Inuit Women Recognized in National Literacy Awards Ceremony

Two Inuit women have been honored for their outstanding contributions to literacy in Canada as recipients of the prestigious Council of the Federation Literacy Award. The announcement was made on September 8, 2023, recognizing both individuals for their exceptional achievements in promoting literacy within their communities.

Honorees and Their Contributions

Mary Kuglugiak, originally from Chesterfield Inlet but now residing in Manitoba, has been celebrated for her transformative journey from a survivor of the residential school system to a literacy advocate. Her healing process was significantly enhanced by the Open Doors Adult Literacy Program in Winnipeg, where she learned to become fluent in English, both written and spoken. Kuglugiak expressed her newfound confidence, stating, “Now I know I can learn, and I am not afraid to try new things.” Her goal is to become a translator, further bridging the gap between cultures.

Ashley Tulugak, hailing from Rankin Inlet, received her award for her innovative work in developing and implementing a new curriculum for kindergarten and Grade 1 in Nunavut. This curriculum uniquely integrates the Inuktitut language across various subjects, ensuring that children in the territory receive a culturally relevant education. Tulugak’s initiative reflects a growing emphasis on the importance of language preservation and cultural identity in education.

A Celebration of Literacy Across Canada

The Council of the Federation, composed of leaders from each province and territory, aims to celebrate exceptional achievements in literacy through these awards. In total, the council presented 14 awards this year to various organizations and individuals dedicated to enhancing literacy across the country.

Other notable recipients included the Hinton Adult Learning Society from Alberta, Friends of Simon from British Columbia, and Stella’s Circle Education Programs from Newfoundland and Labrador. A complete list of the recipients also features individuals such as Marie Doiron and Ginny Hooper from New Brunswick, Mary Smith from Nova Scotia, and Nancy Dewar from Ontario.

These awards highlight the critical role that literacy plays in fostering community development and personal growth, particularly among Indigenous populations. The recognition of Kuglugiak and Tulugak serves as an inspiration not only to their communities but also to all those advocating for literacy and education across Canada.