As Pow Wow Pitch celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the organization has also set its sights on reaching new goals and expanding its reach. Creating a strategic plan is a milestone achievement for any organization, but for Pow Wow Pitch, it is a testament to its growth, commitment, and dedication to Indigenous entrepreneurship. This plan reflects years of learning, collaboration, and engagement with the community, ensuring that the organization remains aligned with the evolving needs of Indigenous business leaders. By establishing clear priorities and structured goals, Pow Wow Pitch strengthens its ability to provide long-term support, mentorship, and funding for Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

At the heart of the strategic plan is Pow Wow Pitch’s vision: A world where Indigenous entrepreneurs thrive, feeling supported, safe, and encouraged to develop their ideas and build businesses that create a positive cycle of growth. This vision fuels the organization’s ambitious goal of funding $1 million annually to 100 Indigenous entrepreneurs, a transformative commitment that will accelerate business success and economic empowerment in Indigenous communities.

Strategic Imperatives to Drive Change

To achieve its mission of providing resources and mentorship while amplifying the stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs to inspire future generations, Pow Wow Pitch has identified five key strategic imperatives:

Sustainable Funding Model – Developing a sponsorship-driven funding model, with additional support from government and alumni, to ensure long-term financial sustainability.

Connected Communities – Strengthening the Pow Wow Pitch community by creating more opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and thrive.

Strong Presence and Stories – Expanding the reach of Pow Wow Pitch through increased events, brand visibility, and storytelling to highlight the collective impact of Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Great Talent and Culture – Investing in a team with the right skills and expertise to support long-term growth and success.

Effective Governance – Establishing clear processes and roles to enhance transparency and ensure sustainable decision-making.

Guided by core values of respect, relationships, reciprocity, responsibility, love, courage, and fun, Pow Wow Pitch is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering ecosystem for Indigenous entrepreneurs. This plan calls on the entire Pow Wow Pitch community—including entrepreneurs, advisors, partners, government, and the general public—to play an active role in building a future where Indigenous businesses thrive.

“I am filled with gratitude and enthusiasm as we launch this strategic plan to guide Pow Wow Pitch’s next phase of growth, while celebrating 10 years of evolution from a sole proprietorship to a thriving non-profit organization. This plan reflects the collective wisdom, leadership, and dedication of our inaugural Board of Directors: the late Karen, alongside Jessica, Matthew, and Michaelee. Grounded in our shared values, this plan will help us empower more Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island by providing the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we are building a future where Indigenous entrepreneurs create lasting impact for generations,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder and Chair of Pow Wow Pitch.

“This strategic plan marks an exciting and important milestone for Pow Wow Pitch. It sets a bold path forward, ensuring that we continue to grow and expand our reach to serve more Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island. By focusing on sustainable funding, strengthening community connections, and amplifying the stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs, we are building a solid foundation for long-term success. I am honoured to be part of this journey and look forward to working alongside our incredible community of partners and entrepreneurs to bring this vision to life,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch.

This strategic plan sets the stage for the next chapter of Pow Wow Pitch’s journey. By aligning resources, relationships, and storytelling with a focused mission, Pow Wow Pitch is poised to create an even greater impact, ensuring Indigenous entrepreneurs have the support they need to succeed and inspire future generations. The future of Indigenous entrepreneurship is bright—and Pow Wow Pitch is empowered to lead the way.

Learn more about us at powwowpitch.org/about.

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Remembering Karen Green
As we look to the future, we also honour the life and work of our Vice-Chair, the late Karen Green, who has made her journey into the spirit world in January 2025. Karen’s leadership, wisdom, and dedication to Indigenous peoples were invaluable to Pow Wow Pitch and to everyone who had the joy of working with her in her many leadership roles. Her impact will be felt for generations and we are forever grateful for the profound contributions she made to our community.

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Indigenous entrepreneur Sunshine Tenasco, from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, first conceptualized Pow Wow Pitch after successfully pitching and raising capital from CBC’s Dragons’ Den. Drawing inspiration from her experiences, Sunshine introduced an Indigenous business pitch competition as part of a powwow at the Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in 2015.

