![300x386-ringoffire-rig Ring of Fire](http://netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/300x386-ringoffire-rig.jpg)
THUNDER BAY – The Mining Association of Canada hosted a fundraiser for the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation and said farewell to Gordon R. Peeling who retired from the Association after 13 years of service. The event was held at the Ottawa Museum of Nature and raised $ 25,000. “The Mining Industry continues to advocate for aboriginal education and recognizes the impact it will have on Canada’s economy” said Gordon R. Peeling, adding “I am thankful to MAC members, partners and close collaborators that helped support this event”.
To acknowledge Gordon R. Peeling, colleagues and distinguished speakers from across Canada took turns to celebrate his dedication and contributions to the industry, during Peeling’s leadership the Mining Association of Canada developed closer ties to Canada’s indigenous peoples and become the largest employer of aboriginal Canadians.
The National Aboriginal Foundation was represented by current President and CEO Roberta Jamieson, under her leadership, the Foundation has flourished. In her six years leading NAAF, support for Aboriginal youth has dramatically increased with NAAF doubling its previous total in bursaries and scholarship funding. Since 2005 alone, NAAF has supported 6690 students with over $22.6 million. She has extended the Foundation’s career fairs into the North, Quebec and the Maritimes and is Executive Producer of the nationally televised National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.