Council of the Federation Literacy Award
The Council of the Federation Literacy Award (CoFLA) was created in 2004 by Canada's Premiers to recognize outstanding achievement, innovation and excellence in literacy in each of Canada's provinces and territories. The award is presented annually in each jurisdiction to an individual or organization that gives a significant amount of time, knowledge or expertise to assist families, communities or organizations.
Announced September 8, 2023, the 2023 Council of the Federation Literacy Award’s recipient for Saskatchewan is the Prince Albert Literacy Network.
This non-profit, community-based organization provides a variety of literacy programming to enhance children's and adults’ language and literacy skills.
The Prince Albert Literacy Network (PALN), established in 1988, provides community literacy leadership by engaging with others to recognize the many ways that literacy enhances the everyday lives of everyone in the community. The PALN has ensured that community events such as parades, family expos, and the farmer’s market include a literacy component. PALN distributes Story Sacks, hosts regular StoryWalks®, provides family literacy kits and free little libraries to increase access for families to books. The commitment to adult learners is equally as strong with free and flexible tutoring programs for those new to Canada and support for those where literacy is a barrier. The PALN works tirelessly to create awareness about the positive impact of literacy in unique, inclusive, and culturally responsive ways.
The CoFLA is given each year to a recipient in each province and territory, recognizing outstanding achievement, innovative practice, and excellence in literacy.
1. Guidance
The Saskatchewan recipient of the 2023 Council of the Federation Literacy Award was presented with an inscribed medallion, a certificate and a $300 cheque.
An independent selection committee reviewed the nominations and selected the award recipient.
2. Eligibility
Nominees considered for this award were:
- An organization that has made significant contributions to literacy in the community, including the use of home and/or heritage languages in Saskatchewan
Who could submit a nomination for this award?
Anyone over 18 years of age could have submitted a completed nomination package (including all supporting information) for the 2023 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.
3. How to Nominate
Nominations are closed for this year. Please check back in spring 2024 for nomination details for the 2024 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.
4. Nominate
Please check back in spring 2024 for nomination details for the 2024 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.
5. Past Award Recipients
- 2022 - KidsFirst North, Air Ronge, SK – For improving literacy for families in northern Saskatchewan by creating a Family Literacy Hub. The organization demonstrated leadership in providing culturally appropriate early literacy activities and programming to empower families to support their child’s literacy development.
- 2021 – Family Resource Centre Swift Current Inc., who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, adapted to provide innovative support of families, including providing computers to families, offering programming outdoors or with reduced class sizes, and dropping off kits with books, craft supplies, puzzles and food items.
- 2020 – Renae Lech, a family literacy volunteer with the Great Plains College EAL program, who positively impacted the lives of many newcomers and their families in the Town of Gravelbourg.
- 2019 – LaVera Schiele, a Family Literacy Volunteer who has contributed to building and strengthening family literacy in the City of Prince Albert.
- 2018 – Judy Craig, a Family Literacy Leader who contributed to moving family and early literacy services forward during her 35-year career at the Regina Public Library.
- 2017 – Marilyn Stearns, Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN), a passionate family literacy leader who has contributed to building and strengthening family literacy development in Saskatchewan.
- 2016 – Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN), a strong advocate for a broader vision of literacy that encompasses social justice, human rights and expression of freedom.
- 2015 – READ Saskatoon, Inc., a community-based organization that has been providing adult and family literacy programming for over 35 years.
- 2014 – Edith Klassen, a volunteer literacy tutor who helps newcomers to the Lanigan area learn English.
- 2013 – Phyllis Jones, a volunteer literacy tutor committed to helping adult learners achieve their goals.
- 2012 – Gordon Li, a literacy learner dedicated to helping others achieve their literacy goals.
- 2011 – Dr. Wei He, a literacy learner in Regina.
- 2010 – Kim Newlove, a K-12 educator and literacy leader from Saskatoon.
- 2009 – Dr. Margaret Lipp, former Literacy Commissioner and accomplished educator, administrator and literacy advocate from Regina.
- 2008 – Irene Jacques, a First Nations Elder and literacy leader from Standing Buffalo First Nation, noted for promoting and establishing Indigenous literacy initiatives provincially and federally.
- 2007 – Colleen Christopherson-Coté, a community literacy leader from Coronach.
- 2006 – Carey Rigby-Wilcox, community literacy volunteer and children's author from Saskatoon.
- 2005 – Lynda Richards, literacy learner and entrepreneur from Swift Current.
Additional information about the awards can be found on The Council of the Federation Literacy Award website.