Three local people receive NAAA recognition

Audrey Poitras was “very, very surprised” to find out she was one of three Alberta Aboriginals to receive the National Aboriginal Achievement Award.

“I just know we have so many Aboriginal people who have done such awesome work that it’s a great honour that I’m acknowledged for my time,” said Poitras. Poitras is president for the Métis Nation of Alberta and was selected for her work in politics.

The other Alberta winners were Dr. Margo Greenwood for her work in education and Joseph F. Dion for his achievements in business. Fourteen recipients were selected by a jury panel for the 18 National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation and were recognized on Nov. 23 at a presentation that took place at the House of Commons.

Individuals are nominated by their peers, said Jamie Monastyrski, who heads the communications area for NAAF. Former recipients of the awards serve on a jury, which chooses the greatest contributor in each of 14 fields ranging from business and commerce to media to art to finance.

“Nominations have been on the rise over the years. Every year there are more and more outstanding nominations. There are a lot of Aboriginal people out there doing a lot of great work,” said Monastyrski.

“I very much appreciate what people put forward about me,” said Poitras. Originally from Elk Point, which is located in the northeast part of the province, Poitras has been fighting Métis injustices for the last 15 years.

Greenwood was honoured in the education sector of the awards ceremony.  A Cree from Alberta, Greenwood is currently an academic leader of the National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health and works within the Education and First Nations Studies at the University of Northern British Columbia.

Dion is the CEO of Frog Lake Energy Resources and is the standout recipient among many respectable others within the business and commerce category.

The honoured recipients are representatives from across the country, as the nomination process is open to all First Nations, Métis and Inuit members.

Monastyrski believes the nomination campaign, which involves print, radio, and magazine advertisements, in three different languages (French, English and Inuktitut) is the reason for the rise in interest.

A gala night to honour the recipients will take place March 11, 2011, in Edmonton.

 “It’s going to be a celebration like no other, the highest honour in the Aboriginal community and a set that is always dynamic and gorgeous,” said Monastyrski.

Actors Adam Beach and Evan Adams will be hosting the show, while music artists Shane Yellowbird and Digging Roots, to name a couple, are on the list to entertain the eager crowd.

For those who miss out on attending the gala, APTN will be on hand to cover the ceremony.