Mackenzie Labby, a Tech 4 Youth Grant recipient and 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finalist, and the creative force behind Grey Wolf Crafts, is carving a meaningful path in Indigenous entrepreneurship. A member of Swan River First Nation and based in Calgary, Alberta, Mackenzie has developed a thriving beadwork jewelry and ribbon skirt business deeply rooted in cultural connection, creativity, and self-expression. Her designs celebrate cultural identity while empowering people to feel beautiful and confident in their uniqueness. 

Mackenzie’s journey began when her mom reached out to their First Nation to connect her and her brother to cultural craft activities. Though virtual craft nights weren’t available, the community sent patterns, tutorials, and supplies to make traditional moose hide mittens, a moment that sparked her love for beadwork. Teaching herself through online resources, Mackenzie developed her own designs, starting with a nature-inspired collection shaped by her favorite places and memories. What began as a personal journey of cultural reconnection has grown into Grey Wolf Crafts, a business that shares her story through handmade, Indigenous-inspired jewelry and ribbon skirts celebrating identity, beauty, and uniqueness.

One of Mackenzie’s proudest accomplishments to date has been becoming a 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finalist, a milestone that affirmed her passion and encouraged her to keep growing as both an artist and entrepreneur. “It was an amazing experience, and I was so proud to be part of it,” Mackenzie reflects.

Looking ahead, Mackenzie is excited to continue growing Grey Wolf Crafts and sharing her art with a wider audience. Thanks to the Tech 4 Youth Grant and support from Best Buy Canada, she received two major technology upgrades: a new iPhone to capture high-quality photos of her beadwork and to stay connected on social media, as well as a MacBook Pro to manage inventory, stay organized, and build a professional website that reflects the heart of her brand. These tools are helping Mackenzie bring her creative vision to life and take her business to the next level.

For other Indigenous youth dreaming of starting something of their own, Mackenzie offers heartfelt encouragement: “Keep going even when it feels impossible. There’s support and opportunities out there, like Pow Wow Pitch, to help you succeed.”

Mackenzie Labby’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when cultural pride, determination, and creativity come together. As Grey Wolf Crafts continues to grow, so does her role as an inspiring young voice in the world of Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Explore Mackenzie’s journey with Grey Wolf Crafts here. Learn more about the Tech 4 Youth Program here.

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In 2022, Pow Wow Pitch and Best Buy launched the Tech 4 Youth program, equipping young Indigenous entrepreneurs with essential technology to support their entrepreneurial journey. As the primary partner for the Pow Wow Pitch Youth category, Best Buy fosters the growth of these aspiring business leaders by providing mentorship to help them refine their one-minute pitches for a chance to win cash prizes. 

The Tech 4 Youth program welcomed applications from Pow Wow Pitch Alumni aged 21 years and under, from across Canada, demonstrating Best Buy’s strong commitment to supporting each of their entrepreneurial journeys and nurturing a vibrant future where they can thrive. Their entrepreneurial ventures span a wide range of creative, technology, and educational fields, each deeply rooted in community impact. Each youth will be equipped with new technology to elevate their businesses, highlighting the diversity of Indigenous entrepreneurship in our next generation of Indigenous changemakers.

Meet the 2025 Tech-4-Youth Recipients

Mackenzie Labby, Founder of Grey Wolf Crafts from Swan River First Nation, residing in Calgary, AB, creates handcrafted jewelry, ribbon skirts, and has plans to expand her inventory with new items and designs. Mackenzie is receiving an Apple iPhone 16 and an Apple MacBook Pro to grow her content making and allow her to build a website.

Kaleb Montgomery-Reid, Founder of Reverence Basketball from Lower Similkameen Indian Band, residing in West Kelowna, BC, leads and facilitates basketball training, coaching, and mentorship to youth athletes and connects them to a growing network of support. Kaleb is receiving an Apple MacBook Pro and a Sony Alpha ZV-E10 Camera to produce high quality content and support his storytelling initiatives that gain exposure for athletes in his program.

Kylie Landry-Zoe, Co-owner of Bebia Cho Foods Co. from Deh gah Gotie Dene First Nation and residing in Kelowna, BC, operates her family-run business with her parents that provides nutritious dried snacks to her community. Kylie is receiving an Apple iPhone 16e, Dell Laptop, Selfie stick, and wireless microphone to jumpstart their online presence and to help facilitate orders.

Anthony Theirault, Co-Founder of eleven59, a Red River Métis member and residing in Winnipeg, MB, is innovating the way students manage and stay on track of deadlines with the app that he and his business partner created. Anthony is receiving an Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Apple MacBook Pro to complete the development of their application and make it accessible to Apple product users.

“We are deeply grateful to Best Buy Canada for supporting Indigenous youth through the Tech 4 Youth program,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “This partnership provides young entrepreneurs with the tools, confidence, and resources they need to bring their business visions to life. Congratulations to Kaleb, Mackenzie, Kyle, and Anthony! We are so excited to see how each of you will use the technology to grow your businesses, strengthen your communities, and carry your ideas forward with creativity and purpose.”

“At Best Buy Canada, we believe in the power of technology to open doors and create opportunities,” said Karen Arsenault, Head of Social Impact and Sustainability at Best Buy Canada. “Through the Tech 4 Youth program, we are honoured to support the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs as they pursue their dreams and build businesses that will have a lasting impact in their communities. We are inspired by their creativity and vision for the future, and we’re proud to play a part in their entrepreneurial journey.”

To watch the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Youth Semi-Finals, click here.

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