As part of Aritzia’s commitment to participating in acts of reconciliation, both within its organization and with Indigenous communities across Canada, the Everyday Luxury retailer has partnered with Pow Wow Pitch for its fourth year to support Indigenous entrepreneurs for the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Competition.

Aritzia’s impact extends beyond funding, recognizing and fostering the immense talent of Indigenous women and two-spirit entrepreneurs. By investing in their diverse ventures, Pow Wow Pitch and Aritzia advance reconciliation through creative, cultural, and economic empowerment, enriching communities and the broader economy.

On September 17th, Pow Wow Pitch completed their announcement of all eighteen Finalists that will be advancing to the 2025 Grand Finale. Among these exceptional individuals, thirteen women and two-spirit Finalists were recognized and awarded with an Aritzia Grant, providing vital support for their deeply rooted, culturally grounded, and diverse initiatives across multiple industries.

Meet the 2025 Aritzia Grant Recipients:

Debbie Courchene, Founder of IndigE-girl Comedy, is an Indigenous woman from Sagkeeng First Nation and operates her not-for-profit organization in Vancouver, British Columbia. IndigE-girl Comedy is an organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous women, queer, and non-binary voices in the stand-up comedy industry. Watch Debbie’s pitch.

Christen Meeko Falcon, Co-Founder of Backpacker’s Ferry, is an Indigenous woman from the Blackfeet Nation, near Montana, USA where she owns and operates her Indigenous tourism company alongside her partner. Backpacker’s Ferry is a tourism and transportation company on the traditional lands of the Blackfeet Nation that connects travelers to the culture, history, and landscapes of the Blackfeet people. Watch Christen’s pitch.

Ariana Fotinakis and Vanessa Lesperance, Co-Founders of Decolonize and Rize, are Indigenous women from Aamjiwnaang First Nation and the Manitoba Métis Federation who operate their organization from Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Decolonize and Rize, a heartfelt organization dedicated to guiding mid- to large-sized organizations on a journey toward holistic reconciliation, decolonial transformation, and employee well-being. Watch Ariana’s pitch.

Wendy Landry, Owner of Bebia Cho Foods Co., is an Indigenous woman from Deh Gáh Got’îê Dene First Nation who operates her business in Kelowna, British Columbia. Bebia Cho Foods, is a snack company bringing delicious and nutritious fruit snacks from the Okanagan to families in Northern and isolated Indigenous communities. Read about Wendy’s win.

Sunday Queskekapow and Victoria Perrie, Co-Founders of Kíwétinohk Consulting, are a two-spirit and Indigenous woman entrepreneur from Norway House Cree Nation and the Manitoba Métis Federation who operate their organization from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Kíwétinohk Consulting is a consulting firm serving northern Manitoba and the Nunavut Arctic, advancing justice, equity, and healing through culturally grounded consulting, programming, and restorative justice initiatives. Watch Sunday’s pitch.

Annie Pillaktuaq, Founder of Art Den by Annie, is an Indigenous woman from Iqaluit, Nunavut and is a talented artist based in Ottawa, Ontario. Art Den by Annie is an art and design studio by Annie Pillaktuaq that blends traditional knowledge with contemporary expression through visual art, sealskin accessories, and a vision to create a collaborative hub for Indigenous and Inuit artists in Ottawa. Watch Annie’s pitch.

Jackie DeCouteau-Gill, Founder of Kokums Helper Society, is an Indigenous woman from Liidlii Kue First Nation and is based in Edmonton, Alberta. Jackie is a passionate advocate for culturally grounded end-of-life care within Indigenous communities. Kokums Helper Society is an Indigenous-led organization providing trauma-informed, culturally grounded end-of-life care that honours ceremony, community, and connection. Watch Jackie’s pitch.

Shauna White Bear, Founder of White Bear Moccasins LLC, is an Indigenous woman from the MHA Nation, near Bozeman, MT, and a self-taught moccasin maker and leatherworker. White Bear Moccasins is an Indigenous-owned business specializing in handcrafted moccasins and offering unique moccasin repair services at powwows, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Watch Shauna’s pitch. 

Shyanne Yellowbird, Founder of mîmîNîsak, is an Indigenous woman from the Samson Cree Nation whose Seattle-based business brings Indigenous storytelling to life through art and design. mîmîNîsak is a new brand that features a unique line of dolls inspired by the Cree Little People, spiritual beings that embody guidance, protection, and cultural memory. Watch Shyanne’s Pitch.

Tessa Belanger, Founder of Pass the Sage, is an Indigenous woman from Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg who is writing her Indigenous perspective book from Ottawa, Ontario. Pass the Sage is an initiative that creates safe spaces for Indigenous storytelling, reflection, and healing, blending traditional knowledge with creative expression to support community wellness. Watch Tessa’s pitch. 

Destiny Moser, Founder of FoodZen, is an Indigenous woman and chef from Rainy River First Nation and operates her food-based business in Cambridge, Ontario. FoodZen revitalizes Indigenous food systems through a modern culinary lens, emphasizing hyper-local, seasonal ingredients and sustainable partnerships with local farmers. Through personal chef services, meal deliveries, and educational workshops, Destiny promotes food sovereignty and celebrates Indigenous culinary traditions. Watch Destiny’s pitch. 