Since its inception, Pow Wow Pitch has grown exponentially, impacting communities across Canada and the United States with the support and engagement of hundreds of volunteers and aligned partners, including presenting partners RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard.

In 2021, when Pow Wow Pitch became a non-profit organization to continue its commitment to advancing Indigenous entrepreneurship in a lasting and sustainable way, it installed a small custodial board Chaired by Founder Sunshine Tenasco and an establishment Advisory Council. Since then, the organization has scaled its partnerships, programming, and impact, and readied itself to hire its first employees. At the beginning of this year, Naomi Sarazin was appointed as the first Executive Director of the organization, and it was her priority to install its inaugural Board of Directors. 

Joining the Board of Directors are esteemed professionals and entrepreneurial leaders who bring a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to good governance and advancing Indigenous entrepreneurship. 

Karen Green, Lawyer, Policy Consultant and Governance Expert: Karen Green, a Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory lawyer, is a leading advocate for Indigenous rights, particularly for First Nations women and children. With a distinguished career at the Department of Justice, she held key positions, notably as Executive Director of the Federal Centre for Conflict Management. Karen’s influence extends to national levels; she served as CEO of the Native Women’s Association of Canada and authored the women’s chapter of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples Report. Now a self-employed lawyer and policy consultant, she continues her impactful work. Karen’s extensive community service includes roles as President of the Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start Program and of Kenhteke Midwives. As well as holding other  board positions in various organizations, reflecting her unwavering commitment to Indigenous issues.

“As I embark on this journey as a member of the Board of Directors of Pow Wow Pitch, I am enthused by its potential as a transformative tool for advancing social and economic equity among Indigenous communities through entrepreneurship,” said Karen. “With my extensive background in advocating for Indigenous rights and fostering inclusive policies, I aim to contribute a focus on good governance, organizational longevity, and sustainable and scalable strategies. I firmly believe that Pow Wow Pitch has immense potential to effect meaningful change and am eager to leverage my expertise to ensure its continued impact and success in fostering entrepreneurship and empowerment across Indigenous communities.”

Jessica Zhang-Chapman, CPA, CIA: Jessica, Professor in Accounting at Algonquin College and Founder of Tangram Consulting, brings 15 years of accounting, audit, tax and financial management expertise to the Pow Wow Pitch Board. With a CPA and CIA designation, she ensures financial stewardship and compliance. During her career with Welch LLP, Jessica served over 2,000 clients of varying sizes and industries. A sought-after speaker, she delivers webinars on Board governance and tax topics. Jessica is actively involved in community leadership. She serves on boards including the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association and Women’s Economic Council. Recognized with Welch LLP HIO’s 2023 Employer Excellence Award, she champions diversity and inclusion in business.

“I am honoured to join the Board of Pow Wow Pitch,” said Jessica. “I deeply appreciate the openness of the Board for including me as a first-generation immigrant with non-Indigenous identity. I strive to be the conduit for connecting the organization with the diverse business community that I am part of. As a seasoned CPA specializing in nonprofits, I will contribute to building a robust financial system that meets regulatory compliance and prepares the organization for future growth. My commitment is to be a trusted CPA for the Board, the management, and Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

Matthew Nahdee, Co-Owner, Chatham-Kent Barnstormers: Matthew Nahdee, a Walpole Island First Nation member, former Professor at Fanshawe College and serial entrepreneur, is dedicated to advancing Indigenous initiatives. With a passion for startups and community development, he played a pivotal role in establishing Pow Wow Pitch’s Alumni Program. As a Board Director, Matthew aims to expand opportunities for Pow Wow Pitch Alumni. His involvement with impactful organizations like the Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre and the Walpole Island/Bkejwanong Trust demonstrates his commitment to Indigenous empowerment. 

“I am proud to be on the inaugural Board of Directors of Pow Wow Pitch, joining a high-functioning team of Indigenous people and committed allies,” said Matthew Nahdee. “Through social ventures, we can fulfill our Seven Generations philosophy, making life for our people more complete and the world more sustainable. I will bring my passion for social ventures to the organization as we work to advance Indigenous entrepreneurship in our own way.”

