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. 

Founded in 2023, the brand has quickly gained recognition for its unique approach to merging cultural heritage with high fashion. Alex’s journey with SACRD THNDR is deeply personal. “The reason for starting the business stemmed from a desire to create a platform that not only showcases Indigenous art but also empowers diverse identities, mainly through the lens of Two-Spirit perspectives,” Alex explains. They recognized a gap in the fashion industry where Indigenous voices and stories were often underrepresented or misinterpreted, sparking a desire to reclaim and celebrate Indigenous culture in a modern context. 

The foundation of SACRD THNDR is inclusivity. “Our accessories are designed for everyone to wear, regardless of gender or background,” Alex emphasizes. The brand offers a platform for cultural expression and awareness, inviting people from all walks of life to connect with Indigenous culture. “Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to embody the essence of Indigenous traditions while appealing to contemporary aesthetics,” Alex says. This fusion of past and present is central to the brand’s ethos, creating accessories that are not only beautiful but meaningful.

Indigenous design and fashion hold deep cultural importance for Alex. “For many Indigenous peoples, design is not just about creating beautiful objects; it is an integral part of our culture, history, and connection to the land and ancestors,” they explain. Through SACRD THNDR, Alex strives to honour their heritage while challenging traditional norms in the fashion industry. “Indigenous design challenges the dominant narratives of the industry, which often overlook or misrepresent Indigenous perspectives. It’s about reclaiming our narratives and ensuring our voices and artistry are authentically represented,” Alex adds.

Each design from SACRD THNDR carries a story. “When people see my designs, I want them to feel a deep connection, appreciation, and curiosity,” Alex shares. They aim for their creations to spark conversations about Indigenous culture, identity, and the importance of representation. Alex believes that fashion can be a powerful vehicle for awareness and education, and they use SACRD THNDR to open up these important dialogues. “I hope individuals feel empowered when wearing SACRD THNDR pieces, and I’m proud to showcase accessories that embody strength and art,” Alex notes.

Looking to the future, Alex has ambitious goals for SACRD THNDR. “My goals include elevating Indigenous voices in fashion through authentic representation, creating inclusive designs that resonate with a diverse audience, and incorporating sustainable practices in our production,” Alex says. They also hope to expand the brand’s offerings and engage with Indigenous communities through collaborations with artisans and storytellers. Ultimately, Alex aspires to position SACRD THNDR as a pioneering force in the luxury fashion world, all while honouring their ancestors and inspiring future generations of Indigenous designers.

Receiving the Aritzia Fashion Grant will significantly support SACRD THNDR’s mission. “The grant will provide essential funding for production costs, allowing us to create high-quality, culturally reflective pieces,” Alex shares. They see the grant as an opportunity to increase the brand’s visibility, improve its business strategy, and invest in sustainable practices. Additionally, the grant will enable SACRD THNDR to engage with Indigenous communities through collaborations and educational initiatives, fostering a greater appreciation for Indigenous cultures.

For aspiring Indigenous designers, Alex offers encouraging advice: “Embrace your culture as a source of inspiration and authenticity. Focus on storytelling to connect with consumers and prioritize sustainability in your practices.” They also stress the importance of building a supportive network and staying resilient in the face of challenges. “Most importantly, enjoy the creative journey and celebrate your achievements as you make a meaningful impact in the fashion world,” Alex advises.

To watch Alex’s winning pitch in the Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finals, click here. To read more about the 2024 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipients, click here. To shop SACRD THNDR on Pow Wow Market, click here.

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On September 17th, 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, 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. 

More than 300 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States) applied to Pow Wow Pitch this year for their chance to win cash prizes and advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale. From the 300 applicants, 100 were selected as Semi-Finalists and provided with training and mentorship to prepare for their semi-final pitch to the Judges.

Last night, ten 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 advance as a finalist.

Judges included Rachael Fouchier, Senior Director of Service Excellence at Aritzia; Katia Duchesneau, Première directrice relationnelle, Services financiers commerciaux, Marché autochtone – Québec at RBC; Brandon Davenport, Head of Equitable Commerce at Shopify; Teodoral Niculae, Director of Senior Legal Counsel at Mastercard Canada; and Trisha Pitura, Co-Owner and Co-Founder at MINI TIPI.

