Hailing from the Pekuakamiulnuatsh heritage, Raphaëlle Langevin is the passionate force behind Matsheshu Créations, a brand that offers a unique blend of clothing and accessories infused with Indigenous designs. As a 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipient, Raphaëlle’s commitment to blending tradition with fashion is gaining widespread recognition.
From Timiskaming, Ontario to the dynamic landscape of the fashion industry, Jodie Moonie, the visionary founder behind Muusa, and a proud recipient of a 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant, shares her entrepreneurial journey and how she is leaving an impact in Indigenous fashion and innovation.
From the community of the Métis Nation of Alberta to the broader fashion world, Jaret Smith, Founder of Unparalleled Clothing Company, and a 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipient, shares his journey into entrepreneurship and the milestones of his Pow Wow Pitch experience.
Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard, announced the contents of the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Box, featuring fourteen selected products from Indigenous businesses. Each box is priced at $150 plus tax and shipping, with a market value of more than $250 with all funds used to procure products from the Indigenous businesses featured in the box.
“We are excited to announce our partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, whose team have been true ecosystem builders in elevating the voices and brands of Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Althea Wishloff, Partner at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners. “With this partnership, our goal is to learn from founders and share knowledge and capital succession for companies as they grow.”
On September 19th, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard, announced Jasmine LaBillois, the Eel River Bar First Nation Founder of Msit No’kmaq Forest & Nature School from Eel River Bar, New Brunswick, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch People’s Choice Winner.
On September 19th, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard, announced three Alumni Choice Prize Winners:
Ramona Emerson, the Diné Co-Founder of Reel Indian Pictures from Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA).
Sharon Marshall, the Cree and Métis Founder of Digital DEVA from Lantzville, British Columbia.
Ashley Michel, the Secwepemc Founder of 4 Generations Creations from Kamloops, British Columbia.
On September 15, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced three winners of the Fashion Semi-Final category, presented in partnership with Aritzia:
Fashion Apparel Winner: Jodie Moonie, the Timiskaming First Nation Founder of Muusa from Notre Dame Du Nord, Quebec.
Fashion Design Winner: Dante Biss-Grayson, the Osage Founder of Sky-Eagle Collection from Taos, New Mexico (USA).
Fashion Shoes & Accessories Winner: Jason Picard-Binet, the Huron Wendat President of Bastien Industries from Wendake, Quebec.
Each entrepreneur has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their businesses.
Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition and non-profit organization supporting emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced a partnership with Aritzia, the vertically-integrated design house with an innovative global platform, to launch and award Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grants to six emerging Indigenous fashion entrepreneurs.
On September 15, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Jordan Smith, the Red River Métis Founder of Renterii from Toronto, Ontario, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Technology Winner. Jordan has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his business.
On September 14, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Jacob Cyr, the Pasqua First Nation Founder of Treaty Four Tech from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Startup Idea Winner. Jacob has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his business.
On September 14, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Simon Monteith, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Founder of Simon the Scientist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Youth Winner. Simon Monteith has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his business.
On September 13, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Cole Clark, the Behchoko Founder of STLN LNDS from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Creative Winner. Cole Clark has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his business.
On September 14th, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition and non-profit organization supporting emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, awarded 9 technology grants for young Indigenous entrepreneurs through the Tech-4-Youth program supported by Best Buy Canada.
On September 12, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced two winners of the 2023 Food & Drink Semi-Final:
Food & Drink Products Winner: Jacques T. Watso, the Abenaki Founder of Sagamité Watso from Odanak, Québec.
Food & Drink Services Winner: Tina Archuleta, the Jamez Nation Founder of ITALITY PLANT BASED FOODS from Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico (USA).
Each entrepreneur has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their businesses.