Lutsel K'e (Dec 04/06) - "I never really left Lutsel K'e," said Elsie Casaway.

Working now for the federal government in Gatineau, Quebec, Casaway said that her heart is still in her home community.

"I couldn't do the kind of job I do here in Lutsel K'e. If I could, that's where I'd be," she said.

Elsie Casaway, right, stands with Janie Charette, deputy minister of Human Resources and Social Development, left, and in the middle, Sharron Hanna, associate director of Employment Programs Policy and Design at the ceremony where Casaway received her award. - photo courtesy of Elsie Casaway

It would seem that the sacrifice has paid off - Casaway was recently recognized for her part in promoting aboriginal skills training.

She received a Deputy Minister's Award of Excellence on Nov. 16, along with the other members of her Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership team.

Nominated by their colleagues, the team won for their "unwavering vision, effort, and commitment to maximize and optimize aboriginal participation in Canada's major economic development opportunities," according to the award.

"We couldn't believe it," said Casaway, when they heard they were to receive the award. "It was great because our group was selected by our peers."

When asked what work her team does, "it's all about training and employment for aboriginal people," she said. They are involved in many partnerships between employers and the federal government to help aboriginal people train for industries such as mining, fisheries, and forestry, she said.

Casaway has been a senior policy advisor in Gatineau for three years.

Working is different for aboriginal people in the North, she said.

"In the old days everyone worked for themselves, trapping and whatnot, so they didn't have bosses," she said.

As the working environment has changed, said Casaway, her team is working to make sure aboriginal people are changing with it.

When she is not working though, she can be found in Lutsel K'e.

"I have to have my fall hunting and berry-picking trip," she said. "I go there to rejuvenate. It can be hard living in the city when you were born in the bush."

However, the recent recognition helps, she said.

"It's awesome to be recognized by your peers that you did a good job," she said. "You're so busy working you don't realize others are looking."