October 29 – TORONTO – Aboriginal students studying for a medical degree now have the opportunity to secure further funding through a new partnership with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) and the Canadian Medical Foundation (CMF).  

First Nation, Inuit and Métis students enrolled full-time at a Canadian medical school studying for a medical degree are eligible for 11 bursaries each earmarked for $5000.

“We are thrilled to provide support to these outstanding students studying medicine,” said National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation President & CEO Roberta Jamieson. “We realize how difficult this course of study is and the lack of Aboriginal representation in the medical profession. We are pleased that the Canadian Medical Foundation is also aware of this and is leading the charge.”

“The CMF is gravely concerned about the inequities in the health status of Canada’s Aboriginal people,” said Dr. Henry Haddad, Chair of the Canadian Medical Foundation, “They need and deserve access to competent medical care within the Canadian health care system, delivered by physicians with cultural competency that matches their skills in medicine.”

To help address these inequities, the CMF is pleased to provide Aboriginal medical students with bursaries to pursue their dream of medicine. By supporting these students the hope is to support Aboriginal men and women who will be true leaders in the development of Aboriginal health for Canada. For more information about the CMF please visit www.medicalfoundation.ca

For more information on the Bursary and to download the application form – please visit naaf.ca

Deadline for applications is November 30, 2009.

For more information, please contact:

Jamie Monastyrski
Director of Communications & Media
National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
cell: 416-903-4331
416-926-0775 ext: 238
jmonastyrski@naaf.ca

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) is a nationally registered non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to deliver programs that provide the tools necessary for Aboriginal peoples, especially youth to achieve their potential. Since 1985 the Foundation through its Education Program has awarded more than $32-million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 8,400 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students 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.