July 19, 2011 - Sylvia Clement of Tulita has been awarded this year’s Council of the Federation (CoF) Literacy Award for the Northwest Territories.
Presented annually to one individual from each of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories, the award celebrates outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy across the entire spectrum of the field of literacy, including: family, Aboriginal, health, workplace and community.
A single mother of two young children and with parental responsibility for her younger brother, Sylvia Clement has also been a student at the Aurora College Learning Centre in Norman Wells for the last two years and is working to achieve her goal of a secondary school diploma and to attend college.
Sylvia is also committed to improving the literacy of others as a volunteer in Tulita’s Chief Albert Wright School and through her work in the Family Literacy Program in Norman Wells. She is also very involved in traditional cultural activities in both communities.
“Sylvia is an inspiring role model to others in her dual roles of parent and student, and handles these two responsibilities with tremendous enthusiasm, commitment, grace and maturity,” says Premier Floyd K. Roland.
“Literacy skills are fundamental in creating a strong and prosperous northern society,” says Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty, “Ms. Clement demonstrates tremendous commitment to education and her success enriches us all.”
Created in 2004 by the Premiers of Canada, the award recognizes the valuable contributions made by Canadians and recognizes the importance of literacy as a major factor in Canadians' ability to participate as full and active citizens in all areas of society. In the NWT, the award is usually presented to an outstanding adult learner.
Sylvia will receive a certificate signed by the Premier and a CoF Literacy Award medallion.
For more information, please contact:
Ashley Green
Public Affairs Officer
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-3059
Email: ashley_green@gov.nt.ca