Hay River Reserve (Dec 15/03) - Allan Browning says he was bound to work in the recreation field.

"I was just born for the job," says the recreation manager with K'atlodeeche First Nation on the Hay River Reserve.

Allan Browning, recreation manager with K'atlodeeche First Nation, stands outside the Chief Lamalise Complex on the Hay River Reserve. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Browning, who is in his second year with K'atlodeeche, says he became involved in recreation activities while growing up in Fort Simpson, assisting at community feasts and carrying canoes at races.

"I've been doing recreation way before I started to make a living at it," he says.

Browning notes there are many things he loves about his job. "I love working with people. Public relations is a big part of recreation."

He especially likes working with young people. "It reminds me of when I was a youngster myself and having recreation personnel around me."

Three times a week he runs the physical education program at Chief Sunrise Education Centre.

"It's made a very big difference in my life."

His job with K'atlodeeche involves assessing recreation needs and developing programs, services and facilities that meet individual and community needs at the direction of the chief and council.

Among the projects are completing an already-started recreation trail, upgrading the existing ballpark, and possibly creating a bike park for youth.

These days, he is also helping to organize a community feast and Christmas school concert on Dec. 18 and the Kamba Carnival early next year.

Browning stresses cultural awareness is also a major part of his work. "I'd definitely like to help keep cultural awareness alive with camping and hunting. Culture is very important on the reserve."

He dedicates one day a week to social activities for elders.

Browning credits his parents -- Rosie and the late Tom Browning -- with encouraging him to finish his high school education and thereby enter the recreation field.

He recalls how his father used to have to literally push him onto the plane to head to high school in Yellowknife.

"Times were changing," Browning says. "Education is so important."

In the past, Browning has worked in recreation at Fort Simpson, Jean Marie River and West Point First Nation.

"It's just a great opportunity to work with a great bunch of people, young and old."