On September 2, Premier Mike Pemberton presented the Council of the Federation Literacy Award to Sara McPhee-Knowles.
The Council of the Federation Literacy Award recognizes the importance of literacy in enabling participation as a full and active citizen in all areas of society. The awards are presented annually, in each province and territory, to celebrate the work of educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations and businesses in adult literacy.
McPhee-Knowles was nominated for the award to recognize her efforts as the Chair of the Citizens’ Assembly for Electoral Reform. This work involved educating Yukoners on electoral processes and engaging citizens to think critically about legislative systems, increasing their knowledge of democracy and critical literacy.
Each September we celebrate literacy in all its forms through the Council of the Federation Literacy Award. While we have recognized many different types of literacy, from traditional language to digital literacy, this year’s award winner is incredibly unique. Sara McPhee-Knowles has been an instrumental leader in advancing critical and democratic literacy in our territory through the Citizens’ Assembly for Electoral Reform, educating many Yukoners on the democratic process. This is important work and I am thrilled that we can recognize her with this award.
-
The Council of the Federation was established in 2004 to enable Canada’s 13 Premiers to work collaboratively to strengthen the Canadian federation.
-
The Council of the Federation Literacy Award recognizes excellence of learners, educators, volunteers, community organizations and businesses for outstanding achievements, innovative practices and excellence in adult literacy.
-
Yukon recipients have been recognized in the past for contributions to literacy in Yukon First Nations languages and French languages, for leadership in literacy organizations and for those learners who have strengthened their literacy as adults.
-
Each year, the award winner is chosen by Economic Development staff from eligible nominees. Yukoners submit nominations for the award to recognize contributions to literacy.
-
Award recipients receive a Council of the Federation Literacy Award medallion, a gift and a certificate signed by the Premier at an awards ceremony that takes place around International Literacy Day.
-
International Literacy Day was declared by UNESCO on October 26, 1966, at the 14th session of UNESCO's General Conference. It was celebrated for the first time in 1967.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Damian Topps
Communications, Economic Development
867-667-5378
[email protected]