What are the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards?
The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards (NAAA) established in 1993 exemplify, encourage and celebrate excellence in First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada.

The awards recognize career achievements by Aboriginal professionals in diverse occupations, building self esteem and pride as well as providing valuable role models for Aboriginal youth. Supported by the public and private sectors, this Aboriginal initiative represents the highest honour the community bestows upon its own achievers.

A national jury, comprised of accomplished Aboriginal people, selects 12 career award winners, one youth and one lifetime achievement award recipient. The 14 recipients are then honoured at a nationally televised gala awards ceremony.

What is the eligibility criteria?
Any Aboriginal or Canadian may nominate individuals:

• Of First Nations, Inuit or Métis heritage;
• Who demonstrate outstanding career achievement;
• Of any age (youth achiever nominees must be 15-24 years of age);
• Who are permanent Canadian residents or Canadian born.

Please note that nominations on behalf of the deceased will not be accepted. Jurors are ineligible for nomination, nor may they submit nominations or support letters. Only completed applications with two support letters (from individuals other than the nominator) and a resume or biographical equivalent will be accepted. All eligible nominations stand for three years with the NAAA Secretariat.

In what categories can I nominate an achiever?

• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Special Youth Award (Aged 15 to 24)
• Arts–For example, artists, performers, writers, architects, etc.
• Business & Commerce–For example, careers in business, finance, commerce, entrepreneurs, etc.
• Culture, Heritage & Spirituality–For example, Elders, spiritual leaders, First Nations, Inuit, Métis languages, etc.
• Education-For example, teachers, trainers, college & university professors/lecturers, researchers, scientists, etc.
• Environment & Natural Resources–For example, careers in agriculture, energy, forestry, fisheries, mining, gas & oil, water, etc.
• Health–For example,  medical doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, specialists (psychiatrists, dentists, optometrists, etc.), pharmacists, medical technicians, traditional healers, etc.
• Law & Justice–For example, lawyers, judges, paralegals, court workers, traditional approaches to conflict resolution, etc.
• Media & Communication–For example, careers in journalism, television, radio, newspaper, magazines, etc.
• Politics–For example, community leaders, Chiefs, counselors, politicians at the regional, provincial & federal levels, etc.
• Public Service–For example, careers in administration, social services, housing, public works, human resources, etc.
• Sports–For example, athletes, coaches, etc.
• Technology & Trades–For example, engineers, technologists, computer sciences, etc.

How do I nominate an achiever?
To nominate an achiever, please complete the nomination form and send it along with two or more letters of support from additional supporters and a current resume or biography.  The letters and nomination form should articulate a strong and coherent argument as to why the nominee would merit a career, lifetime or youth award.

You can download and fill out the form and send it by regular mail or fax at 416.926.7554.
Download PDF here
or email to
secretariat@naaf.ca

What is the nomination deadline?
The deadline for nominations is 5:00 p.m. (eastern standard time), MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011. Application packages must be physically at NAAF’s office by the time stated above – no postmarks accepted. Please fully complete the application form online with the required submissions or send by mail or fax to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation :

National Aboriginal Achievement Awards Secretariat
215 Spadina Ave., Suite 450
Toronto, ON  M5T 2C7
email: secretariat@naaf.ca

How do I request additional information?
For additional information about the NAAA nomination process, please contact the Communications Department at secretariat@naaf.ca or at the following telephone numbers:

TOLL FREE: 1-800-329-9780          
TEL: (416) 987-0241

If my nominee does not receive an award, will NAAF let me know?
As part of the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards process, only those selected as recipients for the current year are contacted.

Do I have to get the permission of the person that I am nominating?
Yes, you must obtain the verbal consent of the person you are nominating for the award and indicate this on the nomination for in question #10.

Can I nominate someone who is deceased?
No. 

Is there a cash prize for recipients?
The ONLY cash prize will be awarded to the youth recipient in the amount of $10,000.

Can I nominate more than one person?
Yes.

Can more than one person nominate an achiever?
No.  One person must submit the nomination for each candidate.

Is there a cost to nominate an achiever?
There is no cost to nominate an achiever, though nominators are responsible for postage.

Can I send supplementary materials, such as dvds, videos, books, etc.
No, supplementary material will not be considered.  Please do not send.