News Releases

September 25, 2009

President of NAIT’s Aboriginal Alumni Chapter wins Senator Thelma Chalifoux Award

September 24, 2009 – The Senator Thelma Chalifoux Award has been awarded this year to Don Jones, President of NAIT’s Aboriginal Alumni Chapter. Today Senator Chalifoux personally bestowed the honour on Jones. In her remarks, she pointed out how Don’s personal and family’s achievements serve as inspiration to all Aboriginal youth.

“Don is always quick to share his passion and his Ojibway roots. His parents encouraged him and his nine brothers and sisters to study hard and pursue a career that would challenge and help him serve others,” said Chalifoux.

Don took his parent’s challenge to heart, earning his first year millwork and carpentry apprenticeship at NAIT, as well as NAIT diplomas in engineering technology, construction and architecture. All of his siblings have a post-secondary education as well.

Don Jones currently works as a project officer with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

Previous Senator Thelma Chalifoux Award Recipients

2008 Walter Bonaise
2007 Nexen Inc.
2006 Colleen Klein
2006 Andrew Popko
2005 John T. Fergusson
2004 EnCana Corporation
2003 Saddle Lake Post Secondary
2002 TransCanada Pipelines Ltd.
2001 Heather Miller
2000 Nona German 

For more information, please contact:

Rayne Kuntz
NAIT Media Relations Coordinator
Department of Corporate Communications
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E raynek@nait.ca