The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards (NAAA) were established to encourage and celebrate excellence in the Aboriginal community.  NAAF created the Awards in 1993, in conjunction with the United Nation’s International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.  The Awards recognize the outstanding career achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, in diverse occupations.  Now entering their seventeenth year, these Awards have become a Canadian institution.

Adam Beach and Tina Keeper – hosts of the 2009 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards held in Winnipeg

NAAF Production and NAAA Secretariat

Two departments within the foundation are responsible for the NAAA. The production department oversees all aspects of producing the Gala Awards show and subsequent television broadcast. The NAAA Secretariat is responsible for the nomination and selection processes of the Award recipients. This includes recipient preparation for the NAAA Gala event.

Recipients

Each year 14 recipients are recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in various disciplines ranging from health, law, political science, culture, arts, and others, two of which are specific recognition to one outstanding youth achiever and one lifetime achievement recipient. The awards are recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the highest honours the community can bestow upon its own achievers.

Role Models

The NAAA promotes self-esteem and pride for the Aboriginal community and extends further to provide outstanding role models for Aboriginal youth. The Awards broadcast the success of individuals who have the discipline, drive and determination to set high standards and accomplish their goals.

Gala Event

Each year a Gala show is produced by the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, recognizing the numerous talents possessed by Aboriginal people in Canada. This annual black-tie event is held in a major Canadian city and hosts approximately 2,500 people from the Aboriginal community, corporate and public sectors. Youth are highly encouraged to attend and special seating is arranged for youth and elder guests. A reception and dinner are held for the award recipients on the day of the show. The live show is filmed in preparation for the NAAA broadcast.

Television Broadcast

A 90-minute version of the NAAA is produced and broadcast nationally by two select television networks, Canwest Global Television and Aboriginal Peoples Television (APTN) . The 17th Annual gala is scheduled for March in Regina this year.

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis ancestry who have reached a significant level of achievement in their respective occupations are eligible for nomination. Any person may nominate a candidate they deem to be worthy of this recognition with reference to the following criteria:

• Of First Nations, Inuit or Métis heritage
• Who demonstrate outstanding career achievement
• Of any age with the exception of the youth category
• Permanent Canadian Resident or Canadian born
• Youth achiever nominees must be 15-24 years of age

Jurors are not eligible for nomination, nor may they submit nominations or support letters. Only completed applications with two support letters and a résumé or biographical equivalent will be accepted. All eligible nominations stand for three years with the NAAA Secretariat.

Jury Process

A national jury comprised of 10 former NAAA recipients reviews all nominations and select 12 career achievement award winners, one youth and one lifetime achievement award recipient. The selection is a confidential process that is based on the highest merits of fairness, honesty and respect to the hundreds of deserving nominees.