February 6, 2009 - TORONTO –  With high energy rock and blues musicians, members of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, a west coast alt-folk songstress and Manitoba Métis jiggers and traditional dancers taking to the stage, the talent at this year’s 16th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards is diverse as it is outstanding.

Leading the charge is mega movie star Adam Beach as this years host along with community mover and shaker and TV star Tina Keeper – both originally from Manitoba where the awards are being held this year.

March 6, 2009 at the Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall is the venue where the Aboriginal community will recognize 14 exceptional achievers that have been named as recipients of the 2009 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

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.

Fresh off recording a new album to be released this spring George Leach is back bigger than ever. Performing with the likes of Robbie Robertson and Bo Diddley, Leach’s new albums swings and swaggers and is sure to rise him into the mainstream music charts.

With her rockstar glow and organic song writing expertise west coast alt regular Janet Panic is another star on the rise. Compared to the likes of Leonard Cohen and Lou Reed Panic has garnered attention from tour de force producer Bruce Allen  and has even caught the ear of mega-U2 producer Daniel Lanois.

Manitoba superstars Eagle & Hawk, no stranger to award shows and major productions, will be performing with members of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Winners of numerous awards Eagle & Hawk are regulars on the western circuit and have a huge fan base in Europe.

Other performers include The Asham Stompers, a high energy Jig and Square Dance group, The Métis Fiddle Quartet, Canada's most unique and versatile young musical groups renowned for their mastery of both traditional Canadian Métis fiddle music and classical repertoire.  An outstanding highlight during the show’s opening sequence will be a performance by the Summer Bear Dance Troupe made up of Ojibway, Cree, Assiniboine and Sioux dancers who will be performing Grass Dance and Fancy Shawl dances. 

For a complete list of award recipients, performers and photos and tickets for the gala event visit online at www.naaf.ca or by calling 416-987-0250.

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, Casino Rama, Fort McKay Group of Companies, Manitoba Hydro, 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:
Aboriginal Business Canada, Canadian Forces, Canadian Heritage, Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Health Canada, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Government of the Northwest Territories, Government of Nunavut, Province of Manitoba.

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:

Chris Allicock – National Publicity
(416) 694-3131
Cell: 416-319-8003
callicock@amberlight.ca

Michelle Boivin – Manitoba Publicity
(204) 334-0740
Cell: 204 223-0510
mboivin1@mts.net