Trent University Student Captures 2010/11 Miss Indian World Title

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indigenous Environmental Studies student Dakota Brant to represent all native and indigenous people as cultural
goodwill ambassador

Thursday, May 13, 2010, Peterborough

At the 27th Annual Gathering of Nations, the most prominent Native American powwow in the world, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the end of April, fourth-year Trent University student Dakota Brant was crowned Miss Indian World and chosen to represent all Native and Indigenous people as a cultural goodwill ambassador.

"When I heard my name announced as a winner, I was greeted first by shock, and then a strong sense of responsibility in my new position,” Ms. Brant said. “I felt overwhelmed, but I have become strong from knowing myself, my family’s love and my Nation’s support. I know to always consider what kind of ancestor I want to become for some child when making my decisions. In knowing that, I can proudly represent my People and never forget who I am as a Native woman, a young leader and a future teacher."
 
Ms. Brant, a member of the Mohawk Nation Turtle Clan, is the first Mohawk woman to ever be crowned Miss Indian World. She competed against 26 other Native American and indigenous women representing different tribes and traditions in the areas of tribal knowledge, dancing ability, and personality assessment to win the title, one of the most prestigious honours in the Native American and Indigenous world.
 
As the new ambassador of all Native American nations to the world, Ms. Brant, who graduates with a degree in Indigenous Environmental Studies from Trent in June, holds the responsibility of building bridges between cultures, and strengthening relationships across the America's and around the world.
 
During her time at Trent, Ms. Brant has been the Indigenous student commissioner with the Trent Central Students Association (TCSA), and is a former vice-president of the Trent University Native Association (TUNA). Outside of the University, Ms. Brant has been active regarding both youth and thought leadership with organizations like the Indian Defense League of America, and as a weekly native issues columnist for the Turtle Island News. Ms. Brant is also an Honour Roll student, a proud Mohawk speaker, a firefighter, avid beader and Smoke Dancer, and a performer with the Haudenosaunee Women's Performance group "Kontihente."

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For more information or to contact Dakota Brant, please contact:
Melonie Mathews at melonie@gonmail.com