September 27, 2011 - Recipients of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award and the Ministerial Literacy Awards, including a Youth Learner Literacy Award were honoured today during an Adult Learners’ Luncheon in Yellowknife.

Sylvia Clement - Council of the Federation Literacy Award is given to an adult learner has overcome obstacles and demonstrated outstanding progress in the pursuit of literacy skills in any of the NWT official languages.

Announced earlier this summer, this is a special medallion awarded by the Council of the Federation in each of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories to celebrate outstanding literacy achievements. The award is customarily presented to an adult learner. Ms Clement is recognized for her tremendous enthusiasm and commitment to both her own education and the education of her children and younger brother. For the past two years, she has attended the Norman Wells’ Community Learning Centre where she is working hard towards completing the courses necessary to receive her high school diploma and attend college.

Clarissa Rogers - The Ministerial Literacy Award is given to NWT youth learners (ages 16 to 25) who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their own literacy development and who have been role models for other youth.

Ms. Rogers overcame many obstacles and returned to school after five years to reach her goal of completing a high school diploma. Having the highest average score in her class, as well as the best overall attendance recognized her diligence and hard work over the last academic year.

Lea Lamoureux - The Ministerial Literacy Award is given to NWT teachers, tutors or literacy facilitators, who have demonstrated an outstanding dedication to literacy.

A teacher and principal at Kaw Tay Whee School in Dettah, Ms. Lamoureux's strong leadership and dedication to literacy has seen many improvements to the school and the students, including additions to the library both in English and in the Weledeh dialect. As a result of her efforts and her role as a literacy leader in the community, many students are now reading at or above their grade level.

Chekoa Program - The Ministerial Literacy Award is given to NWT organizations, literacy committees or programs which have advocated for literacy and improved literacy levels in their communities.

The Chekoa Program has successfully created programs that involve and engage N’Dilo and Dettah children and youth in learning and improving their English and Weledeh literacy skills while having fun. Recognising that a child’s first teachers are their parents, Chekoa staff also work closely with parents in the community, providing workshops on how to assist children with homework and the fundamentals of teaching children how to read and do math.

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.

For more information, please contact:

Ashley Green
Public Affairs Officer
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-3059
Email: ashley_green@gov.nt.ca