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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - When Bob Vibert arrived in Fort Simpson on Oct. 22 he was greeted with some unexpected information.

"I didn't realize we were dependent on a ferry to get in and out of here," he said. "I was really surprised by that."

Bob Vibert is the new co-ordinator for the Liidlii Kue First Nations Brighter Futures Program. Vibert brings more than 27 years of experience to the program. - Andrew Livingstone/NNSL photo

Vibert is the new co-ordinator for the Liidlii Kue First Nations Brighter Futures program. The program is a federal government wellness program set up to support communities to improve the overall well-being of First Nations and Inuit children, families and individuals. Vibert said the program is broken down into five health and social programs including child development, injury prevention, positive parenting, family support and mental wellness.

"The overall goal is to enhance the development of the community and to enhance a holistic approach to the community's health and wellness," he said.

With more than 27 years of experience and almost a decade of work in Northern communities under his belt, Vibert brings great experience with co-ordinating similar programs during his career.

"I've done every job there is," he said. "I've worked in addiction counselling, social development and I've done components of the brighter futures program as well."

Since 1999, Vibert has lived in seven communities in the Yukon, three in the NWT and one community in Nunavut.

"In 1999 I decided to move North after 18 years working in Alberta, more specifically in Calgary," he said. "I came North for the adventure. That is what brought me here," he said. "But the main reason was it was just too expensive to live in Calgary.

"I like the peace and quietness and the non-rushing attitude people have here. It's very relaxed, even in Yellowknife and Whitehorse."

For as long as Vibert can remember, he said he has had a desire to work with people in some capacity or another.

"I've always had a yearn to help people," he said. "I originally was a teacher and graduated at a time when there was no need for teachers so I went into social development."

You stick around to see what is going to happen next, he joked about what keeps him going.

"I like new challenges and seeing people become independent, helping themselves," he said.

He has only been here a week, but Vibert said he already has goals and aspirations to achieve during his time here.

"I'd like to see more hands-on work with people," he said. "I was surprised to learn we didn't have a safe house for women or kids who may need a place to go. I hope to bring things to the community to improve the overall quality of life for people here.

"I want to do a community survey and getting to know the people, it's really important. They need to see you out getting to know what their needs are and what their past history is. I want input from the community on how we should be doing things. It's more effective to find out what people want rather than telling them."