TORONTO – May 13, 2010 - The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) sadly acknowledges the passing of its 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Bertha Allen.

A member of the Gwich’in First Nation, Bertha Allen was a social activist committed to the advancement of Aboriginal and northern women. As former President of the Advisory Council on the Status of Women in the Northwest Territories, founding President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, and former President of the Native Women’s Association, Ms. Allen was an inspiration to the Aboriginal community through her tireless commitment to social change.

She also committed herself to improving health and social services in the Northwest Territories, through her participation in the Territorial Hospital Insurance Services Board, the Inuvik Medical Transient Centre, and her 2001 appointment to the Council of Grandmothers.

Ms. Allen was also part of the push for Aboriginal and Northern Women’s political equality. She served on the NWT Constitutional Committee, National Aboriginal Advisory Committee to the RCMP Commissioner, NWT Judicial Appointment Committee, the Multicultural Advisory Committee to the RCMP, and was the only women to sit on the Bourque Commission.

Ms. Allen’s awards and achievements included the Governor General’s Award for Commemoration of the Persons Case, a NWT Commissioner’s Volunteer Award, and the National Health and Welfare Canadian Volunteer Award. In 2007 she was named to the Order of Canada and in 2009 Governor General Michaëlle Jean awarded her the Northern Medal for her leadership on issues affecting Aboriginal and northern women.

“Bertha Allen was an outstanding example of commitment and courage in the Aboriginal community, and her work led to greater political and social equality for Aboriginal and Northern women. She was a true visionary whose legacy will live on in our community and in the hearts and minds of Aboriginal people throughout Canada,” said Roberta Jamieson, NAAF President and CEO.

“Our condolences go to Bertha’s family, the community of Inuvik, and people throughout the North. She will be deeply and sorely missed by everyone at NAAF.”