Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte business based in Shannonville, ON, wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 4th, 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 Mitchell Brant, the Mohawk Co-Owner of Eagle Orthopaedics, a business based in Shannonville, ON, as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Health & Wellness Semi-Final Winner. Mitchell 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. Eleven Health & Wellness 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 Rebeccah Slaunwhite, Branch Manager at RBC; Bronwen Fitzsimons, Senior Analyst of Security Resolution at Mastercard; Anthony Wingham, National Indigenous Youth Business Advisory Council Member at NACCA; and Lisa Vicaire, Founder of Algonquin Acres and 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Alumni Choice Winner.
“Advancing to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale is such an incredible honour,” said Mitchell Brant, Co-Owner of Eagle Orthopaedics. “My vision is to make prosthetic and orthotic services more accessible by creating a mobile clinic, so patients can get the care they need without transportation being a barrier. This experience has reminded me that it’s important to take chances—win or lose, there are always lessons, connections, and experiences to be proud of. I’m deeply thankful for my mentor, my support network of family and friends, and the Pow Wow Pitch community for building this amazing platform.”
Mitchell Brant, Co-Owner of Eagle Orthopaedics, leads the family-run practice with a long-standing reputation for excellence in Southeast Ontario. Since 1994, Eagle Orthopaedics has been dedicated to providing custom prosthetic and orthotic treatments including artificial limbs, orthopaedic braces, custom foot orthotics, and shoe modifications, all expertly designed and fabricated on site. The clinic continues the tradition established by James Brant by delivering high-quality, holistic care that integrates collaboration with various healthcare professionals and specialist clinics to ensure the most effective, client-centered outcomes.
In his pitch, Mitchell revealed plans to amplify Eagle Orthopaedics’ reach through the introduction of mobile services and the establishment of an additional clinic. These efforts will be supported by his competition winnings and aim to bring expert prosthetic and orthotic care directly into communities while reinforcing the brand’s accessibility and commitment to personalized, high-quality service.
“The best advice I can share with other Indigenous entrepreneurs is to take the chance. Time doesn’t wait for anyone, so step out of your comfort zone, pitch your passion, and be open to the lessons along the way. No matter the outcome, there is so much value in the experiences, connections, and growth you gain.”
The judges congratulated Mitchell for his great presentation and the passion he brought to his pitch. They were impressed by his dedication to improving accessibility and quality of life for his clients through expert prosthetic and orthotic care, and by the meaningful impact his business continues to have in his community and beyond.
“Congratulations to Mitchell Brant on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Accessible healthcare is vital for the wellbeing of our communities, and Mitchell’s leadership shows how Indigenous entrepreneurs are creating real solutions that bring care closer to home.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Health & Wellness industry category. Maureen Landucci, Founder of Platinum Home Care, was recognized for her clear passion for supporting vulnerable community members and her strong commitment to making a meaningful difference in the home care space.
“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 Mitchell Brant for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Mitchell’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Health & Wellness Semi-Final episode, click here.
Mitchell 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.