Jennifer Maracle-Westgate is the first student to graduate from the Master of Education in Aboriginal and World Indigenous Educational Studies (MEd AWIES) program. 

Established in July 2009, AWIES is a part-time blended (on-line and on-campus) program intended for students with experience in Aboriginal communities.

Mrs. Maracle-Westgate explained that she decided to apply to the newly established program because it was directly relevant to her previous position as the Aboriginal Education Coordinator for the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. 

Taking leave from her position at the Board, Mrs.  Maracle-Westgate started teaching at the Quinte-Mohawk Federal School while completing the program. 

" I always wanted to teach on the territory because that's where I grew up. As a teacher, I can give back to my community and make sure our students have a positive educational experience."

She said that she enjoyed AWIES because course readings were by Aboriginal authors, her instructors took a holistic approach to teaching and learning, and she stayed in close communication with fellow students and professors during the program. 

"Open communication with other students is very motivating because you learn from their experiences too."

The title of Mrs.  Maracle-Westgate project is "Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte" Kenhteke Kanyenkeha "The Birthplace of the Peacemaker." Completing it must have been a challenge - she finished the program typing with one hand and her newborn son on her lap!  Mrs.  Maracle-Westgate plans to enjoy parental leave for the next year and then return to teaching at Quinte-Mohawk next September.  

Congratulations and the best of luck to Mrs.  Maracle-Westgate!