Sep. 13 2024
The Council of the Federation is made up of Canada’s 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. The Council aims to create a stronger Canada by fostering strong relationships and leading on issues that are important to Canadians.
Among the body’s initiatives in recognition of great work is the annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award, which “recognizes outstanding achievement, innovative practices and excellence in literacy” (canadaspremiers.ca).
We are proud to announce that United for Literacy Instructor Coordinator Patrick Woodcock, is the recipient of this prestigious award in Nunavut. Announced on International Literacy Day (September 8), Patrick joins other literacy practitioners who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, innovative practice, and excellence in literacy.
Patrick has worked with United for Literacy in Iqaluit for over two years. In that time, he has developed innovative programs to make literacy accessible to more people, including initiating a formal literacy program for incarcerated Nunavummiut. Patrick works at Nunavut’s minimum-to-maximum security Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility (formerly Baffin Correctional Centre), Nunavut Women’s Correctional Centre, and the CRC Halfway House, where he teaches people one-on-one. Not only does he help them improve their reading and writing skills, but he has also taught history, geography, math, and a variety of certificate courses using online sites. When a person is released, Mr. Woodcock continues to work with them through Probations and Legal-Aid while offering private lessons at his office.
In addition to his work as a literacy leader, Patrick also acts as a character reference for incarcerated clients searching for work or needing to travel between Iqaluit and other communities in Nunavut.
Patrick continues to work with these people after they are released, which maintains the individuals’ learning and maintains continuity in their lives. Patrick’s ongoing support shows his dedication to the people he works with as they build their skills.
Congratulations for this recognition, Patrick!
Read more about Patrick and his literacy work in the Nunavut News.
Patrick was highlighted in our 2023 Annual Report under the section "Stories that Inspire." We attached a screenshot of the article below, but you can read his inspiring story on page 12 by clicking this link.
