Ataguttaaluk Elementary School kindergarten to Grade 3 teacher Jeena Kadlutsiaq, of Igloolik, has won the 2023 Council of the Federation Literacy Award for Nunavut.(Photo courtesy of Council of the Federation)
Igloolik teacher wins premiers’ literacy award
Jeena Kadlutsiak recognized for promoting Inuktut language learning
An elementary school teacher in Igloolik has won a literacy award from Canada’s premiers.
Jeena Kadlutsiak, a kindergarten to Grade 3 teacher at Ataguttaaluk Elementary School, has received the 2023 Council of the Federation Literacy Award for Nunavut.
Created in 2004, the award is presented to learners, educators, volunteers, community organizations and businesses in each province and territory, said Paola St-Georges, spokesperson for Council of the Federation, in a news release.
Kadlutsiak is being recognized for her work in curriculum development for schools across Nunavut and for mentoring other teachers to use and teach Inuktut.
“She shines through her vital support of reconciliation through language revitalization,” St-Georges said.
Kadlutsiak promotes literacy in her own classrooms by coaching teachers, hosting elders and holding meetings to plan for and promote Inuktut language learning.
“She has a deep understanding of components required by the Inuktut curriculum and supports staff to implement these literacy goals. She is a positive role model for promoting literacy in her community, Nunavut’s education system and the territory,” St-Georges said.
The Council of the Federation announced 12 other provincial and territorial winners on Sept. 8, which is International Literacy Day.
Each award recipient receives a certificate signed by the premier of their province or territory, and a Council of the Federation Literacy Award medallion.
The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial premiers and enables them to collaborate to form closer ties and foster constructive relationships among governments.
Alianait Jiina! Upigivagit kajusittiarit!