Tannis and Rayel Smoke, Niña Waṡte Events, wins Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch

Tannis and Rayel Smoke, Niña Waṡte Events, wins Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Pow Wow Pitch, co-presented by RBC and Mastercard, and with local presenting partners Red River College Polytech (RRCP) Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah and North Forge, announced Tannis and Rayel Smoke, Co-Founders of Niña Waṡte Events, from the Dakota Plains Wahpeton Oyate as the 2025 Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch Winner. The First Nations-owned business has won $5,000 for their business and will advance to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale where they will get the chance to win the grand prize of $25,000.

Simon Monteith, Simon the Scientist, wins 2024 Alumni Choice

Simon Monteith, Simon the Scientist, wins 2024 Alumni Choice

On September 19th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Simon Monteith, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Founder of Simon The Scientist, a business based in Winnipeg, Manitoba as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Alumni Choice Semi-Final Winner. Simon has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his business.

Esther Maud, Wabshkaa Animkii Benesii, wins 2024 People’s Choice

Esther Maud, Wabshkaa Animkii Benesii, wins 2024 People’s Choice

On September 18th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Esther Maud, the Skownan First Nation Founder of Wabshkaa Animkii Benesii, a business based in Thunder Bay, Ontario as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch People’s Choice Semi-Final Winner. Esther has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.

Alex Manitopyes, SACRD THNDR, wins Fashion Semi-Final

Alex Manitopyes, SACRD THNDR, wins Fashion Semi-Final

On September 17th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Alex Manitopyes, the Muskowekwan First Nation of SACRD THNDR, a business based in Calgary, Alberta as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Fashion Semi-Final Winner presented by Aritzia. Alex Manitopyes has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their business. 

Darion Ducharme & Zachary Flett, Teqare, win Technology Semi-Final

Darion Ducharme & Zachary Flett, Teqare, win Technology Semi-Final

On September 16th, Pow Wow Pitch, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Darion Ducharme & Zachary Flett, the Lac Seul and Sagkeeng First Nations Co-Founders of Teqare, a business based in Winnipeg, Manitoba as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Technology Semi-Final Winners. Darion and Zachary, winners of the Technology Semi-Finals, presented by Mastercard Canada, have won $1,000 and are advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their business.