Council of the Federation Literacy Award

The Council of the Federation, which includes all 13 provincial and territorial premiers, created the Council of the Federation Literacy Award in 2004. Presented annually in each province and territory, the award celebrates outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy.

In British Columbia, the award celebrates the achievements of a literacy organization or champion (including libraries) that helps Indigenous, workplace or community literacy learners in B.C. acquire the literacy skills they need to improve their lives. This includes Indigenous language, numerical, digital or other forms of literacy. The award is administered by the Public Libraries Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

2024 Recipient – Maureen Kehler, Decoda Literacy Solutions

Maureen Kehler is a longtime literacy practitioner and champion whose vision and innovative leadership has had a positive, far-reaching impact on literacy work throughout B.C. Through encouragement, problem-solving, and collaboration, she leads Decoda Literacy Solution’s network of literacy outreach coordinators. Her extensive contributions enable work at the grassroots level to support learners in 400 communities, as they develop the skills they need to grow and thrive.  

What distinguishes Maureen is her unwavering commitment and understanding of how literacy can help people. As a catalyst for positive change, she continues to raise awareness and strengthen connections between community organizations, businesses, and government. Advocating for literacy as a human right, Maureen continues to have a positive lasting impact on B.C.’s literacy community.