November 9, 2023 | Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, co-presented by RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard in partnership with Export Development Canada and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, presented Terry Brown from Peguis First Nation with the RBC Rising Star Award at the Third Annual Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards.

Terry was presented with the RBC Entrepreneurial Icon Award by Carrie Batt, Vice President of Business Markets at RBC.

Terry Brown, the Co-Founder of Okimaw Community and HR Solutionsbelonging to Peguis First Nation, stands at the forefront of economic development within Indigenous communities. His leadership has catalyzed the growth of Okimaw, shaping it into a key player in fostering economic sovereignty across Indigenous nations.

Since its inception in 2019, Okimaw has grown to serve over 100 Indigenous communities, a testament to Terry’s profound impact on economic empowerment and reconciliation. His strategic vision has been pivotal in facilitating significant business deals, contributing to over half a billion dollars in sales and economic activity.

With his dedication to combining traditional values with strategic economic practices, Terry Brown has rightfully earned the RBC Rising Star Award for his measurable achievements in economic growth and community empowerment within Indigenous communities.

“I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Pow Wow Pitch organizers, sponsors, and my family for believing in me,” said Terry. “Eight years ago I embraced entrepreneurship, seeking autonomy and ownership after a decade of building entities for others. The arrival of my daughter became my greatest inspiration to create a greater future for her and other generations to come. None of this would be possible without my incredible team at Okimaw Community and HR Solutions, their dedication and hard work have been the driving force behind our success.”

“It is an honour for us to celebrate the outstanding impact and leadership of Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Congratulations, Terry, we are so proud of your commitment to creating culturally aware solutions and practices in your mission to grow Indigenous businesses across Turtle Island.”

To watch Terry’s feature, click here. To watch the full Awards show, click here.

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