What's Up Yukon, December 21, 2022

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The Safe at Home Society is a Yukon organization that works to end and prevent homelessness in the territory, bringing together service agencies, such as government partners, landlords, community members and people with lived experience of homelessness, to connect people with housing and supports. According to the organization, its vision is to ensure that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home and can access the supports they need.

To help this important initiative, long-time Coast Mountain Sports and Sports Experts management-team member Corina

Zumer; and MJ Warshawski, coowner of Coast Mountain Sports and Sports Experts, started the Home Project.

The Home Project is a series of clothing and items branded with a custom home logo, a stylized map of the Yukon with the word HOME inside it. Items in the series include T-shirts, hoodies, toques, ball caps, mugs, clothing patches and more. Proceeds from the sale of The Home Project items are donated to Safe at Home.

Coast Mountain Sports and Sports Experts have been selling Home Project items for five years, and given that National Housing Day was on November 22, this fall was a great opportunity for the Whitehorse retailer to celebrate its contributions from over the years.

“It doesn’t sound like much, just selling T-shirts,” said Zumer. “But over time it adds up—five dollars here, eight dollars there, and suddenly, over time, we have donated thirty-seven thousand dollars! And Yukoners have really responded to the logo. They are proud of their home here and

they want to help those who don’t have one.”

Coast Mountain Sports and Sports Experts are located in the Hougen Centre on Main Street. Safe at Home is based out of 208 Alexander Street, also in Whitehorse.

“Coast Mountain’s Home Project continues to have a tremendous impact on our ability to prevent homelessness,” said Safe at Home executive director Kate Mechan. “The local business community can leverage resources in creative and meaningful ways— engaging Yukoners who are looking for ways to contribute. Safe at Home owes MJ and Corina a huge debt of gratitude for their ongoing commitment.”

For information about Safe at Home Society’s services and supports, visit www. safeathomeyukon.ca, or find the organization on Facebook. To see how you can get involved and help out, reach out to info@ safeathomeyukon.ca.

“We can prevent and end homelessness if we all do our small part,” said Warshawski. n

The popular local retailer Coast Mountain Sports and Sports Experts has donated $37,000 to the Safe at Home Society, with five years of The Home Project

Manus Hopkins is a Whitehorse- and Toronto-based journalist, musician and lover of heavy metal and cats.

Freelance with Manus Hopkins

The Home Project is a series of clothing and items branded with a custom home logo, a stylized map of the Yukon with the word HOME inside

PHOTO: Courtesy of Coast Mountain Sports

The Yukon Arts

a new space for visitors to gather

In 2023, the Yukon Arts Centre (YAC) will invite visitors in by asking them to gather outside. That’s the idea behind a new firepit being made by Tlingit artist, Ken Anderson.

“This project is looking at more kinds of inclusion in inviting people in and expanding the concept of the Arts Centre beyond just the walls of the place,” said Anderson. “It’s trying to make it more this kind of inviting and kind of a presence that says that all people are welcome here, and also acknowledging the history of the land and the people that were here first.”

The piece, which should be installed in summer 2023, is part of an effort on the part of YAC to indigenize the space. In addition to the firepit, there will be a permanent display of First Nations art on both staircases leading to the mezzanine.

“This work will be truly transformational for the Arts Centre,” said Mary Bradshaw, director of visual arts at YAC. “The firepit will become a place of ceremony and gathering. This project will

change the feeling of this space. [It will] center the incredibly rich traditions and art by Yukon First Nations.”

Anderson said he wants the work to reflect the First Nations view that ties together nature and the land, with art and culture.

“I think some of the best concepts are where things like that

art is seen as sort of an add-on or an extra, rather than something that’s connected to everything else within that culture.

“In First Nations culture, I think it’s still more rooted in tradition, and the culture and the art are part of the same thing.”

Lisa Dewhurst, First Nations advisor to YAC, agrees. She said

traditions), will add life and vitality to the walls while sending a specific message, she said.

“As an Indigenous person, when I go out to a place, it’s nice to see Indigeneity reflected through the space,” said Dewhurst, who is a member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation of Merritt, B.C. and who lives in Teslin where she has been adopted into the Kukhittan Clan of the Teslin Tlingit (Raven Children). “It makes you feel more comfortable and you realize there is acknowledgement and respect.”

Dewhurst refers to the William Yaxkasei Callaghan Commemorative Totem, located just inside the front doors of YAC, and said that it’s striking and meaningful to walk into the building and see something like that featured so prominently.

are integrated together; where the art is not just kind of an extra, but it’s a part of the culture,” he said.

He said that art and tradition have been tied together for a lot of cultures, but that with European and Western cultures, it feels like they moved away from that perspective to one where

a firepit is central to Indigenous Peoples. Fires are a common starting point. They’re a work of art that also sets the stage and brings people together. Anderson’s art, in conjunction with the interior collection (Dewhurst said it will include photographs of First Nations communities in their regalia and engaged in culture and

Anderson is in the early stages of the planning process, right now, but he’s thinking about how a combination of concrete, tile, metal and brick might come together to create something that still looks natural. The opportunity to figure it out, though, is one he’s looking forward to.

“I think [I wanted to participate because of] the challenge,” he said. “The challenge of trying to make something that’s meaningful and contemporary, but also relevant and kind of symbolic of something that invites people in, but is also reflective of a culture that is still evolving.” n

Centre is introducing

PHOTO: Mike Thomas/Yukon Arts Centre

THE BUBBLE LIFE

COLD AS ICE

Frozen sweet grapes and sparkling wine have teamed up for a lovely drinking experience

It is no secret that Canada is the world’s largest producer of ice wines. Nestled in the Niagara region of Ontario are many vineyards that produce some of the world’s best ice wines. These wines tend to be sweet, like syrup, and are very flavourful. However, it was actually in Germany where ice wine was first discovered, during the late 1700s.

In the region of Franconia, there was an early frost. The farmers, who were also peasants, did not want the grapes to go to waste, so they decided to press the frozen grapes to see what happened. They were quite delighted with the sweet taste and referred to it as eiswein (ice wine). Since then, ice-wine production has continued, but in limited quantities, as consecutive days at cold temperatures (needed for icewine production) do not happen often.

In Canada, the first ice wine was created in 1972 in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. Once its popularity caught on, vineyards in Niagara started to produce the wine. Lucky for us, we have the ideal climate in Canada to harvest multiple batches of grapes for icewine production.

While there are many beautiful kinds of ice wines on the market, some distillers are getting creative. The Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery has created whisky infused with ice wine. Even in Ireland, a whisky brand called Writers Tears has partnered with

Inniskillin Wines, in Ontario, to create their version of whisky ice wine.

Then there is Peller Estates, who decided to combine sparkling wine and ice wine. This Niagara winery has been around for decades and is known for producing a vast variety of wines. They have produced a rather lovely creation called Signature Series Classic Ice Cuvée Sparkling, which comes in both white and rosé. I had the opportunity to try the white while I was visiting Niagara on the Lake, a few weeks ago.

Whoever decided to marry ice wine and sparkling wine is a genius. This particular blend is made with Chardonnay and pinot noir grapes,

with Vidal Icewine added (Vidal is a hybrid grape with a thick skin that makes it suitable for winter harvests). The ice wine definitely adds smoothness to the sparkling wine. And while it also adds sweetness to an already slightly sweet beverage, the strong flavours of the ice wine help bring out the flavours of the sparking wine. When you taste it, you get a very nice mouthful of honey, apricot, brioche, creamy strawberries, apples and a little bit of citrus.

Ice wine—a very delightful sparkling wine and an excellent choice if you are looking for something that is unique but does not stray too much from traditional sparkling wine. n

Angela Szymczuk

Angela Szymczuk is a Whitehorse-based writer and espresso-infused, newsconsuming “machine” who loves the gym, boxing and spin classes while still finding time to enjoy a Macanudo cigar, a glass of Glenfiddich 18-year-old scotch and pondering how she might teach her cat to scuba dive.

Sparkling Ice Wine

PHOTO: Angela Szymczuk

He is a 1-year-old, male, husky/ shepherd mix.

Barney is a happy-go-lucky guy who is full of life and energy. He would like an active home that will continue his training and socialization, classes with a professional dog trainer are recommended to help him reach his full potential.

Barney would make an excellent companion for someone who enjoys the calmness of being outside of the city and going on outdoor adventures. He would do well in a home with older children, and cats, no other dogs though.

If you are interested in adopting Barney please fill out an online application at humanesocietyyukon.ca. If you already have a pre-approved application with us within the last year, call 6336019 to put your application towards him.

Shelter Hours: Tuesdays - Fridays 12pm-6pm Saturdays - 10am-6pm

FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED

As most adoptions happen in the city, YARN relies heavily on foster homes in the city when pups are ready for adoption. We look after all the vet appointments and adoption applications.

YARN cannot continue accepting litters, unless it has foster homes to care for them in the city, while they find their homes. We are in need of some great Fosters Families to help our little fur-babies when they arrive in Whitehorse.

Klondike Institute of Art and Culture Dawson City, YT

QUEER YUKON SOLSTICE DINNER IN THE KIAC BALLROOM DEC 22, 4-8PM

LEARN GUMBOOT DANCE W/ LES MALCHAUSSÉES

WEDNESDAYS, 5:30-6:30, JAN 18 - MARCH 1

PIANO & GUITAR LESSONS (KIDS & ADULTS) JAN. 23 - FEB. 28

MEMBER’S EXHIBITION

JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 17 SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JANUARY 19, 2023

Tel: (867) 993-5005 Email: kiac@kiac.ca Website: www.kiac.ca

Youth Drop-In Centre Recreational program for teen-years youth When: Tuesday to Friday 3pm to 9 pm & Sat 1-9 pm Ages: 12-18 years old For more info: See Facebook page for schedule & activities, or email Oliver: obulpitt@bcgyukon.com

AllStars After School Program

An affordable, quality after school program

When: Monday to Friday 3-5:00 pm following the school calendar.

Ages: Ages 6-11 years old Cost: Tuition fees as follows: $315/month allstars@bgcyukon.com for inquiries Location: Downtown/Takhini Elementary

Learning Tree Early Years Centre

An affordable, quality, licensed childcare program

When: Monday to Friday 7:30am-5:15pm Ages: 18 months - 5 years of age Cost: Tuition fees as follows:

Toddler: $160/month, Preschool: $150/month Emily Howard at 393-2824 ext 206 or eypd@bgcyukon.com

Location: Riverdale

A weekly, action-focused circle of fire + fellowship for those who identify as male. A safe + brave space for men to share their wins and challenges, dig deeper into what’s really holding you back, have honest conversations, set goals and be accountable.

Call/text Michael at 867-332-4722 or email: mjvernon@gmail.com arkabrotherhood.com

ART SHOWS

Until Dec 22 Suitcase Stories by Teegatha Oh Zhe Yukon Arts Centre Explores the Intersection of Art and Disability.

Until Dec 24 Gold by Yukon Art Society Members Arts Underground New works by our members in a wide range of media, all based around a central theme. This year, artists have created pieces reflecting the theme ‘gold’.

Until Jan 22 A God Show by the Southern Lakes Artist Collective Yukon Arts Centre Featuring Joyce Majiski, Helen O’Connor , Sandra Storey, Donald Watt, and many more.

Until Feb 25 Archival Gold

Favourites from the Vault Arts Underground Held in the Hougen Heritage Gallery, open for viewing Tue-Sat noon to 5 pm

Until April 2023 Dis Orientation: New Acquisitions to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection Jim Smith Building There are more than 500 works by 275 artists in the collection.

LIVE MUSIC

Wednesdays Whitewater Wednesday Night Jam 7:00 PM The Local Bar a open mic kinda show and all you have to do is bring in your instrument, find Jack and/or Peggy and we’ll set you up! No need to be shy.

WednesdaysVVinyl VVednesdays

7:00 PM Lefty’s Well Every Wednesday a local record junkie will be showcasing their collections for you, and maybe sometimes trade or buy.

Thursdays Live Music Thursdays

7:00 PM 98 Hotel

Thursdays Well Played - Open Mic 7:00 PM Old fashioned drop in Open Mic - Every Thursday - Hosted by Jon Eastlander! - Show up and write down your name, players will be called up in order.

Thursdays Live DJs - Thursday

Throwdown 9:00 PM The Local Bar

Saturdays Music For Breakfast 9:00 AM 98 Hotel the last Saturday of every month. All New Members to The Breakfast Club Welcome. Music lasts until noon

Mondays Live Music Mondays at Whiskey Jacks 7:00 PM Whiskey Jacks Pub & Grill Patrick Jacobson at Whiskey Jack’s every Monday with a weekly “feature performer” for the last set. https://www.whiskeyjacks.ca/

Tuesdays Open Mic Night with Patrick Jacobson 7:00 PM Best Western Gold Pan Saloon Performers are encouraged to bring their own instrument and mic. All are welcome. No cover.

