Since her completion of the World Indigenous Studies in Education (WISE) program, Marina Westbrook has been a catalyst for change at Algonquin College in her role as Indigenous Studies Professor and Coordinator. “Visual art, storytelling, music, dance – to me, that’s such a key way that Indigenous people have expressed themselves.”
The arts and the land are at the heart of the new programming Marina has developed for Algonquin College, bringing a striking change to the school’s Indigenous Education department. Thanks to Marina, upcoming students enrolled in Indigenous Studies Foundations (certificate program) and Indigenous Studies (diploma program) will be able to explore artistic creation and relationships with the land throughout their learning journey.
As a student in the WISE program, Land-Based Learning was Marina’s favourite class. “We were always outside,” Marina reflects. “One lasting memory was from a class where we took a walk to a park by Lake Ontario, and we were led through a water-walk and water thanksgiving ceremony. It was a beautiful sunny day and the other students and I were dressed in our ribbon skirts and wraps, and in that moment, I felt such a strong connection to my peers, to the land, and to the life-giving water that we were honouring. I’ll never forget that.”
Marina’s learning and career in Indigenous education has only continued to grow. While Marina began by centring Indigenous knowledge in her lessons as a high school teacher, she later became the Indigenous student support lead teacher for high school students across 15 high schools. She was thrilled when the opportunity arose to begin a new chapter in her career as a professor at Algonquin.
Through the Indigenous Languages Revitalization course she teaches, Marina has been introduced to a variety of new languages and cultural knowledge. “Because the students come from very diverse nations all around the country, I’ve been fortunate to learn a little bit of their languages and culture through the curriculum and discussions,” Marina explains. “I’m now able to greet someone not just in my own language, Anishinaabemowin, but also in Inuktitut and East Cree. I can also recognize Mohawk, and Michif.”
Learning from students and guiding their growth in return is a beautiful feeling Marina is grateful for. “Something else that is very rewarding is seeing the students who arrive at the college from very small, remote communities who are often quite shy and unsure, eventually gain confidence and really embrace their learning journey and be successful. That’s a wonderful feeling,” Marina shares. “I’ve kept in touch with many of the students who have gone on to have great careers or have continued their academic pursuits in university.”
Beyond connection with students, Marina has developed relationships with many educators, knowledge carriers, and community members. “I always say knowledge carriers instead of knowledge keepers,” Marina says. “It’s about sharing your knowledge with others, passing it down, not keeping knowledge – keeping sounds like you are keeping it to yourself. And of course, I share the knowledge I have with others whenever I can.” In return for Marina’s efforts to pass down her knowledge and wisdom, Marina was granted the Student Association Excellence in Teaching Award, which she was honoured to receive.
After successfully reaching her goal to create new Indigenous education programming at Algonquin, which has inspired Marina throughout her education and her career, Marina is filled with pride – however, her journey is not over yet. “I’m very passionate about these topics, and I enjoy the challenge,” Marina says. “I can’t imagine myself not doing something in this area of interest.” With the vast number of applications Algonquin College is receiving to Marina’s Indigenous education programs, Marina is eager to step into the classroom and see her vision become a reality.
About the Author
Juliette Silveira is a final year Education student at Queen’s University. In 2024, she completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree at Queen’s University with a Minor in Dramatic Arts and a Major in English Language & Literature. In July 2025, she will complete her Bachelor of Education degree through the Concurrent Education program. Juliette has spent her time at Queen’s learning to become an Intermediate/Senior Drama and English teacher, and she has focused on Indigenous teacher education through the ITEP program. Passionate about cultivating students’ creativity and critical thinking, Juliette is eager to bring her experience as an actress, musical theatre teacher, creative writer, and literary analyst into her classroom.