Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Ashley Michel, Founder and Owner of 4 Generations Creations, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Winner and the recipient of the Grand Prize of $25,000. 

Hosted by Sunshine Tenasco, the creator of Pow Wow Pitch, the showdown featured entrepreneurs from nations across Turtle Island like the Mi’kmaq, Secwempc, Algonquin, Cree, Inuvialuit, Métis and Diné. 

Following a qualifying Semi-Final Round, the top 30 Indigenous entrepreneurs, from more than 2,000 applications from across Turtle Island, went head-to-head pitching their businesses to an esteemed panel of Judges who scored and selected the winners.

The 2023 Judges included the 2021 Pow Wow Pitch Winner Harlan Kingfisher, Founder and CEO of Smudge the Blades; the 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Winner Erica Daniels, Founder and CEO of Kejic Productions; Tamer Gabbour, Senior Account Manager at RBC; Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Build Native Program Lead at Shopify; and Christy Buchanan, Director of Account Management at Mastercard.

MEET THE WINNERS

The First Place Prize of $25,000 presented by RBC went to Ashley Michel, Founder & Owner of 4 Generations Creations, from Secwempc Nation in British Columbia. Ashley’s business, 4 Generations Creations, is a marketplace based in Kamloops, British Columbia for authentic Indigenous fabrics, materials, art and aims to create designs that educate others about Indigenous issues & resiliency. Watch Ashley’s pitch. 

“I chose to pitch again this year because I want a better future for my daughter and the generations to come,” said the 2023 First-Place Winner, Ashley Michel. “No obstacle is too big to overcome if you believe in yourself. I want the youth to see all of us succeed and realize that they could do that one day too.”

Ashley plans to use the $25,000 to purchase her own direct to garner machine to bring her production in-house and in turn, open opportunities to hire a team from her community.

“I am honoured to have been selected as the Pow Wow Pitch First Place Winner – this is absolutely life changing!” said Ashley. “I am excited to see the impact my business will have on our community to creating jobs for youth and providing authentic and accessible apparel for everyone. I want to thank everyone who has taken time to listen to my story and follow my journey so far. I also want to thank my mentors, community, & fellow artists/entrepreneurs for their mutual ongoing support. I also want to thank Pow Wow Pitch for providing this amazing opportunity for all of us!”

The Second Place Prize of $10,000 presented by Mastercard went to Alana Cook, Co-founder and MMA Coach of Walking Like Warriors from the Métis Nation of Alberta. Walking Like Warriors is a self-defence course based in St. Catharines, Ontario that teaches women and youth how to stay safe and boost confidence through inclusive, and culturally safe workshops. Alana’s motivation to help others embody the passion of a true warrior is nourishing the next generation of empowered youth. Watch Alana’s pitch.

“Winning second place in Pow Wow Pitch is an incredible gift,” said the 2023 Second-Place Winner, Alana Cook. “I hope to inspire other Métis women and girls to dream big, fight hard, and believe in themselves.”

The Third Place Prize of $5,000 presented by Shopify went to Jodie Moonie, the Founder and Owner of Muusa, from Timiskaming First Nation. Muusa is an Indigenous- and women-owned scrub apparel brand based in Notre Dame Du Nord, Quebec that combines the beauty of traditional design with the functionality of healthcare wear. Watch Jodie’s pitch.

“Winning Third Place has allowed me to gain so much confidence in myself as an entrepreneur,” said the 2023 Third-Place Winner, Jodie Moonie. “Public speaking has never been one of my strengths. I pushed through my fear when I pitched to the judges and I’m so happy that I did. We are capable of far more than we think and can do anything we put our minds to!”

ALUMNI PRIZE RECIPIENTS

In addition to announcing the top three winners, five Finalists were also awarded Alumni Prizes of $5,000, prize funds provided  by Alumni who have benefited from the program and matched with the support of Mastercard. The Alumni Prize was presented by Pow Wow Pitch Alumni; Harlan Kingfisher, Bernice Clarke, Matthew Nadee, Amy Jackson and Sean Rayland-Boubar.

