Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, is excited to unveil the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Box in partnership with RBC and Mastercard. Valued at over $250, this curated collection features thirteen selected products and digital experiences created by Indigenous entrepreneurs.

The Pow Wow Pitch Box Program offers emerging Indigenous-owned businesses a platform to gain exposure, access mentorship, funding, and vital support to elevate their ventures. By sourcing products directly from these entrepreneurs, Pow Wow Pitch helps them connect with hundreds of new customers.

This year’s box features a curated mix of products and experiences spanning wellness, food, accessories, art, books, and digital offerings, highlighting the creativity and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island. The 2026 edition is brought to life through Lofi, an original artwork by Inuit artist and Taqqiq founder Saelym DeGrandpre. Inspired by music, creativity, and cultural identity, Lofi transforms the box into a collectible piece that celebrates contemporary Indigenous art and storytelling.

Spotlight on this year’s Pow Wow Pitch Box products:

Limited Edition Antler Pin –  Taqqiq

Taqqiq is an Inuit-owned business founded by artist and designer Saelym DeGrandpre of Baker Lake, Nunavut, and the featured artist behind the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Box. Inspired by Inuit culture and storytelling, Taqqiq creates wearable art that celebrates identity and connection. This limited edition antler pin, crafted from caribou antler and featuring a hand-painted Inuk drum, offers a unique expression of Inuit artistry and tradition.

Rooted Cap – Tapwi

Founded by Cree-Métis entrepreneur Bobbie Racette, recipient of the 2022 RBC Entrepreneurial Icon Award at the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, Tapwi is an Indigenous lifestyle brand rooted in truth, authenticity, and purpose. The Rooted Cap reflects the importance of staying connected to who you are, where you come from, and the values that guide your path. Designed as a reminder to remain grounded while reaching for new possibilities, it celebrates personal growth, identity, and community.

Berry Patch Bundle – Bougie Birch

Founded by Mohawk entrepreneur Ashley Clark, Bougie Birch is an Indigenous-owned business dedicated to sharing culture, creativity, and connection through meaningful products and experiences. The Berry Patch Bundle features strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry embroidered patches inspired by the importance of berries in Indigenous teachings. Representing nourishment, seasonal cycles, and the abundance of the land, these vibrant patches bring a touch of nature-inspired storytelling to jackets, bags, hats, and more.

PASS THE SAGE – Tessa Belanger 

Pass the Sage was created by Tessa Belanger, an Anishinaabeg writer, educator, and community healer from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, and the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Creative Semi-Final Winner. Rooted in the belief that storytelling is medicine, Pass the Sage brings together Indigenous voices, reflections, and experiences that encourage healing, self-discovery, and connection. Through stories of strength, growth, and resilience, the book creates space for readers to honour their journeys while finding inspiration in the shared experiences of others.

Room Linen Mist in Aloe + White Tea + Soft Woods – Mashkiki Lifestyle & Co.

Mashkiki Lifestyle & Co. is an Indigenous women-owned home fragrance and lifestyle brand founded by Métis sisters Amanda Britten and Monicque Kitchen, 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Semi Finalists. Mashkiki creates small-batch products inspired by memories, land, and community. The Aloe + White Tea + Soft Woods Room Linen Mist offers a fresh and calming blend that brings warmth and balance to any space. Thoughtfully crafted to create moments of comfort and reflection, it invites the soothing essence of nature into everyday life.

Fireweed & Lavender Lotion Bar – Nature Spirit Soaps 

Nature Spirit Soaps is an Indigenous-owned business founded by Tahltan entrepreneur and 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finalist Kim in Whitehorse, Yukon. Inspired by traditional plant knowledge and the healing properties of the land, Nature Spirit Soaps creates handcrafted bath, body, and skincare products using wild-harvested botanicals. The Fireweed & Lavender Lotion Bar features wild-harvested fireweed extracts blended with nourishing oils and butters to help soothe, moisturize, and support everyday wellness.

Beaded Keychain – Eiralize Dreams

Eiralize Dreams is an Indigenous-owned business founded by Marissa Dube of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and Kahnawà, and a 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finalist. Inspired by a love of beadwork and self-expression, Eiralize Dreams creates handcrafted pieces that celebrate Indigenous artistry and creativity. This beaded keychain adds a beautiful and meaningful touch to everyday life.

Shaker Bottle – For The People

For The People is an Indigenous-owned social enterprise founded by Quinn Williams of Walpole Island First Nation. Built on the belief that wellness and community go hand in hand, For The People creates products that encourage healthy, active lifestyles. Their shaker bottle is designed for everyday use, whether mixing protein shakes, pre-workout, or staying hydrated throughout the day, making wellness accessible for the people, by the people.

