On November 12, 2025, Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced eight Award recipients from across Turtle Island at the 5th Annual Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, co-presented by RBC and Mastercard, and with the valued support and partnership of Sklar Wilton & Associates, Altis Recruitment, and Export Development Canada.
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards recognize and celebrate excellence and outstanding achievements in Indigenous entrepreneurship by recognizing entrepreneurial leaders for their perseverance, growth, and example.
Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch, hosted the event, which featured a special opening by Woodland Dancer, Misko McGregor from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and Aamjiwnaang First Nation, and eight Award presentations.
MEET THE 2025 INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEUR AWARD RECIPIENTS
Dallas Arcand, Founder of Kakio Productions Inc. (Edmonton, AB)
Pow Wow Pitch Grassroots Award recipient, presented by Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. Watch here.
“The work is most important for me as an artist and entrepreneur,” shared Dallas Arcand, Founder of Kakio Productions Inc. “I work for the people. I’m really thankful to the people of the powwow for their generosity and for lifting me up along the way. Over the years, I’ve accumulated skills, embraced learning, and grown through my experiences in business. There is so much more we can do for ourselves and our communities, and that is why I love being an entrepreneur. Thank you Pow Wow Pitch for recognizing me with this award, I am so grateful.”
Dallas Arcand is a proud member of Alexander First Nation and a three-time World Champion Hoop Dancer from Edmonton, Alberta. For over 30 years, he has shared Indigenous arts and culture worldwide through hoop dancing, singing, and flute, earning international acclaim. A graduate of Mount Royal University and the National Indigenous Professional Artist Training (NIPAT) program, Dallas now mentors emerging Indigenous artists at NIPAT. During the pandemic, he created “Powwow Dance Aerobics,” a free online program that connected and uplifted isolated individuals globally. From representing Canada at the Frankfurt Book Fair to performing at major sporting events, Dallas’s work celebrates resilience, cultural pride, and the unifying power of art.
Nova Courchene, Founder of Oshkagoojin (Winnipeg, MB)
RBC Rising Star Award recipient, presented by Trisha Hayter, Director of Market Activation at RBC Origins. Watch here.
“Chi miigwetch to Pow Wow Pitch, the presenter, and to everyone who has made this moment possible,” shared Nova Courchene, Founder of Oshkagoojin. “This award is not only a recognition of my work but of the youth, families, elders, and collaborators who walk beside me. I want to thank the many teachers, mentors, language speakers, and community members who continue to guide me and the young people who remind me why this work matters.”
Nova Courchene is the Sagkeeng First Nation founder of Oshkagoojin, a First Nation-run drama, education, and performance company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Nova’s decade-long journey in Indigenous youth theatre, combined with her passion for language, storytelling, and cultural preservation, has shaped her into a powerful advocate for youth expression and leadership. Oshkagoojin offers theatre programs, workshops, and custom storytelling performances all rooted in community, and led by Indigenous voices. Nova has written and directed original plays such as Waawaashkeshiwag Wabano and Dewe’igan Club, the development of Anishinaabemowin (Anishinabe language) learning tools, and the delivery of theatre programs that have reached over 6,000 students. Her work centers Indigenous youth, celebrates brilliance and belonging, and builds space for stories to be shared with strength, imagination, and joy.
Tanya Tourangeau, Founder of Tonya T Consulting (Edmonton, AB)
RBC Entrepreneurial Icon Award recipient, presented by Trisha Hayter, Director of Market Activation at RBC Origins. Watch here.
“Mahsi cho to Pow Wow Pitch and to RBC for this incredible honour,” shared Tanya Tourangeau, Founder of Tanya T Consulting. “To be recognized in this way means so much to me. My path to entrepreneurship has been rooted in reconciliation and I love being a bridge builder to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Heartfelt mahsi cho to my family and friends for lifting me up through every challenge and triumph. I also would like to share a deep appreciation and gratitude to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples for trusting me to walk alongside them.”
Tanya Tourangeau is a proud Dene woman from Salt River First Nation and founder of Tanya T Consulting, an Indigenous-led firm based in Edmonton, Alberta. Specializing in Reconciliation strategy, economic development, and cultural capacity-building, Tanya helps governments, businesses, and communities build authentic partnerships rooted in Two-Eyed Seeing. From a determined teenage mother to a nationally recognized Reconciliation Strategist, Tanya’s journey is fueled by her mission to disrupt trauma and drive systemic change. Guided by Dene Laws, strengthened by Western tools, and grounded in the balance of the Medicine Wheel, her work advances climate resilience, child welfare reform, and culturally grounded financial equity, leaving a legacy of healing, leadership, and empowered Indigenous futures.
Christopher Dedam, President of Sesweg Software Solutions (Fredericton, NB)
Mastercard Game Changer Award recipient, presented by Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard. Watch here.
“I am honoured to receive the Mastercard Game Changer Award, woliwon, thank you,” shared Christopher Dedam, President of Sesweg Software Solutions. “Part of our mission at Sesweg Solutions is to show that there is a place for First Nations people in information technology. One of my goals is to inspire Indigenous youth, to show them that they can have a role in tech, business, IT, and leadership. To me, this award signifies recognition, and I am very proud of the hard work we have accomplished.”
