From the Kiowa Nation, The Son of Picasso, Founder of Products Of My Environment and 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant Recipient, is a visionary in the world of sustainable streetwear. He launched Products Of My Environment five years ago with a mission to create clothing that not only redefines fashion but also serves as a canvas for self-expression and liberation.
From Fort McMurray First Nation, Presley MacMillan, Founder of 12:21 streetwear and 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant Recipient, is on a mission to create a premium streetwear brand that not only offers luxury aesthetics but also fosters positive change. Established just over a year ago, 12:21 streetwear is committed to using sustainable materials and ethical production methods, ensuring that the brand aligns with values of social responsibility and environmental conservation. Additionally, a percentage of the brand’s sales go toward raising awareness and supporting individuals facing substance abuse, homelessness, and environmental causes.
From Muskowekwan First Nation, Alex Manitopyes, a and non-binary and trans masc, Founder and CEO of SACRD THNDR, and 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant Recipient, is creating a luxury fashion brand that celebrates Indigenous culture through modern accessories. With a focus on inclusivity and cultural expression, SACRD THNDR blends traditional Indigenous art and symbolism with contemporary fashion trends, offering lightweight acrylic earrings and accessories that carry both aesthetic and cultural significance.
From the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Conlin McDonald, Founder of E3 Apparel Ltd. and 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant Recipient, is building an Indigenous brand rooted in cultural awareness and language revitalization. Named after his three sons, E3 Apparel Ltd. represents a deeper mission: connecting with his Indigenous roots and passing that knowledge on to future generations.
From the heart of the Biljik First Nation in New Brunswick, Shayna Boudreau, Founder of Amakehs Designs and 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant Recipient, embodies the spirit of Indigenous creativity and cultural celebration through her unique powwow attire. Known for her beautifully crafted garments, Shayna’s most popular creation is the Overall Ribbon Dress, a piece that combines traditional elements with modern designs, resonating deeply with families looking for something special for cultural events.
From the rich heritage of the Williams Lake Indian Band Shuswap, Indiginize Creation embodies tradition through custom, free-hand designed hats inspired by Mother Earth. Owner and 2024 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipient, Janelle Alladina, shares her journey with Indiginize Creation and how she is empowered by tradition and etching her niche in the fashion industry.
Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, is proud to partner with Aritzia, a design house with an innovative global platform, to award and spotlight six emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs with the Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grants.
On September 19th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Simon Monteith, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Founder of Simon The Scientist, a business based in Winnipeg, Manitoba as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Alumni Choice Semi-Final Winner. Simon has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his business.
On September 18th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Esther Maud, the Skownan First Nation Founder of Wabshkaa Animkii Benesii, a business based in Thunder Bay, Ontario as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch People’s Choice Semi-Final Winner. Esther has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.
On September 17th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Alex Manitopyes, the Muskowekwan First Nation of SACRD THNDR, a business based in Calgary, Alberta as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Fashion Semi-Final Winner presented by Aritzia. Alex Manitopyes has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their business.
On September 16th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Darion Ducharme & Zachary Flett, the Lac Seul and Sagkeeng First Nations Co-Founders of Teqare, a business based in Winnipeg, Manitoba as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Technology Semi-Final Winners. Darion and Zachary, winners of the Technology Semi-Finals, presented by Mastercard Canada, have won $1,000 and are advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their business.
On September 13th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Kariza Manychief, the Blood Tribe Kainaiwa Owner of Night Owl Games, a business based in Lethbridge, Alberta as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Innovation Semi-Final Winner. Kariza has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.
On September 13th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Isabelle Dabbs, the Native Hawaiian and Cherokee Founder of Witch’s Brew Nutrients, a business based in Kailua, HI, USA as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Innovation Semi-Final Winner. Isabelle has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.
On September 12th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Jennifer Robin, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Producer of Ofi Nia Productions, a business based in Mariposa, California, USA as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Creative Semi-Final Winner. Jennifer has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.
On September 11th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Shyra Barberstock, the Kebaowek First Nation Co-Founder of Kebaonish Inc., a business based in Tyendinaga, Ontario as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Food & Drink Semi-Final Winner. Shyra has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.