Liidlii Kue First Nation business based in Edmonton, AB, wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 16th, 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 Jackie DeCoteau-Gill, the Dehcho Dene Founder of Kokums Helper Society, a business based in Edmonton, AB, as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Alumni Choice Semi-Final Winner. Jackie has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their 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.
The Pow Wow Pitch Alumni Choice was created to foster a culture of giving back, mentorship, community support and empowerment across the Indigenous entrepreneur community. Out of 130 Semi-Finalists, 13 were acknowledged as the Runner Up for their respective category. The Pow Wow Pitch Alumni Judges reviewed the pitches of the Runner-Up Semi-Finalists and selected the one they believe has the strongest potential in the Grand Finale, advancing them to compete for the top prize.
Judges included Trisha Pitura, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of MINI TIPI; Jordan Smith, Founder of Renterii; Erica Daniels, Founder and CEO of Kejic Productions; and Angela Gillette, Founder of White Corn Wear.
“I am so fortunate to be selected for the opportunity to move my project forward,” said Jackie DeCoteau-Gill, Founder of Kokums Helper Society. “Sometimes when you’re in the grind of everyday life along with what sometimes seems like a long road ahead, it’s the confirmation of support from your community, both known and unknown, that helps lighten the load enough for you to get that momentum feeling smoother.”
Jackie DeCoteau-Gill, founder of Kokums Helper Society, is a passionate advocate for culturally grounded end-of-life care within Indigenous communities. Growing up in Edmonton, Jackie experienced firsthand the challenges of supporting loved ones through their final journeys, often without access to culturally appropriate care. Her personal experiences, combined with a deep commitment to her heritage, led her to become a certified End-of-Life Doula and to establish Kokums Helper Society. The organization is dedicated to providing trauma-informed, culturally relevant hospice care for Indigenous individuals, emphasizing the importance of ceremony, community, and connection during the end-of-life process.
In her pitch, Jackie shared plans to utilize the funds to host an annual round dance, a significant cultural event honouring those who have passed, particularly those who lacked culturally relevant care. This initiative aims to bring together community members to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Additionally, Jackie envisions establishing a dedicated facility for Kokums Helper Society, providing a permanent space for Indigenous end-of-life care and services.
“I’ve learnt that it takes a community to build ourselves and others up. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the support and the sharing of knowledge that takes place within our circles,” shared Jackie. “Most of us Indigenous entrepreneurs are aiming to share the knowledge that used to be widespread, so reaching out and creating a strong circle of support is crucial to success. We weren’t made to do the various types of work we create alone.”
The judges congratulated Jackie for her strong presentation skills, clear passion, and the meaningful impact of her work. They were especially impressed by her presence and the heart behind her pitch, recognizing how deeply her mission of bringing culturally grounded end-of-life care and community healing resonates.
“The Alumni Choice Prize is powerful because it creates a circle—past pitchers lifting future ones, each generation of entrepreneurs inspiring the next,” said Trisha Pitura, co-founder of MINI TIPI and 2025 Alumni Choice Judge. “We’re so proud to congratulate this year’s Alumni Choice winner. You carry this spirit forward with heart and determination, reminding us of the strength, creativity, and resilience that lives in our Indigenous entrepreneurship community. Your journey will continue to uplift others, and that is the true meaning of success.”
“Congratulations to Jackie DeCoteau-Gill on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “We are thrilled that her peers and fellow Pow Wow Pitch Alumni recognized the heart and vision behind her work. Jackie’s dedication to culturally grounded end-of-life care is deeply meaningful, honouring Indigenous traditions, ceremony, and community in ways that heal. Kokums Helper Society beautifully reflects the power of bringing culture, compassion, and community together, from hosting round dances to creating a permanent space for care. Jackie’s work is a shining example of how entrepreneurship can be rooted in purpose, culture, and community, and we can’t wait to see the impact she continues to make.”
“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 Jackie DeCoteau-Gill for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Jackie’s winning pitch, click here.
Jackie 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.