January 29, 2010 – TORONTO – The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) is excited to announce that the Province of Saskatchewan has donated $197,500 towards the 2010 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards and the Blueprint for the Future Student Career Fair.

“The Foundation would like to welcome the Province of Saskatchewan as a new partner in our Awards Gala,” said National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation President & CEO Roberta Jamieson. “I am delighted to commend the Province for taking leadership in supporting the 2010 Awards and showing a commitment to our Student Career Fair. Through this partnership we will be enriching Canada by advancing Aboriginal achievement.”

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.

“We are very pleased to be part of the 2010 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards and the Blueprint for the Future Career Fair,” said Bill Hutchinson Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations and Minister Responsible for Northern Affairs. “The Province fully supports the NAAF’s goal of promoting, supporting and celebrating the achievement of Canada's Aboriginal Peoples.”

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

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.