Skip to content Ontario.ca Français

For Immediate Release
June 12, 2002

News Release

Nominations for Third Annual Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award

---

TORONTO – Nominations for the third annual Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award are now being accepted from the public, David Young, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs announced today.

The Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award highlights the importance of partnerships between Aboriginal communities and the business sector. Each year, the award recognizes a successful Ontario-based business partnership between an Aboriginal business, community or organization and either a non-Aboriginal or Aboriginal business, community or organization. Ontario established the award in 2000 with assistance from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation.

"With this award Ontario acknowledges the remarkable vision of corporate and Aboriginal leaders who choose to break down barriers and build vibrant partnerships that create jobs and a more promising future for Aboriginal communities, said Young. We are pleased to be partners with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation for the Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award.

Last year's award winners, Six Nations Natural Gas Company Limited and Union Gas Limited were recognized at a ceremony in November, 2001.

Criteria for nominations include: increasing employment opportunities for Aboriginal people; providing learning or training opportunities to Aboriginal people; or establishing a new Aboriginal owned business. Partnerships must be located in Ontario and be at least two years old.

The Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award serves to demonstrate to the Ontario business community that partnerships with Aboriginal businesses can be successful, said John Kim Bell, Founder and President, National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation.

Young will make the final decision on this year's award recipients based on recommendations from Ontario's Working Partnerships Advisory Committee. The Committee is comprised of volunteers from the Aboriginal business community and the corporate sector.

The deadline for nominations is Monday, September 16, 2002. Nomination brochures outlining detailed criteria and additional information are available in English and French from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Web site at www.naaf.ca, the Working Partnerships Section of the Aboriginal Business Development Online Web site at www.aboriginalbusiness.on.ca, and the Building Aboriginal Economies section of the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat Web site at www.aboriginalaffairs.gov.on.ca. Award recipients for 2002 will be announced in December 2002.

---

Judy Tobe
Director of Public Affairs
National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
416-926-0775
1-800-329-9780

Merike Nurming
Communications Branch
Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat
416-326-4079