March 2009 – TORONTO – The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation proudly announces Global Television and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network as the returning exclusive broadcast partners of the 16th annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

Both broadcasters are set to broadcast the NAAA Gala ceremony on Saturday, March 21

“We are thrilled to welcome Global Television and APTN back as broadcast partners for this year’s Achievement Awards,” said Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of NAAF. “By honouring the achievement of outstanding Aboriginal achievers we continue to inspire many others just waiting for the opportunity to demonstrate their potential to make their unique contribution to Canada.

We are pleased that we are holding this event in Winnipeg to honour and celebrate today’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people who are making a world of difference in building for the future.” 

The recipients include a Gemini Award winning couple who produce animation and documentaries, a hereditary chief who is a champion of the Mi’Kmaq culture, a former premier, a rocketing ‘Top 40 Under 40’ CEO who is bringing millions in dividends to the communities he serves, a doctor of Veterinary Medicine, a member of the 2008 Olympic swim team and eight other outstanding recipients.

“These awards are most inspirational, and each year we look forward to sharing the stories of these amazing individuals nationwide,” said Christine Shipton, SVP of Drama and Factual Content, Canwest Broadcasting.

“APTN is pleased to once again simulcast the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards show alongside Global Television,” said Jean LaRose, APTN Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s show promises to be better than ever, and, as the show will take place just minutes from APTN’s home base, we share in welcoming the nation to Winnipeg, Manitoba; “where the spirit lives.” We also extend our congratulations to each of this year’s 15 award recipients and to the Foundation for its continued efforts and commitment to Aboriginal youth.”

This year’s theme is SPIRIT. Both the Cree and Ojibway people of the Winnipeg territory use this word to describe Manitoba. The Ojibway refer to Manitoba as Manitou, the embodiment of spirit. The Cree call it Manitou Ah Beh, Where the Spirit Lives. All elements of the show, from set design to performance, will echo this theme, reflecting the spirit of Manitoba’s environment, landscape and unique perspectives of Métis, Inuit and First Nation cultures.

Illustrious hosts and Manitoba natives Adam Beach and Tina Keeper, and a diverse range of Aboriginal performers from Manitoba and beyond will celebrate the 15 Aboriginal honorees that have effected positive change in our communities, our nation and the world.

Musical highlights include a scorching new release by rocker George Leach, a rousing collaboration between members of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and Manitoba’s Eagle & Hawk, a crowd-pleasing number by new artist Janet Panic and a foot stomping finale by the Métis Fiddlers and Asham Stompers.

For a complete list of award winners, performers and presenters please visit http://www.naaf.ca/.

Private Sector Support:

Lead Corporate Sponsor: CIBC

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, Canwest Media Inc., Air Canada, Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba Ltd., Suncor Energy Foundation, BP Canada Energy Company, Fort McKay Group of Companies, Manitoba Hydro, Casino Rama, Nexen Inc., Rio Tinto, Manitoba Métis Federation, South Beach Casino & Resort, The Fairmont Winnipeg and Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life

Public Sector Support:

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Health Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Canadian Heritage, Aboriginal Business Canada ,Canadian Forces, Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Province of Manitoba, Government of Nunavut, Government of the Northwest Territories and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

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.

For more information, please contact: