Inuvik (July 21/03) - After three years Stacey Christie, the Inuvik Child Development Centre director, is leaving the North.

After nearly three years Inuvik Child Development Centre director Stacey Christie and her family are moving on to British Columbia. - Erin Fletcher/NNSL photo

Christie and her family are moving to Prince George, British Columbia at the end of July.

Christie has lived in the North for five years -- one year in Kimmirut, one year in Tuktoyaktuk and three years in Inuvik.

She's enjoyed every minute of Northern life -- from cultural events to the friendliness and comfort of living in small communities.

"I really like the small town feel of Inuvik," she said. "I'm a little worried about moving to a bigger community with the children."

Christie grew up on a farm in the Prairies and the friendliness she found in Northern communities reminds her of those days.

"I grew up in a small community so not having a Mac's convenience store down the road was no big thing for me. I'm used to small town life."

When she moved to Kimmirut her biggest concern was not the isolation but getting enough fresh vegetables.

"I packed up tonnes of vitamins thinking I couldn't get any fresh vegetables up here," she laughed.

"When I found I could, that kind of threw me."

As the director of the Inuvik Child Development Centre, Christie and her staff are responsible for the care and teaching of more than 40 children two-years-old and up.

Over the past three years she's watched many children grow, develop and leave for the big school down the hall -- Sir Alexander Mackenzie.

"When you're the director you have to be flexible and go where the need is in the centre at that time," said Christie.

"I've enjoyed lots of it. I like the diversity of it. I don't think I'd like to be tied to the desk Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 everyday."

Christie also does the job for her children.

Her eight-year-old daughter Kaitlyn and four-year-old son Jackson both participate in the programs at the centre.

She said her kids seem to like having her around.

"I think they really enjoy it -- it's a security thing for them as well," said Christie.

"I have a part in my childrens' lives but I'm not overshadowing their whole day."

While in Prince George, Christie hopes to get her teacher assistant diploma so she can continue to work in the school system and watch her own children grow up.

Kippy Guerrero will be replacing Christie as director at the child development centre.