Pow Wow Pitch, a non profit organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced the selection of ‘Cornhusk Dolls’ created by Alanah Jewell as the Official Art of the 2026 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards.

About ‘Cornhusk Dolls’

The illustration ‘Cornhusk Dolls’ reflects a personal and cultural journey for the artist. Inspired by the traditional corn husk dolls that Alanah grew up seeing, the piece represents the moment when learning the teachings and creating one herself brought a deeper connection to her culture and community.

The artwork speaks to the role that cultural knowledge plays in creation. When teachings, protocols, and ways of life are carried into creative work, each piece becomes an extension of culture and identity.

“Let our way of life guide your practice. When you embed cultural teachings, protocol, and beliefs into your work, your creations become an extension of your culture, reflective of the love, care, time, and effort you put into it,” shared Alanah Jewell.

Through this work, the artist reflects on the shared experience many Indigenous entrepreneurs carry in their journeys. Building something meaningful often begins with a moment of cultural connection that opens the door to creativity and purpose.

Indigenous entrepreneurs understand the responsibility of carrying generations of stories, teachings, and ways of life through their work. For many, their path can be traced back to a moment when culture became a guide for what they create and how they move forward.

About Alanah Jewell

Alanah Jewell, also known as Alanah Astehtsi̲’ Otsistóhkwaˀ (Morningstar) Jewell, is a contemporary artist from the Bear Clan of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. She grew up off reserve and currently lives in Kitchener, Ontario.

Alanah works across multiple mediums including illustration, painting, and mural work. Her creative practice is deeply inspired by her relationship to the land and by the teachings that guide Indigenous cultural expression.

Her work blends contemporary illustration with cultural storytelling, often reflecting the connections between people, land, and tradition.

About the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards

The Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards celebrate excellence and achievement in Indigenous entrepreneurship. The 2026 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards are co-presented by Mastercard and RBC, and in partnership with Sklar Wilton and Altis Recruitment.

Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous-owned businesses across Canada can apply or nominate others who demonstrate perseverance, growth, leadership, and strong examples of Indigenous business success.

Nominations and applications for the 2026 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards open April 7, 2026.

For more information, visit powwowpitch.org/awards.

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November 4, 2021 | Tonight, Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced the Mi’kmaq Coalition as a winner of the Entrepreneurial Icon Award at the inaugural Indigenous Entrepreneurship Awards which celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement and impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship. 

The Mi’kmaq Coalition was formed by seven Mi’kmaq communities that worked together on a landmark deal to own 50% of Clearwater Seafoods. 

The Mi’kmaq have fished the waters of Atlantic Canada for thousands of years, and as owners of Clearwater, Mi’kmaq communities and people are now direct stakeholders to the ownership. The revenue generated through this ownership model supports the communities’ growth, prosperity, and development.

The Coalition is working closely with partners at Clearwater Seafoods to indigenize the company as a whole to reflect its Indigenous ownership. The Coalition believes this is a model for Canada and the world. 

“When Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses meet at the table 50-50, with benefits for both, it puts reconciliation into action and demonstrates the value of working with Indigenous organizations,” said Membertou Chief and CEO Terrance Paul, a respected leader instrumental in creating the deal. “The Clearwater Seafoods acquisition is a transformational and generational deal that is an example of the resilience, value and power of our Mi’kmaq communities.” 

“It is an honour for us to celebrate and recognize excellence and outstanding impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “To Chief Terry and the Mi’kmaq Coalition, you show us all that with a shared vision grounded in Indigenous values, we can come together, collaborate and take back our land and resources through entrepreneurship to preserve for future generations. Thank you for your example to us all.”

To watch the Mi’kmaq Coalition’s feature, click here. To watch the full Awards show, click here.

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November 4, 2021 | Tonight, Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced Jennifer Harper, Co-Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, as a winner of the Entrepreneur Icon Award at the inaugural Indigenous Entrepreneurship Awards, which celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement and impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship. 

Jennifer Harper has been making a name for Cheekbone Beauty in the beauty industry for several years, gaining popularity after being on the hit CBC show Dragons Den. 

Throughout her life, Jennifer struggled to accept her Indigenous roots. She was estranged from her Indigenous family for much of her childhood and adult life. However, after learning about her grandmother’s experience in residential schools, she understood how her family was affected by generational trauma. This drove her to understand and overcome her struggle with alcoholism.

Through Cheekbone Beauty, Jennifer reimagines beauty products, ensuring they are cruelty-free and starting with raw ingredients – from products to packaging.

Cheekbone Beauty recently launched a scholarship program for Indigenous youth and released a new product line with SEPHORA. Through Cheekbone Beauty, Jennifer is helping Indigenous youth see themselves in a beauty brand while helping to bring Indigenous values to the beauty industry.

“Cheekbone Beauty would like to be a role model for Indigenous youth, leading with love and being courageously curious,” said Jennifer Harper. “We are proud of the innovation we are working on. The steps we are taking will have lasting effects on the beauty industry. We hope to help provide a place where Indigenous youth can also see their potential in STEM, using Indigenous wisdom and teachings to build better.”

