Saelym DeGrandpre, Inuk artist, brings Inuit storytelling and creative rhythm to this year’s Pow Wow Pitch Box
Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs, co-presented in partnership with RBC and Mastercard, announced the selection of artist Saelym DeGrandpre’s piece ‘Lofi’ as the official art for the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Box, a mailer box featuring quality products created by early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Pow Wow Pitch supports emerging Indigenous-owned businesses by creating opportunities for visibility, recognition, and access to mentorship, funding, and community support to grow their ventures. Since launching in 2021, the Pow Wow Pitch Box program has showcased both digital and physical products from Indigenous entrepreneurs, connecting them with new audiences across the country.
Each year, Pow Wow Pitch collaborates with Indigenous artists to bring the Box design to life. In 2026, Saelym DeGrandpre was selected for her distinctive artistic approach and her work advancing Inuit representation within contemporary design.
About Saelym DeGrandpre
Saelym DeGrandpre is an urban Inuk graphic designer, artist, and mother based in Ottawa, Ontario.Saelym graduated from Algonquin College with a General Arts and Science in Aboriginal Studies.
Saelym’s work is rooted in a desire to increase Inuit representation in media, creating space for people to see themselves reflected through design and storytelling. Through her graphic design practice, she has collaborated with organizations including APTN, Know History, Canada’s History Society, Pinnguaq, Pauktuutit, Tungasuvvingat Inuit, Connected North, Winterlude, and more.
Saelym’s multidisciplinary practice spans graphic design, carving, digital illustration, printmaking, and jewelry making. Drawing inspiration from Inuit legends and teachings, femininity, contemporary art, and spirituality, she incorporates Tunniit, or traditional Inuit tattoos, as a form of visual storytelling that conveys energy, sound, and emotion while bringing Inuit culture to the forefront of design.
About ‘Lofi’
‘Lofi’ is a contemporary digital artwork that explores the connection between music, creativity, and cultural identity. Inspired by the creation of her first Inuk drum, the piece reflects how rhythm and sound shape both artistic practice and personal growth. In Inuit culture, music holds deep meaning, from throat singing and lullabies to drum dancing and storytelling that marks seasonal changes like the return of the sun.
Through ‘Lofi’, Saelym reimagines music interfaces through an Inuit lens, blending cultural elements with modern design. The work reflects her use of music, particularly lo-fi, as a tool to focus, create, and fully immerse herself in her process.
Saelym’s work reflects her journey as an Indigenous entrepreneur learning to create on her own terms. By embracing her natural creative rhythm, she has developed an approach that prioritizes authenticity, cultural connection, and sustainability.
Creating Space Through Entrepreneurship
“Indigenous entrepreneurship means creating space for our stories, our representation, and our design perspectives to be seen, valued, and sustained,” Saelym shared. “Music has become a tool that supports my creativity and allows me to create work I am proud to share.”
On her collaboration with the Pow Wow Pitch Box, she adds, “I’m honoured to have my work featured on the Pow Wow Pitch Box. Being part of something that uplifts Indigenous entrepreneurs and creatives means a lot to me. It’s important that our stories and perspectives are represented across all spaces, including design.”
“Pow Wow Pitch is proud to feature Saelym DeGrandpre in our 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Box,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “We first saw Saelym’s work last year when she was a 2025 Semi-Finalist, and we are always thrilled to collaborate with Indigenous entrepreneurs who have been part of our programming. This year marks our first collaboration with an Inuk artist for the Pow Wow Pitch Box. Through Lofi, Saelym brings Inuit culture to life in a contemporary design. We are honoured to showcase her work and to continue our commitment to increasing visibility for Indigenous artists across Turtle Island.”
With ‘Lofi’, Saelym’s work will help inspire and uplift a new wave of Indigenous entrepreneurs, connecting creativity, culture, and business through the Pow Wow Pitch Box.
Applications to be featured in the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Box will open on April 17, 2026.
To view more of Saelym’s work, visit Taqqiq.