20th Annual Indspire Awards Return Friday, April 19 - 7:30PM on Global and APTN

Featuring Performances by Country Music Superstar Terri Clark and the Powerful Beats of A Tribe Called Red

Comedian/Actor Darrell Dennis and Singer/Actress Cheri Maracle Host the Gala Ceremony

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TORONTO, April 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Indspire Awards, formerly the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, recognize and celebrate the highest levels of achievements of First Nation, Inuit and Métis people.  This year's milestone 20^th anniversary proudly continues the tradition with a spectacular evening of inspiration and entertainment hosted by the incomparable duo of Darrell Dennis (The Rez) and Cheri Maracle (Moccasin Flats). The gala airs on Global and APTN on Friday, April 19 - 7:30pm (please check local listings).

"It is an absolute honour to be able to provide a platform, alongside our broadcast partner APTN, for these outstanding laureates who, through their awe-inspiring accomplishments, motivate, impact and challenge others to make a difference," said Barbara Williams, SVP, Content, Shaw Media. "After two incredible decades, the gala broadcast keeps getting bigger year after year. This will be a fantastic night of entertainment." 

Indspire Awards kick off with a jaw dropping opening performance featuring 20 traditional dancers choreographed by Jacob Pratt dancing to the intoxicating beats of A Tribe Called Red. The show keeps things star-studded with a breathtaking performance by multi-award-winning country superstar Terri Clark, while Candy Palmater's sure-fire comedy style will keep viewers laughing for more. Add to the mix Canadian Idol finalist Sherry St. Germain and the dynamic sounds of Burnt Project 1 and viewers are in for an electrifying ride.

"APTN is honoured to be part of this signature event which shines a spotlight on extraordinary talented Aboriginal artists," said Jean La Rose, Chief Executive Officer of APTN. "The 2013 Indspire Awards are an amazing celebration of achievement and I invite all Canadians to join us in recognizing these outstanding Indigenous individuals."

The Indspire Awards recognize Indigenous professionals and youth who demonstrate outstanding achievement. They motivate and serve as invaluable role models for all Indigenous peoples. The Awards were created in 1993, in conjunction with the United Nation's International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples. Celebrating the 20th anniversary in 2013, the Indspire Awards represent the highest honour the Indigenous community bestows upon its own achievers.

"The Indspire Awards honour the contributions of Canada's Indigenous peoples, inspiring all of us to achieve our potential," said Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of Indspire and Executive Producer, Indspire Awards. "We are proud to work so closely with Shaw Media and APTN to share the inspiring stories of this year's 14 Indigenous role models with all Canadians."

Indspire Awards were held earlier this year in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. For the complete list of the award winners, performers and presenters please visit indspire.ca

About Shaw Communications Inc.
Shaw is a diversified communications and media company, providing consumers with broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Home Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business), satellite direct-to-home services (through Shaw Direct) and engaging programming content (through Shaw Media). Shaw serves 3.4 million customers, through a reliable and extensive fibre network. Shaw Media operates one of the largest conventional television networks in Canada, Global Television, and 18 specialty networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, HISTORY and Showcase. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, NYSE - SJR). For more information about Shaw, please visit www.shaw.ca.

About APTN
September 1, 2012, marked the 13-year anniversary of the launch of the first national Aboriginal television network in the world with programming by, for and about Aboriginal Peoples to share with all Canadians and viewers around the world. APTN is available in approximately 10 million Canadian households and commercial establishments with cable, direct-to-home satellite, telco-delivered and fixed wireless television service providers. The network launched its high definition channel, APTN HD, in the spring of 2008. APTN does not receive government funding for operations but generates revenue through subscriber fees, advertising sales and strategic partnerships. APTN broadcasts programming with 56% offered in English, 16% in French and 28% in Aboriginal languages. For program schedule or for more information, please contact APTN at [phone] or toll-free at 1-888-278-8862, or visit the website at www.aptn.ca

SOURCE: Global Television

For media inquiries, please contact:

Katia Houde
Publicist, Global Television
[phone]
[email protected]

Jacqueline Jubinville
Manager of Communications, APTN
[phone] ext. 330
[email protected]

John Ecker
Vice President, Communications & Media Relations, Indspire
[phone]
[email protected]