Senior Director
PHSA, San'yas
Dr. Gail Higginbottom has been inspired by her connections to the land and the vibrant cultural teachings she carries from her family and ancestors, from Esketemc First Nation on her father’s side and Scottish/Irish Settler ancestry on her mother’s side.
With 25+ years as an educator, Gail has been shaped through reciprocity from learning experiences gained through her roles as a classroom teacher, school principal, and district leader for Indigenous Education. With a specialized Masters’ degree in Ed Psychology and a focus on healing for Indigenous communities, the spirit of health and relationships are integral to how Gail works.
Through her doctoral research, Gail investigated the strengths of decolonial, Indigenous leadership to address in/equity in systems. As quoted in her abstract, “Education is a platform to heal when spaces are intentionally created for hope, optimism, and strength”. Gail believes in education, personal identity, and empowering Indigenous agency to lead change in systems.
Guides in her daily work include her immediate family, Elders from both her nation and many nations around the globe, colleagues, friends, and allies who continue to walk together in the true spirit of Reconciliation. She is grateful every day to have roots to the Secwepemc peoples of British Columbia and the deep roots of love that raised her.
Honored to hold the role of Senior Director for San’yas, Gail is committed to supporting systemic change, eradicating Indigenous specific racism while welcoming partnerships to this important journey.
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Thursday, October 24, 2024
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM PT