Learning to read at 86: Yukon elder and his tutor receive literacy award

You're never too old to learn.

Just ask 86-year-oldKwanlin Dun First Nation elder Louie Smith, whose lifelong dream was to learn to read in English.

After fouryears spent working with Ted Ackerman, a tutor-volunteer with Yukon Learn, the two wererecognized at an award ceremony in Whitehorse.They are this year's recipients of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

The national award recognizes outstanding achievement, innovative practice, and excellence in literacy.

"I had a little bit of trouble with my eye and a cataract bothered me a little bit, but I'm doing my best and I started learning how to read a little bit now," said Smith.

He says he can now go to a bank ATM and take out cash because he now knows how to read.

Smith was raised in a traditional lifestyle living off the land. His father taught him Southern Tutchone and Northern Tutchone. English is his third language.

Ted Ackerman says for him, it is a two-way tutoring partnership. He says Smith has taught him about First Nations culture and the Southern Tutchone language. Together, they have preserved oral stories in the Southern Tutchone language,with the support of the Kwanlin Dn First Nation.

"Louie is highly literate in Yukon First Nation culture, so this is truly a ... marvellous learning opportunity for me," said Ackerman.

The two have become good friends over the past few years and continue to meet twice a week at the Kwanlin Dun First NationKendn Ku House of Learning.