News Release

2005-65
June 21, 2005
For immediate release

The Government of Canada and the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation launch innovative health career-awareness program

Today, at the Museum of Civilization, on National Aboriginal Day, the Government of Canada, in partnership with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF), launched "Health Careers in the Classroom."Gatineau (QC) (June 21, 2005) - This new learning module encourages Aboriginal youth to stay in school and fosters career aspirations in the field of health.

"Health Careers in the Classroom" is one of a series in the Industry in the Classroom program aimed at increasing Aboriginal youths' awareness of career opportunities in all industries. In addition, the pilot program "Railway in the Classroom," has been delivered in more than 70 high schools across Canada and has been met with great success.

" Industry in the Classroom is part of our commitment to creating better futures for Aboriginal youth, also to inspire and motivate Aboriginal youth to stay in school. Through our partnerships with Canadian industries, and the public sector, NAAF will help ensure that Aboriginal youth are aware of career choices available to them in the health care and other fields," says Roberta Jamieson, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. "This generation represents the next big workforce entering Canada's job market and our priority is to educate them and make sure they get the opportunity and support they need to realize their potential."

"The Government of Canada is proud to be a partner in the "Health Careers in the Classroom" module launch," stated Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh. "Last September, First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders committed to the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative and today's launch builds on this initiative to increase the number of Aboriginal health care providers. I congratulate the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation for the leadership it has shown in bringing partners together in an effort to improve opportunities for Aboriginal youth."

"The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership to close the gap in quality of life that exists between the general population and First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples," said the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "This initiative represents an important investment that will help First Nations, Inuit and Métis people build stronger, healthier and more self-reliant communities by increasing their opportunities for good jobs."

Industry in the Classroom provides career information that creates awareness and recruits Aboriginal youth for higher education and specific skills training in all sectors. NAAF has developed four modules which will be delivered this fall, "Railway in the Classroom", "Health Careers in the Classroom", "Circle of Justice" and "Transportation in the Classroom". The pilot program, Railway in the Classroom was rolled out with great success in high schools across Canada in 2004. The Government of Canada provided $400,000 toward "Health in the Classroom."

Founded in 1984, the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation is a non-profit organization that encourages and empowers First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth, to realize their full potential through educational and career achievement. The Foundation is the largest non-governmental fonder of Aboriginal education and disburses approximately $2 million across Canada each year. NAAF also produces the annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, a celebration of Aboriginal accomplishment that is broadcast nationally on CBC and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.

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Media Contacts
Government of Canada
Health Canada
Paul Duchesne
Media Relations
(613) 954-4807

Adèle Blanchard
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Margot Geduld
Media Relations
(819) 994-2044

Pierre L. Collin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Northern Development)
(819) 994-7626

National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF)
Scott Cavan
Media Relations
416.926.0775, cell: 416.903.4331
scavan@naaf.ca