INUVIK - After a year of service at the Inuvik Youth Centre, Brook Land-Murphy is leaving Inuvik to continue her schooling.

Land-Murphy came to Inuvik in January 2006 and started work as the director of the centre.

The Inuvik Youth Centre has changed under the direction of Brook Land-Murphy, centre. She is shown here on March 7 alongside regulars Carmen Rogers and Andrea Stewart. Land-Murphy is leaving Inuvik next month to do some travelling and for schooling in the fall. - Philippe Morin/NNSL photo

"I applied online and got the job. I've always had an interest in working in aboriginal communities," said Land-Murphy.

This past year, the Inuvik Youth Centre increased its offered programs and has taken on employees for night shifts.

Late last year, the centre was also given charitable status by the Canada Revenue Agency, something which had been in the works for almost a year.

Mayor Derek Lindsay said the community will miss a hard worker like Land-Murphy.

"It's too bad she is leaving, she did a good job with the centre," said Lindsay.

Lindsay said he saw her progress shine and she pulled the Inuvik Youth Centre into a new age.

"She brought the place back into an orderly fashion with many programs for the youth," he said.

Land-Murphy said she was happy to be a part of such a strong team of workers at the centre.

Sarah Earley and Joanna Lehrer will now share the role of director, overseeing the centre and the activities for youth.

"They are both ready and the centre will continue to see success with them in charge," said Land-Murphy.

Land-Murphy said she cannot take all the credit for the centre's success.

"We all work hard every day to ensure that the everyday programs are fulfilled," she said.

Inuvik Youth Centre chair Martin Landry said the centre has been flourishing in the last year.

"We have registered charity status and an online presence now," said Landry.

"Any interested parties can donate through the website or just get information about us."

Landry said he is happy that more local people are being hired for the positions at the centre.

"Her efforts have been able to harness community involvement, which is crucial," said Landry.

Youth centre board member Bobbie Jo Greenland said she is happy with how the centre is being run and commended Land-Murphy on a job well done.

"She did show a genuine interest and concern for the youth and that's important," said Greenland.

"It's just too bad that we don't get people like that to stay with us longer than a year or two."

Greenland said the community should also be giving assistance to the centre to ensure programming stays strong.

"The centre can use more local people involved...why not, eh?" asked Greenland.

"If they live here, and are not going anywhere, they may as well get involved and help make opportunities for our youth."

Neta Allen is one of the youth who uses the centre on a near-daily basis. She said she will miss the good times that she had with Land-Murphy.

"She's nice, I learned a lot from her," said Allen.

"I'm there at the centre almost every day. The eagle club, literacy club and the jewelry club are some of my favourite programs."

Allen said the youth centre has improved and more is happening on a daily basis.

"It's sad that she is leaving, but she had fun with all of us."

Allen said her best memory of Land-Murphy was a birthday party she threw for Allen's sister Shanna.

"It was fun," said Allen. "Thanks for the party, Brook."

Land-Murphy is planning on cycling through Spain and Alaska before settling down into classes in Vancouver this fall.