January 14, 2010 - TORONTO -- Share your spirit through dance with the Dance Zone, the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards open call for dancers to be held this year in Regina January 16, 2010.

The Dance Zone is an on-camera dance showcase open to all dancers from Regina's Aboriginal community. Whether it's a modern tap piece, traditional jig or hip-hop, the Dance Zone provides the platform for our community to share their spirit through the expression of dance.

Up to 35 video dance submissions will be chosen to be a part of the broadcast of the 17th annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards on APTN and Global TV and one lucky performer will be selected to receive two tickets to the Awards show on March 26, 2010 in Regina, Saskatchewan.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the Aboriginal community in the Regina region to take part in this year's 2010 Awards," said National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation President and CEO Roberta Jamieson. "We encourage all dancers to come out and show us what you got."

The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards (NAAA) will also be holding interviews for crew on January 16, 2010, so bring your resume if you're interested in working behind the scenes!

The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards (NAAA) were 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 its 17th year, these Awards have become a Canadian institution.

Dance Zone II will take place Saturday January 16, 11:30 - 5:30 pm at The Exchange - 2431 8th Avenue, Regina Saskatchewan

This year's 17th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards will take place in Regina Saskatchewan, March 26, 2010. For more information on tickets or how to support the 17th Annual Awards Gala - visit naaf.ca or call us at 1-800 329-9780

NAAA Supporters for 2009/2010

CIBC- Lead Corporate Sponsor - Government of Canada

Government of Saskatchewan

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 - Casino Rama - Rio Tinto - SaskTel - Cameco Corporation - Government of Nunavut - Government of the Northwest Territories - City of Regina - Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life - Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan

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.