NWT Residents Honoured During Literacy Week

News Releases

Federation Literacy Award and the Ministerial Literacy Awards were honoured yesterday 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 is critical in everything we do,” said Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty. “Our Literacy Award recipients today demonstrate that literacy challenges can be overcome, are dedicated learners, hopeful visionaries, and are committed to all levels of literacy. I am proud to see them recognized for their achievements and offer my congratulations.”

The award recipients for 2014:

Julie White – 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.

Micheline Ricard – The Ministerial Literacy Award for Professional Educators is given to NWT educators who have demonstrated an outstanding dedication to literacy.

Mark Salvor – The Ministerial Literacy Award for Volunteer Educators is given to NWT tutors or literacy facilitators who have demonstrated an outstanding dedication to literacy.

Helen Balanoff – The Ministerial Literacy Award in the Literacy Champion category recognizes an individual or group that has dedicated itself to literacy promotion and initiatives.

Tuktoyaktuk Community Learning Centre – 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.

Deninu School, Fort Resolution – The Ministerial Literacy Award for Youth Learners is given to NWT youth learners (ages 16-25) who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their own literacy development and who have been role models for other youth.

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
Tel: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca

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