Manitoba Métis Federation & Aamjiwnaang First Nation business based in Salt Spring Island, BC, wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 3rd, 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 Vanessa Lesperance and Ariana Fotinakis, the Métis and Anishinaabe Co-Founders of Decolonize and Rize, a business based in Salt Spring Island, BC, as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Knowledge Services Semi-Final Winner. Vanessa and Ariana have won $1,000 and are 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. Last night, twelve 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 a spot in the finals.
Judges included Hunter Michael, Strategic Initiatives at RBC Origins; Blessing Alfa, Managing Consultant, Specialized Product Delivery at Mastercard; Alyssia Tassone, Senior Account Executive at Altis Recruitment; and Jordan Smith, Indigenous Programs Specialist at Futurpreneur.
“We’d like to thank the Indigenous trailblazers who have been engaged in this work far longer than we have,” said Vanessa Lesperance and Ariana Fotinakis, co-founders of Decolonize and Rize. “It’s incredibly important to us to keep aiming to do this work in a good way. We also want to thank Sunshine and everyone else at Pow Wow Pitch for creating this opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs, and for all the incredible Indigenous entrepreneurs we’re in community with for support, encouragement, and who believe in community over competition.”
Vanessa Lesperance and Ariana Fotinakis are the visionary co-founders of 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. At its core, the organization is rooted in Indigenous worldviews that emphasize interconnectedness, healing, and collective flourishing.
With a mission that intertwines reconciliation and wellness, Decolonize and Rize offers signature programs like the Reconciliation and Well-Being Series and the Indigenous Well-Being Series. Ariana shared in their pitch that they will use their funds to secure and strengthen their brand identity and online presence to enhance their Indigenous worldview throughout their organization and programming.
“Advice we’d offer to other Indigenous entrepreneurs is to not let perfectionism hold you back!” shared Ariana Fotinakis. “Perfection is a colonial construct and you can learn so much by letting yourself embrace the discomfort, and sometimes messiness, that comes with taking action without having it all figured out.”
The judges congratulated Ariana and Vanessa for their incredible pitch, clear business model, and strong traction toward their goals. They were impressed by their presentation and well-thought-out execution plan, and wished them all the best as they move forward.
“Congratulations to Ariana and Vanessa on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through Decolonize and Rize, you two are true bridge builders, guiding organizations toward reconciliation with understanding, compassion, and courage. Your work reminds us that reconciliation means embracing action and taking steps toward meaningful change. We are proud to celebrate your vision and leadership as you continue creating pathways for transformation.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Knowledge Services industry category. Winter Dawn Lipscombe, Founder of When the Frogs Sleep, was recognized for her fantastic pitch and the beautiful way she shared her story with thoughtfulness and inclusivity.
“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 Ariana and Vanessa for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Ariana and Vanessa’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Knowledge Services Semi-Final episode, click here.
Ariana and Vanessa 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.