Red Rebel Armor is an Indigenous-owned clothing company, founded by Sean Rayland-Boubar crafting designs inspired by Indigenous art, culture, and fashion. It’s also a social enterprise, seeking to provide employment opportunities for Indigenous people reintegrating into society after incarceration.

Sparking conversations

Red Rebel Armor’s clothing line serves as an outlet for wearers to advocate for Indigenous peoples. One of their best-selling designs, for instance, features a shawl dancer and the phrase “land back.” This design advocates for wealth redistribution and the recognition of Indigenous knowledge and rights. Its wearers, whether Indigenous or not, engage in a broader conversation about reconciliation and Indigenous sovereignty.

Propelled by a mission

As a social enterprise, Red Rebel Armour operates an employment service, which provides on-the-job training for individuals returning from the criminal justice system. Red Rebel Armor has helped individuals stay out of jail, find stable housing, and gain essential work skills. For instance, one of their employees, has managed to find stable housing and work consistently with Red Rebel Armor despite facing initial challenges with stringent probation conditions.

Sean and his team have started quantifying the social and economic benefits of their employment program, tracking indicators such as the money saved by the federal government due to reduced recidivism rates.

Sean’s story and the growth of Red Rebel Armor underscore the power of entrepreneurship in challenging social issues and advocating for cultural understanding. The clothing line’s impactful designs, coupled with the company’s commitment to providing gainful employment to those in need, demonstrate how businesses can drive tangible social change.

While Red Rebel Armor’s journey has not been without challenges, Sean’s dedication and entrepreneurial spirit have helped him navigate these hurdles. His journey serves as a potent reminder that entrepreneurship and creativity can be powerful tools for change and that businesses can play a pivotal role in fostering social inclusion, reconciliation, and cultural understanding.

As Sean says, “When you’re wearing my clothes, you’re becoming an advocate.” Through its designs, Red Rebel Armor is transforming the way we see and understand Indigenous culture and resilience, one piece of clothing at a time.

Listen to more from Sean on the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast at powwowpitch.org/podcast.

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Tuesday, August 1st | In the world of filmmaking and entrepreneurship, few stories are as inspiring as that of Erica Daniels and her media company, Kejic Productions. A Cree-Ojibwe multi award-winning documentary filmmaker and entrepreneur, Erica’s journey has been one fueled by passion, storytelling, and a commitment to working with Indigenous youth. Her dedication to showcasing Indigenous stories from a truthful and authentic perspective has not only earned her numerous accolades but has also paved the way for Indigenous voices to be heard and recognized on a national level.

Erica’s love for storytelling began at the age of 15 when she participated in the program “Just TV,” designed for at-risk youth in Winnipeg’s inner city. It was there that she learned the art of multimedia, video production, and editing, igniting her passion for being a storyteller. As her skills grew, she eagerly embraced every opportunity that came her way, documenting community events and programming, particularly focusing on Indigenous content and storytelling.

The path that led to the birth of Kejic Productions was one of self-discovery and perseverance. Initially, Erica saw her work as a freelance filmmaker, driven solely by her love for storytelling and her desire to share Indigenous narratives with the world. Little did she know that her passion would pave the way for a thriving media company.

After the birth of her daughter, Erica faced a critical decision point in her life. She had to choose between the stability of a full-time job at CBC and fully committing to her passion for storytelling through Kejic Productions. Despite the risks involved, Erica took a leap of faith, deciding to venture into entrepreneurship. It was a significant turning point that transformed her love for storytelling into a thriving business.

The early stages of Kejic Productions were not without challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, Erica had to overcome a steep learning curve in managing a business. She realized that she couldn’t wear all the hats and learned to build a team to support her vision. Through dedication, hard work, and the support of her family, friends, and mentors, Erica navigated these obstacles and turned Kejic Productions into a growing and successful venture.

One of the key themes that Erica advocates is the importance of hiring Indigenous companies and promoting Indigenous leadership when working with Indigenous clients or communities. She firmly believes that Indigenous people possess a unique understanding of their stories and experiences, making them the most qualified to lead in the storytelling process. By elevating Indigenous voices to leadership positions, these stories can be portrayed authentically and truthfully, free from misinterpretation or misrepresentation.

