MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan 4, 2006
THE NATIONAL ABORIGINAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
(NAAA) COMING TO VANCOUVER!
Toronto Canada's premier Aboriginal event, the National Aboriginal
Achievement Awards, is coming to Vancouver. This dazzling show of the
National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation has for 13 years inspired and
empowered First Nation, Métis, and Inuit youth through the celebration and
recognition of powerful role models.
Co-Hosts, Lorne Cardinal and Cherie Maracle, promise a night to remember, as
fourteen exceptional Aboriginal men and women, including one youth recipient
and one lifetime achiever, will be honoured as part of a entertainment
extravaganza. Featuring top Aboriginal performers, such as Lucie Idlout,
Shane Yellowbird, Wayne Lavallee, Rapsure Risin¹ and the Raven Spirit Dance
troupe. The NAAA takes place on Friday, January 27th, 2006, at 8 p.m. at
the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The 2006 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards
will be a simulcast broadcast with network partners Global Television and
the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) nationally on January 28th,
2006 at 9 p.m. EST
The 2006 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards show was conceived and
produced by Métis Executive Producer/Writer Roman Bittman.
Our Awards show this year presents the creation story ³Raven Steals the
Sun². This story tells of the Raven who stole the sun to light up a dark
universe. It is told by the elders that, at the beginning of time, the
Trickster Spirit looked around and saw only darkness. Transforming himself
into the Raven, this indomitable figure set out to find the light and bring
it to the world. The dance performances are inspired by this story and the
rich culture that stretches back continuously for many thousands of years.
Media accreditation forms for the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards in
Vancouver are available on request. There are a limited number of seats
available for the media to watch the live event. Media welcome to attend
full dress rehearsal night before and week of activities leading up to the
live event. Interviews with performers and recipients will be available,
please call for schedule of events in advance for performer and recipient
availability.
Private Sector Sponsors
CIBC
Global Television, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, Air Canada, BP
Canada Energy Company, Casino Rama, Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., Donna Cona
Inc., Duke Energy Gas Transmission, Enbridge Inc., Encana Corporation, First
Air, Nexen Inc., Shell Canada, Suncor Energy Foundation, Syncrude Canada
Limited, and TransCanada Pipelines Limited
Public Sector Sponsors
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canadian Forces, Canadian Heritage,
Canadian Museum of Civilization, Elections Canada, Health Canada, Human
Resources and Skills Development Canada Indian and Northern Affairs Canada,
Industry Canada, Justice Canada, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research
Council of Canada, Privy Council Office, Public Safety and Emergency
Preparedness Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Province of
British Columbia, Government of Nunavut, Government of the Northwest
Territories, Government of Yukon
The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards were created in 1994 to celebrate
and promote positive role models to Aboriginal youth. The awards are part of
the work of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, a non-profit
organization that encourages and empowers young Aboriginal people in order
to advance their educational and career opportunities. Since 1988, the
Foundation has provided more than $16 million to deserving Aboriginal
students across the country, with scholarship disbursements reaching more
than $2 million each year.
For more information contact:
Scott Cavan, NAAF, Communications &Media Relations
416.926.0775 ext. 237
Cell: 416.903.4331
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Contents
January 2006 Reports
Special thanks to Marcel Guay for the lead.
Last updated on January 23, 2006