Regina launches 2010 Aboriginal Achievement Awards

The polished statues and updated resumes obviously mean a great deal to the recipients of Canada's National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.
But when an actor, hockey star, doctor or entrepreneur is acknowledged by the Aboriginal community, it's the young people witnessing the possibilities before them who remain the most important beneficiaries.
To some spectators, it might be just one evening featuring TV cameras, applause and fancy clothes, but to Métis, Inuit and First Nation youth, it just might be enough of an introduction to a different world that helps them steer clear of unhealthy choices that compete for the attention of all kids.
"For one magnificent evening, the awards focus a spotlight on Aboriginal, Inuit and Métis achievement," said Roberta Jamieson, the CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. "And that light glows and reverberates throughout the year."
NAAF's gala launch at Hotel Saskatchewan had appetizers featuring elk and buffalo, while the few dozen sponsors and supporters came to help open the nomination period for the awards.
The awards night will be broadcast on Global Television and APTN, and held at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina on March 26, 2010. Now in its 17th year, the foundation awards men, women and young people in several categories who excel in their field and otherwise demonstrate leadership in the communities.
Most importantly, Jamieson said, they encourage others to follow in their footsteps. The awards are especially important at a time when the Aboriginal communities are growing and Indigenous people are now the fastest-growing demographic in Canada, she said.
"Seeing our people just blossom and seeing what that means to our economies and seeing what that means to our country ... it allows Canada to blossom."
She added that the foundation picked Regina to host the awards because of the province's large Aboriginal population and its reputation as a fine host to events that have nation-wide interest.
CIBC vice-president, Robert Bennett, said the bank's role as lead sponsor is important to the communities it serves.
"A lot of times we fail to recognize those who have done something for our community and our people," he told the crowd. "Our challenge as Canadians is to allow all Canadians and youth to reach their full potential ... These awards not only celebrate excellence within the Aboriginal community, they also encourage it."
Jamieson said the June launch kick-started a number of jobs at the foundation, including designing the set for the gala evening, organizing teams of past winners to help serve as judges, and encouraging nominations.
Nominations are open to anyone of any age of First Nations, Inuit or Métis heritage who demonstrates "outstanding career achievement." Nominees must also be Canadian or Canadian-born.
There are a number of categories, but the most high-profile are the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Special Youth Award for those aged 15-24. The youth award comes with a $10,000 bursary.
There are also categories for the arts, business and commerce, culture, heritage and spirituality, education, environment and natural resources, health, law and justice, media and communications, politics, public service, sports and technology and trades. Past recipients include artist Norval Morrisseau, singer-songwriters Robbie Robertson, Susan Aglukark and Buffy Sainte-Marie, NHL'er Jordin Tootoo, former NHL player Bryan Trottier, NHL coach Ted Nolan, former Assembly of First Nations Chief Georges Erasmus and actors Tom Jackson and Graham Greene. For more information and to obtain nomination forms, visit www.naaf.ca or call 1-800-329-9780, ext. 242.