14 National Aboriginal Achievement award winners announced
News Release from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation web site at http://www.naaf.ca
Monday, November 28, 2006 - Toronto, ON
At a time when Canada is focussed on First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 13th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards
FOURTEEN RECIPIENTS OF THE PRESTIGEOUS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ANNOUNCED
TORONTO ' A world renowned artist, an entrepreneur from the East coast and an environmentalist from the far North compose a portion of the fourteen recipients of the National Achievement Awards showcasing the overwhelming diversity, contribution and achievement that can be found among Canada's First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The awards were announced today by Roberta Jamieson, CEO& President of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF).
The 13th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, can count a number of firsts. Shirley Firth Larsson, the twin sister of an equally successful 2005 NAAA recipient, will be awarded an Award for Sports. As well the Foundation will also for the first time, award a recipient posthumously, as the inspiring and bright star, Myra Cree, sadly recently passed away after having been selected through the juried process, leaving a remarkable legacy.
Roberta Jamieson, CEO of the Foundation, said, "When one achieves greatness for themselves they are in fact achieving greatness for their entire community. "This year's recipients embody the diversity of our peoples and speak to potential realized. They are fantastic role models for our Aboriginal youth and all Canadians; I couldn't be more pleased with this year's recipients."
The 2006 National Aboriginal Achievement Award recipients are a notable group. They are:
- Jim Sinclair, Lifetime Achievement, Métis, Saskatchewan
- Andrea Dykstra, Youth, M'ikmaw Nation, Pictou Landing, Nova Scotia
- Taiaiake (Gerald) Alfred, Education, Kaien'kehaka, Mohawks of Kahnawake
- Dr. Herb Belcourt, Housing, Métis, Alberta
- Tony Belcourt, Public Service, Métis, Ontario
- Bernd Christmas, Business and Commerce, M'ikmaw, Membertou First Nation, Nova Scotia
- Gladys Taylor Cook, Heritage and Spirituality, Dakota, Sioux Valley First Nation, Manitoba
- Myra Cree, Media and Communications, Mohawk, Oka-Kahnesatake
- Billy Day, Environment, Inuit, Inuvialuit, NT
- James (Sakej) Youngblood Henderson, Law and Justice, Chickasaw/Cheyenne Nations, now residing in Saskatchewan
- Wendy Grant-John, Community Development, Coast Salish, Musqueam, BC
- Shirley Firth Larsson, Sports, Gwich'in, NT
- Jane Ash Poitras, Arts and Culture, Cree/Chipewyan, Alberta
- George Tuccaro, Media and Communications, Mikisew Cree, Alberta
This year's 14 recipients will receive their awards at a star-studded gala evening on Friday, January 27th, 2006, in Vancouver at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
The fourteen achievers are selected by a national jury comprised of past award recipients and individuals representing First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples from, diverse geographic regions of Canada and areas of the economy.
The awards are a special project of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, established in 1985. The Foundation provides financial assistance to First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Aboriginal students to realize their educational goals and dreams with more than a total of $2 million in individual scholarships awarded to students this year and $18- million awarded since the project began.
The Foundation is devoted to excellence and providing the educational tools necessary for Aboriginal youth to achieve brighter futures.
For further information contact Scott Cavan, Director of Media Relations at 416-926-0775. Visit our website at www.naaf.ca for the following information: