From the
OCTOBER
CIRCLE A Monthly Publication by Pow Wow Pitch
IN THIS EDITION OPENING THE CIRCLE
A message from the Executive Director
AROUND THE CIRCLE Small Business Month
WITHIN THE CIRCLE
The Road to the Grand Finale & September Reflections
IN THE CIRCLE: OCTOBER PODCAST
Heal Through Language Featuring K’odi Taylor
IN MOTION
Program Updates
BUILDING TOGETHER Partner Announcements
THE ALUMNI NETWORK
Stories, Resources & Opportunities from the Circle
OPENING THE CIRCLE A message from the Executive Director Celebrating Indigenous Business October is Small Business Month, a time to celebrate the Indigenous entrepreneurs building businesses, creating opportunities, and bringing their ideas to life across Turtle Island. Indigenous entrepreneurship takes many forms, from businesses rooted in culture, community, and traditional knowledge to new ideas responding to the needs of today. Throughout this year's Pow Wow Pitch season, we have had the opportunity to meet entrepreneurs from across industries and communities, each with their own story and vision for the future. This month is an opportunity to recognize the work that goes into building those businesses and to continue discovering, sharing, and supporting Indigenous-owned businesses throughout the year.
Carrying the Conversation Forward Last month, we invited Indigenous entrepreneurs and our partners to reflect on what Truth and Reconciliation means to them. Their perspectives remind us that reconciliation does not end with September 30. It continues through the relationships we build, the opportunities we create, and the choices we make every day. Supporting Indigenous-owned businesses is one way we can continue that work. When we choose to buy from, work with, recommend, and create opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs, we contribute to greater economic self-determination while supporting businesses that create opportunities for families and communities.
The Grand Finale is Here October also marks one of the biggest moments of our 2026 Pow Wow Pitch season. After months of pitching, mentorship, learning, and growth, 17 Finalists are preparing to take the virtual stage at the Turtle Island Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale.
Reaching this stage is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Each Finalist has shared their business through multiple rounds and continued strengthening their pitch along the way. Congratulations to our Finalists and every entrepreneur who participated in this year's competition. On October 21 at 6:00 p.m. ET, we will come together virtually to celebrate our Finalists and find out who will take home the $25,000 Grand Prize. I hope you'll join us with your family, friends, and community to cheer them on.
Looking Ahead The celebrations continue in November with the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards on November 13, including our Digital Gala and in-person gathering in Ottawa. This Small Business Month, we encourage you to discover, share, and support Indigenous-owned businesses and the entrepreneurs building opportunities for generations to come.
Naomi Sarazin Executive Director, Pow Wow Pitch
AROUND THE CIRCLE Shop the Circle: Indigenous Small Business Month October is Small Business Month, and we’re celebrating by making it easier to discover and support Indigenous-owned businesses. Explore products from Pow Wow Pitch Alumni through Pow Wow Market, and meet a few of the entrepreneurs and brands building businesses across the circle.
KEBAONISH Founded by Anishinaabe entrepreneur, Dr. Shyra Barberstock, Kebaonish brings culture, community, and connection together through thoughtfully crafted coffee and tea.
NUEZ ACRES Founded by Métis entrepreneur, Anthony Wingham, and his partner, Nuez Acres creates natural beauty products featuring pecan oil, bringing together Indigenous and Mexican heritage with a commitment to sustainability and quality.
RAVENSONG SOAP & CANDLE
SEQUOIA SOAP
Owned by Wet’suwet’en entrepreneur Alissa Assu, RavenSong Soap & Candle creates handcrafted products inspired by connection to land, culture, and community.
Founded by Michaelee Lazore, Kanien'kehá:ka from Akwesáhsne and Northern Paiute, Sequoia is an Indigenous woman-owned brand creating locally made products with ethically sourced ingredients.
