News Release

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McGuinty Government Building Stronger Aboriginal Communities

Ontario Recognizing Aboriginal Business Excellence; Nominations Open

TORONTO – The Ontario government has opened nominations to recognize Aboriginal achievement with the 2004 Ontario Aboriginal Business Partnerships Award, Minister Responsible for Native Affairs Michael Bryant announced today.

"The McGuinty government is encouraging Aboriginal peoples participation in making Ontario strong and prosperous," said Bryant. "We hope to draw many excellent nominations for the Ontario Aboriginal Business Partnerships Award."

The award was established together with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation in 2000. It 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.

The deadline for nominations is September 20, 2004. Brochures outlining nomination criteria are available in English and French from the following web sites:

• National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation;
• Aboriginal Business Development Online;
• Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat;

The award recipients for 2004 will be announced in December.

"We are proud to recognize successful business partnerships," said Len Flett, Chair of the Board of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. "These joint ventures let the public know the Aboriginal community is open for business."

"This award celebrates Aboriginal business partnerships that increase Aboriginal employment, provide learning or training opportunities to Aboriginal people and businesses, and show a commitment to strengthen the community in which they operate," said Bryant.

Ontario Aboriginal Business Partnerships Award Brochure (72 K – PDF)

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Contacts:

Jody Warwaruk
Communications and Brand Management
National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
416-926-0775
1-800-329-9780

Sandra D'Ambrosio
Minister's Office
416-326-1000

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PDF version available (119 K). Download Adobe Reader to view PDF files.