Abstract
The epoch of hydrogen reionization marks when structure formation began impacting the large-scale ionization state of the Universe. It has long been thought that faint, low-mass galaxies at redshifts z>6 were the dominant contributors to reionization. However, our understanding of the ionizing properties of these early galaxies has for decades been severely hindered by the sensitivity limitations of previous facilities. Within just months of the start of science operations, JWST is completely transforming our understanding of galaxies present within the first billion years of cosmic history. In this talk, I will discuss the first JWST results on the ages, stellar masses, metal content, and ionizing properties of faint galaxies at z~7-8, the epoch corresponding to the halfway point of hydrogen reionization. By combining these JWST results with those of the much more luminous z~7-8 galaxy population probed by wide-area surveys, I will discuss whether early faint galaxies indeed appear to be the likely drivers of reionization. I will also comment on the surprising presence of dust and AGN within some z~7-8 objects and discuss how future observations with JWST and ALMA can continue to deliver rich insight into the initial formation of massive galaxies.