Pow Wow Pitch Podcast

“Allow yourself to feel embarrassed, feel the cringe, feel the stress. You are allowed to feel your feelings because that's how you get your motivation and find progress.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we welcome Pow Wow Pitch Host, Janelle Niles, a Two-spirited Black-Mi’kmaq woman, and Creator of Got Land? Indigenous Comedy Show. Discover the laughter-filled path she followed into...

“You never know who is watching and you can inspire so many people.” On this episode, we sit down with Ashley Michel, a Secwepemc creator from Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc, and the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Winner and Founder of 4 Generations Creations. Ashley takes us on her remarkable journey, from winning the Pow Wow Pitch competition to becoming a TikTok sensation and opening her first storefront in Kamloo...

“Always remember the community you come from, it's important to have that community of like-minded individuals to support you on your journey.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we explore Jordan Smith's journey as the 2023 Alumni Prize Winner and the mind behind Renterii, a tech startup powered by community. Jordan is Red River Metis and discusses his experiences, insights into tech c...

“Believe in yourself because you're the only one who matters at the end of the day. Your duty is to yourself to keep you safe, happy, and to create a good future.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, join Chelsee Pettit, Anishinaabe member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation and the Founder of aaniin retail inc. She shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey into Indigenous streetwear brands a...

“Anything is possible. It is doable regardless of where you come from, what you look like, what you sound like. It is possible so long as you have the grit, determination, and the willingness to work hard.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, Karla Briones, Founder of Karla Briones Consulting and a Pow Wow Pitch coach, shares her journey as an immigrant entrepreneur and emphasizes the im...

“If we want to be environmentally friendly, we have got to start with local business and genuine products. This is exactly what fashion is.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, join Jason Picard-Binet, CEO of Bastien Industries, as he discusses the story of Huron-Wendat moccasins and the evolving landscape of Indigenous fashion. Gain insights into the balance of cultural appreciation and...

“What is true to you, your community and what you know.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we sit down with Joella Hogan, a member of Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nation, and Founder and CEO of the Yukon Soaps Company. Joella shares her journey in Indigenous entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and community building, and provides valuable insights into expanding her b...

“Many Nations across Turtle Island were very successful and prosperous traders which were supported by their own unique expertise and knowledge.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, Todd Evans, National Lead of Indigenous Exporters at Export Development Canada, shares his expertise on how exporting plays a pivotal role in empowering Indigenous businesses, highlighting the significance of...

On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we welcome 2022 Second-Place Pow Wow Pitch Winner, Sean Rayland-Boubar, Founder and CEO of Red Rebel Armour. Sean shares the importance of resilience through empowerment and how it has shaped his entrepreneurial journey in apparel. Learn how Sean is giving back and creating social change in his community!

We welcome the 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Winner, Erica Daniels, Founder and CEO of Kejic Productions. Erica shares her thoughts on storytelling to amplify, protect, and record Indigenous stories for future generations, recounts her entrepreneurial journey and shares advice for indigenous entrepreneurs. Listen now to hear Erica’s advice on moving through obstacles and opening up yourself to receive and ac...

“Collaboration is the most important thing we can do to lift each other up. It creates this chain reaction.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast Jenna White, Founder of Jenna’s Nut-Free Dessertery in Fredericton, NB Jenna shares her entrepreneurial journey in the Indigenous cuisine, running her first brick-and-mortar restaurant, and how her identity and culture has shaped her passion for...

Lisa Vicaire, the founder of Algonquin Acres, shares her entrepreneurial journey of using animal therapy to help young children, incorporating Indigenous teachings into programs, and lessons learned along the way.

Hear from Shadi Hafez, Algonquin Anishinaabe and Syrian PhD student in sociology, and program manager for the National Association of Friendship Centres as he discusses his work supporting Indigenous communities through the Friendship Centre movement in health, social well-being, and economic autonomy.

This week, we welcomed back Kyle St-Amour Brennan onto the podcast to discuss his position as the program lead for Build Native Indigenous Entrepreneur at Shopify. Kyle advises Indigenous entrepreneurs to transition from selling their products on social media to creating their online store using Shopify.

This week of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, we welcomed back Jenn Harper, founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, a cosmetics company that combines beauty with environmental responsibility to be a force for Indigenous representation in the beauty community. Listen for her journey as an entrepreneur, her experiences with Indigenous identity, and her inspiring vulnerability.

“There's no secret recipe, you know, it's courage, hard work, attitude and effort. I say that all the time with my kids too. And I realized your attitude and the amount of effort you put in is what's going to help you succeed and not to be scared of failing.” This week of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast,we welcomed Trisha Pitura and Melanie Bernard, co-founders of MINI TIPI, a manufacturing brand that p...

"Start where you're comfortable; start where it comes easy for you because then you're going to build up that confidence.” On this Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, Kahentawaks Tiewishaw, a bear clan Mohawk from Kanehsatake and co-founder of Revital Software, discusses her early years, her entrepreneurial journey, and language revitalization.

“You're never too old to learn or start something new as long as you're willing to keep an open mind and always be willing to learn.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, guest Jolene Johnson, Founder of Wabanaki Maple, talks about rediscovering her roots, building a business aligned with her values and starting up later in life.

“Entrepreneurialism has given me the space to be an Anishnabe man, heal through generations, and serve my community.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, guest Matthew Nahdee, Pow Wow Pitch Alumni, talks about finding your passion, growing with the Indigenous entrepreneurship community and funding Indigenous businesses.

"Seek out your gift and use that to uplift your community through entrepreneurship." On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, guest Erica Daniels, Founder & CEO of Kejic Productions, talks about Indigenous storytelling and cultural revitalization through entrepreneurship. what it takes to move from starting up to building a sustainable and growing business, and investing in Indigenous youth.

“Being a warrior entrepreneur is about revitalizing the Indigenous economy, knowing Indigenous people had a thriving economy way before contact, and honouring our ancestors. We had such strong ties to each other, with nations all across Turtle Island - such extensive trade networks, infrastructure, mediums of exchange, and ways of resolution. All they did was build on top of it.” On this episode o...

"Sacred Creativity is the process of holding space and ceremony to connect with ancestors, to show up, to listen, and to do the work that they are asking me to do. This is a space of flow where 'the itty bitty shitty committee' that says, 'you can't do this, you're going to fail' is quiet, and I can trust myself. And I have to tell you that when I have entered into a space of sacred creativity, it...

“The negativity is always going to be there. There's always going to be someone who looks down on you. But, you'll never know what would happen if you don't take that chance.” On this episode of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, guest Harlan Kingfisher, Founder and CEO of Smudge the Blades, Plains Cree from Sturgeon Lake First Nation in Treaty 6 Territory, talks about what it takes to win Pow Wow Pitch,...

“The main thing about entrepreneurship is just trying and ultimately learning. Entrepreneurship is another avenue of learning. Don’t fear failure; it’s just learning. Trying is the starting point and then move forward from there.” In this episodeKyle St Amour Brennanand Tracy Ridler, BUILD NATIVE Indigenous Program Managers at Shopify, discuss building an Indigenous economy through culture-first e...

"People constantly tell us, 'You made me feel brave to be who I am.' It's so important to be totally you - to be proud of where you're from and your upbringing. Look, I'm a rezzy person. It's who I am. Don't be afraid to be real about who you are. Honour who you are. If you are authentic to yourself, a community will be drawn to you and your business." Amy Jackson is the Founder of Nativelovenotes...