Allan Janvier and Mary McKenzie, as well as other recipients are pictured with Lt. Gov. Russell Merasty and his wife Donna. (Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan/Facebook)

By Derek Cornet

back to school

Northerners receive Cameco Literacy Learner Award and Bursary

May 28, 2024 | 3:13 PM

Two residents of northern Saskatchewan were honoured at the 2024 Literacy Awards of Merit at Regina’s Government House on May 14.

Allan Janvier, 67, and Mary McKenzie, 62, were both recipients of the Cameco Literacy Learner Award and Bursary. Both recipients recently returned to class to finish their high school education, and both were nominated for the award by their instructors.

McKenzie, who officially completed Grade 12 on Tuesday, said she was proud to receive the award.

“I was happy going back to school. I didn’t have time to go to school when I was younger. Now that my kids are grown up, I had time now,” she explained.

McKenzie has worked as an Elder’s aid in her community of Stanley Mission for 26 years, a job she continues to do. Throughout the years, she has overcome many challenges to provide a stable, secure home for her family.

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“I’m finishing school and now I’m thinking I might be able to try university,” McKenzie added.

“I could never even dream like this before. I come from a time when my people had no dreams or hope. I knew deep down I wanted this world of learning. I wanted to know everything. I wanted to read and understand at a high level, but I didn’t think I could actually do it.”

Janvier is a resident of La Loche and he returned to school after working for about 40 years at the Cluff Lake and Rabbit Lake mines. He was laid off in 2016 and, with extra time on his hands, he thought returning to school would be a good idea.

“There’s was nothing to do for me. I tried to get in the year before, then finally last year I got in. It was pretty good for me. I enjoy doing it,” Janvier said.

Janvier has improved immensely in his communication and math skills, and he will be in Level 3 this fall. Janvier is often seen helping other learners in class, uplifting others in the community, and sharing his knowledge of Dene language and culture.

The Cameco Literacy Learner Award and $1,000 bursary is dedicated to individuals with exceptional commitment to their personal literacy and essential skills development in training programs or in their workplace. Award selection is based on demonstrated literacy and essential skills growth that makes a significant impact on their life.

Showing leadership and commitment to giving back through community service is also taken into consideration.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com