Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Jun 16/00) - Nearly four years after an accident changed his life, Billy Villeneuve is at work again.

He became the Deh Cho Friendship Centre's office assistant-in-training in May. He said he was incredulous when executive director Gerry Antoine called to deliver the news.

"I just couldn't believe it ... then if finally dawned on me that I was going to get this kind of a job," he said.

Villeneuve used to drive a cab in Fort Simpson and never imagined doing anything else. Then an accident in July 1996 forced him to change his outlook.

Nearly four years ago, at a time when Villeneuve was mixed up with alcohol, he fell and hit his head. He consequently developed a blood clot and suffered a stroke, leaving him partially paralysed on his right side. He was medevaced to Alberta, but doesn't recall the details all that well.

"I came to in Edmonton, I think. I don't remember, it was quite a blur," he said. "I was in a coma for quite awhile, I guess."

He returned to Fort Simpson in December that year. Initially, he was in a wheelchair, then was able to get up on his feet with the help of a walker. He now uses a cane for assistance. He knew he wasn't going to be back behind the wheel of a cab any time soon.

"I didn't know anything else but what I did before," he said of his uncertain job prospects. "I just learned to take what's coming because I had no choice anyway -- just take it as it comes."

He thought about enrolling in adult basic education through Aurora College. After talking to co-ordinator Barb Tsetso, he filled out an application and was accepted.

"It was a small class, so it was OK," Villeneuve said of his year back in the classroom.

The opportunity with the Deh Cho Friendship Centre didn't come right away, but when it did arise, with help from the Local Training Authority, he was happy to accept. Some of the computer skills he learned in ABE have been applicable to his new job, such as properly formatting a formal letter, he said.

His other duties include answering the phone, photocopying and putting packages together.

"It's good. I enjoy it -- good company, good friends, good supervisor," he said, drawing a chuckle from Murina Menicoche.

Menicoche said Villeneuve has proven to be an asset around the office.

"He's fitting in really good," she said.