National Aboriginal Achievement Award Recipients 2012
Steady readers of my blog will know that I have always been proud to be a mainstream blogger who takes the time to promote First Nations issues and projects (I have extensively covered Aboriginal-focused projects such as the Louis Riel Festival, the Talking Stick Festival, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre up in Whistler, the restoration project of the Musqueam nation in South Vancouver, etc.)
I got word about the National Aboriginal Achievement Award winners that just got announced; winners from BC include:
· Richard Hardy, British Columbia – Environment & Natural Resources
· Richard Wagamese, British Columbia – Media & Communications
· Grand Chief Edward John, British Columbia – Politics
· Richard Peter, British Columbia – Sports
· Senator Gerry St. Germain, British Columbia – Lifetime Achievement Award
From the information I received:
The founder of the first and largest Aboriginal financial institution in Canada, the first self-identified Métis person to serve in the federal cabinet, a young Métis woman who ran across Canada to raise money for poverty and medical research, the first Inuit woman to become a lawyer – these extraordinary Indigenous peoples are among the 15 to receive a 19th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Award.
On behalf of all Canadians, Members of Parliament will be recognizing this year’s Awards recipients in the House of Commons today. After Question Period, Speaker of the House of Commons, Andrew Scheer will host a reception in their honour.
Following the official announcement in Ottawa, the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation will be honouring these remarkable individuals at special gala event on Friday, February 24 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, B.C. The Awards celebrate excellence in the Indigenous community and the limitless potential that Indigenous people represent. They recognize the highest level of achievement and provide terrific role models for Indigenous youth to achieve their potential.
2012 National Aboriginal Achievement Award Recipients:
· Candace Sutherland, Manitoba – Youth Award
· Earl Cook, Manitoba – Youth Award (posthumous)
· Adam Beach, Manitoba – Arts
· Chief Victor Buffalo, Alberta – Business & Commerce
· Elder Dave Courchene Jr., Manitoba – Culture, Heritage & Spirituality
· Dr. Leona Makokis, Alberta – Education
· Richard Hardy, British Columbia – Environment & Natural Resources
· Dr. Janet Smylie, Ontario – Health
· Violet Ford, Newfoundland and Labrador – Law & Justice
· Richard Wagamese, Ontario – Media & Communications
· The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Nunavut – Politics
· Grand Chief Edward John, British Columbia – Politics
· Minnie Grey, Quebec – Public Service
· Richard Peter, British Columbia – Sports
· Senator Gerry St. Germain, Manitoba – Lifetime Achievement Award
NAAA Supporters for 2011/2012 include Presenting Corporate Sponsor: CIBC, Lead Partner: Government of Canada, with Major Sponsors: Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), Air Canada, Fort McKay Group of Companies, Shaw Media, Suncor Energy Inc., Syncrude Canada Ltd., Vale. Participating Sponsors: Finning (Canada) a division of Finning International Inc., National Post, Nexen Inc., Rio Tinto, Society of Energy Professionals, TELUS, Tuccaro Inc. Group of Companies, Vancouver Sun; Supporting Sponsors: BHP Billiton, Government of Nunavut, Government of the Northwest Territories, New Gold Inc., Willbros Canada and the Official Hotel: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
About the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
The Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to deliver programs that provide the tools necessary for Indigenous peoples, especially youth, to achieve their potential. To date the Foundation through its Education Program has awarded more than $42.7-million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 11,500 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students nationwide. In addition to the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, the Foundation’s key initiatives include: Taking Pulse, a curriculum that joins the Foundation with industry to present career options in specific growth sectors through a series of short documentaries and supporting curriculum materials to Indigenous youth; and Blueprint for the Future, 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. To date over 34,500 students have attended these exciting youth oriented events nationwide.
Kudos to all recipients and congratulations for a much deserved award!
Related posts:
- Don Quixote by the National Ballet of Cuba in Vancouver (Feb 16-18, 2012)
- Happy National Chocolate Cake Day 2012
- National Non-Smoking Week in Canada 2012
- Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week 2011(Dec 2-5, 2011)
- National Aboriginal Day 2011
Wonderful story full of inspiring people who have made a difference! I am always so impressed to see the depth of coverage on this blog. Thanks Raul for keeping us informed about First Nations people & projects.