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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From Timiskaming, Ontario to the dynamic landscape of the fashion industry, Jodie Moonie, the visionary founder behind Muusa, and a proud recipient of a 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant, shares her entrepreneurial journey and how she is leaving an impact in Indigenous fashion and innovation.

Jodie’s business, Muusa, is a brand that has redefined medical scrubs, blending fashion-forward thinking with functionality. Her journey began as an endeavour to bridge the gap between basic healthcare apparel, aka ‘scrubs, and contemporary athleisure trends. This resulted in a line of scrubs that not only cater to the practical needs of healthcare professionals but also embody unique designs that celebrate culture.

The name ‘Muusa’ is a tribute to the Finnish word for “muse,” reflecting the brand’s ethos of celebrating its customers and drawing inspiration from their unique stories. Indigenous design and fashion, to Jodie, signify a celebration of Indigeneity and pride in one’s culture. Muusa embodies this spirit through its ‘Artist Edition’ collaborations, “Indigenous design and fashion to me, means celebrating Indigeneity and being proud of our culture. Our goal is to showcase the talents of Canadian Indigenous artists and turn our scrubs into works of art.”

For Jodie, fashion holds the power to transform how we feel about ourselves. Muusa’s scrubs are more than garments; they are tools of empowerment, designed to boost confidence and comfort in healthcare professionals. “I believe that what we wear has the power to transform how we feel about ourselves. When we look our best, we feel our best.”

Jodie’s ambitions for Muusa are as grand as her vision. She envisions the establishment of a warehouse on her reserve, providing employment opportunities within her community. Additionally, the acquisition of a cargo van will enable Muusa to reach a wider audience by attending trade shows and setting up pop-up shops at educational institutions across Canada.

The Aritzia Fashion Grant marks a significant moment for Muusa. It will support Muusa in enhancing its online presence and growth. Jodie intends to use the grant for vital marketing efforts and facilitating her plan to acquire a cargo van for trade shows and pop-up shops at medical colleges and universities across Canada. This Aritzia Fashion Grant demonstrates the industry’s acknowledgment of Muusa’s innovation and its fashion industry potential.

Jodie’s journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration for Indigenous youth aspiring to break into the fashion industry. Her advice is a testament to her resilience: “Always believe in yourself and keep pushing forward, no matter how challenging things may get. You can achieve anything you put your mind to.”

Muusa is a testament to the transformative power of fashion and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. With recent accomplishments and the support of the Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant, Jodie is poised to make a lasting mark on the industry while celebrating her Indigenous heritage and empowering those she serves. 

To watch Jodie’s winning pitch, click here. To register to watch the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale on October 19th at 6 PM ET, click here. To read more about the 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipients, click here. To shop Muusa, click here.

The post Keep pushing forward appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

On September 15, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced three winners of the Fashion Semi-Final category, presented in partnership with Aritzia: 

• Fashion Apparel Winner: Jodie Moonie, the Timiskaming First Nation Founder of Muusa from Notre Dame Du Nord, Quebec.
• Fashion Design Winner: Dante Biss-Grayson, the Osage Founder of Sky-Eagle Collection from Taos, New Mexico (USA).
• Fashion Shoes & Accessories Winner: Jason Picard-Binet, the Huron Wendat President of Bastien Industries from Wendake, Quebec.

Each entrepreneur has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their businesses. In addition, each winner has won an Aritzia Fashion Grant of $2,500 and each Runner Up of the Fashion Category has won an Aritzia Runner Up Fashion Grant of $1,000. To read the announcement of the 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grants, click here.

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 provided with training and mentorship to prepare for their semi-final pitch to the Judges.

Last Friday, Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch, emceed the action-packed program, where the twelve Fashion Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their fashion brands and businesses in one minute for their chance to win.

Judges included Cameron Skura, Senior Relationship Manager at RBC; Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Build Native Program Manager at Shopify; Nishita Padhy, Senior Analyst of Human Resources and Business Analytics, Mastercard; and Jackie Mckinley, Manager of Corporate Giving at Aritzia.

Fashion Apparel Semi-Final Spotlight

“This is my first time pitching and I wanted to be a part of the amazing Pow Wow Pitch community,” said Jodie Moonie, Founder of Muusa. “I’ve learned so much and met so many wonderful and inspiring people along the way.”

Muusa is an Indigenous- and women-owned scrub apparel brand that combines the beauty of traditional design with the functionality of healthcare wear. Founder, Jodie Moonie, created Muusa to create a product that makes the wearers feel comfortable, confident and empowered to best support the people that take care of everyone in healthcare. Jodie shares Muusa’s mission, “We’re here to make our healthcare workers shine, one scrub set at a time.”

To watch Jodie’s winning pitch, click here. 

Jaret Smith, Founder of Unparalleled Clothing Company was honoured as the Runner Up of the Fashion Apparel Category and received an Aritzia Runner Up Fashion Grant of $1,000.

Fashion Design Semi-Final Spotlight

“My grandpa was one of our last elders, and each summer I would go on the powwow trail and help him,” said fashion designer and vetran Dante Biss-Grayson, Founder of Sky-Eagle Collection. “I came home from the war and started Sky-Eagle Collection with my family to celebrate and showcase our powwow traditions with my community and global runways.”

Sky-Eagle Collection is an Indigenous fashion house based in Taos, New Mexico, that celebrates the beauty of Indigenous culture and is committed to pushing the boundaries of Indigenous art by combining traditional with contemporary art styles. Dante pitched to expand his impact by designing and supplying uniforms for the casino industry and transitioning to in-community manufacturing to create more opportunities for local Indigenous people. 

To watch Dante’s winning pitch, click here.

Raphaëlle Langevin, Founder of Matsheshu Créations, was honoured as the Runner Up for the Fashion Design Category and received an Aritzia Fashion Grant of $1,000. In addition, the judges provided an Honourable Mention to Wyatt Miller, Founder of Sparked Apparel.

Fashion Shoes & Accessories SemiFinal Spotlight

“As a former ITAC employee, I’ve always admired the work of the Pow Wow Pitch team,” said Jason Picard-Binet, Owner of Bastien Industries. “In April 2022, I decided to put an end to my career in tourism to pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. When I bought Bastien Industries, it was clear to me that I was going to try out for the Pow Wow Pitch.”

Bastien Industries is a moccasin manufacturing company, originally founded in 1972 by the Bastien family and is owned today by Jason Picard-Binet. Bastien Industries crafts moccasins that represent the heritage of the Wendat people. Bastien Industries has taken strides to give back to the community through employment opportunities, sourcing everything locally, and a program that supports women reentering the workforce from the criminal justice system. Jason pitched to win funds to support him to scale digital marketing activities to grow online sales. 

To watch Jason’s winning pitch, click here. 

Janelle Alladina, Founder of Indiginize Creation, was honoured as the Runner Up of the Fashion Shoes & Accessories Category and received an Aritzia Fashion Grant of $1,000.

“Congratulations to Jodie, Dante, and Jason for moving onto the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Finals,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “It’s incredibly uplifting to see your creativity and innovation reshaping the fashion landscape. Your leadership in building Indigenous values, designs, and brands is transforming the fashion industry and inspiring others in your footsteps. From our communities to global runways, congratulations and good luck in the finals!”

“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 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 Jodie, Dante, and Jason on advancing to the next round.”

To watch the Fashion Semi-Final, click here.

Jodie, Dante, and Jason will now all 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 for more information.

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