Ten-year old Simon Monteith, also known as Simon the Scientist, is Opaskwayak Cree and lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Simon creates educational Youtube videos teaching kids about the different landscapes of STEM combined with cultural significance. “I am super excited to win this prize! It feels awesome to be recognized knowing that people like to watch my videos and support Simon the Scientist,” said Simon. “I have met so many great Indigenous role models.” Watch Simon’s pitch.

Shay Dekock-Kruger the Founder and CEO of HOLO EYES, is from the Penticton Indian Band in British Columbia. HOLO EYES is an eye makeup and stickers brand that specializes in elevating eye looks at festivals and powwows. “My business has been a super fun way for me to express my creativity while also creating fun experiences for others,” said Shay. “I think my biggest lesson that I’ve learned since being an entrepreneur is to not overthink things, keep pushing forward and you will eventually find success.” Watch Shay’s pitch.

Desiree Streit, the Founder of Friday.Night.Beading.Club, is Cree, Ojibwey, and Métis and lives in Gatineau, Quebec. Desiree is the inventor of her brand’s original ‘BOO-zhee Boards’, an innovative storage accessory and system for beading that allows its users to take beading everywhere, with ease. “Winning this prize means everything to me,” shares Desiree. “It’s hard to explain where I was even a year ago to where I am now, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I cannot thank Pow Wow Pitch and my mentors enough!” Watch Desiree’s Pitch.

Tanis Simpson, Founder and CEO of Qiviut Inc, is Inuvialuit and lives in Nisku, Alberta. Qiviut Inc. manufactures qiviut yarns and knit wear from the traditional knowledge of qiviut fibre harvesting and muskox hunting. “It means so much to receive this recognition–not only for myself, but on behalf of my whole team, because this wouldn’t have been possible without them,” said Tanis. “We have all worked so hard, and we’ve faced no shortage of challenges, but winning the Alumni Prize tells us that we’re on the right path and that we should keep it up!” Watch Tanis’s pitch.

Jordan Smith, Founder and CEO of Renterii, is from the Red River Métis Nation and lives in Toronto, Ontario. Renterii is a rental share app that allows its users to rent everyday items with convenience. “It makes me beyond proud to have won the Alumni Prize!” said Jordan. “The Pow Wow Pitch community has been one of the first to believe in me as an entrepreneur, and I can’t wait to join the other Alumni in continuing to inspire folks to build the next million-dollar Indigenous idea.” Watch Jordan’s pitch.

“This year, Pow Wow Pitch grew its impact on the powwow trail by reaching more communities and  Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Every step taken by our semi-finalists, finalists, and winners shines with determination. The future is bright for Indigenous entrepreneurs and the Indigenous economy! Congratulations to Ashley, Alana, Jodie, Simon, Shay, Desiree, Jordan, and Tanis! You all embody the spirit and promise of Indigenous entrepreneurship. I look forward to following your journeys ahead, well done!”

“Pow Wow Pitch is a tremendous showcase of Indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship, and the stories and achievements of this year’s semi-finalists are a testament to their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Michael Ferencich, Senior Vice President, Business Financial Services, RBC. “We’re so proud of all our participants and semi-finalists, and we will continue to support their growth and success in the future.”

“Being involved in Pow Wow Pitch is not just an honor, it’s a privilege to witness the creativity and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Build Native Program Manager 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!”

“At Mastercard, we’ve been inspired by the innovative thinking and solutions brought forward by all the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada. “The future is brighter when Indigenous entrepreneurship is recognized, supported and celebrated, and we are honoured to play a role in continued success and growth of these entrepreneurs. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Ashley, Alana, and Jodie on winning the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch.”

To watch the Grand Finale, click here.

To book an interview with Pow Wow Pitch Founder Sunshine Tenaco, Ashley Michel, Alana Cook, Jodie Moonie, Simon Monteith, Shay Dekock- Kruger, Desiree Streit, Jordan Smith, or Tanis Simpson, please contact hello@powwowpitch.org.

