Directors & Managers
Experience the Heart of Seabird Island: Our People
It takes a village to build a vibrant First Nations community. Seabird Island thrives thanks to the over 300 dedicated staff members behind our services.
Our seven departments work hand-in-hand, unified by shared goals and visions. Teachers shape young minds. Doctors care for the ill. Analysts invest in our future. And many more pursue meaningful work that uplifts our people.
While each role has its own mandate, together our staff cultivate the resources our community needs to prosper. From language programs and healthcare to infrastructure and governance, they turn plans into action.
Our greatest asset is our people. Their passion and purpose drive Seabird Island forward. Through hard work and compassion, we walk the path to self-determination step-by-step.
So much happens behind the scenes before dreams become reality. We proudly recognize all who devote their talents to serve Seabird Island. Our progress reflects their care for our people and culture.
Come feel their heart beat strong as you experience all we have to offer. It is our people who make Seabird Island a place to call home.
Our Directors
ED/CAO
Alexis Grace
STRATEGY ADVISOR
Chuck McNeil
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Nigel Selvadurai
DIRECTOR OF INTER-GOVERMENTAL AFFAIRS
Janice Parsey
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Lolly Andrew
DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Carlene Brown
Strategy Advisor – Bio
As Seabird Island’s Strategy Advisor, Chuck is responsible for Seabird Island’s day-to-day operations, as well as leading the company’s development and strategy. Chuck was raised on Seabird Island and began working as Chief Administrative Officer (previously Band Manager) over 30 prosperous years ago. Through his vision, the work of the Directors, and the support of Chief and Council, Seabird Island has flourished into the company it is today.
Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning is the Self-Government function of Seabird Island. The Strategic Planning portfolio supports the rights of Seabird people and land. The team manages the flow of strategic planning for self-government both internally and externally. In doing so we maintain our membership rosters, Lands & Rights and Title.
Director of Administration and Finance – Bio
Nigel Selvadurai has been employed with Seabird Island since 2009 as Finance Comptroller. Prior to working with Seabird Island, Nigel worked as an accountant and auditor for Terry D. Mitchell and MNP LLP where he was a part of the Seabird Island Audit Team from 2002 to 2009. Nigel is a Chartered Professional Accountant, who has a Bachelors in Business Administration and is a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager.
During his time as Comptroller for Seabird Island, Nigel lead the Finance team in developing higher level financial controls, full cycle accounting, financial analyst development, audit preparation, financial statement development, cash flow, investment management and the implementation of the purchasing and procurement program. He is passionate about building financial and administrative capacity, to ensure future prosperity of First Nation communities. Nigel has been a part of the Chilliwack community for the past 25 years, where he lives with his two young daughters and lovely wife.
Finance and Administration
Finance & Administration oversees the daily operations of Seabird Island. They design processes to support our community. They provide forward thinking and analysis. They manage our expenditures, revenues, and all aspects of Seabird Island’s financial affairs.
Programs and Services
Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Assessment & Taxation, CAO’s Office, Financial Analysis, Health & Safety, Human Resources, Information Technology, Occupational Health & Safety, Payroll & Benefits, Records
Inter-Govermental Affairs
Intergovernmental affairs refers to the complex relationships and interactions between Indigenous communities and the various levels of government in Canada that impact them, including federal, provincial/territorial, municipal, and Indigenous governments. Navigating this web of jurisdictions and negotiating with multiple governments is crucial for Indigenous communities to advance their interests and exercise self-determination when it comes to areas like self-government agreements, service delivery, economic development, land claims, and consultation on resources and development. Effective intergovernmental coordination and relationship-building are key for Indigenous communities to have their rights and priorities reflected in policies and programs across different governmental bodies that have constitutional responsibilities and duties towards Indigenous peoples.
Program and Services
Events, IRA Membership, Lands, Lands Leases, Natural Resources, Referrals
Director of Health and Social Development – Bio
Seabird Island is excited to welcome dedicated band member Lolly Andrew as our new Health Director. Lolly’s wealth of leadership experience, expertise, and passion for community health make her perfectly suited for this vital role.
Lolly has served Seabird for 8 years and was mentored by past Health Director Heather McDonald. Deeply tied to our community, Lolly believes we must all work as one family to uplift Seabird Island. Her focus on inclusion, feedback, and unity drives progress.
Lolly understands that by nurturing balance in mind, body and spirit, we become more resilient. She is committed to empowering our people to heal and thrive. We eagerly anticipate all Lolly will help our team accomplish to advance health programs and services grounded in Stó:lō values.
Health and Social Development
Our health department provides health programs to First Nations people. They take a holistic view of health with consideration of the social, emotional, intellectual, physical and cultural aspects of overall health and well-being.
Programs and Services
A:yelexw Recovery Homes, Better at Home, Care Aid, Child & Family Services, Child Protection, Community Health, Community Water, Counselling, Cultural Trauma, Dental Clinic, Doctor Clinic, Elders’ Programs, Elders’ Mobility, Eye Exams, Family Development, Family Counselling, Family Support, Family Home, Foot Care, Genealogy, Health Administration, Health Drivers, Health Services, Home & Community Care, Home Support, Kwiyo:s, Legal Clinic, License Practical Nurses, Mammogram Clinic, Maternal & Child Health, Medical Clinic, Men’s Recovery Center, Midwife, Mobile Diabetes Program, Naturopathic Medicine, Traditional Healing, Nursing, Nutrition, Pharmacy, Physician, Residential Support, Social Development (Income Assistance), Traditional Wellness, Women’s Recovery Center, Youth Initiatives
Director of Early Childhood Education – Bio
Carlene Brown has been with the Early Childhood Development here at Seabird Island for the past 20 years, starting out as the Daycare manager and gradually incorporating all the Early Childhood Development programs under one roof. She has been in the Early Childhood Education field for the past 32 plus years and holds her ECE, Infant/Toddler and Special Needs Certificates.
Carlene believes that the 1st years of every child’s life is when the foundation of their life-long learning journey is set. Her goal is to have all the Early Childhood Programs at Seabird Island positive, educational and inclusive.
Early Childhood Education
All programs operating within Seabird Island Early Childhood Programs base their curriculum around teaching and incorporating the eight pillars; Culture & Language, Family Involvement, Special Needs, Emotional Competency, Nutrition, Health, Education and Social Support.
Programs and Services
Aboriginal Infant Development, A-PALS, B.E.A.R. – Bus for Education & Aboriginal Resources, Daycare Infants & Toddlers, Early Childhood Education, Ey Qwàl Speech & Language, Head Start, Maternal Child Health, Many Voices, One Mind, Out of School Care / Summer Program, Preschool 3’s & 4’s, Supported Child Development & MCFD, Young Parent Education, Youth Group & Outings
Our Managers
