Adult Learning and Literacy
2022 Council of the Federation Literacy Award in Manitoba
Adult Learning and Literacy is pleased to announce Marilyn Freda Captain from Swan River as the Manitoba recipient of the 2022 Council of the Federation (COF) Literacy Award. The award was presented to Marilyn by Rick Wowchuk, MLA, Swan River on September 15 at a ceremony hosted by Swan River Adult Education.
Marilyn Freda Captain, Manitoba Recipient of the 2022 COF Literacy Award
Rick Wowchuk, MLA, Swan River
Photo: Jeremy Bergen - Star and Times, Swan Valley
In September 2021, at age 54, Marilyn Freda Captain registered with the Swan River Adult Literacy Program. While exceptionally shy upon entering the classroom, she was not shy about her goal. Marilyn wanted to learn to read, particularly to her grandchildren. Marilyn’s own education had been interrupted frequently as she was moved as a child between foster homes, but she always dreamt of a better life for herself and her future family. She made that dream come true. Her two daughters have each received their high school diplomas, and Marilyn, over the course of nine months, has learned to read. Today, with the aid of her first ever library card, Marilyn shares her newfound ability and love of reading, and her renewed interest in her Indigenous heritage, with her neighbours, friends, family, and most importantly, her grandchildren.
This year, Adult Learning and Literacy received 14 nominations from programs across Manitoba. We wish to congratulate all the 2022 nominees for their success and their dedication to adult learning:
- Sam Pierre Caribou – Flin Flon
- Mary Rose Chubb – Brandon
- Anna Friesen – Plum Coulee
- Elizabeth Giesbrech – Winkler
- Abdirisaq Jama – Winnipeg
- James Kornelsen – Winnipeg
- Mary Ann Myran – Edwin
- Meshack Nendjo – Winnipeg
- Louann Pinay – Winnipeg
- Charlene Lynn Prince – Winnipeg
- Sahra Salim – Altona
- Suad Ahmed – Winnipeg
- Edith Peters – Rosenort
We would also like to thank the 2022 COF Literacy Award Adjudication Committee – Jennifer Layte, Program Coordinator, Adult Learning on Lombard, Winnipeg; Randi Desmarais, Program Coordinator, Neeginan Learning and Literacy, Winnipeg; and Chris Laurie, Acting Administrative Coordinator of Adult Programming and Outreach, Winnipeg Public Library – for offering their time and dedication to review the 14 nominations and select Marilyn Freda Captain as the Manitoba recipient of the 2022 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.
