business to get into, but a hard business to remain in. This business is full of trial and error, but if you do your homework, you can create great products.”

At its core, Unparalleled Clothing offers more than just apparel. It represents a dream and a mission. For Jaret, every design is an emblem of the Indigenous culture and their unparalleled journeys.

To watch Jaret’s winning pitch in the Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finals, click here. To read more about the 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipients, click here. To shop Unparalleled Clothing, click here.

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