On September 2nd, 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 Christen Meeko Falcon, the Blackfeet Nation Founder of Backpacker’s Ferry, a business based in Blackfeet, MT, USA  as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Tourism Semi-Final Winner. Christen has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her 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. Tuesday night, five Tourism 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 Amy Seabourne, Director of Product Management at Mastercard; Katherine Soler, Account Executive & Newcomer Program Lead at Altis Recruitment; and Donna St. Louis, National Lead of Indigenous Business at EDC.

“The Blackfeet presence is low within Glacier National Park, we want to provide more hiring opportunities for our community to share our perspectives and knowledge with visitors,” said Christen Meeko Falcon, founder of Backpacker’s Ferry. “Also being that we are an ecotourism company, we can help funnel business into our tribe’s economy which is often missed due to the lack of support from the park. More shuttle vehicles, more hiring, more presence.”

Christen Meeko Falcon founded Backpacker’s Ferry, a tourism and transportation company rooted in the traditional homelands of the Blackfeet Nation, bordering Glacier National Park. With a mission that extends beyond travel, Backpacker’s Ferry creates meaningful connections between visitors and the rich history, culture, and landscapes of the Blackfeet people. By offering reliable ferry and shuttle services, the company provides safe, accessible ways to explore one of North America’s most breathtaking regions, while honouring the Nation’s deep ties to the land and its stories.

Through this work, Backpacker’s Ferry not only supports local tourism but also uplifts the Blackfeet community by sharing cultural knowledge, creating jobs, and showcasing Indigenous stewardship of the area. To continue expanding this impact, Christen pitched to win funds to extend the company’s current fleet and provide more employment opportunities for her Nation. These investments will strengthen the business’ ability to welcome more visitors, highlight Blackfeet culture, and ensure that tourism in Glacier National Park reflects the voices, culture, and traditions of the people who have called it home for generations.

“My advice is to reach out to supportive state or tribal institutions that can guide you through your business needs,” shared Christen. “Even if traditional loans don’t work out, don’t lose hope—there are funding opportunities like Pow Wow Pitch that can help you start or grow your business. Challenges will come, but don’t let them discourage you. As an Indigenous entrepreneur, it can feel overwhelming at first, but with time things begin to fall into place. The journey is part of the learning, so do your best to embrace and enjoy the process.” 

The judges congratulated Christen for her incredible idea, the positive energy she brought to her pitch, and the strong potential of her business to make a positive and sustainable impact to her community.

“Congratulations to Christen on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “In tourism, it is vital that we honour and acknowledge the original peoples of the territory, whose stories, culture, and deep ties to the land make each place truly unique. Christen’s work with Backpacker’s Ferry is a powerful example of how tourism can create meaningful connections, celebrate Indigenous stewardship, and ensure that visitors experience Glacier National Park through the voices and traditions of the Blackfeet people and Nation.”

Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Tourism industry category. Breanna Boyer, Founder of Riverway Rentals, was recognized for her clear and compelling pitch, strong passion, and the great promise her business holds for the future.

“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 Christen Meeko Falcon for advancing to the next round.”

To watch Christen’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Tourism Semi-Final episode, click here.

Christen 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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On September 5th, 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, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Andrew Dutcher, the Neqotkuk Founder and Author of Big-Hearted Parenting, a business based in Calgary, Alberta, as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Knowledge Services Semi-Final Winner. Andrew has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his business.

More than 300 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island (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 Grand Finale. From the 300 applicants, 100 were selected as Semi-Finalists and provided with training and mentorship to prepare for their semi-final pitch to the Judges.

Last night, eleven 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 advance as a finalist.

Judges included Katelyn Lawson, Commercial Relationship Manager of Indigenous Banking at RBC; Akshata Rajendra Raikar, Software Engineer II at Mastercard Canada; Relay Tangie, Director of Finance at NACCA; and Althea Wishloff, Partner at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners.

