Sarain Fox wins the Shopify Entrepreneurial Spirit Award

Sarain Fox wins the Shopify Entrepreneurial Spirit Award

“This means so much to me because it took me decades to be able to claim storytelling as a career path,” said Sarain. “To me the art of storytelling and entrepreneurship started in the world of theater and seeing what could happen when you have the power to tell your own stories. Through my platform at Sarain Fox and my production studio, our goal is to create meaningful representation through all sectors. This award means so much because it not only recognizes recent work over the last few years, but decades worth of work that myself and so many Indigenous people have been doing to create space, meaningful dialogue, and to create activists.”

James Jones wins the Shopify Entrepreneurial Spirit Award

James Jones wins the Shopify Entrepreneurial Spirit Award

“I would like to thank my family, sisters, and friends who have been my biggest supporters throughout this process,” said James. “As an Indigenous artist and entrepreneur, I have learned that we belong in these spaces, whether it’s on billboards or in the media, we 100% deserve to be here. Thank you to all of the organizers of this event for this award! My number one call to action to any looking to start their social media journey is to ‘Just giv’er!’”

Vanessa Genier wins the Mastercard Game Changer Award

Vanessa Genier wins the Mastercard Game Changer Award

“I am honoured to accept this award in recognition for the work being done for Indigenous survivors by survivors,” said Vanessa. “I am here today because of my great grandparents and survivors, Emily and David. What started out as a grassroots project quickly became an international way to bring honour, respect, and love to survivors. Thank you to Pow Wow Pitch and Mastercard for honouring Indigenous entrepreneurs. I would also like to thank our many volunteers, our supporters, my first nation, our board, friends, and family.”

Lori Anne Stanger wins the Mastercard Game Changer Award

Lori Anne Stanger wins the Mastercard Game Changer Award

“I am really grateful to be here and I would like to thank all the sponsors and the hardworking team of the Pow Wow Pitch organizers for sharing the message across Turtle Island that entrepreneurship is a possibility for Indigenous peoples,” said Lori. ”It has been a historic fire season and I would like to honour and thank the brave people that are out on the fireline keeping communities safe. I would also like to thank my incredible team at FIRE 1 for their support. Thank you to everyone, migwetch.”

Vanessa Marshall wins the EDC Export Award

Vanessa Marshall wins the EDC Export Award

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to accept the EDC export award for domestic success and global potential,” said Vanessa. “This award holds profound significance for not just myself, but for the broader Indigenous communities and our collective journey towards redefining entrepreneurship and paving the way for future generations.”

Trina Mather-Simard wins the ITAC Tourism Award

Trina Mather-Simard wins the ITAC Tourism Award

“I have lived and operated our organization, Indigenous Experiences, on the traditional unceded algonquin territory for over 25 years,” said Trina. “I am grateful to the organizers of pow wow pitch for this recognition and to all of their sponsors for making it possible. I am incredibly grateful for the strong team and community I have behind me at Indigenous Experiences and Mādahòkì Farm who share this honour, chi miigwetch.”