Pow Wow Pitch has announced the winners of the 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grants, in partnership with Aritzia, the Everyday Luxury retailer. Aritzia launched the Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grants in 2022 as part of its commitment to participate in acts of reconciliation and to empower the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs developing apparel, accessories, designer brands and businesses. To read the announcement of the 2024 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grants, click here.

The following Fashion Semi-Finalists were selected and honoured with an Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant of $2,500:

• Shayna Boudreau, the Bilijk First Nation Founder of Amakehs Designs based in Bilijk First Nation, New Brunswick.
• Presley MacMillan, the Fort McMurray First Nation Founder of 12:21 streetwear based in Spruce Grove, Alberta.

The following Fashion Semi-Finalists also were selected and honoured with a Runner Up Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant of $1,000:

• Benjamin Nelson, the Kiowa Founder of The Son of Picasso based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
• Conlin McDonald, the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Founder of E3 Apparel Ltd. based in St. Albert, Alberta.

“I’ve learned that keeping calm and confident is key,” shared Alex Manitopyes, Founder and CEO of SACRD THNDR. “The entrepreneurial journey has its ups and downs, but each obstacle is a chance to learn something new. My advice to Indigenous entrepreneurs is to embrace your unique story. Our backgrounds are our superpowers—don’t hesitate to let your culture shine through in your work. People love authentic stories!”

SACRD THNDR is an Indigenous owned and designed brand that celebrates the intersection of culture and high fashion. Founded by Alex Manitopyes, a non-binary/trans masc fashion designer, SACRD THNDR embraces the rich art of Indigenous culture. Alex draws inspiration from their cultural roots, infusing each accessory with meaning and trends. SACRD THNDR’s approach to fashion is a celebration of identity, traditions, and artistry, making it a unique and pioneering force in the luxury fashion industry.

Alex Manitopyes pitched to win funds to expand their product line with new materials that are sustainable and ecologically conscious. Alex hopes to continue showcasing their culture in new and exciting ways.

“I can’t thank my family, friends, and mentors enough for all their support! Especially my fiancé, my personal cheerleader and my best supporter,” reflected Alex Manitopyes. “Winning this competition felt surreal—like, wow, I did it! I’m just so grateful to the Pow Wow Pitch team for believing in me and giving Indigenous entrepreneurs a platform to shine.”

The judges congratulate Alex Manitopyes for delivering an outstanding pitch presentation and demonstrating a strong potential to scale. They are excited to see Alex on their entrepreneurial journey and look forward to watching both Alex and SACRD THNDR grow. In addition to advancing to the Grand Finale, the judges selected Alex to receive an Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant of $2,500.

“Congratulations Alex, on being awarded an Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant and for being selected as the Semi-Final winner advancing to the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Alex’s vision for SACRD THNDR is a shining example of the power of embracing your story through your business. Their ability to blend culture and traditions with high fashion, while staying true to their identity, values, and authenticity is inspiring. We are excited to see how Alex will continue to break boundaries, share their story, and lead the way for future Indigenous entrepreneurs in the fashion industry. We look forward to spotlighting Alex and sharing more about SACRD THNDR with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing our impact together.” 

Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Fashion industry category. Janelle Alladina , Founder of Indiginize Creation, was recognized for her bright enthusiasm and pitch energy and for her strong community impact to collaborate with fellow Indigenous artists. Janelle was also the recipient of a Runner Up Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant of $1,000 to continue growing her brand.

“Pow Wow Pitch is an incredible showcase of Indigenous trailblazers who are making a transformative impact on our communities with their resilience, ingenuity and unwavering commitment to success.” said Tracy Antoine, Senior Director of Indigenous Programs and Policies at RBC. “We’re so proud of all our participants and semi-finalists – their courage to participate leads to life achievements and their shared stories are truly inspirational. We are committed to supporting their growth and success in the future.” 

“Being involved in Pow Wow Pitch is not just an honour, it’s a privilege to witness the creativity and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Senior Lead for Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Shopify. “It’s a reminder of the resilience and strength of our communities and the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change. Shopify has played a proud role in supporting Pow Wow Pitch, so it is exciting to see how things have grown over the years. What an incredible opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs!”

“The innovative thinking and solutions brought forward by all the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch have been truly inspiring,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada. “At Mastercard, we’re committed to working with partners like Pow Wow Pitch to unlock access to resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs across the diverse communities we serve to power economies and empower people. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Alex on advancing to the next round.”

To watch Alex’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Fashion Semi-Final episode, click here.

Alex Manitopyes will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 23rd. Register to watch the 2024 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.

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