“I am so grateful that Pow Wow Pitch is going to be part of my journey of growing Big-Hearted Parenting, helping Indigenous families, and showing that every child mmatters,” said Dr. Andrew Dutcher, Founder of Big-Hearted Parenting. “I will use the winnings from Pow Wow Pitch to market Big-Hearted Parenting across Canada and help all the big-hearted parents learn how to yell less and connect more.”

Dr. Andrew Dutcher is a licensed child and adolescent psychiatrist working with Indigenous youth and children in the welfare system. He is a published author of his first selling book ‘Big-Hearted Parenting,’ a guide to yelling less and connecting more to foster and restore relationships between parents and children. Big-Hearted Parenting is also growing on social media to spread Andrew’s message to keep families together and children out of Canada’s welfare system by equipping parents with the tools to improve relationships, create loving homes, and end cycles of intergenerational trauma.

Andrew pitched to win funds to expand their social media efforts and marketing, record an audio book of ‘Big-Hearted Parenting’, and launch online courses for parents to learn how to yell less and connect more. 

“I think Indigenous entrepreneurs need to dream big and realize they have a valuable solution that could change the world,” expressed Andrew, echoing empowerment for fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

The judges congratulate Andrew for his great work in presenting his business, how he plans to expand Big-Hearted Parenting’s impact and for his incredible work in helping families connect and grow together. 

“Congratulations Andrew on your Semi-Final win and for advancing to the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Big-Hearted Parenting is doing important work to end cycles of intergenerational trauma and healing bonds within Indigenous families. At a time when there are more Indigenous children in the child welfare system than there were at the height of Residential Schools, it’s critical to support initiatives like this. We look forward to spotlighting Andrew and sharing more about Big-Hearted Parenting with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing our impact together.” 

Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Knowledge Services industry category. Gretchen Sands Gamble, Founder of Woodland Craft Barn, was recognized for her initiative to create a space within her community of Bkejwanong (Walpole Island First Nation) to come together and share knowledge.

“Pow Wow Pitch is an incredible showcase of Indigenous trailblazers who are making a transformative impact on our communities with their resilience, ingenuity and unwavering commitment to success.” said Tracy Antoine, Senior Director of Indigenous Programs and Policies at RBC. “We’re so proud of all our participants and semi-finalists – their courage to participate leads to life achievements and their shared stories are truly inspirational. We are committed to supporting their growth and success in the future.” 

“Being involved in Pow Wow Pitch is not just an honour, it’s a privilege to witness the creativity and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Senior Lead for Indigenous Entrepreneurship 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!”

“The innovative thinking and solutions brought forward by all the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch have been truly inspiring,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada. “At Mastercard, we’re committed to working with partners like Pow Wow Pitch to unlock access to resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs across the diverse communities we serve to power economies and empower people. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Andrew on advancing to the next round.”

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

Andrew will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 23rd. Register to watch the 2024 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.

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On September 4th, 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, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Zhaawshko Nimkii Bneshiih (Tyler French), the Chippewa Founder of CELEBRATION: Event Facility & Museum, a business based in Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Ontario, as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Tourism Semi-Final Winner presented by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. Zhaawshko has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his business.

More than 300 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island (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 Grand Finale. From the 300 applicants, 100 were selected as Semi-Finalists and provided with training and mentorship to prepare for their semi-final pitch to the Judges.

Last night, seven Tourism Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their organizations and community initiatives in one-minute for their chance to win an industry prize and advance as a finalist.

Judges included Katelyn Lawson, Commercial Relationship Manager of Indigenous Banking at RBC; Rob Stong, Incident Response Lead at Shopify; Stephanie Ying, Product Management Manager at Mastercard Canada; Tamara Littlelight, Director of Marketing at ITAC; and Noah Wilson, Senior Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur.

“Perseverance and revitalization of the Anishinaabemowin language are a huge part of our future moving forward,” said Zhaawshko Nimkii Bneshiih, Founder of CELEBRATION: Event Facility & Museum. “CELEBRATION is going to build a ‘Ziiwaagmideke – ‘s/he is making syrup,’ a sugar shack and language nest. This will enable us to continue tourism during the winter months and allow us to be successful throughout the entire year. Including our language within the business is all part of that authentic Indigenous adventure tourists’ are hoping to experience!”

