National Aboriginal Achievement Awards 2012

The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards will be awarded tonight in Vancouver at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Co-hosted by Theoren Fleury and BC’s Carmen Moore, the 19th annual event will recognize 15 outstanding First Nation, Inuit and Metis Canadians.

Hosts Carmen Moore & Theo Fleury
Photo courtesy of NAAF

2012 Recipients

Adam Beach – Arts
Victor S. Buffalo – Business & Commerce
Dave Courchene – Culture, Heritage & Spirituality
Leona Makokis – Education
Richard Stewart Hardy – Environment & Natural Resources
Dr. Janet Smylie – Health
Violet Ford – Law & Justice
Senator Gerry St. Germain – Lifetime
Richard Wagamese – Media & Communications
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq – Politics
Grand Chief Edward John – Politics
Minnie Grey – Public Service
Richard Peter – Sports
Earl Cook – Youth
Candace Sutherland – Youth

Among the recipients is BC’s own Richard Peter who plays wheelchair basketball in Vancouver and has represented Canada at four Paralympics Games — and won the gold medal at the Sydney Games in 2000. He was also inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

Chantal Kreviazuk, Derek Miller, and Robbie Robertson are among the evening’s performers. Tickets for the event are completely sold out (with a waiting list) but you can watch the awards on Global TV Friday, April 13, 2012.