Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: November 16, 2010
• Invested on: September 16, 2011

Edwina Wetzel empowers her community through education. When the Conne River First Nation assumed control of its own pedagogical system in 1986, she was named director of education. Since then, her insightful guidance has been pivotal to the development of a modern education system that has incorporated Mi'kmaq history, language and cultural values into the curriculum. She also made adult education a priority, providing skills upgrading for band members of all ages, which resulted in economic growth in the community. As well, she has been involved with various organizations, such as the National Indigenous Literacy Association.