Adult Learning and Literacy

Council of the Federation (COF) Literacy Award – Manitoba


The Council of the Federation logo The Council of the Federation Literacy Award logo Manitoba logo

Each year, the Council of the Federation (COF) Literacy Award recognizes outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy across Canada. In Manitoba, the award is presented annually to an adult literacy learner who demonstrates commitment to learning, personal growth, and progress toward their goals.


Call for Nominations

Nominations for the 2026 COF Literacy Award are closed.



About the Award

In Manitoba, the COF Literacy Award is presented annually and celebrates the achievements of adult literacy learners who demonstrated persistence, growth, and dedication to learning.

For more information, visit the Council of the Federation Literacy Award website.

Who Can Be Nominated?

An individual may be nominated if they:

  • are an adult literacy learner in Manitoba;
  • have participated in adult literacy programming within the past 18 months;
  • live in Manitoba; and
  • agree to be nominated.

Who Can Submit a Nomination

Nominations may be submitted by:

  • the learner themselves (self‐nomination);
  • a peer (fellow learner, friend, or community member); or
  • a literacy program or organization.

How Do I Nominate Someone?

There are two nomination forms depending on who is submitting the nomination.

Self & Peer Nomination Form – English pdf document (fillable PDF)

Program / Organization Nomination Form – English pdf document (fillable PDF)

Program / Organization Consent Form – English pdf document (fillable PDF)

Choose the form that best fits your situation. Both forms collect similar information, but are structured slightly differently.

Please visit the French webpage to access the forms in French.

What Should Be Included in a Nomination Package?

All nomination packages must include:

  • a completed nomination form;
  • written responses describing the learner’s experience and growth;
  • one letter of support (maximum 500 words); and
  • nominee consent.

Self and peer nominations include an “About Me” section written by the learner. Program or organization nominations include a one‐page profile written by the program.

Writing Strong Responses

The selection committee looks for clear examples of:

  • engagement in learning;
  • personal growth and confidence;
  • progress toward learning, work, or life goals;
  • leadership or community involvement, or strong self‐motivation in one‐to‐one learning; and
  • why the nominee stands out.

Plain language, short sentences, and examples are encouraged.

Nominee Consent

All nominees must give consent to be nominated. This is required because nominee names may be published on the COF Literacy Award Manitoba webpage.

Consent is provided directly on the Self & Peer Nomination Form, or by attaching a signed consent form or email for program or organization nominations.

How to Submit a Nomination

Email the completed nomination package to:

all@gov.mb.ca

Subject line: Nomination for COF Literacy Award Manitoba

Please submit all documents in a single email if possible.

What Happens Next

The Manitoba recipient will be notified by Manitoba Adult Learning and Literacy in late Spring/early Summer. The Council of the Federation will officially announce all award recipients from across Canada in a news release typically scheduled for September 8 – International Literacy Day. The award will be presented to the Manitoba recipient in person at an event arranged in consultation with the recipient.

Questions or Support

Please email all@gov.mb.ca; or

Call (204) 945‐8247 or 1‐800‐282‐8069


Manitoba Award Recipient

Announcing the 2026 Manitoba Council of the Federation Literacy Award Recipient

On International Literacy Day, the Council of the Federation (COF) announced the Literacy Award recipients from across Canada. Adult Learning and Literacy is pleased to announce Madeline Harper from Winnipeg as the Manitoba recipient of the COF Literacy Award.

Madeline Harper is a life-long learner and emerging leader in adult literacy. From Garden Hill First Nation, where Oji-Cree is her first language, she moved to Winnipeg with her eight children and enrolled in the Lord Selkirk Park Adult Learning Program to show them the importance of education and encourage them to complete their schooling. Her determination inspired all eight of her children to pursue their education, while opening new opportunities for her own learning journey

Madeline has since supported others through volunteer and professional roles, including teaching an Oji-Cree language class and serving as an Educational Assistant at the same literacy program she attended. Her goal is to establish an adult literacy program in Garden Hill First Nation so others can discover the life-changing opportunities of education.

This year, Adult Learning and Literacy received seven nominations from programs across Manitoba. Congratulations to all nominees for their success and dedication to adult learning!


Nominee Program City/Town
Abdi Ise Kadiye Seven Oaks Adult Education Centre Winnipeg
Andrew Vandermey John Howard Literacy Program Winnipeg
Elka Huo Sioken Winnipeg Public Library Literacy Program – Millenium Library Winnipeg
Irene Nkubehinda Ziyiruka Seven Oaks Adult Education Centre Winnipeg
Kayla Pelletier Seven Oaks Adult Education Centre Winnipeg
Madeline Theresa Harper North End ALP – Lord Selkirk Park Winnipeg
Terry Palmer LiteracyWORKS Winnipeg

A sincere thank-you to members of the COF Literacy Award Adjudication Committee for dedicating their time and attention to the adjudication process:

  • Cat Cogle, Steps to Success YWCA, Thompson
  • Mandy Marsland, Salvation Army of Winnipeg
  • Adele Plett-Bartel, Selkirk Adult Learning Program

Previous Award Recipients