REGINA -In partnership with CIBC, the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) is proud to launch the 2010 nomination call at the Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina, Saskatchewan.
 
"We are delighted to be bringing Canada's premiere Aboriginal event to Regina, an exciting hub for Aboriginal people in the west," said Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO for the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation.
"The Foundation looks forward to presenting some of the hottest and most talented performers the country has to offer in celebration of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit achievers we will honour at the 17th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards on March 26, 2010."
 
"Celebrating these remarkable individuals brings pride to Aboriginal communities and encourages others to follow in their footsteps," said Gerry McCaughey, CIBC's President and CEO.
"More broadly, recognizing the outstanding achievements of these award recipients increases awareness among all Canadians of the many contributions made by Aboriginal peoples to our society, whether in the arts, literature, business or the public sector."
 
The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation is producing Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for radio and television (English, French and Inuktitut) with former recipients calling for 2010 nominations. NAAF will be distributing nomination forms throughout Canada including 6,500 Inuktitut nomination forms across Nunavut.

The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards (NAAA) was established to encourage and celebrate excellence in the Aboriginal community.  NAAF created the Awards in 1993, in conjunction with the United Nation's International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples.  The Awards recognize the outstanding career achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, in diverse occupations.  Now entering their 17th year, these Awards have become a Canadian institution.
 
Nominate someone outstanding in your community for a National Aboriginal Achievement Award. Download your 2010 nomination form at naaf.ca

NAAA Supporters for 2009/2010
CIBC- Lead Corporate Sponsor - Government of Canada
Canwest - Aboriginal Peoples Television Network - Suncor Energy Foundation
Air Canada - Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba Ltd. - Nexen Inc. - BP Canada Energy Company - Fort McKay Group of Companies - Great-West Life - London Life and Canada Life - Government of Saskatchewan

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.