"The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation to announce new student bursary at annual conference"

OTTAWA - The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) will announce a newly created and essential bursary at the 3rd Aboriginal Policy Research Conference (APRC), in Ottawa March 10. The bursary will support First Nation, Metis or Inuit students engaged in studies at the graduate level. Funding for graduate work is essential to all students and even more critical for Aboriginal students.

President and CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Roberta Jamieson will announce the $22,500 bursary to be named the "Gail Valaskakis Memorial Aboriginal Policy Research Conference Bursary" which will provide $7,500 over three years.

"We are extremely proud to announce this special bursary in conjunction with the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), the University of Western Ontario (Western) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)," said National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation President and CEO Roberta Jamieson.

"We hope this vital bursary will help Aboriginal students studying at the graduate studies level to continue their work."

"It is critical to recognize the achievements of Aboriginal students at the graduate level," said Peter Dinsdale, APRC Co-Chair and NAFC Executive Director. "It is our hope that this bursary will help cultivate even more First Nation, Metis and Inuit leaders."

"Scholarships to support top students have always been part of this conference. What has been great is watching these award winners become leaders in Canada," said Jerry White, APRC Co-Chair and Western's Associate Dean (Graduate Education, Policy and Planning) for the Faculty of Social Science.

The Foundation and the Association are devoted to excellence and to providing the tools necessary for Aboriginal youth to achieve brighter futures and they agree that it is a mutual desire to work together in support of Aboriginal peoples.

The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), the University of Western Ontario (Western) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) are pleased to announce the third Aboriginal Policy Research Conference (APRC), to take place in Ottawa, from March 8-12, 2009.

The Conference will bring together Aboriginal and non­Aboriginal researchers and policy makers from Canada and abroad, showcasing the wide range of high-quality research that has recently been conducted on Aboriginal issues in order to inform evidence-based policy making.

For more information on the APRC, and to find a detailed program and schedule, please visit: www.aprc-crm­pa.ca.