About Pow Wow Pitch 
Pow Wow Pitch is an entrepreneurship program for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, which provides a safe, supportive, collaborative, empowering and culturally supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurs and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs. Pow Wow Pitch enhances, develops and accelerates the growth for current and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs in a sustainable way through programs and resources. Community leadership through volunteerism is promoted with respect and reciprocity as the foundation of the Pow Wow Pitch. For more information, visit https://www.powwowpitch.org/.

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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. 

The Pow Wow Pitch Alumni Prize is presented in partnership with Mastercard to foster a culture of giving back, mentorship, community support and empowerment across the Indigenous entrepreneur community. Pow Wow Pitch Alumni select up to three Semi-Finalists who they believe have the potential to win Pow Wow Pitch to advance to the Finals. Each entrepreneur has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their businesses.

More than 2,000 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across 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 Finals. From the 2,000 applicants, 130 were selected as Semi-Finalists and who pitched to win 25,000 and advance to the Finals. 

Spotlight on Ramona Emerson

“This is our first time pitching for Pow Wow Pitch,” said Ramona Emerson, Co-Founder of Reel Indian Pictures. “With these winnings, we would offer paid internships to young filmmakers in our local community to teach the ins and outs of documentary filmmaking and prepare them for a career in the film industry.”

Reel Indian Pictures is an Indigenous-owned and operated film and video production company with over 20 years of experience in the industry. With a focus on community engagement, Reel Indian Pictures works extensively with local grassroots organizations in New Mexico to raise awareness about social issues, and also contributes to educational initiatives by teaching filmmaking to Indigenous youth. 

To watch Ramona’s winning pitch, click here.

Spotlight on Sharon Marshall

“I pitched at the Kamloopa Pow Wow Pitch this Summer, and while I didn’t win, I was grateful for the experience,” said Sharon Marshall, Founder and CEO of Digital DEVA. “I chose to pitch this year because I wanted to hone my pitch for investors. Plus $25,000 would enable me to sponsor a cohort of Indigenous women into my program. Every cohort I can train provides the social proof I need to show the world that DEVA is viable and has the ability to impact so many women, their families, and their communities. ”

Digital DEVA is a full-service staffing agency providing temporary recruitment, as well as digital literacy and administrative training for Indigenous women. Founded by Sharon Marshall, Digital DEVA teaches and prepares Indigenous women seeking employment through self confidence, financial independence and skills training. Through Sharon’s programming, she has been able to support all graduates in gaining employment. 

To watch Sharon’s winning pitch, click here.

Spotlight on Ashley Michel

“I chose to pitch again this year because I want a better future for my daughter and the generations to come,” said Ashley Michel, Founder and CEO of 4 Generations Creations. “No obstacle is too big to overcome if you believe in yourself. I want the youth to see all of us succeed and realize that they could do that one day too.”

Ashley Michel is the artist and owner behind 4 Generations Creations, a market for authentic Indigenous fabrics, materials, and art. 4 Generations Creations aims to create designs that educate others about Indigenous issues & resiliency through apparel and art. Ashley has created a platform through a social media following to further share her message. Ashley shared in her pitch that she wishes to purchase her own direct to garner machine to bring her production in-house and in turn, open opportunities to hire a team from her community.

To watch Ashley’s winning pitch, click here. 

“Congratulations to Ramona, Sharon, and Ashley on moving forward to the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Finals,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Recognition from Pow Wow Pitch Alumni is a huge accomplishment– to be recognized by your community for the good work you are doing, so much so that they invest in you and your dreams! We are all so proud of the impact your businesses are making and you have the community giving lift to your wings. Congratulations!”

“Pow Wow Pitch is a tremendous showcase of Indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship, and the stories and achievements of this year’s semi-finalists are a testament to their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Michael Ferencich, Senior Vice President, Business Financial Services, RBC. “We’re so proud of all our participants and semi-finalists, and we will continue to support 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, Build Native Program Manager 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!”

“At Mastercard, we’ve been inspired by the innovative thinking and solutions brought forward by all the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard in Canada. “The future is brighter when Indigenous entrepreneurship is recognized, supported and celebrated, and we are honoured to play a role in continued success and growth of these entrepreneurs. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Ramona, Sharon, and Ashley on advancing to the next round.”

