When Nunia Anoee decided to move from Sanirajak to Arviat for a teaching job in 1999, she thought sheSA国际影视传媒檇 only be there for two years.

More than 20 years later, Anoee is being recognized for her accomplishments and commitment to education with NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

The award is presented to a teacher in each province and territory to celebrate exceptional achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy.

SA国际影视传媒淎fter my two years I asked if ISA国际影视传媒檓 going back to Hall Beach or am I staying. I ended up buying a house, having a child and having a baby. So this is home now,SA国际影视传媒� said Anoee.

SA国际影视传媒淚 feel really lucky to have been working with really supportive people.SA国际影视传媒�

On Sept. 13, Premier Joe Savikataaq recognized AnoeeSA国际影视传媒檚 accomplishments in the legislative assembly

SA国际影视传媒淣unia is dedicated to meeting students where they are at and helping strengthen studentsSA国际影视传媒� Inuktitut language skills at all ages, and she encompasses all the qualities of a leader of literacy promotion,SA国际影视传媒� said Savikataaq. SA国际影视传媒淲hile her studies and work have taken her to different communities across the territory, she recognizes the importance of learning different dialects of Inuktitut to facilitate more meaningful communication with Elders, community members, students and family.SA国际影视传媒�

Anoee told Kivalliq News she didnSA国际影视传媒檛 think the award was such a big deal at first.

SA国际影视传媒淲hen I read it in an email, I thought thatSA国际影视传媒檚 great. Then my sisters and family were happy about it and it made me realize it is excitingSA国际影视传媒� she said.

SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檓 very grateful for the people who have submitted my name.SA国际影视传媒�

Anoee started her career off as a classroom assistant in 1987. After a couple of years in that position, Anoee decided to pursue further education to become a teacher.

SA国际影视传媒淲e had a principal who was really helpful and encouraged assistants to achieve their Northern Native Teacher Certificates,SA国际影视传媒� said Anoee.

Her studies took her to Iqaluit where she worked towards her degree, taking a brief break to return to Hall Beach so one of her children could attend kindergarten.

SA国际影视传媒楩rom there I went back to Iqaluit to finish the BA program,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

When she finished school Anoee ended up working alongside Nellie Kusugak to develop Inuktitut language programming for the territory. Following that she headed back to Hall Beach where she taught different levels of school until she applied for the job that would take her to Arviat.

SA国际影视传媒淚 moved to Arviat after seeing a job advertisement in Nunatsiaq News and a friend told me I would enjoy doing the work that was advertised. I got interviewed but then through the summer I went camping from my parents. Then when we got back my mom wrote to me to let me know I got the job I wanted,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Throughout her school career Anoee has taught at all levels, from kindergarten to high school. She has also taken intermittent breaks to work with the department of education on improving the Inuktitut programming for the territory.

She is currently the Grade 2 teacher at Levi Angmak elementary school.

Although she spent her first few years in Arviat teaching Inuktitut in high school she later decided to return to working with primary school children because she thought she could have a greater impact on younger students.

SA国际影视传媒淚f you want the best for your students, no matter what program you have, how good it is, you have to adjust it to the students. We have kids with short attention spans now, so you have to come up with ways to keep their attention,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

SA国际影视传媒淪ometimes itSA国际影视传媒檚 challenging but itSA国际影视传媒檚 rewarding when you see the progress.SA国际影视传媒�

Although Anoee has been teaching for more than 30 years she isnSA国际影视传媒檛 showing any signs of showing down. She said she loves what she does and working with the students keeps her busy.

SA国际影视传媒淪ometimes I feel like ISA国际影视传媒檓 ready but then again as long as ISA国际影视传媒檓 able-bodied I donSA国际影视传媒檛 think I want to retire. ThereSA国际影视传媒檚 just so much to do,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

SA国际影视传媒淪ometimes it is tiring and challenging, but the reward of seeing the change is awesome.SA国际影视传媒