Revitalizing Haudenosaunee Arts

Silversmithing has a 400-year tradition in Haudenosaunee communities, beginning with the introduction of trade silver by European traders wanting the Haudenosaunee's connection into North American markets Trade, and jewelry's place within the trade, is part of the story of Canada, and Sapling & Flint is creating "conversation pieces that share the story of Turtle Island" while revitalizing arts-based jobs in the jewelry industry for the Ohswé:ken community

Sapling & Flint has grown from a full-service secure online store to a storefront business and a wholesale service with six retail locations across Ontario, Quebec, and New York state carrying their brand. Jesse and Dakota Brant are proud Mohawk Turtle clan women who are keeping Indigenous culture alive through their business while creating jobs and supporting their community

Setting the Indigenous Precedence Once and For All

Supporting the Local Community’s Economic Activities

The Brant sisters are proud to maintain their company ' s Indigenous and local roots by working with other Indigenous and Canadian companies They use the same techniques used by their wampum and silversmith forefathers throughout the colonial and precontact eras to craft one-of-a-kind pieces of jewellery from genuine wampum, silver, and sterling silver

The Brant sisters are truly an inspiration, not just to their own clan and Indigenous communities but to people around the world Their passion for their heritage, their commitment to empowering Indigenous voices, and their tireless advocacy for issues affecting Indigenous peoples are all incredibly admirable

Through their work, the Brant sisters have helped to create space for Indigenous voices in the larger Canadian society and have encouraged others to take pride in their identities and histories Their success is a testament to Indigenous communities resilience and strength and the power of working together to create positive change

A Company With a Heart

Since their inception, an annual portion of Sapling & Flint's profits have been donated to cultural revitalization projects in the Six Nations community, including Haudenosaunee language immersion programs, longhouse building projects, and supporting youth to attend world-class Lacrosse tournaments, the North American Indigenous Games, and cultural programs

In 2019, the Brant sisters hoped to release both their formal social venture program and their full-service wholesale catalogue, with a percentage of the proceeds going toward the rehabilitation of the Haudenosaunee language in Ohswé:ken

As we continue to work towards a more just and equitable world, we can all learn from the example set by the Brant sisters and strive to uplift and empower those who have been marginalized and oppressed

Wanna check out the handmade jewelry by Sapling and Flint? Then visit their official website at https://www.saplingandflint.ca/collections.

Subscribe to Indigenous SME Business Magazine to read more about innovative Indigenous designers, artists, and business owners in Canada Our bimonthly magazine gives insight into the individual business’s journey and stories of not giving up on dreams For more latest updates, follow our Twitter page @IndigenousSme.

Embedded within the art of Indigenous cultures lies a profound wisdom that spans generations

The diversity of Indigenous artistic expressions is a testament to the richness of their cultural heritage It is no wonder that Indigenous artists draw inspiration from ancient traditions and merge them with contemporary techniques, creating a vibrant tapestry that reflects their unique worldview

For instance, the choice of colours in Indigenous art is deliberate and holds deep symbolic attribution and meaning In fact, each hue carries stories of the land, the seasons, and ancestral knowledge. From earthy tones that connect to the spirits of the land to vibrant bursts of colour representing the resilience and vitality of Indigenous communities, the art becomes a visual language that encapsulates the depth of Indigenous wisdom and celebrates the diverse tapestry of Indigenous cultures worldwide

And this is why our editorial is about one such gifted Indigenous artist who’s recognized for her innate talent of aligning her Indigenous identity in all her art pieces Métis visual artist Amy Malbeuf has garnered worldwide praise with her thorough explorations of themes, including identity, geography, language, and ecology

Hailing from Rich Lake, Alberta, on Treaty 6 territory, Amy currently resides and works on unceded Mi’kmaq territory in Terence Bay, Nova Scotia She has shown her work in over forty exhibitions all around the world, and she uses a wide variety of materials, such as tufting animal hair, beading, installation, performance, wearables, and tattooing. Amy's artistic journey is enriched by her Native Cultural Arts Instructor Certificate from Portage College and an MFA in Visual Art from the University of British Columbia Okanagan

Embracing Cultural Heritage: A Journey of Expression

Amy Malbeuf's artistic practice is deeply rooted in her Métis heritage, which is evident in her meticulous craftsmanship and profound storytelling Drawing inspiration from traditional Indigenous art forms, Amy skillfully incorporates animal hair tufting and beadwork into her creations, paying homage to her ancestors' craftsmanship Through her art, she celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Métis people while pushing the boundaries of contemporary Indigenous art

Provoking Thought and Dialogue: The Themes of Art

Amy's art serves as a catalyst for dialogue and introspection, inviting viewers to explore themes of self-definition, location, and language The crucial debates concerning Indigenous experiences are frequently opened up by her installations and performances, which challenge societal views and prejudices By incorporating elements of her personal journey and collective narratives, Amy compels us to reflect on the complexities of cultural identity and the significance of reclaiming Indigenous languages in today's world

Connecting with Nature: Art as a Medium for Ecological Awareness

Deeply connected to the natural world, Amy's art embodies her commitment to ecological consciousness Her work often explores the delicate relationship between humans and their environment, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship Through thought-provoking installations and wearable art, Amy encourages viewers to reconsider their connection to nature, prompting them to take action to protect and preserve our planet.

Claiming Well-Deserved Accolades for Pure Artistic Flair

Amy Malbeuf has received a slew of honours for her significant contributions to the art world The Hnatyshyn Foundation's William and Meredith Saunderson Prize for Emerging Artists in Canada was added to the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award she won the same year Amy's standing as a pioneering, genre-defying, and inspirational musician is cemented by the 2017 REVEAL award from the Hnatyshyn Foundation.

Amy's nomination on the long list for the 2017 Sobey Art Award, one of Canada's most distinguished contemporary art awards, is a tribute to her creativity and vision. The significance of her work in the Canadian art scene and beyond is reflected in her placement on this prestigious list

Amy Malbeuf's work defies categorization and breaks through barriers She maintains her international stature thanks to her unique style and insightful narrative Her work is a potent means of communication, healing, and change as she negotiates the complex interconnections of identity, location, language, and environment Amy is blazing a trail that not only pays respect to her Métis background but also encourages people to accept their own roots and make a difference in the world via environmental awareness and the sharing of those narratives

If you, too, are intrigued by her non-conformist and unique art form, then do check out Amy’s official website at http://www amymalbeuf ca/

The Indigenous SME Business Magazine is an essential resource for those who are interested in the indigenousowned business industry. The magazine offers valuable insights into the latest industry trends and developments through its insightful articles and up-todate news The platform is designed to provide comprehensive information about the challenges and opportunities in the Indigenous business sector, keeping Indigenous communities and others well-informed It is an effective tool that ensures that users have access to the latest updates and insights Feel free to follow our Twitter handle @IndigenousSme for real-time updates and news