Adult Learning and Literacy
Council of the Federation Literacy Award in Manitoba
Announcing the 2025 Manitoba Council of the Federation Literacy Award Recipient
On September 8, 2025, the Council of the Federation (COF) announced the 2025 Literacy Award recipients from across Canada. Adult Learning and Literacy is pleased to announce Mary Kuglugiak from Winnipeg as the Manitoba recipient of the 2025 Council of the Federation (COF) Literacy Award. The award was presented to Mary Kuglugiak at a ceremony on September 8, 2025.
Mary Kuglugiak, Manitoba Recipient of the 2025 COF Literacy Award
and Manitoba Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable.
September 8, 2025
Mary Kuglugiak, a proud Inuit woman from Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut, has transformed her life through literacy. A survivor of the Residential Day School system and addiction, Mary found healing and purpose through the Open Doors Adult Literacy Program in Winnipeg. Inuktitut is her first language, and she has become fluent in both written and spoken English through her studies. She dreams of becoming a translator to support Inuit patients navigating medical care. Her journey has inspired her family, especially her granddaughter, who made a pact to graduate if Mary stayed in school. “Now I know I can learn, and I am not afraid to try new things,” Mary explains. A mentor to younger learners, Mary is known for her compassion, leadership, and dedication to lifelong learning.
This year, Adult Learning and Literacy received eight nominations from programs across Manitoba. Congratulations to all nominees for their success and dedication to adult learning!
| Nominee | Program | City/Town |
|---|---|---|
| Destiny Hiebert | West End Literacy and Learning | Winnipeg |
| Dexter Carr | 7 Oaks Adult Education Centre | Winnipeg |
| Janice Torgerson | Elmwood GOAL Program | Winnipeg |
| Mary Kuglugiak | North End ALC – Open Doors | Winnipeg |
| Norma Zacharias | Regional Connections – Winkler | Winkler |
| Ryan Otte | 7 Oaks Adult Education Centre | Winnipeg |
| Tina Shannacappo | North End ALC – Open Doors | Winnipeg |
| Tish Pawlychyn | Adult Learning on Lombard | Winnipeg |
The Council of the Federation (COF) will announce the 2025 Literacy Award recipients from across Canada on September 8, 2025.
A sincere thank-you to members of the 2025 COF Literacy Award Adjudication Committee for dedicating their time and attention to the adjudication process:
- Cat Cogle, Steps to Success YWCA Thompson
- Anu Maniram, LiteracyWORKS Winnipeg
- Mandy Marsland, Salvation Army of Winnipeg
