Madam Speaker, as we know, this is literacy week. The week provides an opportunity to think about the importance of literacy in our day-to-day lives and the role it plays in strengthening our society. The ability to read and write is essential to prepare for a job and is the first step in lifelong learning and education.
Language also plays an important role in maintaining culture. Literacy in our aboriginal languages is critical if we are to maintain our values and traditions and ensure our languages have a valid place within northern society.
The NWT Literacy Council has made great strides in promoting literacy in all our official languages. This year they have embarked on two innovative publishing projects, one in the Dogrib language and one in Inuktitut. Efforts such as these ensure that our aboriginal languages remain vital.
During literacy week, we have an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of individuals whose dedication to literacy makes them role models for their communities.
Each year, we recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving their personal level of literacy or who have worked to promote and foster literacy within their community.
Today, I am pleased to announce this year's recipients of the literacy recognition awards. Five individuals from across the Northwest Territories are being recognized.
First, I wish to honour two women nominated by the Rankin Inlet community learning centre staff, Margaret Kannak and Pat Aklunark. I had the privilege of presenting these awards in person at the recent opening of the new community learning centre in Rankin Inlet.
Margaret Kannak is being recognized for her dedication and perseverance in overcoming extraordinary challenges to complete the Adult Basic Education English curriculum. She is a source of inspiration for others in her community who wish to complete their education.
Pat Aklunark is being recognized for her work as the student coordinator for three highly successful AIDS awareness plays which toured communities in the Keewatin region. She has also made remarkable gains in her personal level of literacy and has encouraged others to pursue their education. Pat is an excellent role model and has demonstrated leadership through her work at the Community Learning Centre.
The Colville Lake School nominated Edward Oudzi for his efforts in continuing the Hareskin language program at the school. Despite being hearing impaired, Edward has successfully maintained the students' interest in learning their dialect. His remarkable courage and caring make him a strong role model in the community of Colville Lake.
Gord McSwain of Yellowknife was nominated by the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre for his exemplary efforts as a student in the adult education program. Gord has greatly improved his reading and writing skills over the past year and has stated that he is looking forward to reading with his new son. He has demonstrated a commitment to improving his level of literacy as well as that of his family. Gord provides an excellent example to his peers, both at the Tree of Peace and in the larger community.
Finally, I am honoured to recognize Edna Elias of Cambridge Bay for her work on behalf of literacy, throughout the Northwest Territories. Edna was nominated by the Northwest Territories Literacy Council, the organization she founded and served as its first president. Edna has demonstrated a commitment to the cause of literacy as both a dedicated learner and a facilitator of other people's learning. As I indicated, these are people who are excellent role models and I want to congratulate them as being this year's recipients for awards. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
---Applause