Council of the Federation Literacy Award

The Saskatchewan recipient of the 2024 Council of the Federation Literacy Award was presented with an inscribed medallion, a certificate and a $300 cheque.

An independent selection committee reviews the nominations and selects the award recipient.

Nominees considered for this award are:

• 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 may submit a completed nomination package (including all supporting information) for the 2024 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

1. Complete and attach the signed nomination form (two pages including signatures of the Nominator and the Nominee).
2. Attach the following supporting information:
   • An account of how the nominee offered literacy leadership in their community, what was achieved as a result of their literacy work and how they supported the use of home and/or heritage languages.
   • Two letters of support that describe why the organization should receive the award. The letters could include specific examples of:
     • how the organization has provided support to community program participants and/or organizations including the use of home and/or heritage languages; and,
     • any other awards and recognition received.
3. Other supporting evidence such as copies of newspaper articles, portfolios and items that provide evidence of a nominee's leadership and commitment to literacy.
4. The nomination package (including attachments) may be submitted using one of the following methods by May 31, 2024:
   • Electronically by 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2024, (with the nomination forms signed and scanned) to sask.literacy@gov.sk.ca;
   • Couriered by 4:00 p.m. on May 31, 2024, or
   • Canada Post Mail (electronically date stamped or postmarked by May 31, 2024, to:

The COFLA Award Selection Committee
Provincial Library and Literacy Office
Ministry of Education
409A Park Street
REGINA SK  S4N 5B2

Guidelines and Nomination Form

• 2023 – Prince Albert Literacy Network, a non-profit community-based organization that provides a variety of literacy programming to enhance children’s and adults’ language and literacy skills.
• 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.