Samson Cree Nation business based in Seattle, WA, USA wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 10th, 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 Shyanne, Samson Cree Nation First Nation Founder of mîmîNîsak, a business based in Seattle, WA, as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Startup Semi-Final Winner. Shyanne 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 Startup 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 Chris Hunt, Director Senior Commercial Markets at RBC; Chetan Singh, Director of Product Management at Mastercard; Sherry Zah, Vice President at Best Buy Canada; Brianna Babineau, Recruitment Partner of Government Services at Altis Recruitment; and Mélanie Bernard, Co-Founder & Co-Owner at MINI TIPI.
“When I found out, I felt a wave of gratitude, pride, and excitement,” said Shyanne Yellowbird, founder of mîmîNîsak. “First and foremost, I want to thank myself for believing in me. But truly, I am so thankful for my support system; my family, my culture, my mom, and my boyfriend. Being able to return home after being laid off gave me the space and freedom to explore what I truly wanted to do next. My family has always been there, even when the outside world feels heavy, and my boyfriend has been my calm in the storm, creating a space where I feel safe and strong. I’m grateful for my journey as an Indigenous woman and everything it has taught me. I’m also thankful to Pow Wow Pitch and my mentor Kathryn, who helped me shape and share my story with confidence. Winning the Startup Semi-Final filled me with both nerves and excitement, but more than anything, I’m eager to see where this path leads next.”
Shyanne Yellowbird, founder of mîmîNîsak, is a multidisciplinary artist, storyteller, and creative force from Samson Cree Nation. With a deep-rooted love for Indigenous storytelling, Shyanne brings ancestral teachings to life through imaginative design and land based memory. Her brand, mîmîNîsak, introduces a unique line of dolls inspired by the Cree Little People, spiritual beings known for their guidance, mischief, and protection. These characters are more than toys; they are memory keepers and quiet teachers meant to reconnect children and families with Indigenous knowledge systems. Each doll is carefully crafted to spark imagination, preserve culture, and carry the whisper of stories often left untold.
In her pitch, Shyanne shared her plan to use the funds to bring mîmîNîsak to life. With the funds, she will manufacture the first 3,000 dolls, support ethical packaging design, secure legal copyrights, and launch an influencer campaign to amplify the project’s reach. Her goal is to create culturally grounded toys that can be placed in homes, schools, and communities across Turtle Island. With every doll, Shyanne hopes to remind children of their connection to spirit, story, and land. mîmîNîsak is not just a toy line. It is a movement rooted in joy, cultural preservation, and Indigenous imagination.
“Sometimes it can feel like you’ve been putting in the work forever with no reward,” says Shyanne. “The idea for mîmîNîsak came to me last year, and at first, I had no idea how to bring it to life. It took eight months of on-and-off research, questions, and trial and error before it started to feel right. Then I came across Pow Wow Pitch, and everything shifted. It gave me the momentum and support I needed to move from concept to creation. For me, it’s been a mix of persistence, consistency, and discipline. That kind of perseverance is in our blood as Indigenous people. It’s why we’re still here today.”
“To any Indigenous entrepreneur out there with a vision that feels different or bold, I want you to know it’s possible,” she adds. “Believe in yourself. Let your culture fuel your creativity. We didn’t survive generations of attempted erasure to dim our light or shrink ourselves. Your ideas matter, and your voice belongs in every space you dream of entering. As cliché as it sounds, the path forward really is about not giving up. Keep going, because what you’re building could be the medicine someone else has been waiting for.”
The judges appreciated Shyanne’s great product, clear passion, and bold vision behind the business idea. They were impressed by her entrepreneurial mindset and ability to spot unique opportunities.
“Congratulations to Shyanne on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through mîmîNîsak, Shyanne is weaving Cree stories and ancestral knowledge, culture, and teachings into beautifully crafted toys that spark imagination, preserve culture, and inspire connection. Her creativity, perseverance, and commitment to cultural preservation is exactly the kind of impact we are proud to celebrate at Pow Wow Pitch.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Startup industry category. Sherri Adams, Founder of Auntie’s Qaspeqs & Goodies, was commended for her fantastic pitch, energy, and clear communication of her plan. They judges were especially impressed by how she blends her product with storytelling and admired her passion and commitment.
“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 Shyanne Yellowbird for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Shyanne’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Creative Semi-Final episode, click here.
Shyanne 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.