History & Location
Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Fraser Valley, our community lies just a scenic 1.5-hour journey East from the vibrant city of Vancouver
Seabird Island's Vision for Community-Based Education
In 1978, after a decade of having their children integrated into the Agassiz public school system, Seabird Island members advocated for their own community school. From this grassroots effort, the vision for Lalme’Iwesawtexw (the Seabird Island Community School) was born.
Lalme' Iwesawtexw
Lalme’ Iwesawtexw (Seabird Island Community School) was named in memory of Mary Charles who was the mother of Grand Chief Archie Charles and a long-time resident of Seabird Island. Mary’s family and friends gave her the name Lalme. It was Lalme’s dream to have a band-controlled community school for the children of Seabird Island. Iwesawtexw is Halq’emeylem for “House of Learning”.
Construction began in 1989, and two years later, the first building opened its doors, offering kindergarten to grade 6 – recreating the day school that had operated on Seabird land from 1948 to 1968. In 2000, early childhood education programs were added, and the school celebrated its first high school graduates.
A second building completed in 2009 accommodated the high school grades. Today, Lalme’Iwesawtexw provides a comprehensive K-12 education immersed in Halq’eméylem language and Stó:lō cultural teachings. This community-driven school stands as a legacy of Seabird Island’s perseverance in reclaiming their educational autonomy and identity.
It was Lalme’s dream to have a band-controlled community school for the children of Seabird Island.
Construction began in 1989, and two years later, the first building opened its doors
Lalme’ Iwesawtexw
Seabird Island Community School
Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Fraser Valley, our community lies just a scenic 1.5-hour journey East from the vibrant city of Vancouver
SICS and General Inquiries
2811 & 2821 Chowat Road
Agassiz, BC, Canada
V0M 1A0
Ph: 1-604-796-3061
Fx: 1-604-796-3068
E: education@seabirdisland.ca
Toll-Free in North America:
1-800-788-0322
Scholarships, Bursaries, Post-Secondary incentives
By investing in the excellence and empowerment of students, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge and skills to reach their full potential. Education opens doors to bright futures.