ADAAWE is proud to announce the three finalists selected for our 2025 Wejibàbandan Business Incubator Cohort!

Wejibàbandan—meaning “a place to dream” in Algonquin Anishinaabe—reflects our commitment to supporting early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs as they bring their business visions to life. Running from September to December, this intensive full-time program provides mentorship, training, a living wage, resources, and a startup grant to help participants build strong foundations for success. Graduating entrepreneurs leave with a comprehensive business and financial plan, branding kit, legal assets, supply chains, client opportunities, leadership skills, and more. The program also incorporates off-site learning experiences, weekly life coaching, and the enduring support of a community dedicated to growth and resilience.

Meet the 2025 Cohort:

Angela Ashawasegai (Henvey Inlet First Nation) is the founder of Indigenous Wellness Coaching, where she provides trauma-informed coaching, facilitation, and training services. A certified trauma coach, facilitator, and speaker, Angela offers Health & Wellness in the Workplace training, mental health support for Indigenous communities and organizations, and one-on-one coaching sessions by phone, in person, and virtually. As a Sixties Scoop survivor who has overcome profound adversity—including racism, abuse, homelessness, and the impacts of Complex PTSD—Angela has transformed her healing journey into a source of hope and empowerment for others. Since becoming certified in 2019, she has been dedicated to ensuring that Indigenous peoples and organizations have access to meaningful support and resources. Her vision is to foster healing, resilience, and empowerment across Indigenous communities.

Tracey Lynne Towedo (Aroland First Nation, Ojibwe-Cree, Treaty 9) is the founder of Kokumoon, an Indigenous-owned and operated business rooted in cultural teachings and guided by the energies of Mother Nature and Grandmother Moon. Based on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Nation, Kokumoon offers handcrafted jewelry, contemporary and traditional beadwork, natural soy candles, and aromatherapy products—all intentionally created to support spiritual, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Inspired by the strength of her matriarchs and in honour of her late Kokum, Tracey infuses each creation with ancestral knowledge, natural elements, and a deep connection to the land. With the guiding purpose “For the Spirit of Generations,” Kokumoon celebrates beauty while fostering healing, empowerment, and intergenerational resilience.

Neiestoseraah Jada Lee Thompson (Akwesasne Mohawk Nation) is the founder of Small Feather Empire, a high-end Indigenous brand that blends traditional Haudenosaunee raised beadwork with luxury fashion and contemporary design. Through handcrafted earrings, moccasins, accessories, editorial jewelry collections, custom regalia, couture apparel, and lifestyle items, Small Feather Empire elevates Indigenous artistry into the fashion world while remaining rooted in cultural authenticity and personal empowerment. Beading has always been part of Neiestoseraah’s identity, a practice passed down through family and embraced as both art form and cultural connection. Inspired by the power of beadwork to honor traditions, mark milestones, and instill pride, she built Small Feather Empire to share that feeling with others. Today, her brand carries forward Indigenous excellence by creating luxurious, timeless pieces that celebrate identity, foster connection, and empower wearers to carry culture with them wherever they go.

Join us in celebrating these incredible entrepreneurs as they embark on this journey—and stay tuned for their graduation this December, when they will launch their ventures and step into the next chapter as empowered business leaders.