Zhaawshko founded CELEBRATION to create a place for his community to gather and celebrate the strength of their community and culture on twelve acres of land along the Thames River watershed. From weddings and festivals to land-based learning workshops, CELEBRATION is a testament to the rich history and culture that Zhaawshko hopes to share with other communities across Canada. In addition to hosting events, CELEBRATION is proud to be working on many archaeological projects in an effort to return artifacts to Zhaawshko’s home territory and to share the knowledge from a more genuine perspective.

Zhaawshko pitched to win funds to build a new addition to the facilities with a sugar shack to make maple syrup and launch an Anishinaabemowin language-based learning program. This new build will allow CELEBRATION to expand its services throughout the winter months and contribute to the need for language revitalization.

“Nmiigwechwendam nbweziimag gonda Dorothy, Eldon, James, nwiiw Andrea, minwaaniijkiwenziinh Jaquie.” expressed Zhaawshko in Anishinaabemowin. “I’m thankful for my family Dorothy, Eldon, James, my wife Andrea, and friend Jaquie.”  

The judges congratulate Zhaawshko for his great work in presenting his business, how he plans to grow during the winter season, and for bringing a positive energy into his pitch and putting a spotlight on his community. 

“Congratulations Zhaawshko on your Semi-Final win and for advancing to the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “CELEBRATION: Events Facility & Museum is a shining example of Indigenous-led community work that uplifts our rich histories while restoring vital connections to the land and our language. Kitchi-mìgwech (a big thank you) for your dedication in preserving Anishinaabemowin for future generations. We look forward to spotlighting Zhaawshko and sharing more about CELEBRATION with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing our impact together.” 

Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Tourism industry category. Monique Collins, Founder of Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions, was recognized for an informative pitch, great community impact, and applaud Monique’s positive energy and passion she brings to Indigenous tourism.

“Pow Wow Pitch is an incredible showcase of Indigenous trailblazers who are making a transformative impact on our communities with their resilience, ingenuity and unwavering commitment to success.” said Tracy Antoine, Senior Director of Indigenous Programs and Policies at RBC. “We’re so proud of all our participants and semi-finalists – their courage to participate leads to life achievements and their shared stories are truly inspirational. We are committed to supporting their growth and success in the future.” 

“Being involved in Pow Wow Pitch is not just an honour, it’s a privilege to witness the creativity and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Senior Lead for Indigenous Entrepreneurship 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!”

“The innovative thinking and solutions brought forward by all the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch have been truly inspiring,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada. “At Mastercard, we’re committed to working with partners like Pow Wow Pitch to unlock access to resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs across the diverse communities we serve to power economies and empower people. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Zhaawshko on advancing to the next round.”

To watch Zhaawshko’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Tourism Semi-Final episode, click here.

Zhaawshko will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 23rd. Register to watch the 2024 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.

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Indigenous tourism stands as a cornerstone for cultural preservation, economic sustainability, and community impact across Canada. Through this partnership, ITAC and Pow Wow Pitch reaffirm their commitment to nurturing Indigenous entrepreneurship, thereby safeguarding traditions, driving economic prosperity, and fostering community development.

This year, ITAC takes centre stage as the lead presenter of the Pow Wow Pitch Tourism Pitch, lending their expertise virtually as judges for the online Pitch Competition and in-person at live Pow Wow Pitch events. Furthermore, ITAC proudly sponsors the Tourism Award for the 2024 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, an accolade that recognizes excellence and innovation in Indigenous tourism endeavours.

In a commitment to hands-on support, ITAC will engage its employees as mentors, advisors, and judges, fostering growth and development for Indigenous entrepreneurs in both virtual and real-world settings.

Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC, emphasized the pivotal role of this partnership: “Our continued partnership with Pow Wow Pitch exemplifies our commitment to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship and fostering growth within the tourism sector. Together, we are not only investing in businesses; we are investing in the future prosperity of Indigenous communities. ITAC’s vision for 2030 is for the Indigenous tourism industry to contribute $6 billion annually to Canada’s gross domestic product — making Canada the world leader in Indigenous tourism. To make that vision a reality, the Indigenous tourism industry needs to grow substantially in both the number of businesses and the number of industry employees.”

