Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with MINI TIPI to empower emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs throughout the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch programming. As alumni of Pow Wow Pitch, the co-founders of MINI TIPI are excited to give back by sponsoring, judging, and mentoring the next generation of Indigenous business leaders.
MINI TIPI is an Indigenous lifestyle brand that operates and manufactures its products locally in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, with the purpose of addressing the lack of authentic Indigenous-designed textiles. MINI TIPI is a brand that also collaborates with Indigenous artists to create exclusive designs ensuring proper representation in the textile industry. Through their artist royalty program and giveback initiatives, MINI TIPI became a leader in Indigenous designed textiles, artistic collaborations and community involvement.
In alignment with MINI TIPI’s give back initiatives, they will be contributing to Pow Wow Pitch’s mission to support and empower Indigenous entrepreneurs by participating in the Indigenous Entrepreneur Bootcamp to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Additionally, Trisha Pitura will also be welcomed back as an Alumni Choice judge in the Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finals to select an outstanding pitcher to move into the Grand Finale for this year’s competition.
Trisha Pitura, Co-Founder of MINI TIPI, shared her excitement about being part of Pow Wow Pitch: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be involved with Pow Wow Pitch for another year. We’ve pitched three times ourselves as entrepreneurs, and the growth we’ve experienced thanks to the opportunities from Pow Wow Pitch has been incredible. We truly believe in and support everything they do to uplift entrepreneurs—giving them a platform to shine, dream big, and share their stories.”
Mélanie Bernard, Co-Founder of MINI TIPI, echoes Trisha’s statement, sharing, “MINI TIPI is committed to partnering with Pow Wow Pitch as a way to help strengthen the supportive community for Indigenous entrepreneurs. This partnership is a reflection of our dedication to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship and contributing to the growth of a vibrant ecosystem that supports Indigenous entrepreneurs.”
Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, highlighted the importance of collaborating with alumni, saying, “Partnering with our Pow Wow Pitch Alumni represents the kind of growth we aim to achieve. We’re incredibly grateful to Trisha and Mélanie for giving back to the community in such a meaningful way. MINI TIPI truly embodies the spirit of reciprocity and the importance of empowering the next generation.”
Pow Wow Pitch and MINI TIPI are fostering a vibrant ecosystem where Indigenous entrepreneurs can thrive. This partnership exemplifies the power of Indigenous-led collaborations in advancing Indigenous entrepreneurship—creating space for Indigenous entrepreneurs to shine, share their stories, and build successful, sustainable businesses.
About Pow Wow Pitch
Pow Wow Pitch is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, with the co-presenting support of Mastercard and RBC. Our vision is to create a world where Indigenous entrepreneurs thrive, feeling supported, safe, and encouraged to develop their ideas and build businesses that create a positive cycle of growth. With a mission to provide resources and mentorship, we empower Indigenous entrepreneurs while amplifying their stories to inspire future generations and foster a more inclusive world.
For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.
About MINI TIPI
MINI TIPI is a Canadian brand which operates and manufactures its products locally in Gatineau, Canada with their team of eleven. Setting themselves apart by being leaders in creating authentic Indigenous designs and collaborating with Indigenous artists to create proper representation and celebrating Indigenous arts and cultures. Through their artist royalty program and giveback initiatives, MINI TIPI has become leaders in artistic collaborations, community involvement, and local manufacturing.
For more information, visit minitipi.ca.