Bailey Nerbus (left) and Mary Redfearn (right)
We are pleased to present our Outstanding Master-Level Graduate Student Award to Mary Redfearn!
“Receiving the Graduate Student of Excellence award is a meaningful recognition of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my studies,” says Redfearn. “It’s a reminder of the powerful connections I’ve built with professors, peers, and academic content, which now influence my teaching practice by ensuring it reflects a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and needs. This award motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my teaching and future endeavors.”
Redfearn recently completed her Master of Education where she deepened her commitment to creating inclusive spaces by focusing on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) throughout her coursework. Throughout her time with the School, she demonstrated her passion for education both as a student herself with an exemplary record of academic achievement, and as a teacher. As noted by her supervisor, Dr. Bill Cohen, Redfearn is a leader in her school, district and community as she created, implemented and participated in a number of EDI, decolonizing and Indigenizing initiatives. She has helped to foster a safe and inclusive school environment and supported the student’s resilience beyond the classroom with holistic wellbeing practices. She has also strengthened the relationship between the school and community through hosting events such as a powwow taco night.
“After starting my teaching career by googling “prettiest places in BC” from the back of a lecture hall at Queen’s, I feel incredibly lucky to be living and learning in the beautiful, ancestral, unceded territory of the syilx Okanagan peoples,” says Redfearn. “The Okanagan’s stunning scenery and vibrant community have been the perfect backdrop for building my career and continuing to grow as an educator.”
Congratulations Mary Redfearn!
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WITH REDFEARN
What inspired you to go into the field of education?
I have always gravitated towards working with children and teens, but it was my time at summer camp that truly ignited my passion for education. I loved the experience so much that I found myself wishing I could do it year-round. The joy of meeting the unique needs of diverse campers and helping them grow, learn, and connect in a supportive environment made me realize that teaching was the ideal path for me, inspiring me to apply for a Concurrent Education program right out of high school.
What motivated you to pursue your masters?
Teaching is one of the few professions where graduate studies directly contribute to career advancement, and from the start of my career, I knew I would eventually pursue my M.Ed. While my undergraduate studies focused on Indigenous topics, they were primarily centered on teachings from Ontario. I sought a master’s program that would deepen my understanding of Western Indigenous cultures, particularly the syilx Okanagan peoples, to better address the holistic needs of my students. As I progressed through the program, I also explored how my previous work in the disability field could intersect with my current role in Indigenous education.
What advice do you have for future graduate students?
My advice for future graduate students or those considering a master’s program is to dive in with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Completing my M.Ed. was a rewarding experience, both for the knowledge I gained and the connections I made along the way. I took one class at a time for the majority of the program, and even paused for a term to maintain high standards in my own teaching practice. Taking it slow allowed me to fully enjoy the journey and absorb everything I was learning. Don’t hesitate to slow down, ask questions, explore new ideas, and engage deeply in the process—you’ll find it’s worth the effort.