The Fraser-Cascade School District (SD 78) is excited to welcome Christine Seymour as District Principal of Indigenous Education. Seymour grew up in Chilliwack as a member of Tselxweyeqw Territory, and is a proud member of Sto:lo First Nations.
Seymour is also part of Chehalis First Nations, and the proud mother of three children, aged 26, 13, 11, and grandmother of two.
Seymour comes from a powerful lineage of Indigenous leaders and scholars: her father, Dr. Stephen Point, is the Chancellor at UBC, and served as the 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia; and her mother, Dr. Gwen Point, is the Chancellor at the University of the Fraser Valley, and has led many provincial initiatives to support Truth and Reconciliation.
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Seymour has a BSC in Biology and a Post Degree certificate in education. For 18 years, she has been in public education as a Halq’emeylem instructor and Indigenous Success teacher in the Abbotsford and Chilliwack school districts.
This summer, Seymour is completing her Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration at UBC. Her project focuses on trauma-informed practice to support Indigenous students.
A passionate artist, Seymour has a strong background in singing and has been Sto:lo dancing since she was very young. She is also a founder of an Indigenous canoe paddling club.
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“Seymour brings a wealth of experience, cultural understanding, artistic passion, lineage, and heart to our district,” said Ron Johnstone, SD 78 Board Chair. “We are excited to move our district forward in our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.”
“Hiring Seymour comes after an extensive search to acquire both a cultural leader and school-based educational leader,” explained Superintendent, Balan Moorthy.
“Seymour will be instrumental in making connections with our Indigenous communities, (but) she will also benefit all children and staff as we learn about integrating Indigenous learning principles into our classrooms,” Moorthy added.
Seymour will begin her tenure as District Principal of Indigenous Education on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021.
@SarahGawdin
Sarah.Gawdin@hopestandard.com
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