Ramona, Sharon and Ashley will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Finals to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 19th. Visit www.powwowpitch.org/register to register to join.

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Ashley Michel is the Secwepemc owner and artist of 4 Generations Creations, operating in Kamloops, British Columbia. Having not grown up deeply embedded in the culture and language as she would have preferred, Ashley’s determination was fuelled by a desire to provide what she missed for her daughter. “I wanted my daughter to have authentic representation and a better future not only for her but the generations to come,” she reflects.

Ashley’s entrepreneurial journey began with sewing regalia and ribbon skirts for the Indigenous community. But as with many businesses, the global pandemic became a catalyst for change. “I expanded during Covid and now distribute fabric, beads and ribbon, as well as create designs that empower and educate others about Indigenous issues and resiliency,” she says.

Ashley’s vision for 4 Generations Creations is expansive. Not only does she plan on transitioning from online sales to a brick-and-mortar store, but she also aspires to inspire and equip the Indigenous youth. “My goal is to print my products in-house and also create a new stream of revenue to print products for other individuals, organizations, and businesses. This will allow me to hire, train, and inspire Indigenous youth within our community,” she elaborates.

“The rewarding part about being an entrepreneur is being able to work from home and create a life that’s good for me and my daughter,” she remarks, highlighting her desire for authentic representation. Yet, with great passion comes challenges, and for Ashley, the most significant challenge is separating herself from her work. “Work to me doesn’t feel like work,” she admits, adding that her venture is both her “passion” and her “healing.”

Recognizing the significance of community in her entrepreneurial journey, Ashley believes in the power of collaboration over competition. “It is true what they say. It takes a Community,” she emphasizes, viewing Pow Wow Pitch as a manifestation of that belief. Her mentors, Maria Artuso & Matthew Norton from RBC, echo this community sentiment, advising her to “speak from the heart” and reminding her that she knows her business best.

A reflection of Secwepemc values, Ashley’s business integrates Indigenous approaches throughout. “A big lesson that I implement is putting the good vibes and energy into anything I am doing,” she says, stressing the importance of positive energy in her work.

So, what advice does this rising entrepreneur have for newcomers in the business world? “Don’t underestimate the power of social media,” she advises, acknowledging its transformative effect on her own venture. Furthermore, Ashley underscores the importance of self-belief: “Starting a business is a lot about taking a risk, but it’s more about believing in yourself and what you’re doing.”

In a world filled with diverse voices and stories, Ashley Michel stands out, using her business not only as a means to financial success but as a platform to empower, educate, and inspire the next generation of Indigenous leaders. As she continues to evolve and grow 4 Generations Creations, her impact on her community is unbounded.

Register to watch Ashley pitch at the Consumer Semi-Final Online Watch Party on September 7, 2023, at 6 PM ET and vote for 4 Generations Creations to win the 2023 People’s Choice Prize (#2) before September 17, 2023.

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On July 30, 2022, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, Meta and Mastercard, announced Jason Lizotte, the Paddle Prairie Métis Owner and Founder of Nipiy Industries from Grand Prairie, Alberta, as the 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Kamloopa Winner. Jason has won $5,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his business.

More than 30 Indigenous entrepreneurs pitched their businesses live at the Kamloopa Powwow in Kamloops, British Columbia, for their chance to win cash prizes and advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Finals. 

Co-Hosts Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch and Suzette Amaya, media and entertainment entrepreneur, emceed the action-packed program, where Indigenous entrepreneurs had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas and businesses in one minute for their chance to win prizes and support to make their dreams a reality. 

Following a first-round open pitch on Friday, July 29th, judges Ryan Rogers, Marketing Director from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, George Casimir, General Manager of CFDC of CIFN, Devin Gambler, Business & Economic Development Manager at Tk’emlups de Secwepemc, Lynn-Marie Angus, Founder & CEO of Sister’s Sage, Kyle St Amour Brennan, Build Native Manager at Shopify, and Tracy Antoine, VP Indigenous Markets, BC Region, RBC, shortlisted the ‘Top 11’ entrepreneurs to advance to round two. 

