Inuvik (Sep 27/04) - There is no turning back for Kristin McDonald of Inuvik, who, five years ago, decided to move from mainstream Edmonton to this small town.

Life in Inuvik is exactly what McDonald wants for herself and her two-year-old son Kai.

Kristin McDonald of Inuvik is happy she made the move from the big city to a small town. - Dorothy Westerman/NNSL photo

"I like the people. They're very nice and friendly and I have a lot of family here also," McDonald said.

While she admits it was quite an adjustment to move to Inuvik from a fast-paced "material-girl" lifestyle, it was not long before she began feeling quite at home.

"It took a lot of adjusting. When I first started working here it was especially hard because I didn't know people. Now I know almost the whole town. It's very good for networking," she said.

Now employed as a youth leadership project officer at Ingamo Hall, McDonald said she especially enjoys working with the town's youth to help them with skills, team-building and communications, while facing challenges such as addictions and youth crime.

"Working with our youth is challenging and rewarding. It's the best part," she said.

When not at work, McDonald said she enjoys snowmobiling down the East Branch and also visiting the Arctic Red River.

Her new-found lifestyle is one she has come to appreciate, she said.

"It's very important to raise my son here. I like the idea of a small town upbringing," she said.