Aboriginal Youth Career Fair in Montreal being planned by NAAF
Achievement Foundation’s Aboriginal Youth Career Fair Scheduled for October in Montreal
TORONTO--(Marketwire - Aug. 27, 2007) - A high energy and engaging one-day career fair for Aboriginal high school students is being brought to the Palais des Congres in Montreal on October 30, 2007, by the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation.
Roberta Jamieson, the Foundation's president and CEO, notes the career fairs are designed to encourage and promote education and training for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students.
"Our youth are Canada's fastest-growing demographic group at a time when Canada is facing severe labour shortages. The Foundation's career fairs are powerful motivators and information providers of the many career and educational possibilities available to them so they can realize their potential."
David Gill, of the Mashteuiiatsh First Nation at Lac St-Jean, 2006 Commonwealth Games competitor and Olympic hopeful will co-host the career fair, presenting a role model of achievement and realization of potential..
"First Nation youth have incredible potential. The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation is a spring-board. I want to help bring this potential out through my association with the Foundation and want to show the world what we are capable of," Gill says.
One of the events will feature Gemini-nominated television producer and noted actress Jennifer Podemski, seen most recently on Moose TV. The talented and captivating rap performer, Samien, an Anishinabe rap singer from Pikogan First Nation at Abitibi, joined by CerAmony, a Cree, progressive rock group from the James Bay area, will perform during the lunch session and closing ceremonies.
The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation is a registered charity that encourages and empowers young First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people to advance their educational and career aspirations. It is the biggest non-governmental provider of scholarships to First Nation, Metis and Inuit youth, disbursing more than $2.8-million annually to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across the country. In addition, the Foundation recognizes and celebrates Aboriginal career accomplishment through the annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, a dazzling showcase of entertainment that is broadcast nationally on Global and APTN.
The career fairs are part of the Foundation's "Blueprint for the Future" program now in its 11th year. The fairs have encouraged more than 28,000 First Nations, Inuit and Metis youth to further their education and career plans. They present information on a wide range of fields in an interactive and exciting forum where youth (age 13 to 18) have a chance to meet and speak with Aboriginal and other business leaders from across the country. The youth also visit a trade fair area with public sector and private sector based organizations providing information on the organizations themselves, engage students, and discuss available careers, programs, internships and scholarships. The day concludes with a Town Hall session where students can ask questions of leaders and youth achievers taking part in the day-long fair.
/For further information: Scott Cavan, Dir. Communications
416.926.0775 ext: 237
416.903.4331 cell/