From the
SEPTEMBER 2026
CIRCLE A Monthly Publication by Pow Wow Pitch
IN THIS EDITION OPENING THE CIRCLE
A message from the Executive Director
AROUND THE CIRCLE September Reflections
WITHIN THE CIRCLE
The Road to the Grand Finale
IN THE CIRCLE: SEPTEMBER PODCAST
Honour Our Stories Featuring Cora Kavyaktok
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 Truth and Reconciliation through Action September is a time to reflect on what reconciliation asks of each of us, not only on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, but throughout the year. For me, it is a time to honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and recognize the strength of Indigenous families and communities who continue to carry their cultures, languages, knowledge, and traditions forward. Truth comes first. Reconciliation cannot happen without recognizing and learning from the truths and experiences of Indigenous Peoples. At Pow Wow Pitch, we create opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to share their stories and build businesses on their own terms. Indigenous entrepreneurship has always existed, and supporting it means recognizing Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and ways of doing business while creating spaces where entrepreneurs can bring their full identities, values, and visions to their work.
Beyond September Reconciliation means thinking about the choices we make, the relationships we build, and where we direct our support. Supporting Indigenousowned businesses, creating opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs, and building genuine relationships with Indigenous communities are actions that extend beyond September 30. As an Indigenous-led organization, we are proud to create spaces where Indigenous entrepreneurs can share their stories, pursue their goals, and build businesses that reflect who they are and what matters to them.
The Journey Continues September is also an exciting time in our 2026 Pow Wow Pitch season. Our 100+ Semi-Finalists have now completed their semi-final pitches, and
throughout the first weeks of September, we will share their stories and businesses through our Semi-Final episodes across 13 categories. Congratulations to every entrepreneur who has reached this stage. Stepping forward to pitch once takes courage, and doing it again with everything you have learned along the way is an accomplishment worth celebrating. As we move closer to revealing our 2026 Finalists and the Grand Finale, I encourage our community to continue showing up for these entrepreneurs. Watch their pitches, learn about their businesses, cast your People's Choice vote, share their stories, and discover new Indigenous-owned businesses to support.
This September, may we remember that reconciliation is not defined by one day. It is reflected in what we choose to carry forward, the relationships we nurture, and the actions we take throughout the year.
Naomi Sarazin Executive Director, Pow Wow Pitch
AROUND THE CIRCLE Remembering, Learning and Honouring
SEPTEMBER REFLECTIONS
September is a time for reflection, learning, and continued conversation as we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30. This day honours Survivors of Residential Schools, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the lasting effects of residential schools and the responsibilities we each carry in advancing reconciliation. Reconciliation does not begin or end on September 30. It requires continued learning, listening to Indigenous voices, understanding the histories that continue to shape communities today, and considering how our everyday choices can contribute to meaningful change.
Every Child Matters Orange Shirt Day grew from the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her when she arrived at residential school as a child. Today, the orange shirt has become a symbol of the experiences of Survivors and the message that Every Child Matters. As we recognize September 30, we encourage our community to take time to listen, learn, reflect, and honour Survivors, their families, and the generations affected by the residential school system.
Continue Your Learning Learning is an ongoing part of reconciliation. We encourage our community to seek out Indigenousled resources, learn about the Nations and communities where they live and work, and continue engaging with the history and ongoing work of reconciliation throughout the year. Explore resources from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action.
Supporting Indigenous Businesses Choosing Indigenous-owned businesses is one tangible way individuals and organizations can support Indigenous entrepreneurship throughout the year. Beyond purchasing products, this can include working with Indigenous suppliers, hiring Indigenous professionals, commissioning Indigenous artists, and creating opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to share their expertise. Through Pow Wow Market, you can discover Indigenous-owned businesses and Pow Wow Pitch Alumni working across industries, from food, fashion, wellness, and art to consulting and professional services. Explore Indigenous-owned businesses at Pow Wow Market.
Keep the Conversation Going Throughout September, Pow Wow Pitch is inviting Indigenous entrepreneurs from our community to share what truth means to them by September 9, 2026. If you are an Indigenous entrepreneur and would like to contribute, we invite you to fill out our short form and share your perspective. Responses may be featured in an upcoming edition of From the Circle and shared through future Pow Wow Pitch Truth and Reconciliation campaigns and communications.
CLICK HERE TO SHARE WHAT TRUTH MEANS TO YOU!
