NEWS RELEASE

June 17 - Toronto - After a successful launch in Edmonton, Alberta, the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) launched the 2011 National Aboriginal Achievement nominations in Toronto on Wednesday in partnership with founding supporter CIBC.

“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.”

Nominating an Aboriginal achiever is easier than ever with nomination forms available for download at naaf.ca/nominate and as an added feature on the recently released DVD of the 17th National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards (NAAA) was established to encourage and celebrate excellence in the Aboriginal community. NAAF, created the Awards in 1993, in conjunction with the United Nation’s International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The 18th annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards will take place in Edmonton, Alberta, and will once again highlight the accomplishments of 14 individuals in diverse occupations drawn from the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

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