Sagkeeng First Nation business based in Vancouver, BC, wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 2nd, Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that hosts a Turtle Island wide Indigenous Business Pitch Competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC and Mastercard, announced Debbie Courchene, the Sagkeeng First Nation Founder of IndigE-girl Comedy, a business based in Vancouver, BC as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Not-For-Profit Semi-Final Winner. Debbie has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.
More than 130 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States) 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. Last night, six Not-For-Profit Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their organizations and community initiatives in one-minute for their chance to win an industry prize and a spot in the finals.
Judges included Bruce Young, Vice President of Corporate Client Group at RBC; Imtiaz Qureshi, Manager of Deal Management at Mastercard; Ana Itofa, Communications Specialist at CIRA; and Stacey Mallory, Director at Altis Recruitment.
“IndigE-girl Comedy has become a powerful platform, and I’m so grateful for the chance to grow it with this support,” said Debbie Courchene, Founder of IndigE-girl Comedy. “With the funding, we’ll be able to expand our visibility, sustain workshops that nurture new talent, and create professional opportunities so more Indigenous women can thrive as comedians. Our work isn’t just about comedy, it’s about building confidence, healing from trauma, and creating a safe space where Indigenous women can speak their truths and be celebrated for it.”
Debbie Courchene founded IndigE-girl Comedy, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous women, queer, and non-binary voices in the stand-up comedy industry. Through mentorship workshops, open mics, and showcases, IndigE-girl Comedy creates a safe and supportive community where performers can explore storytelling, reclaim space, and use humour as medicine. With a strong focus on accessibility, the organization has built a platform that helps emerging Indigenous comics grow their craft, connect with audiences, and be celebrated for their unique perspectives.
IndigE-girl Comedy has already taken its performers to stages across Canada and internationally, spotlighting Indigenous joy, resilience, and laughter. To continue expanding this work, Debbie pitched to win funds to invest in marketing, production equipment, and the capacity to support more Indigenous creatives. These investments will strengthen the organization’s ability to amplify voices, create more opportunities for performers, and ensure Indigenous comedians have the tools and visibility they need to thrive in the comedy industry.
“What I’ve learned on this journey is the importance of resilience and staying true to our voices,” shared Debbie Courchene. “Comedy has always been a way of challenging power structures and giving our communities space to talk about real issues in ways that inspire compassion and connection. My advice to other Indigenous entrepreneurs is to trust in your vision, lean on your community, and never underestimate the strength of your own story.”
The judges congratulated Debbie for her amazing energy, strong conviction, and inspiring mission to support Indigenous women and the broader comedy industry.
“Congratulations to Debbie on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through IndigE-girl Comedy, Debbie is creating a space where Indigenous women and our queer relatives feel seen, celebrated, and uplifted. Her work reminds us that laughter is medicine — it connects us, heals us, and strengthens our spirits. We are so excited to spotlight Debbie’s journey with the Pow Wow Pitch community and to continue growing together.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Not-For-Profit industry category. Jackie DeCoteau-Gill, Founder of Kokums Helper Society, was recognized for her strong presentation skills, clear passion, and the meaningful impact of her work. The judges were especially impressed by her presence and the heart behind her pitch.
“Pow Wow Pitch is an incredible showcase of Indigenous changemakers who are making a meaningful impact through their passion, creativity, and determination,” said Chinyere Eni, Head of RBC Origins. “We are so inspired by all the participants and semi-finalists – their ingenuity and perseverance to bring their innovative ideas to life is truly commendable. At RBC, we are committed to supporting their entrepreneurial journey and celebrating their successes.”
“The talent and determination showcased by this year’s Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs have been nothing short of inspiring,” said Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard, Canada. “Our team at Mastercard works closely with partners like Pow Wow Pitch to break down barriers and create new opportunities for growth and economic prosperity across Canada. Congratulations to all the pitchers for sharing their ideas and stories, and a special congratulations to Debbie Courchene for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Debbie’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Not-For-Profit Semi-Final episode, click here.
Debbie will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 22, 2025. Register to watch the 2025 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.