In the business world, Erica observes that there is still room for growth in supporting and hiring Indigenous businesses. She encourages organizations to actively seek out Indigenous companies and entrepreneurs to collaborate with. By doing so, they can foster an environment of diversity and inclusion, while also helping Indigenous businesses grow and thrive.

Within the film industry, Erica’s advocacy for Indigenous leadership is equally strong. By giving Indigenous filmmakers and storytellers the space to take the helm, their narratives can be told with the depth and understanding they deserve. This shift in the industry is crucial to break away from the historical misrepresentation of Indigenous communities and to allow for a more authentic portrayal of their culture, history, and way of life.

As Erica’s journey continues, she remains committed to investing in Indigenous youth and nurturing the next generation of storytellers. Through her dedication and passion, she sets an example for aspiring entrepreneurs and filmmakers alike, demonstrating that with determination, support, and the belief in oneself, it is possible to turn one’s passion into a successful and impactful venture.

In conclusion, Erica Daniels’ entrepreneurial journey with Kejic Productions stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs and storytellers. Her commitment to empowering Indigenous voices, preserving cultural narratives, and nurturing youth serves as a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling and the positive impact it can have on communities and society as a whole. As more individuals and businesses embrace the importance of Indigenous leadership and storytelling sovereignty, we move one step closer to a more inclusive and enriched world.

Listen now to Erica’s advice and journey on the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast at powwowpitch.org/podcast.

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Tuesday, July 18th | Jenna White, a successful Indigenous entrepreneur based in Fredericton, has brought a fresh wave of inspiration to the Canadian food industry. She has not only established thriving businesses but also contributed significantly to the Indigenous cuisine scene. Today, Jenna is the Founder of Jenna’s Nut Free Dessertery Inc, White Cedar Consulting, and A Taste of the Atlantic.

Jenna’s journey to entrepreneurship started at the local farmers’ market in 2019. After developing a severe nut allergy and losing a significant portion of her eyesight, she faced immense personal challenges. However, she did not let these setbacks deter her. Drawing inspiration from her children and her lifelong passion for cooking, she took a brave step into the food industry with a modest setup of two small folding tables and a $250 budget at the Boyce Farmers Market in Fredericton.

Despite the hurdles brought on by the pandemic, Jenna persisted. She took the lockdown period as an opportunity to revamp her business model, resulting in an expansion into two brick-and-mortar locations. She also developed professional-grade baking products in partnership with Canada’s Smartest Kitchen, thanks to a grant from Women in Business, New Brunswick. This pivot allowed her to continue her business by classifying it as essential.

Jenna’s breakfast and lunch restaurant, a significant part of her business, offers unique twists on Indigenous food. Beyond the restaurant, she also hosts traditional meal series – dry, three-course dining experiences – which have been consistently successful. These events serve as a gateway into the catering side of her business and provide an opportunity to share Indigenous culture.

An essential aspect of Jenna’s mission is her dedication to using food as a vehicle to share culture. The company’s bannock mix, available in stores across the Maritimes and Ontario, includes a QR code linking to a video explaining the history of bannock and the process of making it.

Amidst all these ventures, Jenna created an Indigenous Cuisine Festival, an event that promotes Indigenous cuisine and culture. It provides an economic boost to various businesses within the community, extending its benefits to all four Atlantic provinces. If that weren’t enough, Jenna is also preparing to launch ‘Smoke and Fire,’ an outdoor tourism experience where everything is cooked with smoke and fire, in the coming summer.

Jenna’s collaboration with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses and organizations has been central to her business strategy. She firmly believes that such collaborations are essential in uplifting the Indigenous entrepreneurial community and inspiring new businesses.

Her advice to aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs in the food industry is to be authentically themselves. She encourages them to share their culture fearlessly, assuring that people will appreciate their unique offerings. Jenna White’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential of Indigenous cuisine in transforming the food industry.

