James Christian, President

B.Sc (Phytotherapy), PGDip (Herbal Medicine), RHT

James Christian is a Medical Herbalist, having studied with the College of Phytotherapy in the UK and achieving a B.Sc. in Herbal Medicine. He has also completed a post-graduate Diploma in Herbal Medicine at the University of Central Lancashire with a specialty in Herbal Education. James maintains professional membership, and is current President of the BCHA. He is a past member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP) in the UK and of the oldest professional herbal association in the world, the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH).

James is a Director of Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC and serves as the Academic Dean and Dean of the School of Western Herbal Medicine. He is a lecturer and clinical supervisor at the college. He operates a permaculture herb farm on the Saanich peninsula called Tiny Tree Herb Farm, home of the Permaculture Design and Resilient Ecosystems programs at PRC.

In 2019, James became President of the BCHA, replacing Katolen Yardley. Since becoming president, he has:

• attended monthly meetings and collaborated with the other highly qualified board members to continue providing leadership and advocacy for the herbal profession in BC.
• headed the Policy Subcommittee.
• assisted the board in developing its communication skills.
• attended monthly British Columbia Association of Aromatherapists (BCAOA) meetings and participated in group calls with the Ministry of Agriculture on behalf of the BCCHA.

Moving forward, James is excited about the changes coming to membership renewals, the website and the association's branding.