Inuvik - A tall, white-haired man of influence stopped by Inuvik last week, but it wasn't Premier Floyd Roland.

It was Bishop Murray Chatlain, who oversees the Mackenzie-Fort Smith diocese.

Bishop Murray Chatlain, right, with Rev. Matthew Ihuoma at Ingamo Hall on Nov 23. The 44-year-old has been visiting Beaufort Delta communities and recently stopped in Inuvik. - Philippe Morin/NNSL photo

The Roman Catholic bishop was visiting the community and meeting with parishioners as part of an introductory tour of the Mackenzie Delta.

Speaking on Nov. 23 at Ingamo Hall, Chatlain said he was enjoying the trip.

He said he had also visited Tuktoyaktuk and recently returned from the Sahtu, where he meets fellow people of faith.

"I try to meet with the community," he said.

"There have been feasts, drum dances, all sorts of special events."

He also added he is glad to have finally seen Inuvik's famous Our Lady of Victory Church.

"It's a famous church, I think people know it in Western Canada," Chatlain said.

He said since his ordination on Sept. 14, many people have commented on his relatively young age.

He said people often expect a bishop to be an elderly man, while he is 44.

"I think I am the youngest in Canada," he said.

And since the role of bishop in the Mackenzie-Fort Smith diocese requires a lot of travel, this youthful energy will prove useful.

"They wanted someone who would agree to all the travelling," he said.

Chatlain visited during Addictions Awareness Week.

"I think a huge component of addictions is our spiritual health - the encouragement to keep trying," Chatlain said.