During my growing up years I was not aware of the rich history of
my natural family nor was I raised with any of my traditions. My adoptive
father worked for the Department of Interior, National Park Service, so I
was raised to respect nature and experienced many of the natural beauties
that our planet has, including most of the National Parks in the United States.
I graduated from Harry A. Burke High School in June 1971, and entered into
the U.S. Army as a medical technician and served my country until I was honorably
discharged in January 1976. In August of 1976, I married my current husband,
Donald Carter. I worked in a variety of office positions before returning
to college at the University of Nebraska at Omaha from 1988 to 1991. I used
my GI bill and other available financial aid, and planned on continuing my
education for a BA degree. In December of 1991, I was injured in a traffic
accident and was unable to complete my education at that time. After recovering
from my injuries I returned to work for the Department of Defense at the
Defense Finance and Accounting Service facility in Columbus, Ohio. I earned
several awards and promotions while in a variety of Accounting Tech positions
during the next 6 years that I worked with this agency.
In June of 1992, I began a search for find my family and did so within
45 minutes of beginning my search. Although I had contact with my family
through letters and phone calls, I did not reunite with them until March
of 1998. After moving across the country to my reservation, I found that
I wanted to continue my education and use that education to assist my nation
to move forward in some way. I enrolled in the TENRM program in the fall
of 2001, and found that I had a sincere interest in the program. I am now
in my 3rd quarter and made the grades for the Dean's List for a 3.8 GPA,
in the fall quarter, 2001, and working harder I made the President's List
for a 4.0 GPA in the winter quarter, 2002.
My future goals include working with the Lummi Nation Fish Hatchery,
in a summer internship, where I will learn to care for Salmon in the hatchery,
inventory a pond for future use, and learn and experience some of the works
of the Aquaculture business for my Nation. My long term goals include graduating
with a Masters in the Environmental Science field, so that I can use my education
to assist my nation in the future of Environmental Protection and Salmon
Restoration.
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