Michaelee Lazore, Founder and CEO of Sequoia Soaps: Michaelee Lazore, a member of the Kanien’kehá:ka tribe from Akwesáhsne and the Northern Paiute from Nevada, brings to the Board of Pow Wow Pitch, a distinguished 20-year entrepreneurial career. Michaelee’s Sequoia brand has become a hallmark of Indigenous entrepreneurship, reflecting her commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. As a Pow Wow Pitch Pitcher and Winner turned Judge, Mentor and Alumni, who started in her kitchen and scaled to global success, Michaelee will bring invaluable lived insights to the Pow Wow Pitch Board.

“As a former contestant and someone who has benefitted from Pow Wow Pitch opportunities, I have experienced just about everything our participants will go through,” said Michaelee. “My own personal business goals somewhat mirror Pow Wow Pitch’s in that desire to uplift and assist other Indigenous entrepreneurs and help them succeed. I want to give back to the organization that has given so much to me and my business.”

Each new Board Director will sit for a minimum term of 2 years, with early priorities to establish a 5-year strategy and outlook for the organization. 

“I am honoured these four deeply knowledgeable individuals have agreed to join me on Pow Wow Pitch’s inaugural Board of Directors,” shared Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “They are qualified leaders, each bringing their diverse expertise to provide strategic guidance and good governance as we advance our mission of empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island together. Welcoming Karen, Jessica, Matthew, and Michaelee to the Board of Directors marks a significant milestone for Pow Wow Pitch. I am filled with gratitude and enthusiasm as we launch into this next growth phase with their leadership.”

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 as a reflection of respect and reciprocity as the foundation of the Pow Wow Pitch. For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.

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November 3, 2022 | Tonight, Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced nine Award Winners from across Turtle Island at the 2nd Annual Indigenous Entrepreneurship Awards, co-presented by RBC, Shopify, Meta and Mastercard in partnership with Export Development Canada and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. 

The Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards recognize and celebrate excellence and outstanding impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship by recognizing nine entrepreneurial leaders for their perseverance, growth, impact and example.

Sunshine Tenasco, Co-Founder of Pow Wow Pitch from Kitigan Zibi, QC, hosted the event, which featured a special performance of ‘Rise Up’ by musician Alicia Kayley from Long Point First Nation and Tahltan First Nation and nine Award presentations.

MEET THE 2022 INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEUR AWARD WINNERS 

Bobbie Racette, Founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus (Calgary, AB) 

RBC Entrepreneurial Icon Award Winner – Watch

“I want a future with diversity and representation across all sectors. My challenge to everyone is to set and meet targets for hiring Indigenous people. Just imagine the impact if everyone did this.”

As a Calgary-based Cree-Métis woman committed to inclusivity and championing LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous tech and business, Bobbie Racette is an unstoppable force as the Founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus. Virtual Gurus made headlines this Spring for being the first-ever Indigenous-owned business to raise Venture Capital. Today, Virtual Gurus has 40 employees, supports more than 650 virtual assistants, and has its sights set on global growth. 

Justin Gladue, Founder and CEO of Atlantic Fence Alberta Inc. (Edmonton, AB)

RBC Rising Star Award Winner – Watch

“I see a future where there isn’t an industry that doesn’t have strong Indigenous businesses. We need to support our brothers and sisters in business and life. We are strong, we are thriving, and we are still here.” 

As a member of Kehewin Cree Nation, Justin Gladue created Atlantic Fence in 2001, specializing in chain-link fencing for residential, commercial, and industrial fencing services across Alberta. Having started as a family-run business, Justin now employs 15 full-time Indigenous professionals, with more than $2.5M in revenues annually. Justin and Atlantic Fence give back in many ways to youth across Alberta.

Jeff Ward, Founder and CEO of Animikii (Victoria, BC) 

Mastercard Game Changer Award Winner – Watch

“Indigenous entrepreneurs are leading so much positive change in our communities. Every day, we are living outside of our comfort zone. Although that can be a challenging state to be in, it is also where we find our greatest growth.”