Wed Dec 21 Problematic Orchestra - Song in the Dark 7:00 PM ‘Song In The Dark’ is a celebration of the human voice in song, chorus and spoken word. New compositions / writings include work by Scott Maynard, Ben Johnston-Urey, poet Peter Jickling. Tickets online

Fri Dec 23 Xmas Dance Party 9:00

PM The Local Bar HipHop/Funk/ Reggae/House featuring local DJs Crispybreaks, Sweet Jones & Funky Kingston https://bit.ly/3YmdKYb

Fri Dec 30 Pre-NYE featuring Patrick Keenan -Damien Alblas - Paris Pick & the Pricks 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well A pre-new years eve bash to be remembered, featuring local singersongwriter Patrick Keenan, new to yukon Damien Alblas playing some covers, we welcome Paris Picks funk and sound to the Yukon. https://bit. ly/3B8rKLb

Sat Dec 31 New Years Eve: The Roaring Rave Ball 2023 8:00 PM Elks Lodge 306 Dance away 2022 with your most favourite Gnomes and welcome in 2023 roaring 20s style! Think Great Gatsby, flappers, glitzy and glamy! https://fb.me/e/306BLs1AD

Sat Dec 31 New Years with Speed Control, Elijah Bekk, and the Unicorn Parts 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well Sweet sounds of riff heavy rock, funk, and dance! 3 local bands, drink specials, door prizes to rock in 2023! Cover at the door includes a Speed Controls new EP! https://bit.ly/3F0Rp9Y

Sat Jan 7 New Orford String Quartet 7:30 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre The New Orford String Quartet brings a remarkably fresh perspective and a palpable sense of joy to each performance. Tickets online or at the door. https://bit.ly/3PesrIS

Sat Jan 7 Folk Coffee House featuring Sour Do Re Mi and the Open Stage 7:00 PM Whitehorse United Church Local musicians Katie Avery and Graeme Poile, aka Sour Do Re Mi, Open stage sign-up in person starting at 6 pm

Wed Jan 11 Elliott Brood 7:00 PM

YAC Yukon Arts Centre A three-piece Folk Rock Alt Country band based in Hamilton, Canada. Described as fuzzed-up roots music, has always made for a captivating, and frenetic live performance. Tickets online or at the door. https://bit.ly/3PnIF2s

Sat Jan 14 The Sadies 7:00 PM

YAC Yukon Arts Centre The Sadies a Canadian rock and roll / country and western band from Toronto, Ontario, performing live. Tickets online or at the door. https://bit.ly/3iUkX1D

Sun Jan 15 B.C. ‘s Sharon MInemoto Quartet 7:30 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Sharon Minemoto - piano, Jon Bentley - tenor saxophone, Darren Radtke - bass, Bernie Arai - drums. Minemoto is a swinging, sensitive pianist with a highly melodic style and a composer of some very hip original music. https://bit.ly/3hcOl2s

GENERAL EVENTS

Wednesdays TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 8:00 AM TOPS can help you reach your weight-loss goals by providing you with the tools, information, support and accountability you need to be successful. Weekly meetings can help you take an honest look at the changes you need to make.

Wednesdays ArtWings Whitehorse 5:00 PM Best Western Gold Rush Inn Are you interested in arts around Whitehorse, want to be more social = better arts, wings are half price, Jacob and Norah from Nakai facilitating.

Wednesdays Spanish Conversation Group 12:00 PM Whitehorse United Church For more info Louise 867-6877238 or Michele 867-333-6081

Wednesdays Texas Hold’ Em 6:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For signed in members and guests. Bragging rights!

Wednesdays Intermediate Bluegrass Jam 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 A fun and relaxed jam, medium tempos, bluegrass and related genres (old-time, classic country, etc).

Lots of opportunities to take a solo if you want, but not at all required. Email ian.boyce@northwestel.netfor more info.

Thursdays Public Speaking Training - Toastmasters 12:00 PM Northwestel Building Guests are always welcome. There are many roles to learn at Toastmasters. Practice 2 minute table topics to help you with presentations and speaking in front of people.

Thursdays Repair Cafe 6:00 PM

Yukonstruct Makespace Bring it in and see if it is fixable using soldering irons, multimeters, and other tools. This easy introduction to electronics and small home appliance repair is a useful evening of DIY learning that you can take home.

Thursdays Prayer 7:00 PM

Mountainview Church We take some time to connect with one another to praise God and pray for our church, our leadership, our city, and anything else in our hearts..

Saturdays Yukon Amateur Radio Association Coffee Discussion Group 8:45 AM A&W Restaurant Hams from outside the Yukon and those interested are welcome to join us in this casual event.

Saturdays Cribbage - Members and Signed in Guests 2:00 PM

Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Masks are mandatory. Members must have a valid 2021 membership and they may sign in 2 guests MAX.

Sundays Mountainview Church Sunday Service 9:30 AM Church

In The Building 9:30 AM, 11AM or Church At Home 7 AM, 9:30 AM, 11 AM

Mountainviewwhitehorse.ca/Watch

Sundays Clothing Room 10:00 AM Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone

Sundays Whitehorse United Church Worship Service 10:30 AM a caring community of faith, based on a foundation of Biblical teaching and spiritual truth.

Sundays Secondhand Clothing Bizarre 2:00 PM Whitehorse SeventhDay Adventist Church Clean clothes needed and donations accepted if in good condition. Please call before dropping clothes off and for more info 633-3463.

Sundays Sunday Gatherings 3:00 PM The Northern Collective Church

Mondays Euchre - For Members and Signed in Guests 6:00 PM

Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Euchre a trick-taking card game for four players, two on each team, As a member you can sign in 2 guests MAX

Tuesdays Men’s Community Group Mountainview Church 5:30 PM We start with a meal and fellowship, then work through a biblical study, and take time to pray for one another, and for shared requests.

Tuesdays Weekly Shuffleboard Tournament 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For members and signed in guests. A double knockout style competition and games are limited to 6 ends or 15 minutes

Tuesdays Chess Club 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us!

Tuesdays 10 Card Crib 6:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 https:// bit.ly/3oWjB5W

Until Dec 21 Spruce Bog Boutique 10:00 AM Featuring original designs and handmade gifts of local artists and craftspeople toys, jewellery, ceramics, clothing and art, this is the perfect time to pick up an excellent handcrafted gift.

Until Thu Jan 12 Avatar: The Way of Water Yukon Theatre Follows the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. https:// bit.ly/3W08t6y

Daily Jan 3 – 28 2023 Pivot Festival

Whitehorse Nakai invites Yukoners to embrace the dark and step out of hibernation to come together for music, stories, and community. https:// nakaitheatre.com/pivot

Daily Jan 3 – 28 The Sun Room Old Fire Hall The Sun Room brings a taste of brightness, warmth, and colour to dark, cold winter days. Transport yourself for 20 or 50 minutes to this otherworldly beach planet and its giant sun. https://nakaitheatre.com/sunroom

Wed Dec 21 CoyWolf Reading 1:00 PM The Guild Hall Colin Wolf will be reading and recording his WIP CoyWolf in support of pitches for the national leg of his tour. Admission by donation. https://bit.ly/3W1QAEK

Sat Dec 24 Christmas Eve Service

4:00 PM Whitehorse United Church Starting in the afternoon with the Toddler Service, moving on to the Christmas Eve Pageant, and the Christmas Eve Carol Candlelight Service. https://bit.ly/3u2QWPl

Sat Dec 24 Christmas Eve Service

7:00 PM Church of Northern Apostles Family service of Holy Communion

Sat Dec 24 Christmas Eve Service

10:30 PM Christ Church Cathedral Service of Holy Eucharist

Sun Dec 25 Christmas Day Service

9:00 AM Christ Church Cathedral Service of Holy Eucharist

Thu Jan 5 Pine Tree Quilters Meeting

7:00 PM Pine Tree Quilters. Quilters of all levels get together to talk, laugh, share, and learn! What’s Up Yukon your #1 source for Yukon Events

Mon Jan 9 Sewing for BeginnersLearn to Use Your Sewing Machine

6:00 PM The Mini Makerspace 4-week workshop series is intended to get you started and over that initial hump of figuring out your machine and the basics of sewing construction. Register online. https://bit.ly/3EL3xvk

Mon Jan 9 DIW - Forge A Candle

Holder 6:00 PM Yukonstruct

Makespace Learn to use the induction forge while making a metal candle holder. Register online, email Kristen@ yukonstruct.com for more info. https:// bit.ly/3TTuxP4

Daily Jan 10 – 20 Old Fire Hall TV

Front Street Five short video works from artists near and far share the joys, beauty, and weirdness of northern life. Streaming each morning and evening from the corner of Front and Main.

Tue Jan 10 Riverfront Poetry Crawl 7:00 PM Shipyards Park Annual stroll along the riverfront as we meet poets in unusual spaces from balconies to train platforms. Reserve a spot online.

https://bit.ly/3iRjmti

Fri Jan 13 Short Works for Quiet Nights 8:00 PM Old Fire Hall Come gather around the otherworldly sun and listen to local storytellers as they spin yarns and share their inner worlds.

https://bit.ly/3Hmwjpg

Mon Jan 16 YFNED Trades Lunch

12:30 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre A gathering into trades to assist the way the opportunities are presented to First Nations Youth and Communities. Email to RSVP Education@yfned.ca

Tue Jan 17 Burn Things! 6:00 PM Old Fire Hall Celebrate the darkness and welcome back the slow return of light with fire

Tue Jan 17 Woodshop Orientation 6:30 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Learn about the Yukonstruct wood shop and each piece of woodworking equipment. Participants will each get hands-on practice with some of the machines.

https://bit.ly/WUY-hHU

KIDS & FAMILIES

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

LAB Drop-In 12:00 AM Heart Of Riverdale For grades 8+, make beats, write, eat food.

Mondays Whitehorse Go Club 6:00 PM A&W

Tuesdays Baby Story Time 10:30 AM

Whitehorse Public Library Rhymes, music, stories, movement, art & outside time. Ages 6 - 24 months & caregiver, Whitehorse Public Library meeting room. Free drop-in..

Tuesdays Toddler Story Time 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Rhymes, music, stories, movement, art & outside time. Ages 2 - 4 yrs. & caregiver, Whitehorse Public Library meeting room. Free drop-in.

Tuesdays Free Super Smash Bros. 5:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe All skill levels welcome! Please bring your own controller, and if you have a Nintendo Switch and/or Gamecube controller adapter please bring them so that we can have multiple setups.

Wednesdays Polarettes Preschool/ Family Drop In 11:00 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club enjoy the gym as a giant indoor play space. A great place to practise skills or just play and explore! Open gym is for members only.

Wednesdays Warhammer Wednesdays - Age of Sigmar 5:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe Every Wednesday

Thursdays Kill Team Thursdays 5:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe 668-5750 Units can be drawn from both the core book, elite book, Kill team annual and white dwarf.

Fridays Standard Format - Magic: The Gathering 6:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe Legal sets = Ixalan, Rivals of Ixalan, Dominaria, Core Set 2019, Guilds of Ravnica, Ravnica Allegiance. Banned Cards = Rampaging Ferocidon

Saturdays Pokemon Saturdays 12:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe Call 668-5750 for more info.

Saturdays Polarettes Preschool/ Family Drop In 3:00 PM Polarettes Gymnastics Club enjoy the gym as a giant indoor play space. A great place to practise skills or just play and explore! Open gym is for members only.

Until Thu Dec 22 Strange World

Yukon Theatre A family of explorers attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures.Tickets online or at the door. https://bit.ly/3ho0HVA

Fri Dec 23-Thu Jan 5 Puss in Boots

– The Last Wish Yukon Theatre Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for peril and disregard for safety have taken their toll. Puss has burned through eight of his nine lives, though he lost count along the way. Getting those lives back will send Puss in Boots on his grandest quest yet. Tickets online or at the door. https:// bit.ly/3uNNOXZ

Sat Dec 31 New Years Eve at Shipyards 7:00 PM Sledding, bonfire, hot drinks, skating. Fireworks at 8 pm

Mon Jan 9 Parents & BabiesMusic n’ Motion 10:00 AM A free, drop-in 30 minute session of music and movement designed for parents and babies led by Lianne Cranfield. Register online

Sun Jan 15 Auditions – Beauty and the Beast 1:00 PM Elijah Smith Elementary School All young people ages 12-18 are welcome to participate in this production. Those wishing to join the ensemble will need to register for and attend a mandatory audition

ONLINE EVENTS

Wednesdays Live And Online Kundalini Yoga 8:00 AM Online Kriya, mudra, and mantra awaken your body and focus the mind. We will follow one sequence until you are able to find yourself in the flow, before moving on. Unfold to your own nature: do what feels good, soak in the good vibes, and watch this beautiful practice transform you. Kundalini has a powerful effect on the endocrine system, improving lymph drainage, hormonal balance, and mood.

Wednesdays Yoga Wake up Flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https://www. rootedtreemassage.com/book-online.

Fridays Yoga Wake up Flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community

Fridays AA Yukon Unity Group 1:30 PM Online For Zoom Room address Contact 334-7693

Saturdays AA Detox Meeting (OM, NS) 1:00 PM Online For Zoom Room address call 334-7693.you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https://www. rootedtreemassage.com/book-online

Mondays Yoga Wake up Flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help

Tuesdays Restorative Online Healing Circles 7:30 PM Online Check-in, Q&A, connect and feel the results. No experience necessary. Register online, or call 335-0078 or email alison@ alisonzeidler.com for more info.

Tuesdays Mental Health Awareness and Support Online it is essential that people build capacity to support those with mental health concerns. https://bit. ly/3GTz6T5

Thu Jan 12 Level 1 Restorative Practices Virtual Training 9:00 AM Online 2-day workshop, you will be introduced to proactive Restorative Practices and learn how to implement them immediately into your interactions at work, at home and in your community. https://forms.gle/ vvDF9EcTgWoNkoLK7

Tue Jan 17 For the Sake of the Children Workshop 5:30 PM Learn the effects of separation or divorce on adults and children. Explore ways to relate to the other parent. Resolve legal issues. To register call 456-6721

Hogan has owned The Yukon Soaps Company, in Mayo (the heart of the Yukon), since 2012. She is a member of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.

It all started in the basement of her house where she would make soap on weekends. Ten years later, it has developed into a big company with its own place—Raven’s Landing. The business moved into the space in downtown Mayo last June. Hogan faced some challenges on the way. In the documentary More Than Gold, she shares them with the audience: “They literally laughed at me,” was her experience when it came to finding a bank that would give her a mortgage.

were taken away from us,” she said in the documentary.

How did the documentary come to be? The Bank of Montreal (BMO), which gave her the mortgage, asked her to make a film about her business. “They wanted to help me share the story about my small business. It started off as a smaller initiative, but once they arrived in the Yukon, [they] spent time on the land with me and community members [and] hung out with Elders, listening to their stories,” Hogan said.

“They realized that they could help me to tell a more accurate story of the North and central Yukon. I take an active role in rewriting and re-righting our stories, ensuring that it is what we want the world to know about us. Our culture is rich, our people are resilient and we are stronger when we are connected to each other through language, culture and land-based activities.”

which are critical needs. It takes business.” The space at Raven’s

“I had a plan for growth, how much space did I need and what was the future of my business,” Hogan said. “But I also looked at what the other needs were in my community, which is why I included housing in the building, both long-term and shorter term, which are critical needs. It takes a village to raise a child, or build a business.” The space at Raven’s Landing was designed by Alanna Quock of Regenerative Design of the Tahltan Nation, built by Justin Van Fleet of Van Fleet Construction, and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and herself.

Her business is holistic. It’s not only about making soaps. “I wanted to be a part of reclaiming the economy down the river. It’s about occupying the land and spaces that

She said that she is using her products to share stories of the North. Hogan is sharing the language with her business using Northern Tutchone Words.

“We forage together. It’s so important for women to spend time together on the land.”

Share the language with the business, she added, pointing out Northern Tutchone Words: Ihtsu means grandmother in the Northern Tutchone language. The soaps are made with plants, according to cultural protocol, as well. Hogan is using Labrador Tea or juniper berries for her products, and by reconnecting with community, Elders and language, she can get support from her community. By using plants from the land and infusing them into the products, it became the stories of the land, she said.

“Using knowledge from the Elders, making soap is one small part of it. Soap making is the easiest part of the business; it’s the rest of it.” n

Elke Reinauer is a writer, based in Germany, with strong ties to the Yukon. Please email comments about her articles to editor@whatsupyukon.com.

Elke Reinauer

has been a big year for Joella Hogan

Raven’s Landing

Following the success of the inaugural Yukon Prize for Visual Arts, in 2021, the Yukon Prize committee has launched a 2023 edition of the privately funded award, which will see one outstanding Yukon artist take home a $20,000 prize. Five other short-listed finalists will each receive a $2,000 prize.

The recipient of the 2023 Yukon Prize for Visual Arts will be selected by a team of three jurors—all notable Canadian arts professionals. The jurors are Dr. Heather Igloliorte, an Inuk from Nunatsiavut, University Research Chair in Circumpolar Indigenous

Arts at Concordia University (in Montreal) and Coordinating Producer for the 2022 Arctic Arts Summit; Michelle Jacques, Head of Exhibitions and Collections/Chief Curator of the Remai Modern gallery (in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) and former Chief Curator at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria; and Sarah Milroy, Chief Curator of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection (in Kleinburg, Ontario) and former Chief Art Critic for the Globe and Mail.

“I am honoured to be included on the Yukon Prize Jury,” said Igloliorte. “As a northerner myself, I understand what the recognition and value of such a prize means to individual artists from the Yukon who historically have not had the same kinds of access to opportunities as artists working in southern urban centers.”

Both of Igloliorte’s fellow jurors expressed a shared excitement to have been selected for this

jury. “Having participated in many national visual art juries in the past, I am well aware of the creativity and talent that defines the Yukon arts community and feel incredibly fortunate to be able to connect to the work of a wide array of the region’s artists through this opportunity,” said Jacques, with Milroy adding, “I am thrilled to learn more about this beautiful region of Canada and its artists. The landscape of creativity in our country is truly spectacular. I am honoured to help shed more light on the work made in the Yukon.”

The Yukon Prize aims to recognize excellence by Yukon visual artists whose work demonstrates technical proficiency and reflects a unique artistic voice in theme, method or practice. The prize’s main goals are to help the winning artist focus full-time on creating art or advancing their artistic development, to promote Yukon art and Yukon artists outside of the Yukon and to foster a culture of curatorial critique and discourse in the Yukon. The prize is open to Yukon artists working in any medium.

In May 2023, the jury will choose the long-list of finalists. This is the first time there will be a long-list for the Yukon prize. Following that, a short-list of six finalists will be announced in June. The three jurors will travel to Whitehorse for the weekend of September 15–17, 2023, to select the winner. A celebratory event

will be held that weekend to announce the winner and to honour Yukon visual arts and artists. All six finalists will be included in a curated group exhibition, in Whitehorse, at the Yukon Arts Centre Gallery from September to November 2023.

The first Yukon Prize winner was Joseph Tisiga. The other 2021 Yukon Prize finalists were Ken Anderson (Khàtinas.àxh), Amy Ball, Krystle Silverfox, Sho Sho “Belelige” Esquiro and Veronica Verkley.

A statement from Julie Jai and David Trick, Co-Founders of the Yukon Prize for Visual Arts, reads: “We are thrilled that these distinguished arts professionals have agreed to serve on the 2023 Yukon Prize jury. It’s a wonderful opportunity for Yukon artists to have their work seen by three prominent Canadian curators. We want the Yukon Prize to help bring Yukon art into the national dialogue about art and give Yukon artists the recognition that they deserve.”

The prize is presented in partnership with the Yukon Arts Foundation, the Yukon Arts Centre and a dedicated team of volunteers. To learn more, check out the Yukon Prize website at www. yukonprize.ca n

The 2023 edition of the Yukon Prize has been launched, with a jury of three arts professionals

2021 Yukon Prize winner Joseph Tisiga, with his piece Dreamcatcher

Manus Hopkins is a Whitehorse- and Toronto-based journalist, musician and lover of heavy metal and cats.

Freelance with

Julie Jai and David Trick, Co-Founders of the Yukon Prize for Visual Arts

ROAD SNACKS FOR WHITE LINE FEVER

On November 26, my sister and I pulled into the Husky gas station at Hope, just off the Trans-Canada Highway

We’d been on the road about five hours. I nipped into the shop to check out the snacks while she filled up the tank with gas. The snacks were tip-top—a bag of wild rice, flax and sea salt chips, another of roasted chickpeas with sea salt, and organic almondbutter cups coated in 60 per cent cacao chocolate.

At the counter I told the cashier we were driving “all the way to Canada!” He laughed. “All the

Many days of driving were of the “white-knuckle variety”

way to Canada, that’s great!”

In fact, we were driving all the way to Collingwood, Ontario, from Parksville, B.C., in the early days of winter. My sister is moving. Her trusty, newly bought 2016 Subaru Forester was loaded with two guitars, two banjos, a fiddle and a mandolin. In the non-musical category were suitcases, computers, all her clothes for the next few months, a road emergency kit, a tool kit and items of comfort for the journey.

Permit me to elaborate on those items of comfort, should you, too, decide to undertake a road trip across the country in the early days of winter: one bottle of Sheringham Seaside Gin, one spritzer of vermouth, a jar of pickled onions and one of olives,

and a lemon. Martinis (after nine hours of white-knuckling through snow squalls, ice and wind, every day, from Kamloops to Thunder Bay) saved us.

Smoked salmon saved us too. Supper in Swift Current (where we bailed because the storm was so bad there were semis jackknifed across the highway and cars in the ditch) was smoked salmon from Port Alberni, and cream cheese on crackers. A dozen Morning Glory muffins baked by my brother-inlaw’s Auntie Di provided breakfast as we pulled out of Kamloops, Strathmore, Swift Current, Winnipeg and Thunder Bay. (In Sault Ste. Marie we splurged on a breakfast club.)

Miche Genest is a Whitehorse-based chef and writer. She is also somewhat of a gardener. Michele has also written two books: The Boreal Feast: A Culinary Journey Through The North, and The Boreal Gourmet: Adventures In Northern Cooking.

PHOTOS: Miche Genest

•

1.

We had a thermos, a water jug and a kettle. The kettle was key, for morning tea and Aeropress coffee, for a thermos of hot dandelion drink during the day. Always bring a kettle. We had apples, and fresh carrots—also key—for the crunch that is not Miss Vickie’s.

In every gas-station shop I cruised the shelves for snacks. We sampled beef jerky by McSweeney’s, by Jack Links, by Great Canadian Meat. (Two thumbs up for McSweeny’s Original and Jack Links Smoked Hickory.) As we moved east, the snack brands changed to varieties I didn’t know existed. Pop Daddy Pretzels. Bills Dill Pickle Roasted Sunflower Seeds. OMG! Vanilla Fudge Clusters. Nutty Club Spearmint Drops.

In Vermillion Bay, you could get a tiny, personalized bottle of Old Glory 100 Proof moonshine. You could also, at one time, have your fortune told by Bobby, a battered mannequin in a fishing hat hovering over a crystal ball, but he was not in working order.

In Falcon Lake, in Moose Jaw, in Pays Plat, the gas-station shop was a grocery store. In Pays Plat, it was also a community centre— people were visiting, chatting, buying Sago brand cigarettes made with tobacco grown and distributed by the Indigenous-owned Grand River Enterprises.

We listened to music, we sang, we stared at the road. We passed trucks, trucks passed us. In Wawa, Ontario, we rejected online advice and drove down Highway 17 S, marked as “Closed” on the 511

Ontario website. The cashier in the Wawa liquor store told us her Purolator delivery guy had made it through that morning. It was open; there was a glitch on the 511 website. But driving those 100 or so kilometres to The Soo, on a highway empty of traffic, was a Twilight Zone experience.

On the seventh day, my sisterin-law met us with martinis at her door, in Collingwood. That night we slept and slept. The next day my childhood friend hauled me into her kitchen to make her sister-in-law’s recipe for guanti—an Italian holiday treat she adores. It was so fun to be cooking with my friend again. Though I confess to missing the pepperoni sticks. And my sister. n

into 1/2-inch strips, 6 inches long. Form a simple bow by making a loop in the middle of the strip and pressing the pastry together at the base of the loop. Transfer guanti to the floured parchment paper, as they’re ready.

6. Heat two cups of oil in a deep pot over medium heat to 375℉. If you don’t have a thermometer, test for readiness by breaking off a small piece of dough and sliding it into the oil with a spoon. If bubbles form rapidly around the dough and it rises to the surface and turns golden in about 30 seconds, it’s ready.

7. Using a slotted spoon, slide 6 or 7 guanti at a time into the hot oil. They will puff up almost immediately and start to turn golden. Turn each bow so that it colours on both sides, about 1 minute, in total, for each bow.

hands,

a countertop sprinkled with flour. Knead with a little flour at a time, until the dough forms a soft, elastic ball. Transfer to a clean bowl, cover and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Line a baking sheet with floured parchment paper. Line another baking sheet (or sheets) with paper towel for the finished guanti.

5. Cut ball of dough in half. Roll out on a floured counter to a thickness of 1/8-inch. Using a pastry cutter, cut

8. Transfer the finished batch onto paper towel and allow it to cool while you cook the next batch. (You’ll end up with many squares of paper towel spread out around the kitchen—the recipe makes about 8 dozen guanti.)

9. Store in cookie tins or cardboard boxes lined with parchment paper, not plastic—the guanti tend to lose their crispness if stored in plastic containers.

10. To serve, either sprinkle with icing sugar just before serving, or dip in a bowl of birch syrup.

Makes about 8 dozen.

Tiny bottles of Old Glory 100 Proof moonshine at a stop in Vermillion Bay

In Vermillion Bay, at one time you could have your fortune told by the now defunct Bobby, a battered mannequin in a fishing hat hovering over a crystal ball

Guanti— an Italian holiday treat

PHOTOS: Michele Genest

squash has a dense texture and subtle almost nutty flavour. When roasted, you can eat the exterior, which makes it a superlow-maintenance vegetable side. This honey-roasted squash would also make a great filling for a sandwich with some salty cheese and sprouts, or even a filling for taco night.

Heat oven to 425 F0. In a bowl toss squash with oil, honey, salt and lime juice. Place seasoned squash in a cast-iron skillet or oven-proof pan and roast for 30 minutes, or until squash begins to brown.

Remove from the oven and adjust seasoning with more salt and lime juice as desired. n

Sydney [Oland] Keddy is a recipe developer who lives in Whitehorse. Her work can be found in The Boston Globe, Seriouseats.com as well as in other publications.

PHOTOS: Sydney Keddy

Kabocha squash

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Winter Solstice from way back

The longest night, the shortest day. Either way you measure, if you celebrate during or near midwinter, or Winter Solstice, usually falling on December 21 or December 22 each year, you are echoing ancient history and traditions passed forward from pre-Christian times from around the world.

North and south, historically people have made the darkest time of the year a time of observance and celebration—including the relatively new festival of Christmas, which is a combination of the pagan festivals Winter Solstice and Yule, with Christian scripture and symbols.

In attempts to convert a population across Europe that was hesitant to practice the new ways of Christianity, the church adopted and combined pagan traditions with the church’s religious rites and calendar. There were already many flourishing and established belief systems and religions with festivals aligned with astronomical events such as Winter Solstice/ Midwinter and other motions of the planet and stars. Meanwhile …

“The Christian church had no holidays of its own; every feast in the Christian calendar was borrowed from the pagans, including Easter and Christmas,” writes researcher Barbara Walker. “Roman festivals were particularly tenacious, until they had to be given Christian names to excuse the people’s continued celebration of them” (Walker 1983, 760).

When in Rome (Ancient Rome that is), during the festival of Saturnlia (celebrated around the Winter Solstice), you would see Christmas-like behaviour, with several days of feasts, games and gift giving. Fascinatingly, during Saturnlia, “slaves did not work and were briefly treated as equals” (Encyclopaedia Britannica 2022)—something I can’t help but to darkly compare to a lavish office party and the paid holidays of many salaried workers in the time of late capitalism/now.

Another example of the mixing of older Solstice traditions with Christianity is found in Scandinavia. St. Lucia’s Day is a festival of lights celebrated in Scandinavia.

The Encyclopedia Britannica tells us, “Although it is now meant to honor St. Lucia, a Christian martyr, St. Lucia’s Day has been incorporated with earlier Norse solstice traditions, such as lighting fires to

I made during last Winter Solstice

ward off spirits during the longest night [solstice].” During the festival, “Girls dress up in white gowns with red sashes and wear wreaths of candles on their heads in honor of St. Lucia.” A holiday outfit which sounds, like so many Norse things, simultaneously dangerous and gorgeous.

Pagan animal symbols associated with Winter Solstice and Midwinter include Lynx, Moose, Polar Bear, Panther, Snake, Bobcat (late winter) and Cattle. The pagan powers and magical elements associated with winter are deep—things like banishment, death, dreamwork, destruction, illumination, insight, introspection, crone/s, magic, sleep, sorrow and grounding. Other symbols and correspondences with winter are Pentacles, Diamond, Labradorite, Moonstone, Clear Quartz, Sapphire, Turquoise, and more animals such as Snake, Magpie, and Swan (Kynes 2013).

In paganism, the magic of names and objects, themes and stories are deeply rooted in the passage of time. Spells and intentions of Midwinter/Winter Solstice are aligned with the work one can accomplish in the real and metaphoric darkness. As the very old pagan saying goes, “As above, so below,” meaning—let the actions of earthly beings align with the stars, the fates and the rhythm of nature. Said another way, let

the meanings of the stars influence the action on Earth. When it is dark, use the dark to celebrate light, as well.

During the time of Winter Solstice, my sisters and brothers in contemporary Iran celebrate the ancient-Persian festival Yalda, or Shab-e Yalda, also the last day of the Persian month of Azar. The triumph of light over dark, and the birthday of the sun god Mithra are celebrated, and “families celebrate together with special foods like nuts and pomegranates and some stay awake all night long to welcome the morning sun” (Encyclopaedia Britannica 2022).

Wherever you are, may peace be with you and yours this Winter Solstice Season. n

Works Cited

1. Walker, Barbara. e Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets. New York: Harper Collins, 1983.

2. Eldridge, Alison. Encyclopaedia Britannica, “7 Winter Solstice Celebrations From Around the World.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2022. https://www.britannica.com/list/7-wintersolstice-celebrations-from-around-the-world

3. Kynes, Sandra. Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Correspondences. Woodbury: Llewellyn Publications, 2013.

PHOTO: Aimée Dawn Robinson

Freelance with Aimée Dawn Robinson

Aimée is a dancer, writer, visual artist, curator, dance teacher, director and creator who has been living in the Yukon since 2012. Aimée is grateful to live and work on the lands of Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Carcross/Tagish First Nation.

Painting

BRAWN VERSUS THE OLD BUZZARD

In the memorable sixties, many comic books had bodybuilding advertisements portraying the 97-pound weakling. The ads were in comic-book form and usually followed the same script. The first frame would open with a scrawny fellow sitting blissfully on the beach with his sweetie. In the next frame all their bliss was crushed in a heartbeat, as a muscle-bound bully kicked sand in their faces.

Stereotypical scenes would then follow where the humiliated sweetie declares that she’s not going to be caught dead hanging around with a wimp. With his pride in the dumpster and his honey skipping out, our scrawny friend decides that there’s only one solution—retribution. Naturally, a few bodybuilding sessions turns the muscle-challenged squirt into a muscle-bound Charles Atlas—lickety-split. The bully is taught a physical lesson and our former scrawny friend leaves the final scene walking hand in hand with his honey, and they all lived happily ever after.

That advertisement was in print for over a decade. It played into the stereotype that the more muscular you were, the more success you would have in life. Fortunately, I was exposed to many instances where never-ending stamina, along with a high threshold for pain, were great equalizers. Inuvik had their share of so-called muscle-chal-

lenged folks who demolished the wimp stereotype.

One scrawny old buzzard, whose nickname was Relic (the name absconded from the TV series The Beachcombers), certainly demolished the stereotype. He was a superb mechanic and he used up more chances at life than most cats. The concept of safety was never a high priority for him. Usually, he would jack a vehicle up with a jackall and then crawl under and start repairing it without proper safety blocking. The old boy normally worked alone, but he was lucky on a couple of occasions. Someone just happened to be in the shop when the law of averages decided that it was time to cash in. The vehicle slipped off the jack and trapped him underneath. His rescuers scrambled to lift the vehicle off of him but they never received a drop of appreciation from below. All they received was a blue-streaked tongue-lashing questioning why it was taking so long.

He was no stranger to selfinflicted shellackings. On several occasions over the years, he came out of the Eskimo Inn supremely pissed. Taxi drivers parked at the bottom of the hotel steps were usually treated to a performance where he would come down the stairs every way but normal. They watched one of his best performances one evening when he tripped at the top of the stairs. Following a half twist, he did a faceplant into the sharp metal grates. After his glasses exploded, his face made a rat-a-tat-tat to the bottom of the stairs. His face looked like it had spent the night at the butcher shop getting tenderized, but the old boy was up and at ’em in the morning.

The scrawny old wrench puller’s strength impressed me one afternoon when he asked me to help him install an automatic transmission in a full-size Chevy.

His request was very simple for me to handle. He would lift the transmission into place by hand and all I had to do was screw in the bolts.

He slid under the blocked-up transmission and adjusted himself into a contorted position and got ready to lift with one leg and both arms. Every muscle sprang into action and without a single ounce of energy left for cursing, he hoisted the tranny into place.

Even though I quickly whipped in a couple of bolts, I still had to absorb a couple of snarly outbursts from the old boy.

“Hurry up, you f@#$&%g maggot. This F@#$&%g thing is heavy. I haven’t got all day.”

For a time he owned one of the taxi companies in town and he made it quite successful. He never tried to micromanage the outfit and he let the female dispatchers rule the roost. They never had to endure any of his verbal eruptions. He was humorous and mild-mannered in their company. His fiery tongue was reserved for men only.

He dumped the booze habit in his later years but it never softened his demeanour. The guy would razz anyone who screwed up in the slightest. For those of us on the receiving end, we believed that he had earned that right, with his superior mechanical skills along with a heart of gold. Over the years many of us were bailed out of mechanical jams by him. We owe him big time.

The last time that I saw him was over a decade ago and he was still working. That memory is crystal clear and is the perfect way that I want to remember him. He was belly-flopped over the radiator on a pickup, working in a tight spot at the rear of the pickup’s engine. As usual, there was a constant torrent of profanity trying to escape from under the hood. The scrawny old buzzard looked like a spring chicken at 84. n

Every muscle sprang into action, and without a single ounce of energy left for cursing, he hoisted the tranny into place.

Inuvik had their share of so-called muscle-challenged folks who demolished the wimp stereotype

PHOTO: Pixabay

Carey Marshall is from Whitehorse and has lived on both sides of the mountain North of 60, for almost 50 years.

If you sense your car drifts or pulls to one side, you could have a wheel alignment problem. The alignment of your vehicle’s wheels can affect the way it handles. Your car may drive fine, but when you look at your tires, you may notice that they are wearing. Your steering wheel could also feel not centred. Our team of professionals can align your wheels by placing your vehicle on a wheel alignment machine. This machine uses laser guided measurements to allow our mechanic to set and adjust the suspension components back to the factory specifications. You can prevent the impact of wear and tear on your tires, reduce pulling and feel confident in a safer drive.

Better Buildings

Get

You can get up to $50,000 to reduce your home’s energy consumption.

Property owners can get up to $100,000 to reduce the carbon emissions of their commercial and institutional buildings.

Find out how to qualify for Better Buildings funding at yukon.ca/better-buildings.

Contact Energy Branch energy@yukon.ca 867-393-7063 or 1-800-661-0408 and ask to be transferred.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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Email: events@whatsupyukon.com | Also, email us if there are any errors!

Please visit whatsupyukon.com for up to date event details. Some events may be postponed or cancelled after we print.

ATLIN

Fridays Atlin Community Library Atlin Community LIbrary 2:00 PM Open two days per week, Fridays and Saturdays, covid protocols apply.

Sundays St. Martins Anglican Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM St. Martins Anglican Church 10:00 AM Everyone is welcome.

Tuesdays Craft Dinner 5:00 PM Atlin Mountain Inn Craft and eat with good company, special meal discounts for crafters. Finish an old craft or start something new!

Tuesdays 5 Mile Group (OM) 7:30 PM Tutan Hit building Next to Centre for Culture Call 1-250-651-7900 Ext. 315

Yukon Communities:

Wednesdays Yukon Unity (OM) 3:00

PM Online Yukon Health Centers, Live Video Meeting Beaver Creek, Carcross, Carmacks, Dawson City, Destruction Bay, Faro, Haines Junction, Mayo, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing, Ross River, Teslin, Watson Lake.

CARCROSS

First Sunday of Every Month St.

Saviour’s Church Services 2:00 pm St. Saviour Church 867-668-3129

Mondays Light Walkers Group (OM) 5:00 PM Fire Hall meeting room 1137 Austin St.

CARMACKS

Wednesdays Toddler Time & Indoor Soccer/Learn to Play 10:00 AM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Wednesdays Teen Movie Night 7:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Thursdays Carmacks Open Gym 5:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Thursdays Family Movie Night 7:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Fridays CTJS Floor Hockey 5:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre Kids & Youth Floor Hockey (5-7PM) and Adult Floor Hockey (7-9PM)

Saturdays Drop In Pickleball 3:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Saturdays Disc Golf Drop-In 1:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre All ages! Free! The Recreation Department has a variety of Driver, Fairway, and Putter Discs to use. https://bit.ly/3QIuxAs

Sundays Toddler Time 1:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Mondays Drop-in Basketball 5:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 5-12 (5-7PM) and Ages 13 to adult (7-9PM)

MondaysCarmacks Spikerz Volleyball 6:00 PM Carmacks Recreation CentreIndoors at the VOC - Rec Center until the outdoor courts at Merv Tew Park & Tantalus School are ready! https://bit. ly/3Ot7cSv

Tuesdays Drop-in Basketball & Soccer 5:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 5-12 (5-7PM) and Ages 13 to adult (7-9PM)

Tuedays Nerf Battle Dome 5:30 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre Carmacks Recreation Centre

DAWSON CITY

Mondays Handbuilding Pottery Drop-in 6:30-9pm Self-guided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with pottery. Newcomers are welcome, though little instruction is provided. KIAC Classroom, back door.

Tue - Thur St Paul’s Anglican Church Evening Prayer 4:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live) Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 4pm Yukon Time for Evening Prayer.

Tue - Thu Saint Mary’s Weekday Mass 5:00 PM Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Join Father Emanuel for weekday mass Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Wednesdays Youth Muay Thai Classes 3:00 PM Minto Park Concession Ages 7-13 Email recreation@cityofdawson.ca to register.

Thursdays Multi-Sport Drop In 7:30

PM Robert Service School Held in the gym, all children under 9 must have a guardian.

Fridays Cards & Conversation 12:30

PM Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1 Dawson City Free! Drop-In! No registration necessary. Proof of double vaccination required for anyone ages 12+. For more info email recreation@ cityofdawson.ca or call 993-7400 ext 299.

Fridays Adult Rec & Roll 5:00 PM Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre Improve your roller skating and skateboarding skills, 18+ Free-Drop in

Saturdays Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00

AM Robert Service School

Saturdays Drop-In Walking Group 12:00 PM Robert Service School Open to all ages, children under 10 to be accompanied by an adult, Parents with strollers are welcome. Set distance goals to achieve or just come for exercise and socialization.

Sundays AA North Star Group Dawson

City 7:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion In person or Videoconference option available Call 867-993-5095 or 867-9933734 for more information

Sundays Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00

AM Robert Service School

Sundays Learn to Skate 4:00 PM Art &

Margaret Fry Rec Centre For those 18+ Learn the basics of skating – register at the arena

Sundays Yin Yoga 8:00 PM Art &

Margaret Fry Rec Centre For a deep stretch and relaxation before bedtime

Email recreation@cityofdawson.ca

Mondays 55+ Stretch & Strong Fitness

Class 2:00 PM Art & Margaret Fry Rec

Centre A 6-week strength class for Dawsonites Call 993-7400 ext 299

Mondays Badminton & Pickleball 6:00 PM Robert Service School Open to all ages (children under 10 must be supervised).

Mondays Adult Drop-In Basketball 7:30 PM Robert Service School Gym – Free Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info

Mondays Young Peoples Talking Circle 7:00 PM Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Youth Centre

Tuesdays Romp & Run 10:30 AM YOOP Hall Email Jen.Suttis@cdcyukon. ca for more info.

Tuesdays Preschool Learn to Skate 10:45 AM Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre Half Hour program for stay at home preschoolers ages 3+. Email recreation@cityofdawson.ca

Tuesdays Hatha Yoga 5:30 PM Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre Improve your posture flexibility and strength. Email recreation@cityofdawson.ca

Tuesdays English Conversation Club 7:00 PM YukonU A weekly English Conversation Club for immigrants in Dawson City.

Tuesdays Magic The Gathering 7:00 PM Minto Park Concession Building FREE Event. Format is commander –Bring your own cards / decks

Sat Jan 7 Coffee House & Open Mic Night 6: 00 PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC)

FARO

Wednesdays & Friday’s Games & Walks 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Walk or play cards, engage in healthy living.

Wednesdays Basketball (Open Court) 4:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Shoot some hoops, practice your skills on the open court. Call 994-2375 or email recreation@faroyukon.ca for more info.

Fridays Badminton 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Saturdays Open Gym 4:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Unstructured activity time where the gymnasium is available to students, families, and/or community members to play pick-up sports. Call 994-2375 or email recreation@ faroyukon.ca for more info.

Tuesdays & Thursdays Parent & Tot 10:00 AM Faro Recreation Centre

Tuesday & Thursdays Carpet Bowling 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Tuesdays & Thursdays Kids Club 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre – Must be pre-registered, for more info call 9942375

Tuesdays Adult Floor Hockey 7:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

HAINES JUNCTION

Wednesdays Adult Volleyball 16+ 7:00 PM St. Elias Community School Meet in the school gym

Wednesdays Village Council meetings 7:00 PM St. Elias Convention Centre

Village Council meetings are also held the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.

[Remote attendance only]

Wednesdays Boxing Classes Bill Brewster Arena 5:30 PM Reach your fitness goals by joining this boxing program! Participants must complete out a waiver provided. Call 634-2012 or email dgraham@cafn.ca for more info.

https://bit.ly/3mGYALy

Thursdays Step It Up with Shelby 7:00

PM Bill Brewster Arena Cardio Aerobic Step Class is a classic cardiovascular workout, using a 4 or 6 inch step platform.

Fridays HJL Story Time 10:00AM

Haines Junction Library Registration is required but the program is still run as a drop in. There is no commitment to come each week. https://bit.ly/3KmBdBC.l

Saturdays Step It Up with Shelby 7:00

PM Bill Brewster Arena Cardio Aerobic Step Class is a classic cardiovascular workout, using a 4 or 6 inch step platform.

Mondays Public Skate Bill Brewster Arena 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM

Mondays Step It Up with Shelby 7:00

PM Bill Brewster Arena Cardio Aerobic Step Class is a classic cardiovascular workout, using a 4 or 6 inch step platform.

Mondays Smart Recovery Meetings

8:00 PM Munku Hall Everyone welcome, call 334-5688 for more info.

Tuesdays Girls Club 6:00 PM St. Elias School Held in the art room, open to Girls and identifying as Girls from Grade 8 to 12.

Wed Dec 21 Public Skate 7:00 AM & 1:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena

Thu Dec 22 Public Skate 7:00 AM & 1:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena

Tue Dec 22 Drop-In Hockey 7:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena

Wed Dec 28 Public Skate 7:00 AM & 1:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena

Thu Dec 29 Public Skate 7:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena

Fri Dec 30 Public Skate 7:00 AM & 1:00

PM Bill Brewster Arena

Sat Dec 31 Public Skate 12:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena

Sat Dec 31 Da Ku’s New Years Eve

Celebration 8:00 PM NYE fireworks show, party bag drive-thru pick up.

MARSH LAKE

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays

Jackalope Open for drinks and snacks 5:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Thursdays North of 60 Seniors

Coffee and Chat 2:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Thursdays Shuffleboard Marsh Lake Community Centre 6:00 PM

Saturdays Knitting Circle 11:00

AM Marsh Lake Community Centre Everyone wielding a hook, needle or pin is welcome.

Saturdays Pickleball Outside Marsh Lake Community Centre 12:30 PM

Saturdays Family Playtime and Open Gym 3:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Sat Dec 31 New Years Eve Party 9:00

PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

MAYO

Weekdays Lunchtime Lengths 12:00

PM Mayo Recreation Centre

Weekdays Mayo Mornings Parent and Tot Time 10:00 AM Mayo Recreation Centre

Mondays Video Yoga Classes 5:15 PM

Mayo Curling Arena Yoga Videos are used for leading each class. Bring your own Yoga mat or borrow ours. Drop-ins are welcome. For more info call 9962043 8979962043

Mondays Dinner and Movie Night

5:00 PM Mayo Community Hall And Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Drop-in Art Night 7:00 PM

Mayo Curling Lounge If you can bring a photo that you would like to work from that would be great. No experience necessary.

Tuesdays Drop-in Curling 7:30 PM Mayo Recreation Centre

Sundays St. Mary’s Church Service

11:00 AM St Mary’s Church (867)6677746

Sundays Communion Service St. Mary with St. Mark Anglican Church 11:00 AM where village members come together to worship and offer service to their community and the world.

MOUNT LORNE

Thursdays Parents and Tots Playtime Group 1:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre

Thursdays Community Drop-In 1:30 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Play games, craft, chat walk, snacks, coffee & tea provided.

Fridays Drop-In Adult Hockey Lorne

Mountain Community Centre 7:00 PM For members or non-members (for a small fee)

Mondays Drop-In Yoga Mount Lorne Community Centre 7:00 PM By donation all levels welcome

OLD CROW

Sundays St. Luke’s Church Service

11:00 AM St. Luke’s Church 867-9935381

Wednesdays Parent and Tots 4:00 PM Old Crow Community Center Call 9663015 for more info.

Wednesdays Adult Card Game Night 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Wednesdays Stroller Walks 10:00 AM Kih Tsal

Mondays Men’s Night At The Rec Centre 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Tuesdays Kids Gym 3:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Tuesdays Adult Sewing 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Tuedays Youth Gym 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

SKAGWAY

Wednesdays Women’s Morning

Worship 7:00 AM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway All are welcome.

Part of the Alaska Presbytery and the PC U.S.A.

Wednesdays Windy Valley Babies 10:30 AM Skagway Public Library Stories, Songs, and Fun with Ms. Anna!

Designed for ages 0-3.

Fridays Skagway Teen Night 6:30 PM Skagway Public Library

Sundays Sunday School 4:00 PM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway

Sundays Sunday Worship 10:00 AM

First Presbyterian Church of Skagway

Wed Dec 21 Christmas Caroling 6:30

PM First Presbyterian Church Join us as we take the top hits of the Christmas Season around town for all to hear.

Enjoy treats, making memories, and surprises along the way. Dress for the weather and meet at the Church.

Thu Dec 22 Holiday Spinning with Kendra 5:30 PM Spinning Holiday theme ride with Kendra! Come enjoy the holiday festivities AND get your workout in!

Fri Dec 23 Holiday Spinning with Kendra 8:00 AM Spinning Holiday theme ride with Kendra! Come enjoy the holiday festivities AND get your workout in!

Sat Dec 24 81st Annual Eagles Christmas Eve 7:00 PM Eagles Hall Annual Nancy Schave Memorial Doll Raffle held, music, and story time with Mrs. Claus.

Sat Dec 24 Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 5:30 PM First Presbyterian Church Bring your family and friends and experience the story of Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love that occurred when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. We conclude the night singing “Silent Night” by candlelight, before going out into the night.

Sun Dec 25 Christmas Service 11:00

AM First Presbyterian Church Every 7 or so years, Christmas falls on a Sunday. So come join us on Christmas Morning after opening gifts and open the present that God the Father gave the world on this day in Jesus his Son.

Mon Dec 26 Holiday Ski in Dyea 11:00

AM Work off those holiday calories with a cross country ski! Gather by the bonfire or fireplace in our studio building. Please bring something to share.

Mon Jan 1 New Year’s Day Celebration

– Send off 12:00 PM As we eat turkey and welcome in the New Year playing games, we will also be sending off the Mandeville’s on their Sabbatical until May 2. Come enjoy food and fellowship with us and say, “Bye for now” to Ryan, Lisa, Eva and Esme until they return in the Spring.

TAGISH

Wednesdays Tagish Library 12:00 PM

Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon

Wednesdays Yukon Learn at Tagish Library 1:00 PM Tagish Community

LIbrary Targeted literacy programming by Yukon Learn at the Tagish Library. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon.

Wednesdays Intro to Yoga 4:15 PM Tagish Community Centre

Wednesdays Beginner and Intermediate Yoga 5:45 PM Tagish Community Centre

Wednesdays Coffee And Chat 2:00 PM Tagish Community Centre

Thursdays Tagish Library 12:00 PM

Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon

Thursdays Carpet Bowling 10:00 AM Tagish Community Centre

Thursdays Tagish Local Advisory Council Meeting Tagish Community Centre 7:00 PM .

Saturdays Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon

Mondays Tagish Butt Kickers Tagish Community Centre 11:00 AM Everyone Welcome, Biking, Hiking, Skiing Snowshoeing, Kicksledding, Ping Pong, Pickleball, Dog Walking & Morer

Sun Jan 15 Tagish Pancake Breakfast 9:30 AM Tagish Community Centre

TESLIN

Wednesdays Pickleball 12:00 & 7:00

PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Thursdays Group Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Thursdays Youth Club 7:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Fridays Young Explorers 3:15 PM Teslin Recreation Centre For those who like outdoor adventure.

