| Community case studies were prepared for
Inuvik and Fort Resolution. (Appendix B). These two communities were
selected as they provide good examples of seniors literacy activities
and experiences.
In many NWT Aboriginal communities, NWT seniors may be referred to
as elders. This term carries a variety of meanings. For simplicity,
the term senior rather than elder has been used in this research.
1.3 Literacy Among Seniors
"A person is functionally literate who can engage in all those
activities in which literacy is required for effective functioning of
his/her group and community and also for enabling him/her to continue
to use reading, writing and calculation for his/her own and the community's
development" (UNESCO, 1962). The 1994 International Adult Literacy
Survey (IALS), reports that 80% of Canadian seniors (ages 65 and older)
have low literacy.3 IALS also found that most of these seniors felt
they had no problems coping with day-to-day functions. The extent to
which seniors with low literacy were frustrated while coping with daily
living functions was not reported in IALS. It is important to note that
the NWT was not included in the 1994 IALS, but will be included in the
most recent IALS data to be released in 2005.
Literacy is also defined as a social practice requiring understanding
of groups and institutions that socialize people into different literacy
practices.4 It is also defined as a right of citizens.
“All Nunavummiut have the right to participate fully and be
included in their community. Literacy is much more than reading and
writing, it also means being connected to your language and culture.
Literacy involves everyone and is fundamental to the development of
health and well-being. Literacy is fostering and nurturing understanding,
knowledge and wisdom.” (Nunavut Literacy Council)
|