Jeff Ward is Ojibwe and Métis, originally from Manitoba, and now lives and works in Victoria, British Columbia, on Lekwungen territory. Jeff is the founder of Animikii, a digital services agency that works with leading, Indigenous-focused organizations across Turtle Island to drive positive change for Indigenous Peoples through technology. Jeff also serves as an Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) Board Member. He is committed to using his business, knowledge and expertise to uplift his family, community and Indigenous peoples. 

Carol Anne Hilton, Founder & CEO of the Indigenomics Institute (Vancouver, BC)

Mastercard Game Changer Award Winner – Watch

“It is a powerful thing to be an Indigenous entrepreneur today. Indigenous entrepreneurs’ success is a strong indicator of community and nation-building. As well, entrepreneurship is a tool of possibility and opportunity.”

Carol Anne Hilton is a Vancouver-based Hesquiaht author and CEO. She wrote Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table and is the Founder and CEO of The Indigenomics Institute. As an author, educator, and business and economic policy leader, she always asks – Who wants to play Indigenomics? – inviting everyone to play a role in reconciliation through Indigenous-led economic development. 

Michaelee Lazore, Founder and CEO of Sequoia Soaps (Kahnawake, QC)

Shopify Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Winner – Watch

“My vision for the future of Indigenous entrepreneurship is for us to work collectively, even more, to raise each other up. Let’s share our stories through our products and be known as brands of quality worldwide.”

Michaelee Lazore, Mohawk from Akwesáhsne and Northern Paiute from Nevada, is the Founder of Sequoia Soaps. From humble beginnings in Michaelee’s kitchen in 2002, Sequoia offers beauty and wellness products across Canada and out of her boutique in Kahnawake, Quebec. Sequoia is a proudly Indigenous company and has been featured on BuzzFeed, Elle Canada, Lou Lou, Chatelaine, Flare, and Spirit magazines, demonstrating Indigenous excellence in sustainable beauty and entrepreneurship. Michaelee is one of the top-performing Indigenous companies on the Shopify platform and is passionate about playing it forward by supporting and championing the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

Jacob Faithful, Founder and CEO of Young Spirit Supplies (Frog Lake, AB)

Shopify Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Winner – Watch

“Our focus is to enrich our communities with a sense of Indigenous identity. The pandemic has put everything into perspective and demonstrated the resilience of Indigenous people.” 

Jacob Faithful leads Young Spirit Singers, a Grammy-nominated drumming group that sings in Plains Cree and has members throughout the Western United States and Canada. With pandemic lockdowns leading to cancelled powwows, Jacob, who belongs to Frog Lake First Nation, turned to support his community by creating Young Spirit Supplies. Young Spirit Supplies is a sanitation supply company out of Lethbridge, Alberta, which has been busy during the pandemic, trying to get enough masks, disinfectant and other products to First Nations. Young Spirit Supplies has grown to 17 full-time Indigenous employees with $3.5M in annual sales and a Health Canada Medical Device Establishment License for their surgical face masks and respirators for adults and children. 

Clairissa Cruz, Founder & CEO, Bare Body Sugaring (Nelson House, MB)

Meta Entrepreneurial Spirt Award Winner – Watch 

“I am just one story in a rich culture of Indigenous people, who have endured so much and overcome so many challenges and yet, have remained resilient. We have every right and every capacity to be successful, not despite being Indigenous, but because we are Indigenous.”

Clairissa Cruz, from Nelson House First Nation in Manitoba, founded Bare Body Sugaring in 2009 and now owns several locations. Having started from her basement as a single mom, after 13 years in the industry, self-funding her business each step of the way, Bare Body Sugaring is now the top body sugaring business in Manitoba. Committed to giving back to the community, Clairissa also provides mentorship and coaching to women entering the Beauty Industry and is launching a sugaring school and certification program this year. Clairissa donates to residential school survivors and various community organizations, supports youth in her community, and advocates for entrepreneurship and equality. 

Trisha Pitura, Founder & CEO of MINI TIPI (Gatineau, QC)

EDC Entrepreneurial Leader Award Winner – Watch 

“Entrepreneurship is empowering because it challenges you and reveals your true capabilities. These are exciting times for Indigenous entrepreneurs; we are here, we are rising, we continue to show our gifts, and we have a strong community that supports each other through collaboration.”

