Funds provide bursaries and scholarships to build brighter futures for
    First Nations, Inuit and Métis studentsTORONTO, June 18 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX;NYSE) today announced that it is
continuing its support of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation's
education program with a donation of $100,000. The program's annual bursaries
and scholarships are provided to more than 600 First Nations, Inuit and Métis
students enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies in a broad range of
fields. This donation brings CIBC's total support of this program to $900,000.
    Applicants for NAAF bursaries and scholarships are assessed by juries of
First Nations, Inuit or Métis professionals using criteria such as financial
need, academic performance, connection to the Aboriginal community, and the
student's commitment to the field of study. NAAF scholarships are allocated to
students of health sciences programs, such as medicine, nursing, dentistry,
biology, chemistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, clinical psychology, laboratory
research and technology, and any other health field in which a study of the
hard sciences is a pre-requisite.
    "We are very grateful to CIBC for their continuing support of our
education program," said Ms. Roberta Jamieson, NAAF's President and Chief
Executive Officer. "Every year the jury selects an extraordinary group of
recipients who reveal such outstanding talent and dedicated service. I know
that by honouring their achievement we will continue to inspire many others,
just waiting to demonstrate their potential - that's why the work of the
Foundation in providing bursaries to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students
is so essential."
    "At CIBC, part of our community investment strategy is focused on youth
and education, and on making a difference in the communities where our
employees and clients live and do business," said Gerry McCaughey, CIBC's
President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are especially proud to fund this
program to help Aboriginal students pursue their educational goals and to
reach their full potential."

    The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) is a nationally
registered non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to deliver
programs that provide the tools necessary for Aboriginal peoples, especially
youth, to achieve their potential. Since 1985 the Foundation through its
Education Program has awarded more than $32-million in scholarships and
bursaries to more than 8,400 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students
nationwide. NAAF's key initiatives include: The National Aboriginal
Achievement Awards (NAAA) a national annual broadcast celebrating 14 achievers
in a multitude of career areas including a special youth award and an award
for lifetime achievement; Taking Pulse joins NAAF with industry to present
career options in specific growth sectors through a series of short
documentaries and supporting curriculum materials with the aim of recruiting
First Nations, Inuit & Métis youth; and Blueprint for the Future (BFF) a
series of one-day career fairs that motivate and inspire First Nations, Inuit
and Métis high school students with valuable resources and information on
career opportunities. Over 30,000 students have attended these exciting youth
oriented events to date nationwide.

    CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, our
employees and our communities. We aim to make a difference in communities
through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of
employees. With a strategic focus on youth, education and health, and employee
commitment to causes including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run
for the Cure, the CIBC Children's Foundation and United Way, we are investing
in the social and economic development of communities across the country. In
2008, CIBC group of companies contributed more than $36 million worldwide to
charitable and non-profit initiatives. Of this, more than $27 million was
invested in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations. To
learn more, visit www.cibc.com/pas