Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg business based in Ottawa, ON wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 9th, 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 Tessa Belanger, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation Founder of Pass the Sage, a business based in Ottawa, ON, as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Creative Semi-Final Winner. Tessa has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their 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. Twelve Creative 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 Cameron Skura, Senior Relationship Manager at RBC; Helena Wade, Manager of Communications at Mastercard; Meagan Thompson, Director of Corporate Proposals at Altis Recruitment; Pegah Bazogh, Director of Operations at Aritzia; and Preeti Hiro, Regional Coordinator at EDC.
“When I found out, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude, excitement, and a deep sense of purpose,” said Tessa Belanger, founder of Pass the Sage. “It felt like more than a moment. I want to thank my home community of Kitigan Zibi, the Creator for guiding me, and my son Macaya, who inspires me every single day to keep pushing forward and breaking generational curses. I am also incredibly thankful to the Pow Wow Pitch team for creating a platform where our projects, stories, and dreams can come to life and be seen for the medicine they truly are.”
Tessa Belanger, founder of Pass the Sage, is an Anishinaabeg writer, educator, and community healer from Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg, dedicated to creating safe, supportive spaces for Indigenous storytelling, reflection, and healing. Rooted in her mission to help others feel seen, heard, and connected, Tessa blends traditional knowledge with creative expression to support community wellness. Her work includes the Pass the Sage Guided Journal, a culturally grounded resource featuring reflection prompts, teachings, and writing exercises, as well as creative writing workshops that center storytelling as a form of medicine. Through these offerings, Tessa helps Indigenous youth and community members explore identity, build resilience, and reclaim their stories.
In her pitch, Tessa shared plans to reinvest in Pass the Sage by expanding the guided journal into a multi-book series, growing her anthology collections, and offering more creative writing workshops to reach remote and underserved communities. She emphasized her commitment to community impact, with 25 percent of all revenue going back into Indigenous charities across Canada. Additional funding would support the distribution of journals to schools, libraries, and homes, provide honorariums to Indigenous collaborators and knowledge keepers, and build capacity for grassroots healing programs. Through this work, Tessa aims to deepen the reach of Pass the Sage while fostering cultural revitalization, intergenerational connection, and a collective path toward healing.
“One lesson I’ve carried is that our stories are our strength and a dream is never too big or too far fetched” says Tessa. “For other Indigenous entrepreneurs, I would say, trust your vision, lean into community, and don’t be afraid to take up space even when met with doubt. Every step forward, even the small ones, matters.”
The judges appreciated Tessa’s polished and well-prepared presentation, which clearly communicated her product, its meaningful impact, and her strong commitment to supporting Indigenous organizations and education. They were impressed by how clearly she presented the use of proceeds and admired her collaborative approach, including her partnerships with Indigenous communities.
“Congratulations to Tessa on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through Pass the Sage, Tessa is using storytelling as a way to support healing by creating spaces for reflection and connection. Her vision and commitment to community is what we love to celebrate at Pow Wow Pitch, entrepreneurship that is deeply rooted in love for community.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Creative industry category. Brittany Bonaparte, Founder of Water Drum Boy, the judges appreciated the creativity and cultural significance of revitalizing the Kanien’kehá (Mohawk language) through digital design, as well as the engaging presentation showcasing drawings, products, and the inspiration behind Water Drum Boy.
“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 Tessa Belanger for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Tessa’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Creative Semi-Final episode, click here.
Tessa 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.