FORT McMURRAY – Chief Jim Boucher of Fort McKay First Nation has been named as the recipient of the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Business and Commerce. Chief Boucher is being celebrated for his ongoing role in the economic development of the Athabasca Oil Sands as well as for a long list of achievements including the founding of the Fort McKay Industry Relations Corporation. In addition, Chief Boucher continues to be committed to sustaining the identity and traditions of his people, serving the interests of all First Nations people throughout the Wood Buffalo Region, and to being an advocate on their behalf.

MP, Brian Jean was very pleased at the announcement.

“Chief Boucher certainly deserves this award. He has worked tirelessly for Fort McKay and the Wood Buffalo region for many years, and I’m glad to hear that his hard work is being acknowledged.”
MP Jean, who has known Chief Boucher for over 20 years commented that he looks forward to congratulating the award winner in person.

Created in 1993 by the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, in conjunction with the United Nation’s International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards (NAAA) were established to encourage and celebrate excellence in the Aboriginal community. The 15th annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards Gala Event will be held on March 7, 2008 at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto.

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For more information, please contact: Brian Jean (613) 992-1154 or (780) 743-2201