Finding a balance key for BigEagle

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Joely BigEagle helps her children with homework at the kitchen table every night, sees them off to bed, and then pulls out another pile of books. The 33-year-old mother of three is in her fourth year of civil engineering at the University of Calgary and she always has assignments due.

BigEagle is originally from the White Bear First Nations near Carlyle, but she moved to Calgary because the U of C program more closely matched her career aspirations. "I want to get involved in project management back home on the reserve but knew I'd need to get educated to see that dream come true," she said. Future plans for new roads and housing, and many other major economic development projects will add to the casino, lake resort and golf course businesses which already exist at White Bear.

"About 100 of the total 1,800 Cree, Nakota Sioux, Saulteaux and Assiniboine band members live on reserve, and we have lots of plans for the future," she said, adding that one of her goals is to have her own consulting company. "But I need to work for a variety of employers first and get experience in all facets of the business before branching out on my own."

BigEagle first began pursuing a post-secondary education in 1990 when she enrolled in architecture at technical school, but switched to a bachelor of science degree in mathematics in 1995 at Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) in Regina. She then fulfilled her original goal by going on to a degree in civil engineering.

"I was scared in the beginning because it seemed to be such a big life change and it came with lots of responsibilities," she said.

Her family is a constant inspiration to her. "My oldest is Rebecca, who is 13, and she's a great help to me. I'm proud of her. She just recently made the honor roll.

My sons Wade, who is 10, and Waokiya, who is four and whose name means Holds Great Promise in Lakota, are a constant source of joy and inspiration as well," Joely BigEagle explained.

"It's been tough, and I've felt like quitting at times, but with the support and encouragement of my mom, Doreen Pasap, and friends Gale Blondeau, Anita and Len Habekost, I've been able to keep going," she said.

The family returns to White Bear each summer and enjoys being involved in traditional activities, as her mom ensures the children don't forget their heritage. "There's a lot of cultural happenings here in Calgary that we try to attend as well," she said, adding that the progressive southern Alberta city has lots of Aboriginal organizations that help to make up a support network.

Her courses at U of C have focused on environmental issues, and she hopes to add to her formal education with her work experience. "Sustainable development is a real area of interest for me, and I'll be looking in that direction," she said, explaining that sustainable development includes housing, infrastructure and transportation that will identify socio-economic uses, and considers present as well as future benefits in its construction.

Young people moving from their home communities to the city for educational pursuits need to tap into all possible Native resources, she said. "I looked up the First Nations Student Association at the university as soon as I got here. Getting connected with other students has helped me feel welcome, and I've got to know lots of people."

BigEagle is the second-oldest of seven children, and has a brother completing a business administration degree and a sister who successfully obtained a general studies degree, so their parent's encouragement and support has paid off. "Our mother has a lot of vision for the future. She has worked hard in band council and other positions back home," she said. "She believes that education is the key to success, and hopes to attend university herself some day."