Listen to the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast at powwowpitch.org/podcast to hear our full conversation with Jenna. 

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Tuesday, July 4th | Founded by Lisa Vicaire in Timiskaming First Nation, Algonquin Acres stands as a testament to Indigenous entrepreneurship and the power of innovative therapeutic approaches in supporting mental health among Indigenous youth. Lisa’s approach intertwines Indigenous teachings and traditions with animal therapy, primarily using horses as a medium to boost mental resilience and self-confidence.

Lisa started Algonquin Acres 11 months ago after seeing an immense positive change it had on her daughter’s health. Lisa was inspired by the positive reactions she received when she and her family first moved back to her home community of Timiskaming and the support they had for children with special needs. She combined this support with her love of horses and now had the ability to open her farm to other Indigenous youth. 

At Algonquin Acres, the use of Indigenous traditions is evident in their everyday operations. Sage, a traditional indigenous herb, is burnt throughout the farm to create a calming atmosphere. Lisa incorporates creative therapeutic sessions into the farm’s routine. Activities range from painting on horses or canvas to quiet, introspective periods which cultivate mindfulness.

One key activity includes teaching young visitors to paint indigenous symbols and markings on horses, as their ancestors did on their war horses. These exercises not only provide a creative outlet but also instill a strong sense of cultural identity and heritage among the youth.

The response from the community towards Lisa’s efforts has been overwhelmingly positive. Community members have aided with various projects, participated in open houses, and community gatherings hosted by Algonquin Acres. The farm has successfully hosted women’s wellness events, summer camp visits, and aims to provide space for full moon ceremonies.

Lisa’s vision for Algonquin Acres continues to grow. Plans to expand the farm by using adjacent land offered by a community member are in the pipeline. This would mean more room for therapeutic sessions, nature trail rides, and expansion of their horse population. Moreover, an indoor riding arena is in the works to provide a warmer space for winter activities. Lisa also aims to increase her staff strength, bring more diversity to her team, and offer more sessions in multiple languages, furthering inclusivity.

Her main message to Indigenous youth is that you are supported and there is a wealth of information and knowledge out there waiting for you to take that chance.

Lisa’s advice to aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs is clear – believe in your dreams, take the risk, and lean on the support of your community. Lisa’s story shows us that entrepreneurship can serve as a powerful tool for cultural preservation, community development, and positive change. 

Listen to Lisa’s advice and journey on the latest episode on the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast.

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In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to support and empower Indigenous entrepreneurs in North America. One person who is at the forefront of this movement is Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Senior Lead of Build Native Indigenous Entrepreneurs at Shopify. He has been part of the Pow Wow Pitch family for the past five years and is now a part of the Pow Wow Pitch Advisory Council.

Kyle’s work at Shopify involves providing mentorship, resources, and e-commerce tools to Indigenous entrepreneurs. His goal is to help these entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses, and to break down the barriers that often prevent Indigenous businesses from thriving.

One of the ways Kyle is accomplishing this is through his work with the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast. In a recent episode of the podcast, Kyle discussed his involvement with the podcast and how it is helping to promote Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Kyle explained that the podcast is an important tool for promoting Indigenous entrepreneurship and breaking down the barriers. He also highlighted the importance of e-commerce in the success of Indigenous businesses, and how Shopify is working to provide these entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed online. Kyle went on to talk about the shift he helps entrepreneurs make from only utilizing social media to the broad market the internet has to offer with the success of e-commerce and the Build Native program at Shopify.

Kyle’s work with Indigenous entrepreneurs is an important step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive economy. By empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs and providing them with the resources they need to succeed, Kyle is helping to create a world in which all businesses have the opportunity to thrive.

As the program lead of Build Native Indigenous Entrepreneurs at Shopify, Kyle is a key player in the movement towards greater Indigenous entrepreneurship. His work is helping to promote greater economic diversity and inclusivity, and is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere.

