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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Caroline Fletcher, a proud Moose Cree First Nation entrepreneur based in Timmins, Ontario, is creating more than jewelry. She is building a path to healing and empowerment through her business, Kingdom Beads. Born from lived experience and a deep desire to support her community, Kingdom Beads exists to serve the spiritual, emotional, and mental wellbeing of Indigenous women and youth. 

Caroline sees Kingdom Beads as a bridge between creative expression and intergenerational healing. The jewelry sold today is the foundation for a much larger vision to provide therapeutic art workshops that support mental health, promote healing, and equip others with tools for resilience and self sufficiency. “We want to help Indigenous women and youth navigate trauma and crisis by connecting them to traditional Indigenous forms of art and expression,” Caroline shares. Whether through beadwork, carving, or community based dialogue, every piece contributes to culturally grounded healing.

Kingdom Beads began with a soft launch in 2024 and has already made meaningful connections through local vendor markets and a showcase during Creefest 2025. With every sale, Caroline continues to build momentum and grow her reach. A website is in development to make her work more accessible, and her vision is growing. Every item she creates carries stories of strength, survival, and identity. Although early in its journey, Kingdom Beads is already planting seeds of change and creating space for Indigenous voices to shine through art.

Caroline chose to apply to Pow Wow Pitch with a goal to learn more about entrepreneurship and connect with others on a similar path. “I wanted to learn from other Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs,” she explains. For Caroline, this experience was not just about business—it was about community, growth, and learning through shared stories and knowledge. The opportunity gave her the confidence to take the next steps in building something lasting.

As a Semi Finalist, Caroline was paired with Jane Song, an RBC mentor, who provided thoughtful feedback and suggestions that helped her refine her pitch and develop her business. “She supported me by helping me see areas I could improve,” Caroline reflects. The mentorship process was both practical and encouraging, and it helped her gain clarity on how to move forward in her entrepreneurial journey. She is grateful for the guidance and believes it helped her step into her role as both an artist and business owner.

Caroline offers this advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Do not be afraid to start small. Just start. You will eventually find your footing.” Her journey is proof that beginnings do not have to be perfect to be powerful. With Kingdom Beads, she is showing how art can be a source of healing, income, and transformation. By investing in herself and her community, Caroline is helping others see their own strength and reminding them that their stories matter.Watch Caroline as she pitches Kingdom Beads in the Knowledge Services category airing on September 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET. Click here to see all episodes: powwowpitch.org/episodes.

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On September 6, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Rachael Hunt, the Cape Croker, Chippewa of Nawash Founder of Freedom School Co. from Collingwood, Ontario, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Knowledge Winner. Rachael Hunt has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.

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.

Tonight, Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch, emceed the action-packed program, where the seven Knowledge Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas and businesses in one minute for their chance to win. 

Judges included Herb Zobell, Vice President of Commercial Financial Services of Indigenous Markets at RBC; Moreshwar Datye, Director of Platform Services at Mastercard; Gina Soparlo, Senior Advisor of Strategic Partnerships and Global Markets at Mitacs; Magnolia Perron, Indigenous Women and Youth Program Manager at NACCA; and Amy Jackson, Social Media Coordinator at Manitobah.

“Winning Pow Wow Pitch will allow me to create a scholarship fund for Indigenous Women to enroll in my signature program, Freedom Business School,” said Rachael Hunt. “The program works to heal intergenerational and ancestral wounds we are carrying.”

Freedom School Co. is a personal growth program that takes an unconventional approach to coaching and wellness by supporting individuals to build self worth and confidence. Rachael has also developed her initiative to support Indigenous women that struggle with generational trauma to break cycles and to be fostered by a community of support. 

Rachael shared in her pitch that she dreams of making Freedom School Co. more accessible to reach more women through funding and scholarships. “Winning Pow Wow Pitch will allow me to supplement this scholarship, grow an Indigenous team, integrate key partners and expand the vision even further,” shared Rachael.

The Runner Up for the Knowledge Services Category was Ninaatig Staats Pangowish, Founder of Ninaatigoons Learning, recognized for his work in language preservation and innovative learning concept. 

In addition, Skyler Sanderson, Founder of Young Visionary, received an Honourable Mention as a role model for Indigenous youth.

“Congratulations to Rachael Hunt on her advancement to the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Finals,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Rachael, your work to break generational cycles is inspirational and we are so proud to support you in uplifting Indigenous women. We look forward to spotlighting Freedom School Co. to build confidence amongst Indigenous people.” 

“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 Rachael Hunt on advancing to the next round.”

To watch Rachael Hunt’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Knowledge Services Semi-Final, click here.

Rachael 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 for more information.

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In the entrepreneurial realm, there are those who tread well-worn paths and those who blaze new trails, rewriting the rulebook as they go. Rachael Hunt, the dynamic CEO and founder of Freedom School Co., who is Chippewa of Nawash living in Collingwood, ON, undeniably belongs to the latter category.

Starting out in 2018, Rachael already tasted success with her gluten-free blog, GlutenFreedom Inc. But, as she reminisces, the seeds of Freedom School Co. were sown when she recognized the palpable need many ambitious women had: to build a strong personal brand and monetize their passions. “I had countless women reaching out asking me how they could build a thriving personal brand and make money doing what they love,” she recalls.

Freedom School Co. leans heavily into understanding the individual’s mindset before diving into practical strategy. “We really emphasize the importance of healing to the root cause of the barriers,” Rachael says. The Freedom Method™️, she adds, “empowers entrepreneurs to create sustainable, thriving businesses.” Built upon neuro-linguistic programming, quantum energetics, and marketing strategies, it’s a holistic way to heal generational wounds and foster growth through entrepreneurship. 

Now, with its sights set on supporting Indigenous women, Freedom School Co. aims for an impact that creates “ripple effects beyond the individual, beyond the business and beyond the community. This is legacy work.” 

For Rachael, the most enriching part of her journey is seeing the transformation of her clients. “The best part of what I do is that I get to empower other women to create their own ‘Freedom Life’, on their own terms. I love witnessing the transformation of my clients and seeing them step into their full potential.”

However, like any entrepreneur, Rachael faces her set of challenges. “The most challenging part for me has been facing my own fears and doubts. But on the flip side, this is when I take a dose of my own medicine and apply the modalities I support my clients with, on myself. We are the only thing that really gets in our own way!” she admits.

Her journey with Pow Wow Pitch, which she describes as a serendipitous alignment, has only amplified her mission. “It has been a beautiful journey of being able to connect with other Indigenous entrepreneurs while also having the opportunity to share my mission.”

Every entrepreneur thrives with a bit of guidance, and Rachael was no different. “Meg Chapman from Shopify really empowered me to feel super confident in my pitch and the mission I am bringing forth. Angus Fudge from Mastercard helped to strengthen my preparation,” she acknowledges.

As she forges ahead, Rachael’s aspirations remain grounded in Indigenous values. She believes in aligning her business with the Grandfather Teachings and the Red Road. “I also feel that Spirit works through me in magical and mysterious ways to support me in ways I could not do alone. It is divinely synchronistic!” she states.

For budding entrepreneurs, Rachael’s advice resonates with authenticity. “Just start! You are never going to be more prepared than you are in this moment. You are capable. You are worthy!”

Register to watch Rachael pitch at the Knowledge Services Semi-Final Online Watch Party on September 6, 2023, at 6 PM ET and vote for Freedom School Co. to win the 2023 People’s Choice Prize (#33) before September 17, 2023.

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