Red Hamburger Relish – Rad Relish Co. Incorporated 

Rad Relish Co. is a Métis-owned business founded by Garrett Millsap, a 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Finalist, and inspired by a family recipe first created by Peggy Millsap in the 1940s. Rooted in tradition and reimagined for today, their Red Hamburger Relish delivers a sweet and tangy flavour while embracing innovative packaging designed to reduce environmental impact.

Limited Edition Sedna Greeting Card – Annie Pillatuq

Annie Pillaktuaq is an Inuk artist and recipient of the Consumer Products & Retail category at the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Finals. Inspired by Inuit stories and traditions, Annie creates artwork that celebrates culture, connection, and the natural world. These limited edition 5 x 7 greeting cards feature her depiction of Sedna, the Inuit sea goddess, bringing a meaningful piece of Inuit artistry and storytelling to share with others.

Cellphone Cozy – Aurora Heat, Inc.

Aurora Heat is a Dënesųłiné-owned business founded by Brenda Dragon of the Northwest Territories. Inspired by generations of northern knowledge and craftsmanship, Aurora Heat creates handmade products using natural materials that celebrate connection to the land. Their Custom Fur Cell Accessory combines traditional materials with contemporary style, adding a unique northern touch while showcasing the beauty and artistry of Indigenous craftsmanship.

Online Portfolio – Jamie Stevenson Photography

Jamie Stevenson Photography is owned by Tłı̨chǫ photographer Jamie Wetrade-Stevenson of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Through her lens, Jamie captures stories, landscapes, and moments that reflect the beauty and spirit of the North. This digital experience offers access to her online portfolio, showcasing a collection of photography that celebrates connection, culture, and the world around us.

Digital Experience – Adakai Media Group 

Adakai Media Group is an Indigenous-owned production company founded by filmmaker Wade Adakai. Through storytelling and film, Wade shares stories that uplift Indigenous voices and communities. The Hidden Blessing | MOD•SANI follows Stephanie Mitchell, founder of Mod•Sani, as she explores Diné cultural teachings and natural approaches to support her son with autism. The short film highlights the importance of embracing and celebrating neurodivergent relatives while fostering greater understanding, acceptance, and community support. 

Sales for the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Box closed on July 24th. View these products at powwowpitch.org/box. 

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As part of Aritzia’s commitment to participating in acts of reconciliation, both within its organization and with Indigenous communities across Canada, the Everyday Luxury retailer has partnered with Pow Wow Pitch for its fourth year to support Indigenous entrepreneurs for the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Competition.

Aritzia’s impact extends beyond funding, recognizing and fostering the immense talent of Indigenous women and two-spirit entrepreneurs. By investing in their diverse ventures, Pow Wow Pitch and Aritzia advance reconciliation through creative, cultural, and economic empowerment, enriching communities and the broader economy.

On September 17th, Pow Wow Pitch completed their announcement of all eighteen Finalists that will be advancing to the 2025 Grand Finale. Among these exceptional individuals, thirteen women and two-spirit Finalists were recognized and awarded with an Aritzia Grant, providing vital support for their deeply rooted, culturally grounded, and diverse initiatives across multiple industries.

Meet the 2025 Aritzia Grant Recipients:

Debbie Courchene, Founder of IndigE-girl Comedy, is an Indigenous woman from Sagkeeng First Nation and operates her not-for-profit organization in Vancouver, British Columbia. IndigE-girl Comedy is an organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous women, queer, and non-binary voices in the stand-up comedy industry. Watch Debbie’s pitch.

Christen Meeko Falcon, Co-Founder of Backpacker’s Ferry, is an Indigenous woman from the Blackfeet Nation, near Montana, USA where she owns and operates her Indigenous tourism company alongside her partner. Backpacker’s Ferry is a tourism and transportation company on the traditional lands of the Blackfeet Nation that connects travelers to the culture, history, and landscapes of the Blackfeet people. Watch Christen’s pitch.

Ariana Fotinakis and Vanessa Lesperance, Co-Founders of Decolonize and Rize, are Indigenous women from Aamjiwnaang First Nation and the Manitoba Métis Federation who operate their organization from Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. 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. Watch Ariana’s pitch.

Wendy Landry, Owner of Bebia Cho Foods Co., is an Indigenous woman from Deh Gáh Got’îê Dene First Nation who operates her business in Kelowna, British Columbia. Bebia Cho Foods, is a snack company bringing delicious and nutritious fruit snacks from the Okanagan to families in Northern and isolated Indigenous communities. Read about Wendy’s win.

Sunday Queskekapow and Victoria Perrie, Co-Founders of Kíwétinohk Consulting, are a two-spirit and Indigenous woman entrepreneur from Norway House Cree Nation and the Manitoba Métis Federation who operate their organization from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Kíwétinohk Consulting is a consulting firm serving northern Manitoba and the Nunavut Arctic, advancing justice, equity, and healing through culturally grounded consulting, programming, and restorative justice initiatives. Watch Sunday’s pitch.

