MHA First Nation business based in Bozeman, MT, USA wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 11th, 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 Shauna White Bear, MHA First Nation Founder of White Bear Moccasins LLC, a business based in Bozeman, MT, USA, as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Fashion Semi-Final Winner. Shauna 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 Fashion 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 Trisha Hayter, Director of Portfolio Management & Data, RBC Origins, at RBC; Duong Vu, Senior Data Scientist at Mastercard; Corinne Kepper, Vice President of Corporate Giving at Aritzia; and Trisha Pitura, Co-Founder & Co-Owner, at MINI TIPI.
“I’d like to thank my family, my friends, and most importantly the White Bear Moccasins Pack — Mae, Summer, Valor, and Angelina. We did it. We won!” said Shauna White Bear, founder of White Bear Moccasins LLC.
Shauna White Bear, founder of White Bear Moccasins LLC, is a self-taught moccasin maker, leatherworker, and creative force with a passion for craftsmanship, culture, and healing. Based on years of hands-on learning in a traditional cobbler shop, Shauna’s journey began from a place of heartbreak and transformation, leading her to embrace moccasin making as both an art form and a path to personal growth. Her work blends traditional techniques with unique and modern design elements, incorporating materials like wool, brass, and copper to create one-of-a-kind, durable moccasins that reflect her story and her customers’ individuality. Through her brand, Shauna shares her love for leatherwork and storytelling, hoping to inspire younger generations to take pride in their roots and use their creativity to build a life of authenticity and purpose.
In her pitch, Shauna shared plans to use the funding to expand the production and reach of White Bear Moccasins without compromising the handcrafted quality that defines her brand. A portion of the funds will go toward investing in a leather clicker press and custom moccasin pattern dyes to increase efficiency and consistency. She also plans to purchase a portable hand crank sewing machine and a small travel trailer to launch a mobile repair shop, bringing her services directly into Indigenous communities.
To support other makers, Shauna intends to buy bulk tray cloth wool to expand her retail offerings and source materials from fellow Indigenous artisans whenever possible. Her broader mission is to motivate youth to engage their hands and minds, stay rooted in authenticity, and take pride in their culture and creativity. Through White Bear Moccasins, Shauna is not only building a business, she is cultivating a movement of healing, empowerment, and Indigenous excellence.
“The lessons I’ve learned are to never second-guess yourself, to trust your intuition, and to always take a chance on every opportunity that comes your way,” shared Shauna. “If something feels outside of your comfort zone and makes you nervous, that is usually a sign it is worth doing.”
The judges appreciated her clear and compelling presentation and were impressed by the beautiful handmade quality of her work, which resonates deeply with her growing client base. They also commended her remarkable progress and leadership as she continues to expand her business and team.
“Congratulations to Shauna on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Her journey and work with White Bear Moccasins embody the spirit of creativity and cultural pride. Shauna’s craftsmanship and vision not only uplift her community, but also inspire the next generation of Indigenous peoples to stay rooted in their culture and authenticity as they follow their own paths.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Fashion industry category. Shayna Boudreau, Founder of Amakehs Designs, was praised by the judges for her passion, energy, and ambition to grow a business that uplifts her community while showcasing her unique products. They were impressed by her strong start and creative offerings and encouraged her to continue highlighting what makes her brand special as she scales.
“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 Shauna White Bear for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Shauna’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Fashion Semi-Final episode, click here.
Shauna 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.