MEDIA ADVISORY

June 8 – EDMONTON – In partnership with CIBC, the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) is proud to launch its 2011 nomination call at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald in Edmonton, Alberta today.

“We are thrilled to bring the 18th annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards to Edmonton on March 11, 2011, which is at the crossroads of many Aboriginal communities from the north and west,” said Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO for the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation and Executive Producer of the Awards Gala.

“Canada’s premier Aboriginal event will once again feature the best and hottest talent this country has to offer as we come together to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of 14 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit achievers. And by bestowing on our own outstanding Aboriginal role models the highest honour our community offers, we will continue to provide invaluable inspiration to our youth to achieve their dreams.”

“Since the establishment of the Awards in 1994, more than 240 Aboriginal men and women have been honoured for their outstanding career achievements in Canadian arts, business, medicine, and community involvement,” said Gerry McCaughey, CIBC’s President and CEO. “During that time, Canadians from coast to coast have gained a far greater appreciation of the many contributions that the Aboriginal community has made – and continues to make to our society.”

WHAT: The launch of the 2011 NAAA Nominations Campaign

WHERE: Wedgewood Room, Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, 10065-100 Street, Edmonton, Alberta

WHEN: June 8, 2010 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation is producing Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for radio and television (English, French and Inuktitut). NAAF will be also distributing nomination forms throughout Canada via mail, electronically, social media and through a targeted ad campaign.

In 1993, in conjunction with the United Nation’s International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, NAAF created the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards to encourage and celebrate excellence in the Aboriginal community. These Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, in diverse occupations, and are one of the highest levels of recognition for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people in Canada. Now entering its 18th year, these Awards have become a Canadian institution.

Nominate someone outstanding in your community for a National Aboriginal Achievement Award. Download your Nomination Form at naaf.ca/nominate. Nomination deadline is September 22, 2010.

NAAA Supporters for 2010/2011

Lead Partners: CIBC - Government of Canada

Participating Partner: Government of Alberta - Aboriginal Peoples Television Network - Canwest - Air Canada - Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba Ltd. - Nexen Inc. - Fort McKay Group of Companies – Society of Energy Professionals

For more information, 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