NAAF hosting Aboriginal Career Fair in Saskatoon on November 10
NAAF press release
Canada’s largest Aboriginal National Career Fair to host hundreds of students, tradeshow booths and workshops this November in Saskatoon
OCTOBER 1, 2009 – TORONTO – The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation’s (NAAF) Blueprint for the Future (BFF) national student career fair will deliver educational resources, access to career professionals, dynamic entertainment and bring Aboriginal youth from across Saskatchewan to the city of Saskatoon.
Taking place November 10 at the TCU Place, Saskatoon’s Arts and Convention Centre.
Potential employers are invited from a wide range of professions – including government sector, private, trades, new technology – to operate info booths, carry out presentations, interact with students, and provide educational materials. Over its 10 year history serving 32, 000 students, this unique and dynamic opportunity has proven time and again its ability to get youth one step closer to fulfilling their dreams.
“It was very useful because I’m a grade 12 student who is making a transition in the fall to university. This career fair has opened my mind and given me more information and opportunities,” said one student
Students who attend the national career fairs always find the information they are seeking or learn something new about a career they are interested in. This includes exploring a wide range of potential careers for Aboriginal students.
Another student said, “The career fair was useful to me because it gave me a chance to see all of the opportunities that are out there for Aboriginal students.”
“These events will energize and motivate students through hands-on workshops and direct exposure to role models—to chart their future — to dream – to believe in themselves and their ability to realize their potential,” says Roberta Jamieson, NAAF President and CEO.
BFF is an ongoing series of career fairs that are designed to increase Aboriginal high school students’ awareness of the diversity of employment opportunities available within the Canadian workforce. At each event, up to 1500 Aboriginal students from across the host region attend between 40 and 60 workshops and/or seminars in the areas of health, medicine, business, sciences, technology, finance, and manufacturing. They provide an opportunity for students to interact with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal professionals and role models.
Each year, two BFF career fairs are held in different cities across Canada. To date, fairs have been held in Vancouver, Halifax, Yellowknife, Whitehorse, Iqaluit, Montreal, Winnipeg, Toronto and Ottawa.
For more information and to view BFF Career Fair videos please visit http://naaf.ca/program/1
For more information on booths and sponsorships, please contact:
Ken A. Montour Jr., B.A.
Development Associate, Operations
National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
P: 416-987-0258
F: 416-926-7554
Email: kmontour[at]naaf.ca
For Media inquiries:
Jamie Monastyrski
Director of Communications & Media
National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
cell: 416-903-4331
416-926-0775 ext: 238
jmonastyrski[at]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.