April 1, 2009 –TORONTO – The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation awarded an unprecedented $1-million through a Special Métis Health Career bursary to over 170 Métis student nationwide. 

The Health Canada funds were awarded to students studying health careers in the 2008/2009 academic year. There were 172 students who received funds to continue their studies in such disciplines as medicine, nursing, dentistry, health and laboratory sciences among others..

For example, $9,724 went to a student to continue in the second year of a four year Doctor of Dental Medicine program at the University of Saskatchewan. And $1600 went to a student to complete the final year of a three year Respiratory Therapy program at the University of Manitoba. To see more visit naaf.ca. 

‘This is an impressive list of Métis students that are continuing their education in the health field,” said National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation President and CEO Roberta Jamieson.

“We are delighted that we distributed over a $1-million to these exceptional students who are leading by example and filling a real need in a critical area that continues to grow.”   

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation is a leader in providing these much-needed funds. In fact, NAAF is the largest non-governmental funding body for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis post secondary students across Canada. Bursary and scholarship awards were awarded to over 1300 students in the 2008/2009 year.  The successful recipients are chosen through a fair and transparent jury process and then posted to the website.   

Since 1985 the Foundation through its Education Program has awarded more than $32-million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 8,400 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students nationwide. 

“We are extremely proud of the amount of students we have funded in the past,” said National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation President and CEO Roberta Jamieson.

“As we continue to grow, so do the amounts of bursaries and scholarships and they are here for the students who are interested in reaching their goals and achieving their full potential.” 

Deadline for Oil & Gas and Trades & Technology (April 30) -- Fine Arts (May 1) --Post-Secondary and Health Careers (June 1) 

For more information regarding The Education Program contact Education Analyst: Rachel Hill - 1-800- 329-9780 (020) or rhill@naaf.ca 

For more information on the scholarships and deadlines visit naaf.ca