Nunavut premier honours Inhabit Media founder with literacy award

Nunavut premier Peter Taptuna congratulates Neil Christopher on his Council of the Federation literacy award Nov. 5. (PHOTO COURTESY OF NAC)

Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna honoured educator, author and publisher Neil Christopher for his work promoting literacy across the territory Nov. 5 in the legislative assembly.

Christopher has been awarded the Council of the Federation Literacy Award for 2014.

Christopher, a former instructor at Nunavut Arctic College, went on to co-found Inhabit Media, an Iqaluit-based publishing house that promotes Nunavut authors and Inuit storytelling.

“The contributions of citizens like Neil are invaluable to Nunavut,” Taptuna said in the legislature Nov. 5. “As we strive towards self-reliance and optimism through education, and healthy, resilient communities, literacy will be a key component moving forward. Education is fundamental to the success of our territory.

“I encourage all Nunavummiut to take a moment to see how they can strengthen learning opportunities in their communities – with their children, friends and extended family,” he said.

“On behalf of all the Government of Nunavut, I would like to express my appreciation to Neil, for his contributions and encourage him to continue this work in strengthening literacy in our territory.”

Every year, the Council of the Federation literacy award is presented to educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations, non-governmental organizations and businesses in each of the country’s provinces and territories.