YELLOWKNIFE (September 22, 2015) – Recipients of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award and the NWT Ministerial Literacy Awards were honoured today during the annual Adult Learners’ Luncheon in Yellowknife.

These awards were created by the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment in 2002 and the Council of the Federation in 2005 to recognize adult learners that have overcome learning and literacy challenges or championed literacy to learners of all ages.

“Literacy underpins everything we do,” said Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty. “The recipients we celebrate today have overcome challenges, have contributed to other learners’ journeys, have volunteered their time and worked together to provide literacy programs for learners of all ages. We honour our Literacy Award recipients today for their courage, dedication and significant achievements. I am proud to see them recognized and I offer my sincere congratulations on their awards today.”

The award recipients for 2015:

Carol Elanik (Beaufort Delta) – Council of the Federation Literacy Award is given to an adult learner who has overcome obstacles and demonstrated outstanding progress in the pursuit of literacy skills in any of the NWT official languages.

Caroline Roux (Yellowknife) – The Ministerial Literacy Award for Professional Educators is given to NWT educators who have demonstrated an outstanding dedication to literacy.

Catarina Owen (Sahtu) – The Ministerial Literacy Award for Volunteer Educators is given to NWT tutors or literacy facilitators who have demonstrated an outstanding dedication to literacy.

South Slave Divisional Education Council Leadership for Literacy Initiative (South Slave) – The Ministerial Literacy Award for Organizations is given to NWT organizations, literacy committees or programs which have advocated for literacy and improved literacy levels in their communities. 

The awards luncheon, provided by Aurora College and hosted by the NWT Literacy Council, is a highlight of NWT Literacy Week.  It is supported by funding from the Department of Education Culture and Employment. 

Media inquiries:  
Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca