Graduate returns to teach at home

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For 47-year-old Irene Flett-Redwood, going back to school as an adult was not easy, but she graduated from the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College in Regina in May 2001 with a bachelor's degree in education.

A mother of five and a proud grandmother of 10, Flett-Redwood has come a long way from a life without self-confidence and direction.

"I was afraid to try anything. I never really thought that I could do anything; mainly because of the low self-esteem that I had in myself."

Others recognized her abilities.

"My former boss, Dale Awasis . . . said that I could be a teacher, and he kept encouraging me to take the entrance exam for the bachelor of education program.

"Although I took the test, I still did not believe in myself. When my tests revealed that I had a high score, it was something concrete so I began to have confidence," said Flett-Redwood.

"Just going back to school was hard; I was not used to studying or researching for anything, and I had poor study habits. During my time in school I had to deal with the deaths of my younger sister and my dad. It was also a financial struggle, not enough money most of the time, but I kept pushing myself. It was such a good feeling when I finished what I'd set out to do."

Her sister is proud of her.

"The whole family is," said Christina Simpson. "I always knew that she could do it."

Alcohol and motherhood provided some obstacles that had to be dealt with before Flett-Redwood could achieve her goals.

"After I dropped out of school in Grade 11, I did not think that education was my world anymore. Alcohol was one of the things that stopped me from getting an education and obtaining my dream.

"Getting pregnant at an early age, and raising my children, I did not really focus on me," she added.

Born and raised in Fort Chipewyan, Flett-Redwood did not think that she would have to move to a city to complete her education. She signed up for a program at home; however, after two years the students were given the option of moving to Fort McMurray, or to Saskatoon or Regina in Saskatchewan.

She chose Fort McMurray, but encountered problems with the new program, so "switched back" to the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College courses and moved to Regina.

"Moving was a big step for me, it was scary, not knowing anyone, being so far from home," she said. But "it was a rewarding and good experience."

The courses had an Aboriginal content, which "helped me learn how to teach and made me aware of who I am."

Numerous cultural events, a supportive Elder and instructors, along with the backing of Mikisew Cree First Nation all helped her succeed, she said.

Today Flett-Redwood teaches Grade 7 in her hometown.

"When I came back to Fort Chipewyan I felt really good because I like being close to Mother Nature and I wanted to help the younger students. I want to help make a difference in their lives," she said.

The new teacher said age is not important when deciding to pursue your goals.

"Give yourself a chance, you will never know until you try. Go toward your dreams even if you are older. . . . I think that if people believe in themselves the sky is the limit," she said.