In conclusion, Kyle Brennan Sháwinipinesì’s work as the program lead of Build Native Indigenous Entrepreneurs at Shopify is making a real difference in the world of Indigenous entrepreneurship. His work with the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast is just one example of his commitment to promoting greater economic diversity and inclusivity, and is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. Said best by Kyle himself, “It’s all part of building a circular economy and building that impact.”

To take advantage of Kyle’s amazing work with the Build Native Indigenous Entrepreneur program, visit shopify.com/pitch to gain access to a 60-day free trial!

Listen in to Kyle’s episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast now at powwowpitch.org/podcast.

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Jenn Harper, the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, is an Anishnaabe woman and member of the Northwest Angle 33 First Nations in Kenora, Ontario. She has had an incredible journey of healing and growth and her story is inspiring for those who have struggled with addiction, trauma, and self-doubt. Jenn has not only overcome her own struggles but also created a thriving business that supports Indigenous youth education, promotes Indigenous representation, and sets the example for sustainability in the beauty industry.

Jenn’s journey began with her battle with addiction and her realization that she needed to change her life. She paid attention to others who had overcome addiction and realized how important it was to share her own story. She believes that her vulnerability is part of her strength in her journey.

Jenn’s healing journey has been a constant practice that she does every single day. She wakes up and starts her day with prayer, meditation, and fitness. She tries to get outside in nature every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Jenn understands the importance of connecting with nature and the Creator, and this has been an essential part of her healing and addressing generational trauma.

In addition to her personal healing journey, Jenn has also built a successful sustainable beauty brand, Cheekbone Beauty. The brand is committed to creating products that are ethically made and environmentally friendly. The brand’s ethos is grounded in Indigenous values and culture, which are central to Jenn’s identity.

Jenn’s commitment to her own healing and the healing of her community is evident in everything she does. Cheekbone Beauty donates 10% of its profits to Indigenous youth education. Jenn believes that generational healing is possible, and she has transformed herself into a new person who can handle things in a much healthier way. Jenn says, “We are the only ones in charge of seeking healing.”

In conclusion, Jenn Harper’s story is one of perseverance, healing, and growth. Her journey is a reminder that it is never too late to change your life, and that healing is a daily practice. Jenn’s story is inspiring, and her commitment to her own healing and the healing of her community is a testament to the power of the human spirit.

Hear more of Jenn’s inspiring story on the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast now, on your favourite platform at powwowpitch.org/podcast.

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Trisha and Mélanie, the founders of MINI TIPI, are business partners but they are also close friends. They met each other in an aqua fitness class when they were both young moms, and their friendship flourished as they bonded over their passion for textiles and sewing.

Trisha, a member of the Nipissing First Nation, had always been fascinated by fabrics and started to create small baby projects at home. Mélanie, on the other hand, had a knack for branding and knew what people wanted. She encouraged Trisha to start selling her creations on Facebook and Etsy.

After a while, their hobby turned into a business, and MINI TIPI was born. Trisha and Mélanie’s vision was to celebrate Indigenous art and culture by collaborating with artists to create beautiful, authentic designs. They wanted to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and share their culture with the world. Their shared vision and passion for promoting their culture and artistry have driven MINI TPI’s success, and they continue to inspire others to follow their passions and make a positive impact on their communities.

Their journey has not been easy, but they have persevered through the challenges. Trisha and Mélanie have worked hard to balance their business with their family responsibilities, but they knew that they were building something that would last. For them, “entrepreneurship is not just about creating a business. It’s about creating a legacy,” said on the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast.

Today, MINI TIPI has been operating for six years, and their products can be found in stores across Canada, such as Simons and various local retailers. Trisha and Mélanie continue to inspire others with their passion for textiles and their commitment to celebrating Indigenous art and culture. 

Trisha and Mélanie’s ultimate hope is to inspire and empower other Indigenous entrepreneurs to follow their dreams and pursue their passions. They want to be role models for other Indigenous women and show them that anything is possible if they have the determination and resilience to overcome challenges and obstacles.

Listen to their episode on the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast now! powwowpitch.org/podcast/

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