“The tourism sector is not only a vital economic engine; it’s also a means of cultural preservation and community empowerment. By supporting early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs, we are not just creating businesses; we are revitalizing traditions, empowering individuals, and shaping a more inclusive economy,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Our strong partnership with ITAC signifies our shared dedication to fostering innovation and opportunity for Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs across Canada. Together, we demonstrate the power of collaboration in advancing Indigenous economic sovereignty.”

As both organizations align their efforts, they pave the way for meaningful progress in amplifying Indigenous-led businesses and promoting economic sustainability within Indigenous communities. 

For further information on the partnership and upcoming events, visit powwowpitch.org/ITAC

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.

About ITAC

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a national non-profit Indigenous tourism industry organization established in 2015. ITAC is the lead organization tasked with growing and promoting the Indigenous tourism industry across the country. Inspired by a vision for a thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable and enriching experiences, ITAC develops relationships with groups and regions with similar mandates to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism businesses in a respectful protocol.

For more information, visit indigenoustourism.ca.

The post ITAC and Pow Wow Pitch Partner to Elevate Indigenous Tourism for 3rd Year appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

On September 5th, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Sarah Sproule, the Chippewas of Georgina Island Founder of Wayeshkad from Land O Lakes, Ontario, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Tourism Winner. Sarah 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.

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

Judges included Chad Garlow, Senior Manager Indigenous Peoples Development Program at RBC; Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Senior Lead Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Shopify; Stephen Nairn, Chief Investment Officer at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners; and, Teresa Ryder, Director of Partnerships at ITAC. 

“This is the first time I have pitched for Pow Wow Pitch,” said Sarah Sproule. “I decided to pitch because I thought I had a very unique tourism idea and opportunity focused on maintaining our culture and traditional practices.”

Wayeshkad is a trapline tourism business in Land O Lakes, Ontario that provides guided bear hunts and trapline tours. Wayeshkad also sells handmade leather, fur and cotton products  using the traditional hunting and trapping styles of the Ojibwe people. 

Sarah pitched to win funds that would allow her to expand her services offered at Wayeshkad by being able to extend her touring season into the winter months. Sarah plans to cabins to provide guests with overnight and immersive experiences. Sarah shares, “The Grand Prize money would be used to bring power and water into my camp and would go towards fees of incorporating the business.”

Alongside selecting a winner, the judges selected Tasha Robitaille, Founder of La Belle Cabane, a healing spa centered around traditional practices as the Runner Up, and provided an Honourable Mention to Tyler French, Founder of CELEBRATION: Event Family and Museum, an event coordinating business rooted in the spirit of gathering. 

“Congratulations to Sarah and her advancement to the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Finals,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Wayeshkad is leading by example of how to incorporate tradition and the tourism industry. We look forward to spotlighting and sharing Wayeshkad with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing together.” 

“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 Sarah on advancing to the next round.”

To watch Sarah’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Tourism Semi-Final, click here.

Sarah 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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May 15, 2023 | Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition and non-profit organization supporting emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced a new partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) as a Silver Partner for its 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Program. 

Set to support more than 2,500 Indigenous entrepreneurs in 2023 with mentorship, funding, training, marketing and a safe and trusted community of support, ITAC’s investment is helping Pow Wow Pitch to scale its virtual programs for creative and tourism entrepreneurs, re-enter communities with on-the-ground support across Canada.

Last year, ITAC supported a Virtual Creative Pitch, providing $2,500 grants, mentorship and training to nine creative Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Canada to commission mini-projects showcasing Indigenous-owned tourism businesses. The nine creative entrepreneurs moved on to pitch to win the Creative Prize Finals, a $15,000 grant for a larger commissioned Tourism project with ITAC. Mini-project recipient, Votan Henriquez, Founder of NSRGNTS placed 3rd in the Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finals in the Creative category. 

