February 12, 2010 --- The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation's (NAAF) Blueprint for the Future (BFF) national student career fair delivered educational resources, access to career professionals, dynamic entertainment and brought Aboriginal youth from across Northwestern Ontario to the city of Thunder Bay.

Taking place February 10 at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay, potential employers were invited from a wide range of professions - including government sector, private, trades, new technology - to operate info booths, carry out presentations, interact with students, and provide educational materials.

Hip-hop artist and CBC Winnipeg TV and radio personality, Wab Kinew hosted the career fair and northern Ontario-based musical group CerAmony performed some of their latest hits.

Over its 10 year history serving 32, 000 students, this unique and dynamic opportunity has proved time and again its ability to get youth one step closer to fulfilling their dreams.

"It was very useful because I'm a grade 12 student who is making a transition in the fall to university. This career fair has opened my mind and given me more information and opportunities," said one student who attended the recent Saskatoon Career Fair.

Students who attend the national career fairs always find the information they are seeking or learn something new about a career they are interested in. This includes exploring a wide range of potential careers for Aboriginal students.

"This career fair will energize and motivate students through hands-on workshops and direct exposure to role models-to chart their future - to dream - to believe in themselves and their ability to realize their potential," says Roberta Jamieson, NAAF President and CEO..

BFF is an ongoing series of career fairs that are designed to increase Aboriginal high school students' awareness of the diversity of employment opportunities available within the Canadian workforce. At each event, up to1500 Aboriginal students from across the host region attend between 40 and 60 workshops and/or seminars in the areas of health, medicine, business, sciences, technology, finance, and manufacturing. They provide an opportunity for students to interact with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal professionals and role models.

Each year, two BFF career fairs are held in different cities across Canada. To date, fairs have been held in Vancouver, Halifax, Yellowknife, Whitehorse, Iqaluit, Montreal, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Saskatoon.

For more information, view our BFF Career Fair videos at naaf.ca