Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Inuvik (July 23/01) - Inuvik's newest coroner says she's "excited" that Justice Minister Jim Antoine has appointed her. Still, she's a little leery about the prospect of having to preside over inquests of people she might know.

Cheryl Sharpe

"I have no problem doing the job, and I look forward to doing it, but I've lived here all my life, and I know everybody around here," she said.

Sharpe accepted her appointment July 10. The 29-year-old mother of three kids and a foster child has worked for the Beaufort Delta Legal Services Clinic for six years. She also accepted the position of court worker for the Inuvik in March.

In addition to her job as a court worker, Sharpe and husband Joe Melanson, are also the reigning Muskrat Jamboree royal family. It's a position they've held for two consecutive years.

Where will she find time to work as a court worker, act as a coroner for Inuvik, look after four kids, and be Jamboree queen?

"Don't ask me," she laughs, "I have a lot of energy and if I'm not doing anything, I go crazy."