Kendal Garlow, Co-Founder of SproutSync Ltd., is an Indigenous Mohawk woman from Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario where she and her partner operate their agri-tech company. SproutSync is a new greenhouse automation company with a vision to empower Indigenous growers through culturally aligned automation tools and solutions. Watch Kendal’s pitch.

Tannis and Rayel Smoke, Co-Founders of Niña Waṡte Events, are Indigenous women from the Dakota Plains Wahpeton Oyate and who operate their company from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Niña Waṡte Events, a vibrant Indigenous-owned game rental company reimagining the world of board games through an Indigenous lens by redesigning popular games to center Indigenous people, culture, and language. Read about Tannis and Rayel’s win.

“I feel blessed and honoured to be selected for this grant. Any funding we receive goes back into feeding our community through mentorship, fair and equitable pay, and visibility for women, gender-diverse and queer creatives who are making moves,” shared Debbie Courchene, Founder of IndigE-girl Comedy. “Your support helps us clear the path for others, removing barriers, and raising up the voices of women and two-spirit creatives. This funding allows us to continue creating spaces that uplift underrepresented voices, amplify joy and resilience in our communities, and support Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, and queer creators in sharing their stories.”

“Thank you to Aritzia for your continued support and for amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and two-spirit entrepreneurs through Pow Wow Pitch. Your partnership reflects a meaningful commitment to reconciliation and the growth of Indigenous-led businesses,”  said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “This year’s Aritzia Grant recipients shine with talent, creativity, and unwavering commitment to their communities. We’re inspired by all that you do and can’t wait to see your businesses thrive. Congratulations to each of you, and we are so excited to cheer you on in the Grand Finale.”

“Our partnership with Pow Wow Pitch continues to inspire and grow in meaningful ways,” said Corinne Kepper, Vice President of Corporate Giving at Aritzia. “We congratulate this year’s Aritzia Grant recipients who are all exceptional Indigenous women and two-spirit entrepreneurs, who bring creativity, vision, and dedication to their business ventures. Through this grant, we are proud to provide funding to help them scale their businesses and make a lasting impact in their communities. We’re cheering them on in the Grand Finale and can’t wait to see all they will achieve.”

All of the Aritzia Grant Recipients will be pitching in the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale on October 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET for their chance to win this year’s Grand Prize of $25,000. Register to watch the Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.

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On September 3rd, 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 Vanessa Lesperance and Ariana Fotinakis, the Métis and Anishinaabe Co-Founders of Decolonize and Rize, a business based in Salt Spring Island, BC, as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Knowledge Services Semi-Final Winner. Vanessa and Ariana have won $1,000 and are 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. Last night, twelve Knowledge Services 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 Hunter Michael, Strategic Initiatives at RBC Origins; Blessing Alfa, Managing Consultant, Specialized Product Delivery at Mastercard; Alyssia Tassone, Senior Account Executive at Altis Recruitment; and Jordan Smith, Indigenous Programs Specialist at Futurpreneur.

“We’d like to thank the Indigenous trailblazers who have been engaged in this work far longer than we have,” said Vanessa Lesperance and Ariana Fotinakis, co-founders of Decolonize and Rize. “It’s incredibly important to us to keep aiming to do this work in a good way. We also want to thank Sunshine and everyone else at Pow Wow Pitch for creating this opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs, and for all the incredible Indigenous entrepreneurs we’re in community with for support, encouragement, and who believe in community over competition.”

Vanessa Lesperance and Ariana Fotinakis are the visionary co-founders of Decolonize and Rize, a heartfelt organization dedicated to guiding mid- to large-sized organizations on a journey toward holistic reconciliation, decolonial transformation, and employee well-being. At its core, the organization is rooted in Indigenous worldviews that emphasize interconnectedness, healing, and collective flourishing. 

With a mission that intertwines reconciliation and wellness, Decolonize and Rize offers signature programs like the Reconciliation and Well-Being Series and the Indigenous Well-Being Series. Ariana shared in their pitch that they will use their funds to secure and strengthen their brand identity and online presence to enhance their Indigenous worldview throughout their organization and programming. 

“Advice we’d offer to other Indigenous entrepreneurs is to not let perfectionism hold you back!” shared Ariana Fotinakis. “Perfection is a colonial construct and you can learn so much by letting yourself embrace the discomfort, and sometimes messiness, that comes with taking action without having it all figured out.” 

The judges congratulated Ariana and Vanessa for their incredible pitch, clear business model, and strong traction toward their goals. They were impressed by their presentation and well-thought-out execution plan, and wished them all the best as they move forward.

“Congratulations to Ariana and Vanessa on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through Decolonize and Rize, you two are true bridge builders, guiding organizations toward reconciliation with understanding, compassion, and courage. Your work reminds us that reconciliation means embracing action and taking steps toward meaningful change. We are proud to celebrate your vision and leadership as you continue creating pathways for transformation.” 

Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Knowledge Services industry category. Winter Dawn Lipscombe, Founder of When the Frogs Sleep, was recognized for her fantastic pitch and the beautiful way she shared her story with thoughtfulness and inclusivity.

“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 Ariana and Vanessa for advancing to the next round.”

To watch Ariana and Vanessa’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Knowledge Services Semi-Final episode, click here.

Ariana and Vanessa 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.

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