AROUND THE CIRCLE Building for the Next Generation Alexander Redhead | Owner, Axe Monkeys Canada Winnipeg | York Factory First Nation, Cree
As a 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finalist, Alexander Redhead has continued to grow Axe Monkeys Canada Winnipeg while creating something his family and community can be proud of. When Alexander started the business, he wanted it to succeed; but he also wanted his children, nieces, and nephews to see that an idea could become something real. Today, two of his oldest nephews, Tyson and Nathan, work alongside him. They have grown into leaders within the business, running events, coaching customers, managing crowds, and taking on responsibilities independently. Leading by Example For Alexander, watching his nephews build alongside him has become one of the most meaningful parts of the journey. Their younger family members see them working together and growing a business, showing them that entrepreneurship is not something reserved for someone else. Alexander has also shared his experiences as an Indigenous father through two CBC First Person essays, while being named a 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finalist, milestones that have given him new opportunities to share his story. Looking Ahead Alexander’s next goal is to establish a permanent Axe Monkeys location and continue growing the business. More importantly, he hopes his journey inspires the next generation in his family to pursue their own ideas. Watch Alex as he pitched his business in the Tourism category released on August 31, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. ET: powwowpitch.org/episodes. Follow Alexander’s Journey: Instagram: @axemonkeyscanadawinnipeg
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
WITHIN THE CIRCLE The Road to the Grand Finale
SEMI-FINALS 120 SEMI-FINALISTS • 13 CATEGORIES 101 entrepreneurs pitched in the semifinals, with episodes releasing Aug. 31 to Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. ET.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE VOTING CLOSES SEPT 10 Vote for your favourite Semi-Finalist to win $1,000 and a Golden Ticket to the Grand Finale.
FINALISTS REVEALED SEPTEMBER 15 Meet the entrepreneurs advancing to the final stage of the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch competition.
GRAND FINALE OCT. 21 • 6 P.M. ET Cheer on the Finalists as they compete for the $25,000 Grand Prize.
IN THE CIRCLE: SEPTEMBER PODCAST Honour Our Stories featuring Cora Kavyaktok Cora Kavyaktok, founder of Inuk Gold, joins us on the September episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast to share how entrepreneurship, photography, and storytelling have become ways to celebrate Inuit identity, reclaim culture, and create space for Indigenous people to tell their own stories. Through Inuk Gold, Cora is bringing Inuit identity and artwork into professional spaces through business casual clothing that allows Indigenous professionals to represent their culture with pride. The brand also creates opportunities to support Inuit artists and give back to organizations serving Indigenous communities, connecting each piece to a broader purpose. Throughout the conversation, Cora reflects on her involvement with the Inuit Tattoo Revitalization Project, where she has documented Inuit women reclaiming traditional markings that were once suppressed. She shares the deeply personal story of her mother's journey from the experiences of residential school to eventually receiving her own traditional tattoos, and how reclaiming these practices can become part of healing, identity, and cultural continuity. Cora also shares about her Gold Series photography, which celebrates the strength, beauty, and contemporary identities of Inuit women through portraits featuring gold paint. Across each of her creative projects, she challenges historical representations of Indigenous peoples while creating space for Indigenous people to represent themselves on their own terms.
At the heart of Cora's work is a belief in the importance of community, cultural pride, and ensuring the next generation grows up seeing the value of who they are and where they come from. Her story is a powerful reminder that Indigenous people do not need others to tell their stories for them, and that entrepreneurship and creativity can create new spaces for those stories to be seen, heard, and carried forward. Listen at powwowpitch.org/podcast.
Listen Now
IN MOTION
OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE CIRCLE
Preparing for the Grand Finale Following the September 15 Finalist Announcement, the 2026 Finalists will begin preparing for the next stage of the competition. Throughout September, they’ll receive executive mentorship, personalized Pitch Coach feedback from Karla Briones of Karla Briones Consulting, and take part in a virtual Finalist Bootcamp on September 22. Mentors will be matched with Finalists on September 17, with mentorship sessions taking place September 23–30. On October 1, Finalists will record their Grand Finale pitches, delivering a twominute pitch followed by a two-minute Q&A with the judges. Finalists can access key dates, resources, and updates through the Finalist Support Page.
Building the Future with Tech 4 Youth The Tech 4 Youth program continues to create opportunities for Indigenous youth to explore technology, entrepreneurship, and new skills. This year, seven Indigenous youth joined the program, with support from Best Buy Canada providing technology and tools to help them develop their businesses. Stay tuned as we announce this year’s Tech 4 Youth recipients and share more from their journeys.
Celebrating Indigenous Entrepreneurs The Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards are coming this November! Join us for the Digital Gala on November 13 at 7 p.m. ET as we celebrate Indigenous entrepreneurs and their achievements. More Awards announcements are coming soon, including this year’s recipients and details on how to join the celebration (virtually or in-person).
Something Special is on the Way The 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Box is getting ready to make its way to communities, partners, and collaborators! Boxes will begin shipping at the end of October, bringing together a curated collection of products from Indigenous entrepreneurs..
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: POW WOW PITCH GRAND FINALE 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. Click here to register to the 2026 Grand Finale Digital Watch Party.
OCTOBER
21
ST
BUILDING TOGETHER
PARTNER UPDATES
Partner Announcements In August, Pow Wow Pitch welcomed the National Arts Centre as a new partner, creating more opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to connect and celebrate in the National Capital Region. Through the partnership, the National Arts Centre will host Pow Wow Pitch’s Mentor Networking Event and the 6th Annual Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards Digital Gala Premiere, bringing together entrepreneurs, mentors, partners, and supporters to build relationships and celebrate this year’s Award recipients. Read more about our partnership announcements at powwowpitch.org/stories. Top 3 Fraud Scams:
Keeping Your Business Safe When Making or Accepting Payments The tactics being used by fraudsters are constantly evolving. While there is no one thing you can do to eliminate fraud, there are actions you can take to help mitigate the risk. Learn how to safeguard your business today!
Learn More
BUILDING TOGETHER Partner News From Pitcher to Partner: Celebrating 10 Years of MINI TIPI What began in 2016 with two moms working from their basements has grown into MINI TIPI, a recognized Indigenous-owned brand creating space for authentic Indigenous textiles and art in Canada. Their journey has also been closely connected to Pow Wow Pitch. MINI TIPI first stepped up to pitch in 2018 and returned to the competition three times. While their journey didn’t end with a win, each pitch helped build confidence, strengthen their story, and open new opportunities. Today, MINI TIPI has come full circle as a Pow Wow Pitch partner, supporting the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Celebrating 10 Years This year, MINI TIPI celebrates a decade in business, marking ten years of growth while continuing to create authentic Indigenous textiles and build bridges through design. Introducing the KOKUM Blanket As part of its Signature Collection, MINI TIPI recently introduced the KOKUM Blanket, named after the kokum scarf, with kokum meaning grandmother in Cree. Inspired by the floral scarves that became widely recognized across Indigenous communities, the blanket carries that history into textile, honouring connection, kinship and the stories passed between generations. You can view the KOKUM blanket at minitipi.ca.
Congratulations to MINI TIPI on 10 years, and thank you for continuing to walk alongside the Pow Wow Pitch community.
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!
JOIN THE CIRCLE
SHARE YOUR STORY
THE ALUMNI NETWORK Stay Connected to the Circle
Being part of Pow Wow Pitch continues beyond the pitch. The Alumni Network is a space to stay connected, discover opportunities, access resources, and celebrate what Indigenous entrepreneurs across the circle are building. Whether you're looking to share an update, discover another Indigenous-owned business, or find support for your next step, there are many ways to stay connected.
Share Your Story! We’d love to celebrate and highlight Indigenous small businesses in our October newsletter! If you’d like to be featured, submit your story below.
Tools for Your Journey Looking for support as you build your business? Alumni can explore resources and opportunities available across the Pow Wow Pitch community, including:
CIRA
For Truth & Reconciliation, Alumni are also invited to share what reconciliation means to them through a short written or video response by September 9.
Free .CA domains and Indigenous stock images
SHARE YOUR STORY!
24/7 and culturally grounded supports across Canada and the United States
SHARE YOUR TRUTH!
NACCA & Futurpreneur Financing and business support opportunities
Wellness Resources
COMING UP AROUND THE CIRCLE SEPT
EPISODES DROP
SEPT 10
SEPT 15
OCT 21
NOV 13
PEOPLE’S CHOICE VOTING CLOSES
FINALISTS REVEALED
GRAND FINALE
AWARDS DIGITAL GALA PREMIERE
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