Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Joanne Seviour was medically released from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2012 after 33 years of dedicated service. Her connection to the military began with four years in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. While a student at Memorial University of Newfoundland she enrolled as in the Reservist with the 36th Service Battalion. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree (Chemistry) she was employed as an analytical chemist before transferring to the Regular Force as an Army Logistics Officer in 1984.
Throughout her distinguished career, LCol Seviour served in various key roles both as a Regular and Reserve Force Officer. These roles include serving as Commanding Officer of the newly formed Civil-Military Cooperation(CIMIC) Unit in the Atlantic Region, Company Commander, Area Environmental Officer for Atlantic Canada, G1 Personnel Staff Officer, G4 for Atlantic training Brigade and working as a Regular Support Staff Officer supporting logistics operations for Reserve units, While serving in the Reserve Component her civilian employment included senior leadership roles with Transport Canada and Health Canada.
In 2004, LCol Seviour was deployed as Civil-Military Cooperation Operations Officer in Kabul, Afghanistan serving on General Hillier’s staff. Her time in Afghanistan was spent engaging with local leaders, the United Nations, aid agencies, and embassy officials, both in Kabul and in rural Afghan communities. Upon her return to Canada, she again transferred to the Regular Force and was posted to Ottawa to work in the Canadian Army G3 branch. In 2005, she completed pre-deployment training at CFB Petawawa in preparation for her role as Chief of Effects under General Thompson, tasked with coordinating combat operations and reconstruction efforts.
Just prior to deployment, LCol Seviour underwent her first open-heart surgery due to the diagnosis of a rare and incurable disease. This marked the beginning of a decade-long healing journey, during which she became a certified yoga and meditation teacher. After undergoing a second open-heart surgery, she experienced profound personal growth and recovery, finding her way back to health. Today, she passionately teaches yoga, mindfulness, and somatic practices, guiding others on their own healing journeys. She also writes and speaks about evolutionary leadership.
In addition to her Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) LCol Seviour has a master's degree in environmental science from Dalhousie University. She was awarded the General Campaign Star – South-West Asia, the Canadian Forces Decoration with First Clasp, Chief of Defence Staff Commendation and Kabul Multi- national brigade commendation. She is a certified Baptiste yoga teacher, yoga therapist, stretch therapist, and is an avid sailor and skier.
