April 6, 2010 – TORONTO - An extensive new research study conducted on urban Aboriginal peoples indicates, among other points, that higher education and training is a top priority for First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples living in urban centres.

Following direct interviews with a representative group of 2,614 First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples living in major Canadian cities, the Environics Institute has released the Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study which offers Canadians a new perspective on Aboriginal peoples living in Canada’s eleven largest cities.

“Congratulations to the Environics Institute on the release of this report and its use of an advisory group of recognized experts from the Aboriginal community,” said Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. “We welcome the dialogue that this study will encourage.”

The study touched upon many topics including origin, community belonging, work, health, justice, acceptance of diversity in Canada’s population, and definitions of success and education. One of the main findings the study uncovered was that urban Aboriginal people see pursuing a higher education as the main path to a decent future. The most common obstacle blocking their education is funding.

“If we are going to empower First Nations, Inuit and Métis young people so they can make their full contribution to their own peoples and to Canada generally, Canada simply must make sure there are funds there to help them reach their goal,” Ms. Jamieson said when Environics announced the results of their study. “Canada can’t afford to lose what their potential can offer.”

The Environics study, Ms. Jamieson said, only emphasizes the potential which a workforce of aboriginal youth can provide – if they have the funds to get to school. “Canada’s workforce needs them,” Ms. Jamieson said. “Instead of maintaining entire communities in a state of perpetual poverty, federal and provincial governments and the private sector should take greater steps to assist them to realize their dreams and get an education which today is beyond their means.”

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to assist Aboriginal peoples to realize their potential. To date the Foundation has awarded more than $37-million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 9,800 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students in all parts of Canada.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Barney
Communications Coordinator
National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
416-987-0255
jbarney@naaf.ca

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to deliver programs that provide the tools necessary for Aboriginal peoples, especially youth to achieve their potential. To date the Foundation through its Education Program has awarded more than $37-million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 9,800 First Nations, Inuit and Métis recipients 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.