By Toya Stewart Downey Mille Lacs Band Member
Since November, Band members who visit the Urban Office have been getting to know the new administrative assistant, Billie Berry.
Because she's wanted to live in the Twin Cities for a while, when the job became available it seemed like the right time for Billie, who transferred from Nay Ah Shing to her new post.
"I've enjoyed helping people and the interactions with Band members," said Billie, who grew up in Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud and would drive to the Cities almost every weekend.
Billie, who is the oldest of 11 siblings, graduated from Isle High School in 2005 and then attended Central Lakes College. While there, she earned a place in the honors program, Phi Theta Kappa. In the fall, Billie will begin taking classes at the University of Minnesota Duluth in the Master of Tribal Admin- istration and Governance program.
Eventually, Billie would like to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C., but first she wants to make her mark with the Mille Lacs Band.
Billie is a member of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation centered in Nelson House, Manitoba, and she got her first job with the Mille Lacs Band when she was 19. She was an executive assistant for Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures.
"My favorite part of working in the Urban Office is making a difference in people's lives," said Billie. "I love the hugs I get, and the thank yous. It just feels good."