Mastercard: How This Entrepreneur Is Bringing Indigenous Fashion to Main Street

In the heart of Canada, a young Plains Cree entrepreneur from the Sturgeon Lake First Nation is redefining the fashion landscape, one smudge of sweetgrass at a time. Harlan Kingfisher, the founder of Smudge the Blades, is bringing Indigenous culture to the forefront of mainstream fashion, challenging stereotypes, and promoting a more inclusive and diverse narrative.

Growing up, Kingfisher spent his weekends lacing up skates and racing down the ice at Indigenous hockey tournaments across Saskatchewan. Inspired by the cultural pride and unity he witnessed, he launched Smudge the Blades in 2020, a clothing brand that celebrates Indigenous hockey lingo and incorporates Cree syllabics into its designs. The brand's name is a nod to the Indigenous practice of smudging hockey equipment with sweetgrass for protection and luck.

The success of Smudge the Blades has been nothing short of remarkable. Within weeks of its debut, the brand captured Canadian media attention, with NHL players sporting its merchandise on social media. Orders flooded in, but Kingfisher needed funding to keep growing. He turned to Pow Wow Pitch, a competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, where he took first place in 2021, winning $25,000.



Kingfisher's story is a testament to the broader trend of increasing Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada. According to a 2020 report by RBC, Indigenous entrepreneurship has been growing, contributing $30 billion to the economy, more than the economic output of Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland provinces combined. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including cultural pride and representation, access to mentorship and funding, and growing awareness and support from organizations and corporate entities.

However, Indigenous entrepreneurs like Kingfisher still face unique challenges, such as lack of access to capital, limited mentorship and support, and cultural barriers. Partnerships like the one between Pow Wow Pitch and Mastercard can help address these challenges by providing Indigenous entrepreneurs with access to mentorship, funding, training, marketing, and a safe and trusted community of support.

Mastercard's commitment to empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs and fostering economic development within Indigenous communities aligns with their mission of building an inclusive digital economy. Through this partnership, Mastercard has invested $500,000 and provided significant employee volunteerism to support Pow Wow Pitch's programming and expand its reach.

In conclusion, Harlan Kingfisher's Smudge the Blades is more than just a clothing brand; it is a symbol of Indigenous pride, unity, and empowerment. By bringing Indigenous culture to the mainstream, Kingfisher is challenging stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive and diverse narrative in the fashion industry. With the support of organizations like Pow Wow Pitch and Mastercard, Indigenous entrepreneurs like Kingfisher can overcome the unique challenges they face and create a more equitable and prosperous future for Indigenous communities.