“It is an honour for us to celebrate and recognize excellence and outstanding impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Jennifer is forging new paths for others to follow and building a legacy of impact, sustainability and equality. Jennifer is truly an Indigenous entrepreneurial icon.”

To watch Jennifer’s feature, click here. To watch the full Awards show, click here.

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November 4, 2021 | Tonight, Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced Patrick Hunter from Red Lake, Ontario as a winner of the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award at the inaugural Indigenous Entrepreneurship Awards which celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement and impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship. 

Patrick Hunter has been living the dream and thriving as an artist, graphic designer and entrepreneur for the last eight years. 

A two-spirit artist, Patrick’s goal is to make people feel good and bring more Indigenous artwork into public places.

Through his business, Patrick creates commissioned pieces and large murals and teaches virtual painting classes to support Indigenous artists in expressing their culture through public art.

Patrick has made a name for himself with artistic and graphic collaborations with RBC, BMO, EY, West Elm, Staples, and the Chicago Blackhawks and was the first Artist in Residence for Prince’s Trust Canada charity that aids in the reclamation of Indigenous languages.

“My vision is for Indigenous iconography to permeate the mainstream culture in a positive way,” said Patrick Hunter. “Not everyone grows up being proud of their culture, or get to it in public buildings. So, evening though entrepreneurship is not easy, it’s all worth it. To wake up every day and decide what to do with the day is one of the best feelings. Being able to support yourself with your gift and to make life better for others is truly special.”

“It is an honour for us to celebrate and recognize excellence and outstanding impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Patrick uses entrepreneurship to take up space while sharing heart, culture and fostering understanding through art. Congratulations, Patrick, and thank you for your impact, example and legacy.”

To watch Patrick’s feature, click here. To watch the full Awards show, click here.

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Tonight, Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced New Brunswick entrepreneur Tara Audibert as a winner of the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award at the inaugural Indigenous Entrepreneurship Awards, which celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement and impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship. 

Diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and ADHD later in life, Tara Audibert became an entrepreneur to forge her own path.

In 2017, Tara started two businesses that restore Wolastoqy and Mi’kmaq languages by working with more than 50 Indigenous elders, artists, voice actors, musicians, game developers and Indigenous creators just starting. 

Moxy Fox Studio creates animated films, TV shows, & illustrations for comics and children’s books. The Ni’gweg Collective combines Indigenous Storytelling with Digital media in the form of animated stories and digital games.

“I am proud of my culture, and I share it with humour, love and a reverence for nature,” said Tara Audibert. “My main goals are to share my Indigenous culture with the rest of the world. I hope my stories will help children bring our lessons into adulthood and make a better world.”

Tara has received many awards for her films and book illustrations; her comic, ‘Lost Innocence,’ was part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission events, and a copy has been placed in the Archives of Canada; and, her new TV show on APTN, which she wrote, directed and produced, called ‘Lil Glooscap and the Legends of Turtle Island,’ is set to air in 2022.

“It is an honour for us to celebrate and recognize excellence and outstanding impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Tara is a protector of language, culture and Indigenous stories. How she fuses animation and storytelling while empowering her local community is of great inspiration to us all. Thank you, Tara, for your great work and example.”

To watch Tara’s feature, click here. To watch the full Awards show, click here.

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Tonight, Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced British Columbia Metis entrepreneur Nicole McLaren as a winner of the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award at the inaugural Indigenous Entrepreneurship Awards which celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement and impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship. 

Nicole McLaren started her entrepreneurial journey as a 9-year-old hosting lemonade stands, and that entrepreneurial spirit has continued as Nicole sets out to be a role model for her daughters.

Nicole founded Raven Reads as an Indigenous subscription box, warehouse and fulfillment centre in Kamloops, BC, to raise awareness of Indigenous cultures, experiences, authors and entrepreneurs and invest capital into the Indigenous economy and children’s literacy programs. 

Since launching in 2017, Raven Reads has more than 3,000 subscribers, invested more than $300,000 into Indigenous businesses and authors, grown to 6 employees, and supported countless Indigenous-owned brands and enterprises to scale.

“I want to show Indigenous girls and women that they can scale multi-million dollar businesses with big impact and big exists,” said Nicole McLaren. “Winning this award is a recognition for the blood (cardboard cuts), sweat, and tears I have invested in this entrepreneurial journey and is an important occasion to celebrate how far we have come.”

Nicole is also the founder of the Indigenous Women’s Business Network in B.C., a non-profit networking group that promotes the expansion of Indigenous women-owned ventures.

“It is an honour for us to celebrate and recognize excellence and outstanding impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Nicole embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and is a lifter of tides through Raven Reads and the Indigenous Women’s Business Network. Congratulations, Nicole, and thank you for your impact and example.”

To watch Nicole’s feature, click here. To watch the full Awards show, click here.

