Alumni Feature: Meet Kim Baird

SFU Degree(s): Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, 2012

Kim Baird is the former chief of Tsawwassen First Nation and received an honorary degree from SFU in 2012. While she was chief and negotiating the Tsawwassen First Nation modern treaty, Kim worked closely with the SFU School of Public Policy and its graduates to assist with the implementation of self-governance for her community.

Kim is currently the Chancellor for Kwantlen Polytechnic University, where she started her post-secondary education at the Surrey campus, on the traditional territory of Tsawwassen and other First Nations. She is also the owner of Kim Baird Strategic Consulting and provides advisory services on Indigenous matters to First Nations, companies, and governments. Kim also sits on a number of boards. 

What are your aspirations for Surrey and the next generation of SFU alumni?

Surrey is such a large, diverse and vibrant community, and there are so many opportunities to make it stronger and more cohesive.  My advice to alumni is that they should challenge themselves with how they can give back to the community, either through their career aspirations or through volunteerism.