Global and APTN Proud Broadcasters of the 19th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards

Awards Gala Hosted by NHL All-Star Theo Fleury and Actress Carmen Moore

Airs Friday, April 13^th at 7:30pm ET/PT on Global and APTN

For press kit materials, please visit: www.shawmediatv.ca

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TORONTO, April 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Infused with inspiring recipients and mesmerizing performances, the 19^th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards returns Friday, April 13^th at 7:30pm ET/PT on Global and APTN. Recognizing the highest levels of achievement of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, the Awards were held earlier this month in Vancouver, British Columbia and were co-hosted by NHL All-Star Theo Fleury and Vancouver-born actress Carmen Moore ("Arctic Air").

"The Awards are rich with history, culture and breathtaking entertainment, and we are honoured to be a part of this annual celebration," said Barbara Williams, SVP, Content, Shaw Media. "Now in our seventh consecutive year as the official broadcaster alongside APTN, we have seen this show grow in popularity and have marveled at the accomplishments of each year's recipients."

The annual black-tie awards gala attracts the very best Canadian Indigenous entertainers and kicks off with a stunning classical piece mixed with Indigenous and western influences by West Coast conductor and composer Dustin Peters, baritone Carey Newman and mezzo-soprano Marion Newman with dancers Jera Wolfe and Sarain Fox. Additional performances will include internationally-acclaimed Métis singer, songwriter and pianist, Chantal Kreviazuk; award-winning singer and 2010 Vancouver Olympics Closing Ceremony performer Derek Miller; and a special presentation by Robbie Robertson - multi GRAMMY^® winner and international music icon from Six Nations of the Grand River.

"APTN is very proud to broadcast the awards and highlight the incredible achievements of these 15 First Nations, Inuit and Métis role models," says Jean LaRose, CEO of APTN. "Their dedication to creating positive change not only within our communities but for the benefit of all Canadians is an inspiration and APTN is pleased to be a part of sharing their stories with all Canadians."

Established in 1993, the awards celebrate career achievements by professionals in diverse occupations. This year, a national jury selected 12 career award winners along with two youth and one lifetime achievement award recipient. Categories of recognition include arts; business and commerce; culture, heritage and spirituality; education; environment and natural resources; health; law and justice; media and communications; politics; public service; as well as sports.

"This Gemini award-winning show honours the Indigenous community, inspiring all of us to achieve our potential," said Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of Indspire and Executive Producer, National Aboriginal Achievement Awards. "We are proud to work so closely with Shaw Media and APTN to share these indspiring Indigenous role models with all Canadians."

For a complete list of award winners, performers and presenters please visit indspire.ca. 

Global Television is a Shaw Media network.

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 Television 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, 2011, marked the 12-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 (DTH), 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.

About Indspire

Indspire is the former National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation.  Its new name combines the key notions of Indigenous and inspiration to highlight its exciting mandate.  Indspire is best-known for its many programs that help Indigenous youth succeed.  They include bursaries and scholarships, career conferences for youth, interactive classroom learning modules, the Indspire Institute and its Indspire Awards (formerly the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards).  Indspire's focus is on supporting, innovating, and fundamentally transforming Indigenous education.

For media inquiries, please contact:                      

Global Television:      

Jacqueline Kendall, Senior Publicist
Global Television
[phone]          
[email protected]

Grace Park, Publicity Manager
Global Television
[phone]
grac[email protected]

APTN: 

Melanie Ferris, Sr. Communications Specialist,
APTN
[phone] ext. 499
m[email protected]

INDSPIRE:  

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