DISCOVER MORE INDIGENOUS-OWNED BUSINESSES AT POW WOW MARKET
WITHIN THE CIRCLE
GRAND FINALE
The Road to the Grand Finale
17 Finalists. One Grand Finale. After months of pitching, mentorship, and growth, the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch competition has reached its final stage. Seventeen Indigenous entrepreneurs have advanced to the Turtle Island Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale, representing businesses, ideas, and communities from across Turtle Island. Each Finalist has made their way through multiple rounds of the competition, from their first pitch to the Semi-Finals and now the Grand Finale. Along the way, they have continued to strengthen their businesses, refine their pitches, and share the stories behind what they are building. This October, they will take the virtual stage one final time for the chance to win the $25,000 Grand Prize and be named the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale Winner.
THE GRAND FINALE IS HERE. OCTOBER 21, 2026 | 6 P.M. ET
MEET THE 2026 FINALISTS Meet the 17 Indigenous entrepreneurs who have advanced to the 2026 Turtle Island Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale. After sharing their businesses through multiple rounds of pitching, these entrepreneurs are preparing to take the virtual stage one final time on October 21st, 2026.
MEET THE FINALISTS & LEARN MORE powwowpitch.org/finalists
WITHIN THE CIRCLE Carrying Reconciliation Forward Throughout September, we invited Indigenous entrepreneurs and Pow Wow Pitch partners to reflect on what Truth and Reconciliation means to them. Their reflections remind us that reconciliation extends beyond one day or one month. It is carried forward through continued learning, meaningful relationships, supporting Indigenous communities and businesses, and the actions we choose to take throughout the year.
“Reconciliation requires sustained action, accountability and partnership over the long term.” “Truth to me is being held 100% accountable and speak of only my story and speak of only my lived experience and vulnerability.” - Darry Willier
Leah Gilbert Morris | EDC
“Truth to me is being held 100% accountable and speak of only my story and speak of only my lived experience and vulnerability.” - Darry Willier
“Truth is not as simple as learning about something that happened in the past. It is recognizing a history that continues to shape Indigenous families, communities, cultures, and identities today.” Angela Cimino
“Truth to me is about restoring identity and reconnecting with who we are and where we come from.” - Tasha Toulouse
“Truth and Reconciliation means an acknowledgement of ‘what has been’ and an appreciation of ‘what now needs to be.” “Truth comes when each group or individuals accept this in their heart and spirit while utilizing their physical efforts to create a better outcome.” - Alan Jamieson
Bukkie Adewuyi | Aritzia
BEYOND SEPTEMBER Truth and Reconciliation continues through the relationships we build, the choices we make, and the actions we carry forward. By continuing to listen, learn, and show up, we can help create meaningful change throughout the year.
IN THE CIRCLE: OCTOBER PODCAST Heal Through Language Featuring K’odi Taylor K’odi Taylor, founder of First-ory and a 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Finalist, joins us on the October episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast to share how his personal experiences with language, mental health, and neurodivergence led him to create a new tool for Indigenous language revitalization. Through First-ory, K’odi developed a recordable language pen that uses audio stickers to help learners hear and practice proper pronunciation. The technology can be added to books, learning materials, and everyday resources, creating more accessible ways for communities to record, share, and learn their languages. For K’odi, the idea grew from recognizing the barriers faced by learners, including neurodivergent people and those living away from their traditional territories. Throughout the conversation, K’odi reflects on his own mental health journey and ADHD diagnosis, and how better understanding himself helped shape the way he approached entrepreneurship. He also shares the persistence it took to bring First-ory from an idea to communities, including a 35-day road trip across Western Canada where he pitched his prototype, connected with Indigenous Nations and schools, sought funding, and worked to build the relationships and trust needed to move the business forward. K’odi also speaks about language revitalization as a collective responsibility and the importance of carrying forward the work of those who came before us. At the heart of Firstory is a desire to make language learning more accessible while helping ensure Indigenous languages can be heard, practiced, and
carried forward by future generations. His story is a reminder that lived experience can shape meaningful solutions, and that learning to challenge negative self-talk and trust your own ideas can be an important part of building something that serves your community. As Indigenous languages continue to be reclaimed, strengthened, and shared, K’odi’s work shows how technology and entrepreneurship can become tools for cultural continuity and community-led change. Episode premieres October 7, 2026 at: powwowpitch.org/podcast.
