Coppermine (May 26/03) - Every day Ruth Palmer tells her husband, Malcolm, that together they are on top of the world.

They've lived in Kugluktuk since June 30, 2001. Malcolm had a three year contract to serve as pastor for St. Andrew's Church.

Ruth Palmer lives in Kugluktuk with her husband, Malcolm, and their two huskies. She's grown so attached to the community that she does not want to leave. - photo courtesy of Ruth Palmer

Now, the couple said they'll stay in the community for as long as they can.

Palmer said when the idea of moving to the Arctic first came up, she had mixed feelings.

"When Malcolm said Canada, I said, 'Oh yes.' When he said the Arctic, I said, 'Forget it'."

But they made the voyage from Bromsgrove, England, where they were living at the time.

When they first arrived in the community, Palmer was homesick.

She worked for a police force in England and said she was used to shift work and stress. It took time to adjust to the pace of life in Kugluktuk but now she loves it.

She stays in contact with her friends back in England by sending them e-mails with stories of her time in the North.

She said her friends appreciate the e-mails so much that they can't wait until the next one arrives.

Palmer works as the manager of the Kugluktuk Visitor's and Heritage Centre. She is also the manager of the community's Chamber of Commerce.

"I enjoy my work. I enjoy the people. I get paid for doing a job I really love," she said.

Palmer buys crafts or carvings from the community to sell at the visitor's centre. She loves meeting all the tourists and telling them about everything Kugluktuk has to offer.

Palmer has applied for funding to hire two summer students.

She has also applied for funding to get the community's elders involved in the centre.

If it comes through, the elders will do sewing, story-telling, throat singing and drum dancing demonstrations each week.

Palmer said living in Kugluktuk with her husband and two huskies is an experience she's not willing to give up any time soon.

"It's like being part of a huge family. The people are just wonderful. I love being here," she said.