May 15 2009 –TORONTO – President and CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Roberta Jamieson has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Canadian Policy Research Networks (CPRN).

The Canadian Policy Research Networks advises Canada's leaders on the issues of our times and the policy options to move Canada forward. Their mission is to create knowledge and lead public dialogue and discussion on social and economic issues important to the well-being of all Canadians. The relevance of their work is reflected in their ranking as Canada's most influential social policy think tank.

“We are extremely proud to have Roberta Jamieson join CPRN’s Board of Directors,” said Mr. Pratt.  Ms. Jamieson’s extensive national leadership experience working with governments, business and the non-profit sector on issues of social justice, conflict resolution and organizational change offers CPRN an unique and important perspective in developing public policy advice for Canadians.”

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation has evolved into the largest non-governmental funding body for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis post secondary students across Canada. Bursary and scholarship awards are provided to over 1300 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis student annually across a diverse range of disciplines.

“I am delighted that I was appointed to the board of the Canadian Policy Research Networks,” said Roberta Jamieson. Ms. Jamieson has a distinguished record of accomplishment and public service. She is the first First Nations woman to earn a law degree; the first non-parliamentarian to be appointed an ex-officio member of a House of Commons Committee; the first woman to be appointed Ombudsman of Ontario; and the first woman elected Chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.
She received the Order of Canada in 1994, and has received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award (Law and Justice 1998), and the Indigenous Bar Association’s highest award, the Indigenous Peoples Council Award (IPC).   
“I am pleased to join CPRN’s Board of Directors and look forward to the successful development of its public policy research program,” said Ms. Jamieson. “These are challenging times for our governments and CPRN’s work in engaging Canadians on the social and economic issues we face offers governments important and innovative public policy ideas to consider. I am look forward to advancing CPRN’s important work in Canada.”

For more information, please contact:

John Ecker
Vice President, Communications and Media Relations
National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
B: 416-987-0260
C: 647.408.5044
jecker@naaf.ca

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) is a nationally registered non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to deliver programs that provide the tools necessary for Aboriginal peoples, especially youth to achieve their potential. 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. NAAF’s key initiatives include: The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards (NAAA) a national annual broadcast celebrating 14 achievers in a multitude of career areas including a special youth award and an award for lifetime achievement; Taking Pulse joins NAAF with industry to present career options in specific growth sectors through a series of short documentaries and supporting curriculum materials with the aim of recruiting First Nations, Inuit & Métis youth; and Blueprint for the Future (BFF) a series of one-day career fairs that motivate and inspire  First Nations, Inuit and Métis high school students with valuable resources and information on career opportunities. Over 30,000 students have attended these exciting youth oriented events to date nationwide.