2023 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards
November 9, 2023 | Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, co-presented by RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard in partnership with Export Development Canada and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, presented Vanessa Marshall from the Métis Nation of Alberta with the EDC Export Award at the Third Annual Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards.
Vanessa was presented with the EDC Export Award by Todd Evans, National Lead for Indigenous Exporters at Export Development Canada.
Vanessa Marshall’s vision for Jack59 transcends borders, merging Métis heritage with global sustainability goals. In Edmonton, she launched an eco-innovative line of shampoo bars, steering the beauty industry towards greener horizons.
Under Vanessa’s entrepreneurial spirit, Jack59 flourishes, now boasting a presence in over 300 stores in Canada and beyond, and contributing to job growth with 16 employees.
A BCorp-certified beacon, Jack59 embodies inclusivity and environmental integrity, successfully keeping over 600,000 plastic bottles from landfills.
As a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Vanessa has positioned Jack59 not just as a Canadian success story but as a global example of how Indigenous-led businesses can scale, create value, and lead in sustainability.
Her leadership, advocating for a better world through inclusive, sustainable innovative business practices, makes Vanessa a most deserving recipient of the Export Development Canada Export Award.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to accept the EDC export award for domestic success and global potential,” said Vanessa. “This award holds profound significance for not just myself, but for the broader Indigenous communities and our collective journey towards redefining entrepreneurship and paving the way for future generations.”
“It is an honour for us to celebrate the innovation and leadership of Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Congratulations, Vanessa, we are so proud of your commitment to fostering an ethical and sustainable business model and mission.”
To watch Vanessa’s feature, click here. To watch the full Awards show, click here.