Christopher Dedam is a proud member of Listuguj First Nation and President of Sesgweg Software Solutions, a 100% Indigenous-owned tech company in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Specializing in web, mobile, and app development, Sesgweg provides consulting to federal and provincial governments while creating IT career pathways for First Nations youth. Christopher aims to bridge technology and tradition, using innovation to challenge systemic barriers and empower Indigenous communities. His leadership has supported Indigenous non-profits, mentorships, and job creation rooted in community. Notable achievements include winning the Desjardins GoodSpark Grant, launching the RavenTalent AI hiring tool, and serving on the YMCA and Chamber of Commerce boards. Now pursuing his MBA at Carleton, Christopher continues to champion Indigenous leadership in tech and business.
Dr. Kiera Brant-Birioukov, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Ridge Road Training & Consulting Inc. (Toronto, ON)
Mastercard Game Changer Award recipient, presented by Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard. Watch here.
“I’d like to thank Jennifer Sloan and Mastercard for this incredible honour of receiving the Mastercard Game Changer Award,” shared Dr. Kiera Brant-Birioukov, Founder of Ridge Road Training & Consulting Inc. “This journey has taught me that Indigenous entrepreneurship is nourishing, collaborative, and it thrives on mentorship and integrity. It is rooted in lifting others up. This recognition reminds me that pride and humility are not mutually exclusive. I am bound every day by deep threads of accountability to do right by and for my community and I share this honour with all of you. I look forward to what we can build together in the years ahead, niá:wenkowa.”
Kiera Brant-Birioukov is a proud Mohawk woman from the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and founder of Ridge Road Training & Consulting Inc., a Haudenosaunee-owned and -led company specializing in education, research, and community engagement based in Toronto, Ontario. Rooted in Haudenosaunee values, Ridge Road creates ethical, decolonial learning spaces that center Indigenous knowledge, language, and land. Kiera co-founded the company with her husband and mother to challenge the exploitation of Indigenous knowledge in academia and build spaces of renewal and mentorship. She developed national tools like Dollars and Sense and Indigenous Peoples in Toronto, and launched a Giving Back program that has donated over $33,000 to grassroots initiatives, including Mohawk language bursaries and newborn support programs. Her work uplifts Indigenous brilliance, inspires future generations, and makes space for all learners with humility and hope.
Bee Bird, Founder & Creative Director of Bee Productions Inc. (Regina, SK)
Sklar Wilton & Associates Legacy Award recipient, presented by Libier Gomez, Managing Director at Sklar Wilton & Associates. Watch here.
“Thank you to Pow Wow Pitch for this incredible honour. I am deeply humbled to receive the Sklar Wilton & Associates Legacy Award,” shared Bee Bird, Founder & Creative Director of Bee Productions Inc. “My journey into entrepreneurship has been more than just starting a business. It has been about storytelling, creating opportunities, and carrying forward the voices of my people. Thank you to all of my leaders who have guided me and to my community members, my family, and friends who continue to believe in me and lift me up even when the road gets tough.”
Bee Bird is a Montreal Lake Cree Nation media artist and founder of Bee Productions Inc., an First Nation-owned company based in Regina, Saskatchewan that creates culturally grounded films and digital media. With a passion for authentic storytelling, Bee uses media as a tool for empowerment, representation, and decolonization. His work includes video productions for First Nations University, Montreal Lake Cree Nation School, and other Indigenous organizations, always centering community voice and values. Bee’s notable achievements include being named the 2024 Indigenous Artist in Residence for the City of Regina, a nomination for the 2023 Emerging Artist Award by Doug Cuthand, and screening his Unreal Engine animation at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Through Bee Productions, Bee supports the next generation of Indigenous creatives by offering mentorships and internships, while using story to connect, educate, and uplift.
Natasha Lariviere, Founder of Endaayaan Awejaa (Sturgeon Falls, ON)
Altis Community Builder Award recipient, presented by Kathryn Tremblay, Co-Founder and Owner of Altis Recruitment. Watch here.
“I’m honoured to accept this award. And I would like to say chi-megwetch to the Pow Wow Pitch team and to Kathryn for the Altis Community Builder Award. ” shared Natasha Lariviere, Founder of Endaayaan Awejaa. “My journey into entrepreneurship was never just about starting a business, it was about healing, re-claiming and building spaces where youth can feel safe, proud, and connected. This work matters to build futures where our young people can live, heal, and thrive. This award doesn’t just belong to me, it belongs to the youth who inspire me everyday, the helpers who guide us, my family and children who support me, and the mentors who have shared their gifts with me along the way. As well as my community, who continues to believe in the power of youth leadership. I also want to say chi megwetch to gizhe-manidoo, the great spirit, and ancestors for walking this beautiful life with me and all that they share with me.”