The Top 11 were invited to join a special reception hosted by Tk’emlups Business & Economic Development and the CFDC of CIFN, where they had the opportunity to network with each other, the Pow Wow Pitch Team, local support partners, and major industry leaders. 

The following day, the Top 11 entrepreneurs were paired with mentors to help them polish their presentations before they pitched one last time to judges Kyle St Amour Brennan, Build Native Manager at Shopify, Tracy Antoine, VP Indigenous Markets, BC Region at RBC, Mansur Mirani, VP of the Vancouver Tech Hub at Mastercard, Holly Atjecoutay, Director, Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program, Futurpreneur and Debbie Reid, Indigenous Policy Manager at Meta. 

“It was so amazing to see all the pitchers coming up and stepping out of their comfort zones in front of successful entrepreneurs and leaders to share their businesses,” said First-Place Winner Jason Lizotte. “We came here to promote our company and to demonstrate that our new touchless, solar-powered wash stations are perfect for all events. It means a lot for us to be the Winner, to set an example, and to promote our product to the community.”

Jason’s business, Nipiy Industries, provides durable, self-sustaining and easy-to-use solar-powered water and wash stations for indoor and outdoor use.

The Second-Place $2,500 Prize Winner was Teresa Sanders, Founder and CEO of FILL Vernon, a refill store where customers decrease plastic use by filling their cleaning and hygiene products using their existing containers.

The Third Place $1,000 Winner was Ashley Michel, Founder and CEO of 4 Generation Creations, which provides high-quality fashion, accessible apparel and accessories and educational workshops and products to inspire and reconnect Indigenous people to their culture. 

The Youth Prize $500 Winner was 11-year-old fashion designer Cohen Quash, Founder and CEO of Mesdzih Eskiye CJRQ. The Fan Favourite $500 Winner was Charles Kruger, Founder and CEO of Kruger Outdoors Gear. 

“Congratulations to Jason on his Gold Ticket win to advance to the 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Finals,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Nipiy Industries is an incredible business leading by example. We look forward to spotlighting and sharing Jason’s business with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing together.” 

“Pow Wow Pitch is a tremendous showcase of Indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship, and the stories and achievements of this year’s semi-finalists are a testament to their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Dale Sturges, National Director for Indigenous Financial Services at RBC. “We’re so proud of all our participants and semi-finalists, and we will continue to support their growth and success in the future.”

All those who pitched at Kamloopa Pow Wow Pitch will receive a free .CA domain name courtesy of CIRA, a 60-day free Shopify trial, and will join the Pow Wow Pitch community for ongoing support.

“It was remarkable to take part in Pow Wow Pitch to watch such a talented and creative group of Indigenous entrepreneurs come together,” said Kyle St-Amour-Brennan, Build Native Indigenous Program Manager at Shopify. “Although this event has a competitive element, it was incredible to feel the energy and spirit of community and connection between the entrepreneurs and partners. The Build Native team with 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 a great opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs!”

“At Meta, we are thrilled to support Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs who are driving innovation and change in their communities,” said Debbie Reid, Indigenous Policy Manager at Meta. “Recognizing the importance of Indigenous voices and the limitless potential of Indigenous entrepreneurs is vital to the growth of the Canadian economy. We send our congratulations to Jason Lizotte on advancing to the next round and to all entrepreneurs who participated in Pow Wow Pitch.”

“At Mastercard, we’ve been truly inspired by the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch as they’ve demonstrated such innovative thinking and solutions,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada. “We are honoured to help support their continued success and see them grow. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Jason on advancing to the next round.”

“CFDCofCIFN wants to congratulate all the pitchers at this years Kamloopa pow wow pitch,” said George Casimir, General Manager of CFDC of CFIN. “There were so many amazing business ideas coming from the entrepreneurs. Congratulations to the winners and we hope to support everyone in the near future as you all develop your business ideas.”

Jason will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Finals to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 19, 2022. Visit www.powwowpitch.org for more information.

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