'I've never won anything before'
Council recognizes Aklavik woman for overcoming FASD on road to literacy
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Monday, September 28, 2015
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope." - Kofi Annan.
With that quote, taken from the former secretary general of the United Nations, Education, Culture and Employment Minister Jackson Lafferty kicked off the annual adult learners luncheon and NWT literacy awards in Yellowknife on Sept. 22.
Aklavik resident Carol Elanik proudly shows off her award certificate at the NWT Literacy Awards in Yellowknife on Sept. 22. - John McFadden/NNSL photo |
The awards, created in 2002, recognize adults who have overcome literacy challenges or championed literacy to learners of all ages.
"Literacy underpins everything we do," continued Lafferty in his speech during the event. "The recipients we celebrate today have overcome challenges, have contributed to other learners' journeys, have volunteered their time and worked together to provide literacy programs for learners of all ages. We honour our literacy award recipients for their courage, dedication and significant achievements. I am proud to see them recognized and I offer my sincere congratulations on their awards today."
Aklavik resident Carol Elanik was absolutely thrilled to be the recipient of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award.
"I've been learning with the help of my teacher in Aklavik. I've never won anything before and I just want to say thank you to everyone involved in this," she said.
She took home a medal and a plaque honouring her for overcoming obstacles, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and, according to the council, "showing tremendous courage and progress in her pursuit of literacy skills."
In a bio provided by the Department of Education Culture and Employment, Elanik is described as a passionate advocate and supporter of learning and literacy. She is described as an ambassador who is "quick to welcome newcomers to her community" and is also an avid drum dancer who enjoys sharing the stories behind the songs with everyone.
The bio goes on to describe Elanik as a determined and hard-working student who faithfully attends classes at the Aurora College learning centre in Aklavik. She works on her literacy skills daily by updating her Facebook page with community events. She also reads announcements on the local radio station and reads with local young people.
Other literacy award recipients include Norman Wells Library Board president Caterina Owen, who won the NWT ministerial literacy award in the volunteer category, The South Slave Divisional Education Council, which won an award that recognizes organizations and Caroline Roux, a french immersion coach from Yellowknife, who won the award for professional educators.