Natasha Lariviere is a Two-Spirit entrepreneur from Nipissing First Nation and founder of Endaayaan Awejaa, an Indigenous-led organization creating safe, inclusive spaces for youth and families based in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario. Rooted in Anishinaabe teachings and land-based healing, Endaayaan Awejaa offers mentorship, cultural programming, 2-Spirit advocacy, and mental health support that empowers Indigenous youth to reconnect with their identity and gifts. Natasha’s journey was shaped by loss, resilience, and a vision to transform pain into purpose. What began in her living room has become a community movement, securing over $1 million in funding and reaching countless youth. Under her leadership, Endaayaan Awejaa has become a circle of care where healing, belonging, and hope thrive. Her dream is to open a culturally grounded youth home that reflects love, spirit, and strength.
Alissa Assu, Co-Owner of RavenSong Soaps and Candle (Campbell River, BC)
EDC Export Award recipient, presented by Donna St. Louis, National Lead of Indigenous Exports at Export Development Canada. Watch here.
“I’m so honoured to be presented an Indigenous Entrepreneur Award by Donna. Thank you so much to Export Development Canada for honouring me and recognizing me for this award.” shared Alissa Assu, Co-Owner of RavenSong Soap and Candle. “This has been a healing journey to be in business and I wish that to all Indigenous entrepreneurs. I truly believe that Indigenous businesses, culture, storytelling, and language all deserve to be in competitive spaces just like any other business, comedian, crafter and maker! I also want to take the chance to thank my family, my kidney donor for the gift of life, I’m thankful for community and uplifting community. Thank you to the elders, aunties, and the community who continues to support!”
Alissa Assu is a proud Wet’suwet’en and Nisga’a serial entrepreneur and the co-owner of RavenSong Soap & Candle, an award-winning Indigenous business based in Campbell River, British Columbia. Known for its cold-processed soaps and culturally inspired self-care products, RavenSong blends natural ingredients, Northwest Coast artwork, and traditional storytelling to honour Indigenous wellness and craftsmanship. Alissa carries on the legacy of founder Valerie Lamirande, who mentored her and her husband Cody, ensuring RavenSong’s roots remain strong in culture and community. Through RavenSong, Alissa has helped elevate Indigenous voices, create economic opportunities, initiate a give-back program to protect native wildlife, and promote sustainability. Her products were recently featured in the 2024 Juno Awards gift bags, highlighting Indigenous excellence on a national stage.
“It is a true joy and honour to celebrate these eight incredible Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Each of you carries the heart and spirit of your communities. Congratulations to the 2025 Indigenous Entrepreneur Award recipients. Your work touches lives, your stories inspire, your achievements plant seeds of possibility for generations to come. We are immensely proud of all that you have accomplished and look forward to witnessing the incredible difference you will continue to make.”
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate this year’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Award recipients and honour their remarkable achievements and contributions to Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape…” said Trisha Hayter, Director of Market Activation at RBC Origins. “Through our continued collaboration with Pow Wow Pitch, we are inspired to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs by showcasing their incredible talents and creating meaningful opportunities that support their growth and success. Congratulations to this year’s recipients. Your leadership, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit inspire us all, and we look forward to supporting your journey as you continue to shape a brighter future across Turtle Island and beyond.”
“Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards! Each of this year’s recipients has truly exemplified leadership through creativity, resilience and innovation,” said Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard. “Through our continued partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, we are incredibly proud of the work being done to address the unique challenges Indigenous entrepreneurs face, helping to create a more inclusive and thriving economy for all Canadians. We believe the future is more prosperous when Indigenous entrepreneurship is not only recognized but actively supported and celebrated.”
“We are delighted to honour the 2025 Indigenous Entrepreneur Award recipients,” said Libier Gomez, Managing Director at Sklar Wilton & Associates. “Your outstanding accomplishments and significant positive influence serve as a powerful testament to your resilience and dedication to leaving behind a legacy for generations to come. We are so proud to highlight your strength and tenacity in this year’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards presentation. Congratulations to you all on your well deserved recognition.”
“Our entire team at Altis congratulates each of these brilliant Indigenous business owners for winning a 2025 Indigenous Entrepreneur Award,” said Kathryn Tremblay, Co-Founder and Owner of Altis Recruitment. “Important drivers of economic self-determination, these awards give the recipients the chance to share their own start-up journey, setting the stage for other Indigenous talent and innovative ideas to take shape. As a partner, it makes us so proud to support the incredible work that Pow Wow Pitch does to elevate Indigenous voices, foster culture and empower communities across Turtle Island.”
“Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2025 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards,” said Donna St. Louis, National Lead of Indigenous Business at Export Development Canada. “Indigenous entrepreneurs are powerful role models, igniting inspiration and forging paths for future generations. We are incredibly proud to champion these trailblazers, celebrating their vital contributions to the exporting landscape and recognizing their accomplishments.”
Each of the Award recipients received an Official Pin designed and hand-created by Melody Markle, Anishinaabe beadwork artist from Long Point First Nation; and a limited edition print of the artwork ‘Cervidae’ by Anishinaabe Onyota’a:aka Artist, Tsista Kennedy, which features a plaque with their name and recognition.
To watch the 2025 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, click here.