After an extensive search and consideration of a strong pool of applicants, David Christie, the College’s former Coordinator of Aboriginal Services, has been announced as Director of Aboriginal Education for the organization.
“This is a progressive and exciting position that will help Northern Lights advance in all aspects of Aboriginal Education Services,” said Susan Hunter, Vice President of Community Relations and Student Services at the College. “I am confident that we have found the best candidate for this position, and that David’s considerable professional, educational and cultural background will be excellent assets to drive the College’s Aboriginal education mandate forward in a positive direction.”
The newly created directorship position will serve as the College’s first point of contact for Aboriginal educational matters at all levels, including that of the provincial and federal government. The role will also serve as a liaison between First Nation bands, school districts, employers and the College in the campus region. Developing and coordinating a communication strategy for Aboriginal input within the College region will be a priority, said Christie.
“I look forward to bringing my experience, enthusiasm and dedication to the College and to the field of post-secondary education to further the empowerment of Aboriginal students and communities within the region, the province and the country,” said Christie. “Ultimately, I want to encourage and support the inclusion and success of Aboriginal students within Northern Lights College and the workforce because that is my passion—continuing to have regular contact with our local bands and schools to provide advocacy and support is of paramount importance to me.”
Christie’s educational background includes a double major in Education and Philosophy with a minor in Native Studies at the Baccalaureate level from Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario. He is currently pursuing a Masters of First Nations Studies with the University of Northern British Columbia.
Prior to serving as the coordinator of Aboriginal Services at NLC, Christie was the Fort St. John Campus’ Aboriginal student advisor. He has also worked as a Aboriginal student support worker with School District 60 in Charlie Lake, and as an elementary school teacher with JV Clark School in Mayo, Yukon, in addition to working as a research/writer with Tla’Amin Community Health Board Society.
Christie’s appointment is effective immediately. He can be reached at dchristie@nlc.bc.ca.