Released on September 8, 2016
The Council of the Federation Secretariat and the Government of Saskatchewan have announced the Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN) as the recipient of the 2016 Council of the Federation Literacy Award (COFLA) in Saskatchewan. COFLA is a yearly award given in recognition of outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy in each of Canada’s provinces and territories.“I am pleased to congratulate the Saskatchewan Literacy Network for receiving the Council of the Federation Literacy Award this year,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Don Morgan said. “The award is a strong recognition of the organization’s commitment and years of contributions to the advancement of literacy in Saskatchewan. Increasing literacy levels remains an important part of our growth plan, and we value the contributions of community organizations that offer public awareness, innovative programs and research to support the literacy development of Saskatchewan’s children, adults, families and workers.”
COFLA was created in 2004 by Canada’s premiers to recognize literacy achievements in every jurisdiction. Each province or territory sets their own nomination and selection criteria based on jurisdictional priorities. Since the first award in 2005, ten individuals and two community organizations have received this award in recognition of their leadership roles in promoting literacy in Saskatchewan.
On behalf of Premier Brad Wall, Education Minister Don Morgan marked International Literacy Day by presenting the 2016 award to SLN, a community-based organization with one of the longest thriving provincial literacy coalitions in Canada.
“The Saskatchewan Literacy Network is honoured to receive this year’s Council of the Federation Literacy Award,” SLN's Interim Executive Director Andrea Fosseneuve said. “Literacy is an empowering process that enables individuals and societies to navigate and transform the world around us. This award is received on behalf of our board of directors and staff, past and present, and for all who envision a Saskatchewan immersed in literacy and learning for life.”
Since 1989, SLN has introduced many literacy initiatives, including training opportunities, resource development and distribution, special events and projects to promote adult, family, community and workplace literacy. As a strong advocate for a broader vision of literacy that encompasses social justice, human rights and expression of freedom, SLN attributes its success to strong partnerships with government ministries, other community organizations, academic institutions, First Nations and Métis organizations, businesses, practitioners and learners.
For more information on the award, including how to nominate, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/government/heritage-honours-and-awards/council-of-the-federation-of-literarcy-award.
For more information about the Council of the Federation, visit http://canadaspremiers.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Chris Hodges
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: chris.hodges@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506