TORONTO – May 10, 2010 --- The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation's (NAAF) Blueprint for the Future (BFF) national student career fair will deliver educational resources, access to career professionals, dynamic entertainment and bring Aboriginal youth from across BC to Prince George.

Taking place May 11 at the Prince George Civic Centre in Prince George, potential employers are 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. 

BC entrepreneur, promoter and multi-media personality Suzette Amaya will host the career fair and rising hip-hop star Joey Stylez will perform some of his latest hits and crowd favourites.

Over its 14 year history serving 33,000 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 a recent Blueprint 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.

Another student said, "The career fair was useful to me because it gave me a chance to see all of the opportunities that are out there 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," said 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 to1,500 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, Saskatoon and Thunder Bay. 

Lead Partners
CIBC
Government of Canada

Host University
University of Northern British Columbia

Private Sector Partners
Nexen Inc., CKPG TV, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, IBM Canada Ltd., Enbridge, TransCanada, CN, Rio Tinto, Spectra Energy, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, TD Bank, Thompson Rivers University, Trent University, University of Calgary - Native Ambassador Post-secondary Initiative (N.A.P.I.), University of Saskatchewan, London Drugs, Industry Training Authority (ITA) British Columbia, Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of British Columbia

Public Sector Partners
Health Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Canadian Heritage, Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Province of British Columbia and the City of Prince George

For media inquiries, 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