Hamilton, a member of the Nooksack Indian Tribe from Bellingham, Washington, is a high school senior working to advance culture and promote healthy lifestyles through traditional sports.
After losing his father (a champion paddler) to suicide in 2012, he turned to Native War Canoeing for healing and strength. By engaging with other youth, Hamilton believes canoe racing has the power to promote health, prevent suicide and substance abuse, and address grief and healing.
After Seymour was named one of five 2015 Champions for Change by the Center for Native American Youth, he was chosen to introduce First Lady Michelle Obama at the first White House Tribal Youth Gathering. He was told that he was chosen because his story served as a ‘source of inspiration’ for other Native youth.
