Giigido Mikinaak and Ever Sacred Enterprises qualify for the semi-finals at Pow Wow Pitch

We’re excited to celebrate two entrepreneurs from the Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah community who have been selected as Pow Wow Pitch semi-finalists! They’re earned recognition for businesses that create opportunities for cultural connection, language revitalization, and community impact.

Giigido Mikinaak, founded by Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah entrepreneur Shyla Niemi, is creating innovative Indigenous language-learning tools designed to make language revitalization more accessible and engaging. The business was inspired by Niemi’s own experience navigating language loss and cultural reconnection as a second-generation cut-off First Nations woman.

“I had a lot of doubts about my identity growing up without my culture, and I’ve found I’m not alone. If you’re cut off from your culture, it can really impact your mental health – but studies show that people reconnecting with their language really improves their confidence and happiness. I wanted to contribute in that way,” said Niemi.

Its first product is a card game that teaches numbers and common phrases in Anishinaabemowin, with a unique feature that sets it apart from traditional learning resources: QR codes embedded in the instruction booklet link directly to audio recordings from fluent speakers, allowing players to hear proper pronunciation while they play.

Niemi hopes to expand the game into Ininimowin and other Indigenous languages, develop additional learning tools such as workshops and digital resources, and get the game into schools and classrooms where young people can learn language through play.

Chantel Henderson, who is joining the next Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah cohort this fall, has also been selected as a Pow Wow Pitch semi-finalist for her business, Ever Sacred Enterprises.

The idea grew from an earlier concept called The Ceremony Bus, which aimed to help urban Indigenous people access ceremonies and cultural gatherings outside the city by organizing rides from Winnipeg to various locales around the province. She refined the concept through entrepreneurship training and business development programs she attended over the past year into a guided cultural tourism business focused on helping people experience Pow Wows in a respectful, meaningful, and accessible way.

Ever Sacred Enterprises is designed to serve both Indigenous people seeking to reconnect with culture through ceremony and non-Indigenous visitors who want to attend Pow Wows while honouring traditions with understanding and respect. The business plans to offer day-trip experiences to Pow Wows and other ceremonies outside Winnipeg, provide cultural guidance and orientation, and develop partnerships with First Nations communities and tourism operators across Manitoba.

At the heart of the business is the goal of addressing the cultural disconnection many Indigenous people experience because of distance, lack of transportation, or the impacts of colonial history.

“This is in honour of my parents who were Day School Survivors [in Fairford and Fort Alexander]. I grew up in the city disconnected from culture, language, and ceremony. Now, I want to bring it full circle by helping others reconnect like me,” said Henderson.

Henderson hopes to create opportunities for Indigenous peoples to return to ceremonies, reconnect with their communities, and strengthen those cultural ties. Looking ahead, her vision includes securing a passenger van, creating employment opportunities for Indigenous drivers and tour guides, and developing sponsorship programs that help community members attend Pow Wows who otherwise may not be able to afford the trip through partnerships with First Nations communities, businesses, and organizations across Manitoba.

These entrepreneurs are using business as a tool for greater impact, from helping people learn Indigenous languages to creating pathways for cultural reconnection through ceremonial access across Manitoba.

Congratulations to both entrepreneurs on this exciting achievement. The entire RRC Polytech community is cheering you on as you continue your Pow Wow Pitch journey!

To cast your vote for either business in the Peoples’ Choice Award, visit the Pow Wow Pitch website. Voting closes September 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, or at 10:59pm in Winnipeg (Central Time).