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November 4, 2021 | Tonight, Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating  Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced Iqaluit-based leader Leena Evic as a winner of the Entrepreneurial  Spirit Award at the inaugural Indigenous Entrepreneurship Awards which celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement and impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship.  

Leena Evic has been an advocate for the Inuktitut language and culture for as long as she can remember. 

Leena’s career has included work as an educator, teacher, principal, and curriculum developer as well as executive management roles in Inuit organizations and governments.  

Today, Leena is co-owner of the Pirurvik Centre, an Iqaluit-based social enterprise focused on Inuit language, culture and well-being. Pirurvik means ‘a place of growth’ in Inuktut. Leena founded Pirurvik in 2003 to help rebuild Inuit approaches to teaching and learning and respond to the needs and aspirations of Nunavummiut. 

In addition to creating and delivering its own full-time training programs, Pirurvik produces teaching and learning resources both in print and online. Some are geared towards enhancing the skills of Inuktut speakers while others help Inuit who are not functional to build their skills through Inuktut immersion. Pirurvik also produces phrasebooks, Inuktut learning materials and other resources for the general public. 

“I am using entrepreneurship to protect and reclaim Inuit language, culture and identity in our Inuit Nunangat,” said Leena Evic. “I am proud to employ elder professors to work with a passionate team of  people with the trust and support of my community.” 

“It is an honour for us to celebrate and recognize excellence and outstanding impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Leena’s reclamation and protection of Inuit culture and language and her legacy are cause for recognition, appreciation and celebration. Congratulations, Leena, and thank you for your impact, example and legacy.”

To watch Leena’s feature, click here. To watch the full Awards show, click here.

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November 4, 2021 | Tonight, Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced Gerald James Brandon from Dokis First Nation as a winner of the Up and Comer Award at the inaugural Indigenous Entrepreneurship Awards, which celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement and impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship. 

A ‘60’s scoop survivor’, Gerald James Brandon, is an example of achievement through resilience and struggle. 

In his teenage years, Gerry experienced homelessness, addiction and spent time in jail. Yet, he persevered to attain degrees in business, planning, culinary arts and teaching, mentoring young people and at-risk youth throughout his life.

Gerry and his wife returned to his childhood community in Northern Ontario to embark on a ‘retirement project’ to bring positive change.

Despite facing overt racism, construction and funding setbacks, Gerry opened L’Autochtone Taverne Americaine in 2019 as an upmarket urban ‘Bar & Grill.’ 

Gerry also resurrected a landmark convenience store in Haileybury called ‘Busters Mini Mart’ in February 2021 to help with pandemic travails.

Gerry employs 30 staff and has returned more than $500,000 to the community through wages, taxes and local purchases, with a goal of handing over ownership to the long-term team as a legacy that will continue to enrich the community.

Having just turned 60-years-old, Gerry is ‘just getting started’ and shares this award with his wife, co-workers and staff who have weathered the pandemic and remained resilient.

“The best part of the journey is the people,” said Gerry Brandon. “I am proud when I see our team buying their first homes, growing their families, growing as individuals and contributing to their community. This Award is for my spouse, co-workers, and staff in recognition and gratitude for their efforts, patience during the pandemic, for their commitment to the community.”

“It is an honour for us to celebrate and recognize excellence and outstanding impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Gerry is using entrepreneurial skills to breathe oxygen and bring pride into his community. While Gerry claims just to be getting started, he is already making an impact through his example.”

To watch Gerry’s feature, click here. To watch the full Awards show, click here.

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Tonight, Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced Destinee Peter from Carry the Kettle First Nation as a winner of the Up and Comer Award at the inaugural Indigenous Entrepreneurship Awards, which celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement and impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship. 

Following high school, Destinee Peter enrolled in cosmetology and began working at Tangles Hair and Beauty Salon. After three years, at just 22-years old, Destinee purchased, rebranded and restaffed Tangles as a full-service salon with seven employees serving Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients. 

Destinee shares how sacred a haircut can be to Indigenous people and trains her team to give respect and to use sustainable, eco-friendly and cruelty-free products.

Destinee is proud of her community and shares the importance of work ethic, speaks at career fairs, gives haircuts to students in need and shares cosmetology lessons in her community of Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation. 

Destinee also facilitates Matchsticks Indigenous Women Business Mentoring Circle, sits on NACCA’s Indigenous Business Youth Advisory Council and is a sought-after mentor and speaker. 

“I am proud of who I am and where I come from,” said Destinee Peter. “To be able to use my platform to share and teach my culture is important to me. Winning this award validates my hard work in overcoming obstacles, recognizes my team and their commitment and shows us that we are on the right track.”

“It is an honour for us to celebrate and recognize excellence and outstanding impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “ Destinee uses entrepreneurship to build a better future for young people in her community, a beacon of light for Indigenous youth. Destinee provides an example of how entrepreneurship can be a way for leadership and community impact and how to bring Indigenous values and culture into the businesses we build. Congratulations, Destinee, and thank you for your impact and example. You are one to watch!”

To watch Destinee’s feature, click here. To watch the full Awards show, click here.

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