Cambridge Bay woman wins literacy award for Nunavut

Cambridge Bay MLA Keith Peterson presents Annie Neglak with the Council of the Federation Literacy Award at the May Hakongak Community Library and Cultural Centre in Cambridge Bay on Aug. 27. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NUNAVUT)

Annie Neglak, 65, of Cambridge Bay is the recipient of the 2012 Council of the Federation Literacy Award for Nunavut.

“I would like to congratulate this year’s Nunavut recipient of the Council of the Federation Award, Annie Neglak,” said Premier Eva Aariak in an Aug. 28 news release. “Returning to school in her mid-fifties, Annie completed her Adult Basic Education certificate and then a diploma in Social Services at Nunavut Arctic College, proving that it is never too late to begin the journey towards literacy.”

The 2012 Premier’s Council of the Federation of Literacy Award honours the achievements of an adult learner who has worked to promote their language and supported, encouraged and shared with others ways to strengthen their language skills, the news release said.

All recipients were first announced during the Council of the Federation meeting in July.

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award was created in 2004 by the premiers of Canada “to recognize the importance of literacy as a major factor in the ability of Canadians to participate as full and active citizens in all areas of society.”

Each recipient receives a certificate, signed by the premier of his or her province or territory, as well as a Council of the Federation Literacy Award medallion.

“I am very pleased to recognize Annie today as a leader in the field of literacy. Annie has said that it was not until she was in her fifties that she understood the meaning of literacy – to read and write with comprehension – and that it was a moment of understanding that changed her entire world. Her journey is an inspiration to people of all ages,” said Cambridge Bay MLA Keith Peterson.