January 30, 2009 - TORONTO – The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation announced last week at the Winnipeg Convention Centre that North West Company, the oldest retailer on the continent, signed a $50,000 agreement that will provide funds towards Aboriginal students pursuing post-secondary studies.

The North West Company made a $50,000 funding commitment with a matching amount of $50,000 by Ian Sutherland, former NWC Chairman for a total $100,000 endowment to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation.

“I am thrilled with the commitment North West Company has made to the Foundation. The North West Company understands the wealth of potential aboriginal people have to offer and they are prepared to make the investment to enable this potential to be realized,” said NAAF President and CEO Roberta Jamieson.

“The North West Company actively participates in the communities we serve and the establishment of this scholarship is a further demonstration of our ongoing support,” stated Edward Kennedy, President and CEO. “Education offers the wealth of potential to Aboriginal students and we make this funding commitment with great anticipation to celebrate in (scholarship recipients) success.”

The funding commitment was announced on the occasion of Ian Sutherland’s retirement as Chairman of the Board of Directors for The North West Company, a position he held
for 11 years.
“The North West Company is providing these funds to the NAAF to establish a scholarship in the name of Ian Sutherland and The North West Company, to be awarded to Aboriginal students pursuing further education in retail or finance.” Kennedy continued, “Ian’s contribution to the company’s (NWC) success has been immeasurable and this scholarship is a fitting tribute.”

“I greatly appreciate this form of recognition because it’s an investment in the value of education,” added Ian Sutherland. “I was immediately prepared to match North West’s contribution to make this award even more meaningful.” Sutherland continued, “I am also proud of our association with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation and we are delighted to work with the NAAF to enable Aboriginal youth to achieve brighter futures.”

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 brighter futures. Since 1985 the Foundation through its Education Program has awarded more than $30-million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 8,000 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: