TTHEK'EHDELI/JEAN MARIE RIVER - In an emotional leave-taking Jean Marie River said goodbye to their longtime teachers last month.

After seven years of teaching at the Louie Norwegian school, Linda and George Urban left the community to retire. Teaching at the school was like a dream come true, said George.

George and Linda Urban stand in front of the Louie Norwegian school in Jean Marie River where they taught for the past seven years. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

When the couple arrived in the community in August 2001 from Saskatchewan they had already retired.

One desire that was still unfulfilled was to teach in the North.

Getting the position in Jean Marie River was an opportunity to live a dream, said Linda.

The couple looked forward to working in a small school and teaching as a team.

Both George and Linda said leaving isn't easy.

"We've become a family over the last seven years," said Linda.

Because the students didn't change classrooms there was a lot of time to get to know them and form a close bond, Linda said.

"I like the relationship we've developed with the children and the community," she said.

In addition to working with George, Linda said she also enjoyed working with Wanda Norwegian, the classroom assistant.

Norwegian was an invaluable liaison with the community and the students depend on her and love her, Linda said.

Working at the school also allowed the couple to present an experiential-based teaching program.

The program was based around the belief that if you live something, you learn it, said George.

The couple also added to their own knowledge while in Jean Marie River.

"We came to teach and we stayed to learn," he said.

George said next year he will missing things such as going out on the land in the fall and picking berries with the students and going out in the winter and setting snares.

The Urbans are returning to Saskatchewan where they will be living on an acreage north of Prince Albert.

On June 19, as part of the graduation ceremony in the community, the Urbans were recognized for their contributions.

"We appreciate the seven years you've dedicated to the education of our children," said Margaret Ireland on behalf of the Jean Marie River First Nation.

The Urbans have been role models for the students and the community appreciates all the love they gave to the children, said Ireland.

Many of the students said they're sad to see the Urbans leave.

"They've been my teachers ever since I went to school," said Alisha Grossetete.

Grossetete, 11, said the Urbans were nice teachers and that she enjoyed doing school fairs and going on field trips with them.