Celebrated co-founder of MINI TIPI joins ADAAWE to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and help guide the future of the Hub

The ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub, a co-working space and community for Indigenous entrepreneurs building businesses in the National Capital Region, is proud to announce the appointment of Trisha Pitura as its new Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

A proud member of Nipissing First Nation, Trisha is the Co-Founder of MINI TIPI, a nationally celebrated Indigenous lifestyle brand based in Gatineau, Quebec. Known for its bold, authentic, and culturally grounded textiles, MINI TIPI weaves together storytelling, Indigenous design, and ethical manufacturing practices to create blankets and a variety of high-quality accessories. As Head of Design and Director of Artist Relations, Trisha has played a central role in creating a business that is not only commercially successful but deeply impactful—bridging generations, communities, and cultures through fabric and design.

In her new role at ADAAWE, Trisha will provide one-on-one support to entrepreneurs through monthly Office Hours, offering mentorship rooted in lived experience, cultural knowledge, and creative entrepreneurship. But her role extends far beyond mentorship. Trisha will work in partnership with ADAAWE’s leadership team, our Elder-in-Residence Claudette Commanda, and other key community members to guide the strategic direction of the hub as it continues to grow into a national model of Indigenous-led economic development.

“ADAAWE is now entering its fourth year of operations, and we’ve built a thriving, intergenerational community of Indigenous entrepreneurs,” says Magnolia Perron, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and the Lead for ADAAWE.

“Now we’re ready to take that community to the next level. It’s essential that those who have built successful businesses—like Trisha—stand alongside those starting out. There is wisdom, strength, and power in that kind of leadership. Trisha has been part of the ADAAWE family since the very beginning, and she leads in a way that is heart-centered, grounded in values, and committed to sharing knowledge. Having her help shape this next chapter is a gift. Our vision has always been to grow ADAAWE into a best-practice organization—one that other Indigenous economic development hubs and Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) across the country can learn from. This is a major step forward in fulfilling that vision.”

As Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Trisha will also help inform the evolution of ADAAWE’s programming, community engagement, and long-term strategy—ensuring the Hub continues to serve Indigenous entrepreneurs with relevance, responsiveness, and respect.

“This opportunity means everything to me,” shares Trisha Pitura. “Growing MINI TIPI was a personal journey of reconnection—finding pride in my culture, using my creativity to story tell and share knowledge, and building something meaningful alongside my community. ADAAWE holds that same spirit. It’s a place where Indigenous entrepreneurs can bring their whole selves to their work, where culture and commerce are not at odds, and where we support one another to thrive. I’m so honoured to step into this role and walk alongside our members as they build, learn, and dream. Together, I truly believe we can create something beautiful and lasting.”

ADAAWE’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence program ensures that Indigenous leadership is not only represented—but embedded—at every level of the organization. It is a commitment to Indigenous self-determination in economic development and a recognition that the most powerful solutions come from within the community.

Trisha’s first Office Hours as Entrepreneur-in-Residence will begin in April 2025. All ADAAWE members are encouraged to participate. Registration details will be available in this week’s e-newsletter and on ADAAWE’s social media channels.