Scotiabank commits $100,000 over five years to business and commerce
    studentsTORONTO, Oct. 22 /CNW/ - The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
(NAAF) and Scotiabank today announced the launch of the Scotiabank Business
and Commerce Bursary Award, awarding Aboriginal business and commerce students
with bursary funding based on their individual needs.
    "Scotiabank believes in creating opportunities that will help Aboriginal
students achieve their full potential," said Rick Waugh, Scotiabank President
and CEO. "We are very proud of our longstanding tradition of community
involvement and our support in educational initiatives and scholarship
programs that help build brighter futures for our communities."
    For the next five years, Scotiabank's annual $20,000 commitment will
assist Aboriginal business and commerce students with their educational
requirements. The bursaries vary in amount based on the individual applicant's
need. This year, five bursaries have been administered.
    "The Foundation is very excited to welcome Scotiabank as a new partner in
our education program," said President and CEO of the National Aboriginal
Achievement Foundation Roberta Jamieson. "With this much needed financial
support many more First Nations, Inuit and Métis achievers will be able to
realize their potential."
    "Through our partnership with NAAF, we are able to give Aboriginal
students the tools they need to develop their potential and give them
confidence in their abilities," added Michele Baptiste, National Manager
Aboriginal Relations, Scotiabank.

    Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live
and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally
and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic
activities, in 2007 the Bank provided more than $43 million in sponsorships
and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas
of healthcare, education and social services and arts and culture. Please
visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

    The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) is a nationally
registered non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to deliver
programs that provide the tools necessary for Aboriginal peoples especially
youth to achieve brighter futures. Since 1985 the Foundation through its
Education Program has awarded more than $27.7-million in scholarships and
bursaries to more than 7,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students
nationwide. NAAF's key initiatives include: The National Aboriginal
Achievement Awards (NAAA) a national annual broadcast celebrating 14 achievers
in a multitude of career areas including a special youth award and an award
for lifetime achievement; Taking Pulse joins NAAF with industry to present
career options in specific growth sectors through a series of short
documentaries and supporting curriculum materials with the aim of recruiting
First Nations, Inuit & Métis youth; and Blueprint for the Future (BFF) a
series of one-day career fairs that motivate and inspire First Nations, Inuit
and Métis high school students with valuable resources and information on
career opportunities. Over 30,000 students have attended these exciting youth
oriented events to date nationwide.