Listen Now
IN MOTION
OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE CIRCLE
GRAND FINALE: JOIN US LIVE Join us on October 21 at 6:00 p.m. ET to celebrate this year’s Finalists and find out who will take home the $25,000 Grand Prize.
OCTOBER
21
ST
REGISTER TO WATCH
THE GATHERING: JOIN US IN OTTAWA NOVEMBER 13, 2026 | NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE, OTTAWA Join us in person for an evening of connection and celebration at the National Arts Centre. Connect with mentors and members of the Pow Wow Pitch community during our Mentor Networking reception from 5 to 7 p.m. ET, followed by a viewing of the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards Digital Gala from 7 to 8 p.m. ET. Light refreshments will be served, with door prizes throughout the evening. REGISTER FOR THE GATHERING
INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS NOVEMBER 13, 2026 | 7 P.M. ET Can't join us in Ottawa? Tune in online for the 2026 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards Digital Gala as we celebrate Indigenous entrepreneurs, their achievements, and the people and communities supporting their journeys. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AWARDS
BUILDING TOGETHER PARTNER NEWS RBC SMALL BUSINESS POLL:
Gen Z Is Changing What Business Ownership Looks Like The latest RBC Small Business Poll reveals a generation that wants in on entrepreneurship. They’re optimistic about what’s ahead and building businesses alongside their full-time jobs. See what’s motivating Gen Z
Learn More
Registration now open:
WBNB Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Summit & Pop-Up Shop Join Women in Business New Brunswick in Fredericton November 20 and 21, for a two-day celebration of Indigenous women entrepreneurs. This event will bring together inspiring voices, meaningful connections, learning opportunities and a vibrant showcase of Indigenous-owned businesses from across New Brunswick. Registration is now open for Summit participants and Pop-Up Shop vendors. Get more information about the event and register before October 15 here.
Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact on Exporters Tariffs can affect pricing, competitiveness and market access for Canadian exporters. Whether you're selling to the U.S. or exploring new international markets, understanding how tariffs work can help you make informed business decisions. Learn what tariffs are, who pays them, how trade agreements may reduce costs, and strategies that can help businesses manage trade uncertainty and grow internationally. Read the article: Tariffs 101: What Canadian Exporters Need to Know
PARTNER UPDATES
BUILDING TOGETHER PARTNER NEWS
AROUND OUR PARTNER COMMUNITY From business insights and export resources to gatherings, networking, and learning opportunities, our partners continue to create ways for Indigenous entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow. Explore more resources, opportunities, and updates from the organizations supporting the Pow Wow Pitch community. EXPLORE OUR PARTNERS
PARTNER UPDATES
BUILDING TOGETHER
PARTNERS
Our work is made possible through the support of partners who share our commitment to strengthening Indigenous entrepreneurship. Learn more about our partners at powwowpitch.org/partners.
CO-PRESENTING
FRIENDS
COMMUNITY
FUNDERS
BECOME A PARTNER
PARTNERS
Pow Wow Pitch is looking for capital support to help us achieve our vision of $1 million to
100 Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Your Partnership helps Indigenous entrepreneurs transform ideas into thriving businesses by:
Funding grants & awards
Supporting mentorship & training
Growing sustainable Indigenous businesses
Amplifying Indigenous stories
Empowering the next generation
Why Partner With Pow Wow Pitch? NATIONAL REACH
YEAR-ROUND VISIBILITY
Over a decade of programming supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada.
Recognition across live events, digital campaigns, podcasts, and publications.
TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPS
AUTHENTIC ENGAGEMENT
Strong connections with founders, youth, and community partners.
Opportunities to mentor, judge, host, or collaborate beyond brand placement.
Start the Conversation. There’s more than one way to partner. We welcome contributions of all kinds, grounded in generosity, reciprocity, and a shared commitment to uplift Indigenous entrepreneurs. Let’s start the conversation and explore what partnership could look like together.
Email: hello@powwowpitch.org
Become a Partner!
SHARE YOUR STORY
THE ALUMNI NETWORK Stay Connected to the Circle
Being part of Pow Wow Pitch continues beyond the pitch. Stay connected with the Alumni Network to share your latest news, discover opportunities and resources, and keep up with what entrepreneurs across the circle are building.