Fridays Public Skate 5:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Fridays Badminton 6:30 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Fridays Basketball Drop-in 7:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Saturdays Parent & Tots 12:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Saturdays Volleyball 7:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Mondays Badminton 6:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Tuesdays 3D Archery 5:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Group Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Wed Dec 21 Solstice Drive-In Movie Fest 7:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre –Fun for the whole family.

Wed Dec 28 Family Dinner and a Movie Night 5:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Fri Dec 30 Hot Dogs & Hot Chocolate 12:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Held at the Microwave Tower.

Fri Dec 23 Christmas Skating Party 4:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

WATSON LAKE

Daily Public Skate Watson Lake Recreation Centre 8:30-5:30 PM, Wednesdays 7:30 – 9:30 PM and Saturday 10:00 – 6:00 PM

Sundays St. John’s Church Service 10:00 AM St. John’s Church Service (867) 536-2932

Wednesdays Drop-In Ninja Tumbling 5:30 PM Watson Lake Secondary School All ages welcome. Adults are welcome too, come to do some stretching or try some handstands etc.

Fridays Friday Night Lanes 7:00 PM Call 335-7979 to register

Saturdays Baptiste Power Yoga 7:00 PM Fees apply. A muscle-shaping and mind-sculpting workout, work at your own level and ability, set to electronic music.

Sundays Sunday Nite Volleyball 11:00 AM Watson Lake Secondary School

Mondays Learn to Skate Watson Lake Recreation Centre Sign up at the Rec Centre

Tuesdays Pickleball & Badminton Watson Lake Secondary School 7:00 PM

This was taken on November 3, 2021, in my yard. The Aurora danced all night, with brilliant colours.

2. Ray Marnoch

She gave an energetic and heart-felt performance as part of the finale of the Yukon Arts Centre 30th Birthday Bash. I was surrounded by excited fans, in the brilliant afternoon sun, enjoying her music when stage lighting trimmed Serena with red highlights. A grateful visual memory of a wonderful musical celebration.

3. Carol Foster – Speedy Approach

I took this photo of our German Shepherd, Lily, in our field. I was trying to capture her power and beauty in motion, and feel this photo captured those qualities.

4.

Steve Wilson – Raindrops

I took this photo on our property in Golden Horn after taking our dog for a walk.

During our walk, I noticed that many of the fallen leaves had raindrops beaded up on them and I thought that they would make an interesting image.

I decided that a black and white image would emphasize the sadness I feel when the leaves fall from the trees and will soon be covered in snow.

5.

Janet Webster – Cache of Gold

In September of this year, I was driving up in Granger and the sunlight filtering through some trees brought me to a stop. I used Intentional Camera Movement to capture the woodlands at the height of the autumn colours

Canadian favourite singer/songwriter Serena Ryder rocked the huge crowd gathered in Shipyard’s Park in Whitehorse on September 10, 2022.

Whitehorse Photography Club

6. Maureen Caron

The photo was taken on the South Klondike Highway (Carcross Road) just before Annie Lake on June 11, 2022. Mamma bear had two grizzly cubs (this was one of them) with her and they were on the side of the road scrounging for food.

7. Walter Gutowski – Water Claw

I frequently enjoy a Millenium Trail stroll carrying my Nikon D500 with a Tamron 150-600 looking for birds or interesting water action. Crossing the Millenium Trail Bridge I noticed both. I snapped a couple images, but was not overly excited about them. I walked a little further along the Bridge, looked back and was intrigued by this new perspective. The bird was gone but the curve of the rock, the water falling off the rock, and the meshing of the water and rock lines worked for me.

Beauty is all around us, sometimes we just need to stop and look. This raven was hanging out on a freezing cold winter morning at the parking lot of the Superstore in Whitehorse. One might recognize the blue and red stripes in the background.

9. Gerry Steers – Whistle Bend Boardwalk

This photo was taken in June, 2020, shortly after the new boardwalk was created. Walking along this winding wooden walk over muskeg-like terrain leads to McIntyre Creek on its way to the Yukon River.

8. Ilona Maes – Winter Raven

Whitehorse Photography Club

Graham

talented comedian” -Globe and Mail

national treasure!” -CBC

hilarious” -Vulture

funny” -Winnipeg Free Press

BRENDA BARNES

THURSDAY

Brenda Barnes came out hard in her 50s as a theatre and comedy kid. She’s been seen in productions from Open Pit, Nakai, Ramshackle and Gwaandak Theatres and at The Guild Hall. Barnes has been a Guild Hall comedy regular for years. Recently she’s been thrilled and intimidated to be a part of the Boiler Room series, opening for Marito Lopez, Will Hannigan, Lisa Baker and Sterling Scott.

FRIDAY

STEVE PATTERSON

Steve Patterson is an award-winning comedian with over two decades of international performance experience. Best known as host of the longrunning hit radio show and podcast The Debaters and theatre show The Debaters Live, Patterson’s brand of comedy is best described as honest and erudite combining well-crafted writing with unparalleled off-thecuff wit. Twice named Canada’s Best Male Stand-Up at the Canadian Comedy Awards, Steve has also taken his award-winning humour to the literary world with The Book of Letters I Didn’t Know Where to Send and his newest release Dad Up! available wherever books are sold.

Reid is a comedian, writer, and podcaster living in Whitehorse, Yukon. He has performed across the territory, and is featured on JFL Originals “Stand-Up North: Shredded and Dead”. He is a twotime Canadian Podcast Award winner, most recently having won Outstanding Comedy Series in 2022.

SATURDAY

Jenny is a local Comedian, Writer and Producer. She has been performing for over a decade, with only a global Pandemic stopping her from the stage. Jenny regularly performs stand-up comedy both nationally and internationally. She has hosted Politicians ,Royals and beer fests alike. She is a crowd favourite of burly Miners and Grandmas, and everyone in-between.

Clark is a 3-time Canadian Comedy Award winner and co-host of Maximum Fun’s Stop Podcasting Yourself, which just passed it’s 750th episode. He has appeared on CTV, CBC’s The Debaters, Just for Laughs, and HBO. He has served as the west coast correspondent for This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Graham has toured around the world with his prize winning hit show “Graham Clark Reads the Phonebook”, and is also the proud owner of a Subaru.

MY 2023 PARENTING RESOLUTION

of preciousness, we know that we are now entirely responsible for keeping that child safe. So what do we do? We baby-proof our homes, install safety equipment in our cars, teach road and stranger safety and try to instill a sense of caution into our kids so that we can assure ourselves that they will be okay.

As we enter into a new year, we often think about the things that we wish we could be doing better. For some, it is spending less time in front of a screen and spending more quality time with loved ones, while others vow to finally get to the gym or to start that project they’ve been putting off for months. Since becoming a mom, my resolutions have become more focussed on the things I could be improving on when it comes to my parenting style—or rather, how to avoid repeating a past mistake.

For example, my New Year’s resolution for 2023 is to not be the reason my toddler does a 360 flip out of his sled and lands face first into the snow. Again.

That seems like a reasonable commitment, right? Especially since seeing my baby boy do a snowy nose dive had been the thing that I was trying to avoid in the first place.

The desire to protect our young is something that every parent, regardless of species, has ingrained into our DNA. And from the moment we leave the hospital with that teeny tiny bundle

However, as I mentioned earlier in my question to all my fellow parental figures, when does protecting our kids and worrying about every little thing that can hurt them become something that causes the harm we were trying to shield them from?

Now, shielding them is not a bad thing. Of course we want them to be careful and not put themselves in danger. But, at the same time, we also want to encourage them to be independent and not afraid of the world around them.

Someone once told me that the best piece of parenting advice they could provide was to not interfere when your child is doing something risky, safely. It’s great advice. After all, it’s by falling down that we often learn the tough lessons in life. We learn how to get back up and what we can do to avoid similar crashes in the future.

Speaking of crashes …

It was a beautiful day outside and my husband and I decided to have a fun family outing by taking our toddler sledding at Shipyards Park. We always see families having a blast there, and given that the hill isn’t too steep, it is a perfect hill for our two-year-old to tackle.

So up the hill we pulled him.

As we enter into a new year, we often think about the things that we wish we could be doing better

And as we each took a turn on the sled with him, he smiled and enjoyed himself. However, he wasn’t giving the excitable reaction that we both had been expecting. Now, I should mention, this child is a cannonball of energy—with no sense of fear in him at all. It’s a confidence that I both admire and fear at the same time. I love that he isn’t afraid to throw himself into every activity he comes across, but I often find myself cringing and hovering

when he doesn’t seem to notice the things he might bump into or the heights he may fall from. Especially considering the fact that he never wants me to help him.

Yep, add stubborn independence to our child’s high level of confidence and it is no wonder that he did not want Mom and Dad going down the hill with him.

My husband, who is not the helicopter parent that I catch myself embodying in many scenarios, has been encouraging me to take

a step back and let our son spread his wings a little more. To trust him more. And I want to follow his advice, so when he suggested letting Little Buddy try going down the hill on his own, I fought back the fear and agreed to let him try.

I stood at the bottom of the hill, with every part of my face and upper body clinched, worried that this would be a mistake. Every worst-case scenario playing

I have a question for all you parents out there: When does worrying about your child getting hurt become a selffulfilling prophecy?

PHOTO: Elsie Jordan

Elsie Jordan made the Yukon her home in 2014. She has a passion for storytelling, with a focus on family (mis)adventures featuring a unique Yukon feel to them.

Freelance with Elsie Jordan

out in my mind.

What if he goes down so fast that he tips? What if he lets go of the rope? What if he gets scared and tries to jump out halfway down the hill?

These questions fuelled my actions as my son got his push from Dad and started down the hill—his face erupting into the giant grin that had, up until this point, been diminished. Only, I didn’t see the grin. I only saw how fast he was going. And so, wanting to protect my offspring from getting hurt, I ran up the hill towards him to help slow him down.

Oh, I slowed him down alright.

In fact, my attempt to help “slow down” the sled brought the ride to an abrupt halt, causing my darling boy to fly out and me to fall face first into the spot he had vacated.

Talk about a parenting fail! And even though he was alright, he was rightfully angry with me for spoiling his fun. I felt terrible. Terrible, embarrassed and a little guilty. Not necessarily for worrying about him getting hurt, but for allowing my worry to become the obstacle that wound up hurting him.

Suffice to say, his next trip down the hill (which I was so relieved to see him not being afraid to do) was a solo one—without interference from Mom. And, if the video I have of him doing this is any indication, it was one of the most fun winter experiences he had had thus far.

This experience taught me a lot. It taught me that, while parents should never be afraid to trust their gut or to worry about their kids, we also have to learn to give our kids a little bit of trust too. By allowing them to learn about and understand their

limits

continue to surprise us, and as

And so, I invite you all to trust your kiddos just a little bit more as we go into 2023. I know they’ll

long as we don’t catapult them off-course, who knows what adventures this year will bring.

Southern Tutchone

Ut’àkwädínch’e dzen nàkwntth’ät

dzen nàkwntth’ät

Northern Tutchone Ut’óhudìnch’i hlin dzenú

Southern Tutchone

Ut’àkwädínch’e dzen nàkwntth’ät

Gwich’in Drin Tsal zhìt shòh ohłii.

Northern Tutchone Ut’óhudìnch’i hlin dzenú Gwich’in Drin Tsal zhìt shòh ohłii.

Tlingit Gu.àłshé hà s’àtí yagìyí i jiyís wùk’ê

Tlingit Gu.àłshé hà s’àtí yagìyí i jiyís wùk’ê

Northern Tutchone Ut’óhudìnch’i hlin dzenú Gwich’in Drin Tsal zhìt shòh ohłii.

Tlingit Gu.àłshé hà s’àtí yagìyí i jiyís wùk’ê

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Kaska

Dene Tie chų gúl īn

Hän

Kaska

Kaska

Dene Tie chų gúl īn Hän

Drin Tsul zhìt shò hłąy.

Dene Tie chų gúl īn Hän

Drin Tsul zhìt shò hłąy.

