Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Awards 2008

Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Waskesiu Community Hall

This is the second time Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Awards are being offered. These awards are presented every two years at the same time as the Gathering.Objectives

The objectives of the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Awards 2008 are:

�� To honour and recognize individual and organizational effort in the development, enhancement, and or promotion of Aboriginal literacy in Saskatchewan.
�� To further promote Aboriginal literacy by acknowledging and celebrating our achievements.
�� To help fulfill the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network Inc.’s public awareness mandate.

The Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Awards 2008 aims to accomplish the following objective in each category:

Learner Award:
�� Recognize a learner who demonstrated commitment and personal growth in learning and in life.

Practitioner Award:
�� Recognize an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the cause of literacy through his or her practice in the field of Aboriginal literacy.

Organization/Business Award:
�� Recognizes significant contributions made by an organization, business, or other group through it’s service or professional activities in Aboriginal literacy that demonstrates outstanding initiative and leadership.

Elder Award:
�� Recognize an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the cause of literacy through his or her practice in the field of Aboriginal literacy.

Nomination Process
1. Nominees must be a resident of Saskatchewan for at least two years. There is no age limit.
2. The following individuals, groups, or projects may be eligible for nomination:
a. Aboriginal (First Nations or Métis) or Inuit learners who are currently enrolled in Literacy or Adult Education courses.
b. Aboriginal learners who have previously completed Literacy or Adult Education courses.
c. Learners who value lifelong learning and who desire to learn more.
d. Literacy practitioners advancing the field of Aboriginal literacy through their programs and work.
e. Community development workers who promote Aboriginal literacy in their work (for example community-based organizations dealing with food, housing, additions, youth and children at-risk).
f. Elders who have championed the cause of literacy.
g. Aboriginal literacy programs that have made significant contributions to the advancement of Aboriginal literacy.
h. Trainers of Aboriginal literacy practitioners.
i. Schools, libraries, and colleges who promote and incorporate Aboriginal literacy in their programs, approaches, and research.
j. Justice, health, governmental and educational professionals and volunteers who incorporate Aboriginal literacy in their programs and work.
k. Individuals, groups, or projects that contribute to raising awareness of the importance of literacy.
3. Those individuals and groups who espouse Aboriginal literacy are understood to adhere to the following definition:
Aboriginal literacy is a learner-centered approach to life-long learning that honours the inter-connectedness of all aspects of creation, for growth, personal empowerment, community development, and self-determination.
Aboriginal literacy encompasses first languages, Elder involvement, culture, and community in a holistic development approach to unify mind, heart, body, and spirit.
4. Letters of nomination must be forwarded to the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Awards Selection Committee, briefly explaining why the nominee is to be considered for his or her development, enhancement, and/or promotion of Aboriginal literacy in Saskatchewan, Canada, or internationally.
a. When nominating someone, be sure the nominee is willing to go to the awards evening banquet if he/she is selected. This should be done in advance of sending in the nomination form.
b. Letters of reference and/or support may accompany the nominee’s application.
5. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, May 2, 2008.
6. Only the nominators of the successful award recipients will be contacted of the awards within the first two weeks of May. The award will be presented at the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Gathering 2008 Banquet, which is part of the “Journey Through Teachings” SALN Gathering 2008. Please see www.aboriginal.sk.literacy.ca for more information about the Gathering.

NOMINATION form