Nominations from the public for the second annual Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award (OAPRA) are now open. The award was established by the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat with the assistance of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation.
“The award recognizes the Aboriginal and corporate leaders who are building partnerships that remove barriers, improve access and create job opportunities for Aboriginal communities in Ontario. We are pleased to be partners with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation for the Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award,” said David Young, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs.
The Award is presented annually to celebrate successful Ontario-based partnerships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal businesses, communities, and organizations. Partnerships must be Ontario-based and at least two years old. Any Aboriginal or Canadian may nominate individuals providing they meet criteria that includes increasing job opportunities for Aboriginal people, providing learning and training opportunities for Aboriginal people, or establishing a new Aboriginal owned business. The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation has a brochure available with details of the full criteria.
The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, September 4, 2001. Award recipients will be announced at the Aboriginal Economic Development Conference in Toronto, on November 22, 2001. For further information, visit the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Web site at www.naaf.ca.