Tagish

Jesus kòhdl īni dzenḕs kut’eh

Drin Tsul zhìt shò hłąy. Tagish Jesus kòhdl īni dzenḕs kut’eh

Tagish Jesus kòhdl īni dzenḕs kut’eh

Upper Tanana Dzeen shìit choh shìit soonayh ahłįį French Joyeux Noël

Upper Tanana

Upper Tanana Dzeen shìit choh shìit soonayh ahłįį French Joyeux Noël

Dzeen shìit choh shìit soonayh ahłįį French Joyeux Noël

and capabilities, we are worried about.

more-resilient adults. Adults who (maybe) we won’t have to be so as we go into 2023. I know they’ll

PHOTOS: Elsie Jordan

My New Year’s resolution for 2023 is to not be the reason my toddler does a 360 flip out of his sled and lands face first into the snow

Continuing Studies Northern Institute of Social Justice

YukonU.ca/nisj

WINTER TRAINING COURSES AND SHORT, FREE WEBINARS

Sit in My Puddle – the art of Empathy and Holding Space

Jan 12, Thur 10:00 am - 11:30 am CODE: JUST CE111 FREE CRN: 90042

Instructors: Megan Grudeski & Erin Legault Delivered: Remotely via Zoom Registra on deadline: Jan 5

Caregiving Through Loss and  Grief - for Frontline Professionals and Family Caregivers

Jan 25-Feb 22, Weds 9:30 am - 11:00 am CODE: JUST CE106  $200 + GST    CRN 90036

Instructors: Hospice Yukon Delivered: Remotely via Zoom Registra on deadline: Jan 18

Mindful Self-Compassion

Feb. 1 - Mar. 8 Wed 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm CODE: JUST CE107 $200 + GST CRN: 90077

Instructor: Marcia Burton Delivered: Remotely via Zoom Registra on Deadline Jan. 25

Responding with Resilience   Feb 7, Tue 10 am  - 11:30 am CODE: JUST CE114 FREE CRN: 90044

Instructors: Megan Grudeski & Erin Legault

Delivered: Remotely via Zoom Registra on deadline: Jan 31

Working with Trauma     Feb 9 - 10, Thur - Fri 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

CODE: JUST CE70 $250 + GST CRN: 90045

Instructors: Liza Manolis & Brenda Jenner

Delivered: Remotely via Zoom Registra on deadline: Feb 2

Coping During Crisis

Mar 1, Wed  9:00 am - 10:00 am     CODE:: JUST CE103 FREE    CRN::90046

Instructors: Liza Manolis & Brenda Jenner Delivered: Remotely via Zoom Registra on deadline: Feb 22

Applied Suicide Interven on Skills Training

Talking Tough (Topics) –The Skill and Prac ce of Naviga ng Di cult Conversa ons

Apr 6, Thur 10 am - 11:30 am

CODE: JUST CE112 FREE    CRN: 90049

Instructors: Megan Grudeski & Erin Legault

Delivered: Remotely via Zoom Registra on deadline: Mar 30

Mar 8-9, Wed-Thur 8:30 am  - 4:00 pm            CODE: ASIS 002 $200 + GST CRN: 90047

Instructors: Megan Grudeski & Erin Legault Delivered in-person:  Yukon Univers Ayamdigut Campus Rm C1530 Registra on deadline: Mar 1

Mo va onal Interviewing

Mar 31 Fri 8:30 am - 4:00 pm            CODE: JUST CE118 $279 + GST CRN: 90080

Early Bird Registra on deadline: Feb 24 $249 + GST

Instructors: CTRI - Sarah Clou er Delivered in-person:  Yukon Univers Ayamdigut Campus Rm C1530 Registra on deadline: Mar 17

Naviga ng Di cult Client Rela onships

Apr 5, Wed 8:30 am - 4:00 pm CODE: JUST CE120  $279 + GST CRN: 90048

Early Bird Registra on deadline: Mar 1 $249 + GST

Instructors: CTRI –Natashaa Cha erton Delivered: Remotely via Zoom Registra on deadline: Mar 22

Mental Health First Aid Canada for Northern Peoples

Apr 11-13 Tue-Thur 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CODE: JUST 034 $245 + GST    CRN: 90050

Instructors: Joanne Green & Laura Anderson Delivered in-person:  Yukon Univers Ayamdigut Campus Rm C1530 Registra on deadline: Apr 3

Sit in My Puddle – the art of Empathy and Holding Space

Apr 18, Tue 10:00 am - 11:30 am CODE: JUST CE111 FREE CRN: 90051

Instructors: Megan Grudeski & Erin Legault

Delivered: Remotely via Zoom Registra on deadline: Apr 11

Yukon First Na ons 101

June 14, Wed 8:30am - 4:00pm    CODE: YFN 001 $325 + GST CRN: 90034

Instructors: Yukon U’s First Na ons In a ves Dept. Delivered in-person:  Yukon Univers Ayamdigut Campus Rm C1530 Registra on deadline: Jun 7

REGISTRATION OPTIONS:

• Contact Registrations & Records at 867-668-8710 EXT 2 and quote the CRN; • Register by emailing registrations@yukonu.ca

POLICY:

Mexico: Part Two

My husband Ryan and I continue our adventures travelling internationally for the first time in two years, with flight delays and cancellations, while also trying to keep up to date with all of the Covid protocols. It was certainly an adventure, and in this part we continue our trip!

Day 4 The Jungle

Now that Ryan and I were in our thirties, you would think we would know better than to drink excessively when we had to get up early in the morning. But, being on vacation, your body and mind can “go further” than you think.

Day four would be our first journey, into the surrounding mountains and jungle, with an electric mountain bike. The 20-kilometre journey was rather challenging … I had never been so hot and sweaty, plus I thought I might actually pass out from the lack of sleep and a hangover.

The journey was long and beautiful and the scenery changed drastically from a well-maintained tourist destination, to less-developed farmlike areas.

It was incredible, with its dense, large subtropical trees and foliage amongst the mountains. We heard macaws squawking and tried not to get hit by vehicles as we maneuvered on our mountain bikes.

Once we completed our adventure, we decided to explore the “Romantic Zone,” with its older-

style architecture and incredible street art, which made it rather quaintly cute.

After exploring for the day, we headed for dinner at Porfirio’s Restaurante. If you want good but strangely displayed food, this is your spot!

Day 5 Islands await (with a side of Covid testing)

Another adventure with Vallarta Adventures was our 30-minute speed-boat ride out to the famous Marietas Islands.

It was spectacular as we ripped out of the marina at sunrise … the jet boat launching off the wake of the waves. Everyone was wearing a mask on-board and we were safely distanced, but as things got a little wetter, it got more difficult to wear masks.

As we continued on our journey to the islands, we spotted humpback whales playing in the waves. It was incredible! What was amazing to think about was that I may have seen the same whales when I visited Juneau, many years ago!

We stopped to watch many whales on our journey and finally made it to the famous Hidden Beach. The Marietas Islands are part of a national park and, as such, require special permission to visit (only 116 people per day are allowed to visit). We were the first ones to arrive and don our life jackets and climbing helmets. The guide pointed to a small crack of light and said we needed to swim as fast as we could (we had just 20 minutes on the beach)!

Three. Two. One! (We jumped into the water and I swam!)

The waves were rolling around and I was trying to swim in a lifejacket as I approached the cave. I was the first one to make it to the beach, and the beautiful, crystal

blue water and odd eeriness was overwhelming. We took photos … a lot of photos.

Once done, we had to swim against the waves, under the cave, and back out into the ocean, to reach our boat.

Next stop—snorkelling at a nearby reef where we got to see some amazing fish and marine life, before a large tourist boat arrived and, suddenly, there were about 60 people in the same reef.

After our glorious morning island journey, we headed back to rest before we embarked on an evening of Covid testing, then dinner. The ocean water and sun meant that our siesta was three hours long. But when on holidays, relax!

Once we got up, it was time to head over to the Covid testing centre, as it was 72 hours before our flight back to Canada.

There were numerous testing centres, all over Puerto Vallarta, with different prices and types of tests. Fortunately, because we were opposite a marina, the cruise ships arrived and a Covid testing centre was situated in the parking lot.

As we arrived, there were no other people there, except for a doctor and three assistants. The PCR test was 2,000 Mexican pesos. We simply scanned a QR code, filled out our information, paid, and got “jabbed” up the nose. They advised us that we would have the results by 10 p.m.

Drinks on the beach

PHOTOS: Kylie Campbell-Clarke

Kylie Campbell-Clarke

Kylie Campbell is an Australian writer and photographer exploring the Yukon.

We headed off to the private marina area for dinner and to explore a different area of Puerto Vallarta. We stopped in for delicious tacos (possibly the best we’ve ever had) at a restaurant called Pezlimon.

While we were eating dinner, Ryan and I received our negative Covid test results! Approximately 90 minutes later, we had our only remaining Covid-related documentation to go back to Canada!

Day 6

Going for a “rip,” eh Bud!

It was getting closer to the end of our trip and our quick negative Covid results gave us some relief in knowing we weren’t stuck in Mexico … so we went on a tour with Estigo Tours.

This was an ATV tour through the city and then into the moun-

tains

ziplining.

and up into the jungle again. Once on the dirt roads, it got very very dusty.

We made it to our ziplining place, in the jungle, at Canopy Tours. During the ziplining event, everyone had masks outside and under cover. We donned our harnesses and climbing helmets and enjoyed eight zipline adventures.

We had so much fun with this company and appreciated that the company had started as a small Mexican zipline company and then expanded to have so many activities, a beautiful restaurant, an infinity pool that overlooked the mountains, and great staff. We decided to book another adventure with them the next day.

After our zipline tour, we went back to town on an ATV and enjoyed the rest of our day eating and drinking, before our last day in Mexico. n

Some of the local fauna

Happy Holidays

from the Board and Staff at the Yukon Convention Bureau

for

It was great fun trying to drive through the streets

PHOTOS: Kylie Campbell-Clarke

The Marietas Islands are part of a national park and, as such, require special permission to visit

CLOSING

Fun facts about New Year’s resolutions

New Year’s Eve is known to be one of the ultimate party nights of the year. But the carefree celebration does not last long. After the champagne bottles are popped and the New Year’s ball has dropped, “new year, new me” is the next thought that tends to cross people’s minds. And to go along with this new mindset comes a list of New Year’s resolutions. People set goals about all kinds of things that range from health, careers, finances, relationships, home improvements, etc. Did you know that this practice of setting New Year’s resolutions dates back to ancient civilizations?

The first time historians found evidence of New Year’s resolutions dates back 4,000 years ago, to ancient Babylon. The new year was celebrated in March to coincide with the growth of new crops. A large festival was held to honour the king, or to crown a new one. During the festival, Babylonians would make promises to their gods. If they kept their promises throughout the year, the gods would be good to them and would grant them favour. If not, they would fall out of favour with the gods.

Historians also discovered the use of New Year’s resolutions in Ancient Rome, during the reign of Julius Caesar. When the emperor switched the calendar from Augustan to Julian, he declared January 1 to be the start of the new year. This is because January is named after the Roman god Janus, who had two faces. The Romans interpreted the two faces as one that was looking backwards, to the past, and one that was looking forward, to the future. Romans would offer sacrifices to

Janus and make promises to him for the new year.

In the 1700s, the practice of New Year’s resolutions found its way into Christian churches where priests would include them during their New Year’s Eve sermons. Although, as this practice became more popular, not everyone thought that New Year’s resolutions were helpful. Some felt that sin would take place even more because people figured out that they could start fresh in January.

In 1813, there was an article in a Boston newspaper (by an unknown author) that states, “And yet, I believe there are multitudes

of people, accustomed to receive injunctions of new year resolutions, who will sin all the month of December, with a serious determination of beginning the new year with new resolutions and new behaviour, and with the full belief that they shall thus expiate and wipe away all their former faults.” A rather interesting excerpt. It also tells us that New Year’s resolutions were a regular tradition during the early 1800s.

Coming back to modern day, there are some who criticize the practice of New Year’s resolutions because the resolutions are often unrealistic. Freelance journal-

ist Harry Guinness suggests that people should be less ambitious with their goals. He wrote in his article “You Should Start Practicing New Year’s Resolutions Now” (New York Times, Dec. 2, 2019): “It’s better to find out in December that a five-mile run is a bit optimistic for your current fitness level, so you can dial it back and start with two-mile runs in January. And to make sticking to your New Year’s resolution even easier, with a few weeks of occasional warm-up jogs, you won’t be starting from scratch on Jan. 1. You’ll already have gotten over the worst of the starting period. You

might even be beginning to see results. “

He may not be completely wrong. Some statistics show that only eight per cent of resolutions are kept and successfully followed through. Perhaps it is better to start small and work your way up.

Regardless of whether you see your resolutions through or not, they are still a great way to setup and plan your year. Goals can be challenging; it’s the effort that really matters.

Have a very happy New Year, stay safe, and crush those resolutions—no matter how big or small they may be! n

Season’s greetings

New Year’s goals can be challenging; it’s the effort that really matters

PHOTO: Pixabay

Angela Szymczuk is a Whitehorse-based writer and espresso-infused, news-consuming “machine” who loves the gym, boxing and spin classes while still finding time to enjoy a Macanudo cigar, a glass of Glenfiddich 18-year-old scotch and pondering how she might teach her cat to scuba dive.

