Mohawk Turtle Clan twins recognized for entrepreneurial enterprise by CCAB
by CM Staff
The twin sisters and Mohawk turtle clan women are co-founders of Sapling & Flint; a jewellery manufacturer specializing in gold and sterling silver.
Twin sisters, Jesse and Dakota Brant, make history as first dual recipients of prestigious business award.
TORONTO — Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) announces that twin sisters Dakota and Jesse Brant from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory as dual recipients of the 2022 Young Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award.
The twin sisters and Mohawk turtle clan women are co-founders of Sapling & Flint; a jewellery manufacturer specializing in gold and sterling silver. Jesse is a goldsmith, wampum cutter and member of the Canadian Jewellers Association. Dakota is a regalia maker and visual artist with a background in small business management.
By using ecommerce to create arts-based jobs for themselves and their community, they are trying to raise the profile of national Indigenous art. Sapling & Flint was founded in 2017 to create conversation pieces that share the story of Turtle Island.
“For the first time in CCAB history, the Young Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award is shared among twin sisters with an extraordinary story as co-founding entrepreneurs with complementary talents,” said President and CEO, Tabatha Bull. “We couldn’t be happier to present this award to these two deserving and impressive Indigenous women who are setting an example for young enterprising hopefuls.”
The Young Aboriginal Entrepreneur award recognizes the work of Indigenous business leaders under the age of 35 and honours entrepreneurs who are driving the Indigenous economy forward. This CCAB award comes with a 10K prize to benefit the business.
“Jesse & I went into business with three goals,” said Dakota Brant. “First would be to use e-commerce and wholesale to create jobs in our home village of Ohswé:ken. Second was to raise the profile of authentic Indigenous art and lastly, to bring our products nationwide. We are so honoured CCAB recognizes us with this national award and that the jury has seen our passion, drive, and want to share in our vision by recognizing us with this award. Nyá:wen from the bottom of our hearts.”
Sapling & Flint continues to grow, creating job opportunities that are revitalizing traditional silversmithing in Ohswé:ken (Six Nations of the Grand River Territory), bringing products to the Canadian market and positioning Dakota and Jesse Brant as entrepreneurs in the Canadian jewellery industry.
“ESS is proud to sponsor the Young Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award; I congratulate Dakota and Jesse Brant for raising the profile of authentic Indigenous art, fashion & design,” said Sanjay Gomes, president, ESS Support Services Worldwide. “Their hard work and dedication are an inspiration for other Indigenous women. The future looks bright for Sapling & Flint.”
The Young Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award will be presented during CCAB’s Central Canada Business Forum on February 24, 2022.