Trisha Pitura, from Nipissing First Nation and now living in Gatineau, Quebec, is the Co-Founder of MINI TIPI, which owns and manufactures beautiful home and fashion products with authentic Indigenous designs to celebrate and reclaim Indigenous art and culture. Since launching in 2016, Trisha and her co-founder have grown MINI TIPI to more than 16 full-time employees and more than $1.2M in annual revenues. MINI TIPI is committed to the value of generosity and giving back with a strong relationship with their local women’s crisis shelter and food bank.

Dan General, Founder & CEO of DJ Shub Inc. (Fort Erie, ON) 

ITAC Creative Award Winner – Watch

“Music is medicine, and going out and playing live shows, you see the impact of music on people.”  

For the first time this year, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) partnered with Pow Wow Pitch to spotlight Indigenous entrepreneurs in the creative industry, awarding Dan General (DJ Shub) the ITAC Creative Award Winner and the recipient of a $10,000 prize.

Dan is a Mohawk DJ, music producer, and member of the Six Nations of the Grand River, living in Fort Erie, Ontario. Dan has won numerous awards, including a Juno, for his work as a former member of A Tribe Called Red, as a DJ, and for solo pursuits. Through music, the creative arts and entrepreneurship, Dan brings diverse Indigenous music to non-Indigenous audiences and has captured the emotion, spirit and pulse of the times for Indigenous people and issues across Turtle Island, evoking feelings of Indigenous pride, power and reclamation through his musical treatments. Dan is paving the way for a new generation of Indigenous artists. Through his perseverance, leadership and example as a creative Entrepreneur leaving a legacy, 

“It is an honour for us to celebrate and recognize the journeys, achievements and impact of Indigenous entrepreneurs that contribute to our collective entrepreneurial landscape,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Congratulations to each of the recipients. You demonstrate entrepreneurial confidence, and your work inspires present and future generations to use entrepreneurship for community impact, cultural preservation, and reclamation.”

“Congratulations to all of the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Award Winners,” said Dale Sturges, National Director for Indigenous Financial Services at RBC. “What a tremendous showcase of Indigenous entrepreneurs leading the way in innovation and creativity.”

“Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards!” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada. “At Mastercard, we know the future is brighter when Indigenous entrepreneurship is recognized, supported and celebrated. All of this year’s competitors demonstrated what it means to lead with creativity, resiliency and innovation.”

“Congratulations to each entrepreneurial leader recognized tonight,” said Debbie Reid, Indigenous Policy Manager at Meta. “We’re honoured to be a part of the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Awards and play a role in supporting innovative Indigenous leaders that embody the true meaning of entrepreneurship to support and uplift their communities.” 

“Congratulations to all the incredible inspirational recipients, leaders, and their teams! Indigenous entrepreneurship is a movement, and some of these esteemed award winners are shining examples of a continually evolving age of Indigenous excellence in commerce,” said Kyle St-Amour-Brennan, BUILD Native Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program Manager at Shopify. “We are honoured and thankful to contribute and witness this paradigm shift that rightfully recognizes Indigenous entrepreneurs and their communities from coast to coast to coast in collective empowerment that centers social, environmental, and cultural well-being.”

“Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees of the 2022 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards,” said Todd Evans, National Lead for Indigenous Exporters of Export Development Canada. “Indigenous entrepreneurs bring a lot to their communities as role models and demonstrate what can be done to create prosperity and opportunities for other entrepreneurs, especially younger and would-be entrepreneurs.”

“Congratulations to all of the recipients of the Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses being recognized tonight,” said Keith Henry, CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). “ITAC believes strongly in investing in Indigenous entrepreneurs, Indigenous tourism businesses and Indigenous destinations across the country.”

Each of tonight’s winners receives an Official Pin for Award recipients designed and hand created by Jesse Brant, Co-Founder and Jewelry Design Lead at Sapling & Flint; and a signed limited edition print of the artwork ‘Red Rising’ by Ojibway Woodland artist from Red Lake, Ontario which features a plaque with their name and recognition.

To watch the 2022 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, click here.

For interviews with the winners and partners, email hello@powwowpitch.org.

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