Rankin Inlet (June 25/03) - When Cheryl Forbes first came North 33 years ago she didn't know if she'd stay. Her first Northern experience was Repulse Bay in 1971 as a school teacher.

Fighting back tears, Cheryl Forbes, principal at Maani Ulujuk Illiniarvik, opens gifts given to her by students and staff. The presents were in honour of Forbes' retirement after 33 years of teaching. - Chris Puglia/NNSL photo

In 1986, she moved to Rankin Inlet as a teacher and for the past five years she has served as the principal of Maani Ulujuk Illiniarvik.

"I didn't know what I was looking for, but I guess I found it when I got here," she said.

Her reasons for staying all these years are simple.

"It's just home and I couldn't have asked for anything better," said Forbes.

Her reason for retiring is equally as simple.

"Because I could," she said.

With teaching now behind her, Forbes is looking to the future, which will include one of the gifts she received from her staff - a sewing machine.

"I am going to travel a little bit this summer and then pursue my other passion, which is sewing," she said.

Forbes said she is going to miss everyone at the school and leaving teaching after so long is a little bit scary.

"But I don't think I have any regrets," she added.

Bidding farewell to colleagues and staff was an emotional time for everyone, including Forbes, who had to fight back tears during the school awards assembly.

"I didn't want to say much. I didn't want to crack up," she said.

The same was not true of co-principal Sarah Ayaruak, who didn't hide her emotions quite as well.

During a speech to say goodbye to Forbes she had to stop more than once to regain her composure and brush away the tears.

"It's sad, but it's probably good for her. She put her time in," she said.

Ayaruak and Forbes worked together for five years and the time is recalled fondly.

"I am very grateful for the support she gave me. We cried and laughed together," Ayaruak said.

Forbes will be replaced in the fall by Harold Goobie, who is moving to the North from Newfoundland.

Forbes said she will stay in Rankin Inlet for a couple more years.

"This is home," she said.