First Nations student accepted into program

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As a woman studying in a male-dominated profession, Atelka Turney is used to being a trail blazer. In the new year, Turney will be blazing yet another trail, becoming the first First Nations student enrolled in the Civil Engineering Bridge program at Camosun College.

Turney has been accepted into the program at the Victoria-based college, and will begin the six-month program in January.

Turney is taking the bridging program to upgrade her academics and allow her to qualify for admission at the University of British Columbia (UBC) to finish her Civil Engineering degree. Turney has successfully completed the two-year Civil and Structural Engineering Technology program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Once she completes the bridging program at Camosun, she can enter into her third year of studies at UBC.

Turney said, once she is an engineer, she'd like to work on First Nations projects, and wants to work overseas. But for now, she's concentrating on completing her education.

The 25-year-old student was born in North Battleford, Sask., but left Saskatchewan when she was 12. She's been living in Vancouver for the past three years.

She said she decided on a career in engineering at a young age.

"My father was involved in the construction industry, so I was exposed to that at an early age, and had always been very interested in pursuing a career in engineering. Plus, it's a challenge, and not too many women are involved in it," Turney explained. "To do something a little bit different."

During her studies at BCIT, Turney said she was one of 10 women in a class of 75. She sees her involvement in engineering as paving the way for others.

"Hopefully I'll be able to inspire other women," she said.

As for her new role as the first First Nations student in the program, Turney said she is "a bit shocked, and excited at the same time."

Greg Beaveridge is coordinator of the Civil Bridge program at Camosun College, as well as chair of the First Nations Engineering Access program currently being designed to encourage more First Nations students to get into engineering. Beaveridge said he has yet to meet Turney, but is looking forward to having her join the program. He hopes once she has completed the Civil Engineering Bridge, other First Nations students will follow her lead and join the college's engineering programs.