“We need more Indigenous businesses in tourism, especially on reservations, to help tribes create their own tourism industry,” said Votan on his work with Thrive Tours in the mini-projects.

In addition, ITAC presented the Creative Award at the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards to Dan General, Founder & CEO of DJ Shub Inc. of Fort Erie, ON, providing the winner with a $10,000 Prize. 

This year, ITAC will be the lead-presenter of the Tourism Industry Pitch again and will also be contributing both virtual judges towards the virtual Pitch Competition and in-person judges attending live Pow Wow Pitch Competitions. 

“We are thrilled to welcome back ITAC into the Pow Wow Pitch family and to continue to help shine the spotlight and provide innovative support to Indigenous creative and tourism entrepreneurs and businesses across Canada,” said Sunshine Tenasco, the Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “The partnership is an example of what can happen when Indigenous-led organizations collaborate, co-create and build capacity in the Indigenous-led economy in our own way.”

“We are delighted to return as a Silver Partner for Pow Wow Pitch and to help uplift creative and tourism entrepreneurs and work with a grassroots community,” said Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC. “As we continue to work toward recovery for the Indigenous tourism industry, it is vital we celebrate and support Indigenous creators who make stories and businesses happen from coast to coast to coast.”

***

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. In addition, community leadership through volunteerism is promoted to reflect respect and reciprocity as the foundation of the Pow Wow Pitch. For more information, visit https://www.powwowpitch.org/.

About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada 

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a national non-profit Indigenous tourism industry organization established in 2015. ITAC is the lead organization tasked with growing and promoting the Indigenous tourism industry across the country. Inspired by a vision for a thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable and enriching experiences, ITAC develops relationships with groups and regions with similar mandates to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism businesses in a respectful protocol. Connect with ITAC on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. 

The post ITAC and Pow Wow Pitch Partner for Another Year to Uplift Creative and Tourism Entrepreneurs appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition and non-profit organization supporting emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced a new partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) as a Silver Partner for its 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Program. 

Set to support more than 2,500 Indigenous entrepreneurs in 2022 with mentorship, funding, training, marketing and a safe and trusted community of support, ITAC’s investment is helping Pow Wow Pitch to scale its virtual programs for creative and tourism entrepreneurs, re-enter communities with on-the-ground support across Canada.

ITAC will support a Virtual Creative Pitch, providing $2,500 grants, mentorship and training to ten creative Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Canada to commission mini-projects showcasing Indigenous-owned tourism businesses. The ten creative entrepreneurs will pitch to win the Creative Prize, a $15,000 grant for a larger commissioned Tourism project with ITAC, and to advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Finale for a chance to win the $25,000 Grand Prize. In addition, ITAC will present the Creative Award at the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, providing the winner with a $10,000 Prize. 

“We are thrilled to welcome ITAC into the Pow Wow Pitch family and join together to help shine the spotlight and provide innovative support to Indigenous creative and tourism entrepreneurs and businesses across Canada,” said Sunshine Tenasco, the Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “The partnership is an example of what can happen when Indigenous-led organizations collaborate, co-create and build capacity in the Indigenous-led economy in our own way.”

“We are so pleased to work with the Indigenous-led team at Pow Wow Pitch to provide important support to creative and tourism entrepreneurs,” said Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC. “As we begin our recovery for the Indigenous tourism industry, it is critical we include Indigenous creators to bring our vibrant Indigenous cultures to life from coast to coast to coast.”

***

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. In addition, community leadership through volunteerism is promoted to reflect respect and reciprocity as the foundation of the Pow Wow Pitch. For more information, visit https://www.powwowpitch.org/.

About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada 

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a national non-profit Indigenous tourism industry organization established in 2015. ITAC is the lead organization tasked with growing and promoting the Indigenous tourism industry across the country. Inspired by a vision for a thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable and enriching experiences, ITAC develops relationships with groups and regions with similar mandates to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism businesses in a respectful protocol. Connect with ITAC on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. 

The post ITAC and Pow Wow Pitch Partner to Boost Creative and Tourism Entrepreneurs appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.