President and CEO

Ms. Roberta Jamieson, C.M., I.P.C., LL.B., LL.D. (Hon)
 

A Mohawk woman from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Roberta Jamieson is known in Canada and internationally as a leader, visionary and skilled mediator.

In November 2004, Ms. Jamieson became CEO and President of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation which is dedicated to realizing the educational potential of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit youth.

In 1976, Ms. Jamieson became the first woman from a First Nation in Canada to receive a law degree when she graduated from the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Law. She has since received fourteen honorary Doctor of Laws degrees.

Ms. Jamieson has served as Commissioner of the Indian Commission of Ontario, Ombudsman of the Province of Ontario, and Elected Chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River. She is a member of the Order of Canada, a recipient of a National Aboriginal Achievement Award and the Indigenous Bar Association’s Indigenous Peoples Council Award (IPC). In 2009, she was for the second time recognized by the Women’s Executive Network “Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award”.
 

Strategic and Resource Development

Mr. Darryl Peck
Director of Strategic and Resource Development

Corporate Development is the fundraising arm of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. They seek out sponsorships in both the public and corporate sector, and maintain relationships with existing sponsors by keeping them informed of the Foundation’s activities and events. In turn, they make sure that NAAF is itself represented at events held by sponsors, creating mutually beneficial relationships between the Foundation and its many supporters.

Communications

Mr. Jamie Monastyrski
Director of Communications and Media

The Communications department manages the public image of NAAF by creating and issuing press releases, advertising, and producing visual, audio, electronic, and print materials. Communications acts as the liaison between the Foundation and all sponsors, performers, Aboriginal organizations, and government groups attending the Awards.

Finance & Operations

Mr. Tom Darnay CA, CAFM
Director of Finance & Administration

The Finance & Operations department provides all financial and operational support to the Foundation by administering payables, receivables, tax receipts, payroll, internal and external reporting, and other financial analysis and support as required. All general information technology support including all hardware and supply purchases are administered through the Finance & Operations department. The Finance & Operations department also operates as the liaison between all financial, operational, external and internal stakeholders.

Education

Dr. Noella Steinhauer
Director of Education

In 2003, the Canadian government recognized the importance of NAAF’s work by providing a $12 million endowment that offers much-needed additional support to Aboriginal students pursuing post-secondary education. In February of 2005, the government pledged an additional $10 million grant. This contribution joins the established Trusts the Foundation is proud to manage, such as the Aboriginal Veterans Scholarship Trust, which honours the often overlooked contributions made by Aboriginal veterans in defense of Canada. Other Trust Funds which the Foundation administers include; the Diana Fowler LeBlanc Aboriginal Social Work Scholarship Fund, the Desser Music Scholarship Fund, Great-West Life Business and Health Education Scholarship Trust Fund, Royal Bank Award in Memory of Beth Hamilton Bell Trust Fund, Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Scholarship Fund, TransCanada PipeLines Scholarship Trust Fund, Govern­ment of Canada Trust Fund and the Education Trust Fund. NAAF continues to build its combined educational trust so that scholarships will be available in perpetuity.