Whitehorse Daily Star

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AWARD RECIPIENT – Don Inverarity is seen during Tuesday afternoon’s presentation of the 2022 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

Literacy award presented to longtime Yukoner

Don Inverarity is the Yukon’s recipient of the 2022 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

By Whitehorse Star on September 28, 2022

Don Inverarity is the Yukon’s recipient of the 2022 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

The award celebrates the transformative role Inverarity has played in developing adult literacy across the territory since 1974, the Yukon government said Tuesday.

It especially recognizes his pioneering work in digital literacy and technology education.

Premier Sandy Silver presented the award to Inverarity yesterday at a small ceremony held at the Jim Smith Building with family, friends and colleagues in attendance.

Over the past 50 years, Inverarity has assisted in literacy development for countless Yukoners.

“He is admired and respected for his long-term role in improving the literacy of others in practical, meaningful and wide-ranging ways,” the government said.

“Donald has served as a board member during the early development of what is now Opportunities Yukon (formerly Challenge) and held the role of executive director of the Yukon Entrepreneurship Centre Society.

A lifelong educator, he has taught life skills through Junior Achievement Canada, e-commerce in rural communities and financial management within Yukon First Nation communities.

For many years, he has been an instructor for the Yukon Learn Society, where he teaches Digital Skills for the Work World and a pre-employment program in rural communities, serving people with learning difficulties and barriers to employment.

He was also the Liberal MLA for Porter Creek South from 2006 to 2011.

The council recognizes the importance of literacy in enabling participation as a full and active citizen in all areas of society.

Inverarity received a certificate signed by Silver, a personalized gift and a council medallion.

“Over the years, the work that Donald Inverarity has done to deliver training programs in our rural communities has provided essential employment and life skills for so many people in the territory,” Silver said.

“It is my sincere pleasure to recognize Donald for how he has helped to create boundless opportunities for Yukoners through digital literacy and technology education.

“Donald’s dedication to providing literacy education for Yukoners is both inspiring and monumentally life-changing.”

Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai also congratulated Inverarity.

“Literacy programming is improving the lives of many individuals across the territory,” he said.

“I am certain that the benefits from his remarkable contributions to developing adult education that will provide crucial tools for Yukoners for decades to come.”

The award, established in 2004, is presented annually to recipients across the country.

The award recognizes excellence of learners, educators, volunteers, community organizations and businesses for outstanding achievements, innovative practices and excellence in adult literacy. The Yukon government began presenting the Literacy Award in 2005.

Comments (2)

Up 6 Down 0

drum on Sep 28, 2022 at 8:26 pm

You have done so much for the residents ot the Yukon. Thank you.

Up 5 Down 0

Arthur on Sep 28, 2022 at 5:03 pm

Congratulations Don! Well deserved, and couldn’t go to a nicer guy.

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