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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Kimberly Balsillie is one step closer to realizing her dream of becoming an environmental consultant.

Kimberly Balsillie recently completed her technical diploma in environmental assessment and restoration at Lethbridge College in Alberta. - photo courtesy of Kimberly Balsillie

The Yellowknife born and raised student is one of the university summer students earning on-the-job training while working for the GNWT. The opportunity led her to be considered and ultimately accepted for a year-long internship with the environmental assessment and monitoring division.

Balsillie, 25, recently completed her technical diploma in environmental assessment and restoration at Lethbridge College in Alberta.

Her Metis background and connection to the land drove her to pursue her passion and include herself in the discussions surrounding some of the biggest development projects in the North.

"There are all these issues arising in the North and I wanted to be part of that, and that's why I went to school," she said. "To be part of the development and with the understanding of what's going on around me, and helping, maintaining and sustaining it, but at the same time understanding the economic growth around me."

Balsillie is employed as an environmental assessment technician, which gives her a first-hand look at the environmental assessments that come through the application process.

"We're able to help support decision-making by giving advice and recommendations," she said. "Growing up here, it's nice to be part of that whole process and understanding every aspect."

This is the beginning of her career path, said Balsillie, adding she dreams of one day becoming an ecologist and taking more of a consultant role with large development projects.

The experience she receives at the GNWT will encourage her to return to school in coming years to pursue the bachelor degree option that will be offered through Lethbridge College in 2014.

"If I can get in after my internship and continue my (distance) education I will do that, because I'm getting experience as we speak," she said.

Basillie's internship is within the environmental assessment and monitoring division, but she will work closely with the Environment and Natural Resources department. The opportunity will showcase how larger developments are dealt with at a legislative level.

"(It will) give me more insight on regulatory legislation and guidelines, and more interaction with the government, the region and also meeting (other) consultants but it's giving me that vision," she said. "What will come out of it is, being part of major projects like (De Beers) Gahcho Kue, Tyee (gold project) and the Tuk (to Inuvik) highway ... all the big ones."

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