In 2005 the Honourable James K. Bartleman created a special award to recognize individuals who have shown outstanding support for his literacy initiatives for young Native people. Through their generous support for the Lieutenant Governor’s Book Drives, School Twinning Program, Summer Reading Camps, and Club Amick, these individuals have made a real difference.

The Literacy Pinis shaped like an open book to reflect the goal of encouraging reading. Surmounted by a Crown to represent the vice-regal office, the book features three symbols: three canoes to represent the Aboriginal link, a quill pen to represent the value of the written word, and a trillium, Ontario’s provincial flower.

The Literacy Pin has been presented to Ontarians from many walks of life, including volunteers, donors, seniors, young people, and members of the Canadian Forces, Ontario Provincial Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Toronto Police Services, as well as representatives of government and community organizations.