Tools for Your Journey Looking for support as you build and grow? Explore tools, programs, and opportunities available through Pow Wow Pitch and our partners.
Indigenous Startup Program Free modules, toolkits and learning resources covering business planning, branding, pitching, finance, funding, exporting and more.
CIRA Free .CA domains and Indigenous stock images
NACCA & Futurpreneur Financing and business support opportunities
Wellness Resources 24/7 and culturally grounded supports across Canada and the United States
Explore More Pow Wow Pitch Partners and Resources
MEET THE FINALIST ALUMNI With the Grand Finale just around the corner, explore Pow Wow Pitch Finalists from across the years and discover the entrepreneurs who have reached this exciting stage of the competition.
2026 Finalists
2022 Finalists
2018 Finalists
2025 Finalists
2021 Finalists
2017 Finalists
2024 Finalists
2020 Finalists
2016 Finalists
2023 Finalists
2019 Finalists
Share Your Story! Have a new product, launch, milestone, award, expansion, or business update? We want to hear about it. Submit your story for a chance to be featured across Pow Wow Pitch platforms. SHARE YOUR STORY!
ALUMNI NETWORK Growing with Confidence
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Leanne Jones | Founder & Creative Director Leanne Digital | Peguis First Nation
When Leanne Jones first joined Pow Wow Pitch in 2025, her business was growing quickly and she was still discovering what was possible as an entrepreneur. Today, that growth has developed into something more sustainable. Leanne Digital, formerly Leanne Digital Design, has grown into a digital agency that comfortably supports a two-person team while continuing to expand its services and reach. Over the past year, Leanne has doubled her revenue, expanded the services offered through her agency, and grown her client base across North America. But some of the biggest changes have happened beyond the numbers. As the business has grown, so has Leanne's confidence in herself as a business owner and in the value her knowledge and experience can bring to other businesses and organizations. Growing Through Community One of the biggest surprises along the way has been the support Leanne has found within the entrepreneurial community. She reflects on how easy it can be when starting a business to question your abilities or wonder whether you are capable of making an idea work. Through putting herself out there, building relationships, and connecting with other entrepreneurs, she began to recognize her own strengths and see what was possible for the business. A year ago, Leanne says she was still trying to determine whether the business could work. Today, she is running a growing digital agency, speaking at conferences, supporting clients across North America, and building a business she is genuinely proud of. Building What Comes Next Leanne's vision extends beyond growing her own agency. As Leanne Digital expands, she hopes to create opportunities for more Indigenous web designers, graphic designers, developers, and marketers, helping shine a light on the talent already within Indigenous communities. Her goal is to continue building a business she is proud of while creating space for more Indigenous creatives and technology professionals to grow alongside her. Learn More About Leanne’s Journey: Website: leannedigital.com | Instagram: @leannedigitalagency | Watch Leanne’s 2025 Pitch here
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WHO WE ARE
SUNSHINE TENASCO Founder & Chair
JESSICA ZHANG-CHAPMAN
Pow Wow Pitch is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, with the co-presenting support of RBC and Mastercard.
Treasurer & Director
WANDA BRASCOUPE Director
MATTHEW NAHDEE Director
STAY IN THE CIRCLE
ADVISORY COUNCIL TRISHA HAYTER
Questions, partnership inquiries, or story submissions? Email us at hello@powwowpitch.org
Director, Portfolio Management & Data, RBC Origins
NADINE AROUS
Website powwowpitch.org
Director, Project Management, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mastercard
Follow Us Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
DONNA ST. LOUIS National Lead of Indigenous Exports, Inclusive Trade, EDC
SHANNIN METATAWABIN CEO, NACCA
OUR TEAM NAOMI SARAZIN
KEISHA PERRIN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
hello@powwowpitch.org
keisha@powwowpitch.org
DESTINY MALUGA COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
destiny@powwowpitch.org
DARIAN KOVACS CEO, Jelly Marketing
ALTHEA WISHLOFF Partner, Raven Indigenous Capital Partners