Annie Pillaktuaq, Founder of Art Den by Annie, is an Indigenous woman from Iqaluit, Nunavut and is a talented artist based in Ottawa, Ontario. Art Den by Annie is an art and design studio by Annie Pillaktuaq that blends traditional knowledge with contemporary expression through visual art, sealskin accessories, and a vision to create a collaborative hub for Indigenous and Inuit artists in Ottawa. Watch Annie’s pitch.

Jackie DeCouteau-Gill, Founder of Kokums Helper Society, is an Indigenous woman from Liidlii Kue First Nation and is based in Edmonton, Alberta. Jackie is a passionate advocate for culturally grounded end-of-life care within Indigenous communities. Kokums Helper Society is an Indigenous-led organization providing trauma-informed, culturally grounded end-of-life care that honours ceremony, community, and connection. Watch Jackie’s pitch.

Shauna White Bear, Founder of White Bear Moccasins LLC, is an Indigenous woman from the MHA Nation, near Bozeman, MT, and a self-taught moccasin maker and leatherworker. White Bear Moccasins is an Indigenous-owned business specializing in handcrafted moccasins and offering unique moccasin repair services at powwows, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Watch Shauna’s pitch. 

Shyanne Yellowbird, Founder of mîmîNîsak, is an Indigenous woman from the Samson Cree Nation whose Seattle-based business brings Indigenous storytelling to life through art and design. mîmîNîsak is a new brand that features a unique line of dolls inspired by the Cree Little People, spiritual beings that embody guidance, protection, and cultural memory. Watch Shyanne’s Pitch.

Tessa Belanger, Founder of Pass the Sage, is an Indigenous woman from Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg who is writing her Indigenous perspective book from Ottawa, Ontario. Pass the Sage is an initiative that creates safe spaces for Indigenous storytelling, reflection, and healing, blending traditional knowledge with creative expression to support community wellness. Watch Tessa’s pitch. 

Destiny Moser, Founder of FoodZen, is an Indigenous woman and chef from Rainy River First Nation and operates her food-based business in Cambridge, Ontario. FoodZen revitalizes Indigenous food systems through a modern culinary lens, emphasizing hyper-local, seasonal ingredients and sustainable partnerships with local farmers. Through personal chef services, meal deliveries, and educational workshops, Destiny promotes food sovereignty and celebrates Indigenous culinary traditions. Watch Destiny’s pitch. 

Kendal Garlow, Co-Founder of SproutSync Ltd., is an Indigenous Mohawk woman from Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario where she and her partner operate their agri-tech company. SproutSync is a new greenhouse automation company with a vision to empower Indigenous growers through culturally aligned automation tools and solutions. Watch Kendal’s pitch.

Tannis and Rayel Smoke, Co-Founders of Niña Waṡte Events, are Indigenous women from the Dakota Plains Wahpeton Oyate and who operate their company from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Niña Waṡte Events, a vibrant Indigenous-owned game rental company reimagining the world of board games through an Indigenous lens by redesigning popular games to center Indigenous people, culture, and language. Read about Tannis and Rayel’s win.

“I feel blessed and honoured to be selected for this grant. Any funding we receive goes back into feeding our community through mentorship, fair and equitable pay, and visibility for women, gender-diverse and queer creatives who are making moves,” shared Debbie Courchene, Founder of IndigE-girl Comedy. “Your support helps us clear the path for others, removing barriers, and raising up the voices of women and two-spirit creatives. This funding allows us to continue creating spaces that uplift underrepresented voices, amplify joy and resilience in our communities, and support Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, and queer creators in sharing their stories.”

“Thank you to Aritzia for your continued support and for amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and two-spirit entrepreneurs through Pow Wow Pitch. Your partnership reflects a meaningful commitment to reconciliation and the growth of Indigenous-led businesses,”  said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “This year’s Aritzia Grant recipients shine with talent, creativity, and unwavering commitment to their communities. We’re inspired by all that you do and can’t wait to see your businesses thrive. Congratulations to each of you, and we are so excited to cheer you on in the Grand Finale.”

“Our partnership with Pow Wow Pitch continues to inspire and grow in meaningful ways,” said Corinne Kepper, Vice President of Corporate Giving at Aritzia. “We congratulate this year’s Aritzia Grant recipients who are all exceptional Indigenous women and two-spirit entrepreneurs, who bring creativity, vision, and dedication to their business ventures. Through this grant, we are proud to provide funding to help them scale their businesses and make a lasting impact in their communities. We’re cheering them on in the Grand Finale and can’t wait to see all they will achieve.”

All of the Aritzia Grant Recipients will be pitching in the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale on October 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET for their chance to win this year’s Grand Prize of $25,000. Register to watch the Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.

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