Freelance with Angela Szymczuk

Studio

COUNTING BIRDS THIS CHRISTMAS

Their beaks were cone-shaped and unusually big. I liked them right away but didn’t know what these birds were. I made sketches and notes, on the spot, about their distinctive black eyes and ample red breasts. Back home, I searched on the Web to find the name of these birds. Turned out I had just seen my first pine grosbeaks.

Bird counting fulfills many purposes. It is a fantastic way to gather valuable information about bird numbers and migrations and it is all done by regular citizens, which, in turn, helps to assess bird-population health and leads to conservation actions.

Christmas bird counts have been around for more than a century. Counts are founded by the Audubon Society, one of the oldest bird-conservation organizations in the world, and take place every year in North America between December 14 and January 5. Here, in the Yukon, Whitehorse gets Boxing Day (December 26) to count their birds.

Bird counting is a great excuse to get outside—even more so if some of us have (over) indulged in yummy Christmas food the day before. Take a stroll, with friends and family, or a solo contempla-

tive walk while bird watching. You can spend just a few hours or the whole day. Skiing, snowshoeing, kicksledding and biking are other activities to pair with bird watching.

Social gatherings are encouraged between birders, especially while carpooling to bird-watching spots. Comparing sightings and numbers can help beginner bird counters know what birds to look for and where to look for them. When unsure about distinguishing a specific bird, make a quick sketch or notes about what you see; or, even better, take a picture (if your camera can handle the cold). Colour, size, sound, tail, head and beak shape are all important in identifying birds. Once back home, research what you saw—or go with an experienced birder. At this time of year, fewer species can be seen in the Yukon than during the warmer months. Having said that, recent warmer winters have brought unusual sightings, which adds to the thrill of seeing birds that are rarely seen or have never been seen here.

Each year, the Yukon Bird Club coordinates the Christmas Bird Count across the territory. Com-

munity coordinators are tasked with organizing bird counts in their respective locality. They compile data that is received by registered bird counters and they organize gatherings before or after an official bird count. They also make sure bird counters are spread out evenly, throughout the community, so groups or individuals don’t count the same birds. You can propose a bird-watching spot to your coordinator or ask for suggestions if you don’t know where to go.

This December, be sure to visit the Yukon Bird Club website (yukonbirds.ca) for details about what is being organized in your community. Don’t forget to register with your local coordinator before the start of the official count. And, of course, bring your binoculars and a friend. n

A Christmas Bird Count hotspot is this open water on the Yukon River, below the Whitehorse Rapids Dam, and is one of the few winter places to find water birds such as ducks and American dippers

For someone who, back then, didn’t know her birds at all, it seemed like a daunting task to go outside on a cold December afternoon to identify and count birds—even more so because this information would serve later for scientific purposes.

Armed with binoculars, a pencil and a notebook, I walked on

the trails behind my neighbourhood and hoped to see any birds that would be around.

Luckily, the obvious ravens were close by. The humiliation of having nothing on my list would be spared. Later that afternoon I came across a group of six or seven fairly large, bright-red birds that were perched in a pine tree.

HappyHolidays • JoyeusesFêtes

I was not sure what to expect for my first Christmas Bird Count, a few winters ago

PHOTOS: Jim Hawkings

Gabrielle Dupont is an adventurous spirit who loves to travel across the territory to discover hidden treasure.

Freelance with

Gabrielle Dupont

In recent years, our winters have been warmer and it is becoming more common for unusual birds, such as the American robin, to overwinter and be counted on Christmas bird counts

Fridays Dec 16 & 23: 10 am-7pm

Saturday Dec 24: 10am-3pm Dec 25 & 26: Closed

Tuesday Dec 27-Friday Dec 30: Boxing Days Extravaganza

31-Wednesday

ACTIVE AND WELLNESS EVENTS

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Wednesdays Beginner Cycling Series with Adrienne Marsh 4:15 PM Habit Health and Wellness A series of 5 classes, email habitcommunity@gmail.com

Wednesdays Habit Spin 6:30 AM, 5:30 & 6:45 PM Habit Health and Wellness, Drop in for fun, inclusive, 50 minute indoor cycling (spin) class.

Wednesdays Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Register online

Wednesdays Kids BJJ 4:45 & 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Children’s classes are focused on self defense Jiu Jitsu. A typical class starts with a warm up game, stretching, technique/ drilling, and ends with more fun games! For kids 4 - 12 years old.

Wednesdays Spirit Bear Karate The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 6:30 PM & 7:30 PM Traditional Okinawan Shorin-ryu Seibukan Karate Do. Adult Class (16 y/o and up) http:// spiritbearkaratekobudo.ca

Wednesdays Badminton Adult Drop-in Takhini Elementary 7:30 PM Open to everyone 18 years old and older and all skill levels

Thursdays Habit Spin 6:45 PM Habit Health and Wellness, Drop in for fun, inclusive, 50 minute indoor cycling (spin) class.

Thursdays NO-GI JIU JITSU Eight Days Martial Arts 7:30 PM This class is very similar to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, only the students typically practice in shorts and a rash guard t-shirt, rather than a Gi. There is also typically a little more wrestling and leg locks due to the rules in tournaments being less restrictive.

Thursdays Total Body HIIT 12:15 PM Habit Health and Wellness A 30 minute total bodyweight cardio class. Drop In

Thursdays Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Register online

Fridays Habit Spin 6:30 AM & 5:30 PM Habit Health and Wellness, Drop in for fun, inclusive, 50 minute indoor cycling (spin) class.

Fridays Women’s Brazilian JIU JITSU Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM a grappling based art that utilizes takedowns, sweeps, joint locks and strangle holds to subdue your opponent or attacker. BJJ emphasizes a lot of drilling and live sparring also know as “rolling”

Fridays Muay Thai Kickboxing

Eight Days Martial Arts 12:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Fridays Badminton Adult Drop-in Takhini Elementary 7:30 PM Open to everyone 18 years old and older and all skill levels

Sundays Habit Spin 10:00 & 11:00 AM Habit Health and Wellness, Drop in for fun, inclusive, 50 minute indoor cycling (spin) class.

Sundays Kids Muay Thai 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai teaches combat skills that are good for self-defense along with positive holistic effects like respect, discipline, focus, and confidence.

Open to ages 8 - 12.

Mondays BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM & 7:30 PM a grappling based art that utilizes takedowns, sweeps, joint locks and strangle holds to subdue your opponent or attacker. BJJ emphasizes a lot of drilling and live sparring also know as “rolling”

Mondays KIDS MUAY THAI

Eight Days Martial Arts 4:45 PM a dynamic and engaging martial art that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. The sport is also referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because it utilizes punching, kicking, elbowing and knee strikes. Muay Thai teaches combat skills that are good for selfdefense along with positive holistic effects like respect, discipline, focus, and confidence. Open to ages 8 - 12.

Mondays Women’s Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 12:00 & 6:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Mondays Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 12:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Mondays Habit Spin 6:45 PM

Habit Health and Wellness, Drop in for fun, inclusive, 50 minute indoor cycling (spin) class.

Tuesdays Total Body HIIT 12:15 PM Habit Yukon 30 min lunchtime high intensity interval training. All levels welcome, drop in and first time try it rates available.

Tuesdays Kids BJJ 4:45 & 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Children’s classes are focused on self defense Jiu Jitsu. A typical class starts with a warm up game, stretching, technique/ drilling, then ends with more fun games! These classes are appropriate for kids 412 years old.

Tuesdays Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00, 12:05 & 7:30 PM Eight Days

Martial Arts Often referred to as the game of human chess, BJJ is a grappling based art that utilizes takedowns, sweeps, joint locks and strangle holds to subdue your opponent or attacker. BJJ emphasizes a lot of drilling and live sparring also known as “rolling”.

Tuesdays Habit Spin 12:15 & 5:30 PM Habit Health and Wellness, Drop in for fun, inclusive, 50 minute indoor cycling (spin) class. Until Jan 5 Christmas Bird Counts All are welcome –

beginners, feeder watchers, and seasoned field birders! Be part of a North American-wide bird monitoring and conservation program. To organize a count in your community email yukonbirdclub@yukonbirds.ca

Wed Dec 21 Solstice Shred 10:30 AM Mount Sima One day, all female snowboard camp with après-board appies, swag bags and drinks. To register email info@ snowboardyukon.com

Thu Dec 29 Kick - Grip waxing for Beginners 6:00 PM Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club You will be learning during this 1h workshop how to prep your skis to ensure the best grip when out skiing. https://bit.ly/3hdD6qy

Sun Jan 1 2023 Resolution RunWalk - Bike - Crawl 11:00 AM S.S. Klondike National Historic Site Enjoy the New Year by starting or maintaining an active lifestyle with a run or walk around the Millennium trail (approximately 5km) with your friends, family and canines. https://bit.ly/3Buq4Mr

Sat Jan 7 Don Sumanik Memorial Races Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre Mass start Skate race and Sunday will be Classic interval start. https://zone4.ca/register/ ZN6z98/

WELLNESS LISTINGS

Elder and Counselor available Emotional and Spiritual support, free to Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirited in Yukon, Northern BC: Phone, video appointments or in person. Call Toll Free 866 667 6162 or visit www.yawc.ca for info.

Tuesdays & Saturdays

Counseling Drop-In and Short Term Counselling Service

11:00 AM Canadian Mental Health Association, Yukon Free Drop-In counselling is offered every Tuesday 11am - 4pm and Saturday from 11am - 3pm. Call 668-6429 for more info.

Wednesdays Community Kitchen 11:30 AM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 6672693 for more info.

Wednesdays Dads Matter Group

5:30 PM NVD Place A group for dads, grandfathers, stepdads, uncles, foster fathers, all male caregivers are welcome. Join us to talk about parenting and meet other male caregivers. For more info contact 336-0795 or email ante.tokic@yukon.ca

Maureen Johnstone CPCC, PCC Leadership Coach

Wednesdays Overeaters

Anonymous Meeting 7:30 PM

Overeaters Anonymous For more information contact oayukon@ gmail.com for more information

Wednesdays No Puffin Group (CM) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Wednesdays Sally & Sisters/ Soeurs 1:00 PM Whitehorse United Church A safe place for women and children to access a meal.

Thursdays Hatha Yoga 12:00

PM Grace Space Find alignment mental and physical during this hour of inspiring hatha yoga,. Register online. https://bit. ly/3kFowWQ

Thursdays Mantra and Relaxation 4:15 PM White Swan Sanctuary This class is about developing awareness of your inner Light through the practices of chanting mantra and deepening relaxation

Thursdays KDCC Walking with Our Sisters Sewing Group 5:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.

Thursdays Family & Friends Support Group 7:00 PM Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) A drop-in support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Call 668-6429 or email programs@yukon.cmha.ca for more info.

Thursdays Yoga wake up flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https://www.rootedtreemassage. com/book-online

Thursdays AA Polar Group - O/M 7:30 PM Christ Church Cathedral Join our support group in person or for our zoom room address email aapolargroup@gmail.com

Fridays Morning Yoga Stretch 9:00 AM 7th Ray Studio Easing into the day with gentling warming up and stretching. All levels are welcome Register online.

Fridays Sally & Sisters/Soeurs 1:00 PM Whitehorse United Church A safe place for women and children to access a meal.

Fridays Sacred Breathwork with Derek Endress 7:00 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Email wallymaltz@mac.com to register.

Fridays AA Whitehorse Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Looking for support with your relationship with alcohol? Join the AA Whitehorse Group..

Fridays Men’s Support Group for Indigenous men 18 and over CYFN Council Of Yukon First Nations Family Preservation Services is hosting a Snaring & Trapping Workshop as part of its ongoing Support Group for Yukon First Nations and Indigenous men. Register now as space is limited!

Saturdays Yoga with Amber 7:15 PM Habit Health and Wellness book online or email habitcommunity@gmail.com for more info

Saturdays Kundalini Wake-Up with Nancy Alpine Bakery & Upstairs 9:00 AM Start the day with classic Kundalini yoga sets and meditations that stimulate the mind, activate the body and magnetize your energy. To register email wallymaltz@mac.com http:// www.yogayukon.ca/yogayukon/ Schedule.html

Saturdays AA Hospital Meeting 7:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Mondays Sally & Sisters/Soeurs 1:00 PM Whitehorse United Church A safe place for women and children to access a meal.

Mondays Smart Recovery Addictions Support 6:45 PM Sarah Steele Building

Mondays Live And Online Kundalini Yoga 8:00 AM Online Kriya, mudra, and mantra awaken your body and focus the mind. We will follow one sequence until you are able to find yourself in the flow, before moving on.

Mondays AA New Beginnings Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Tuesdays Sally & Sisters/Soeurs 1:00 PM Whitehorse United Church A safe place for women and children to access a meal.

Tuesdays Yoga with Barbara 10:00 AM Golden Age Society Drop-in Yoga, everyone welcome. Call 335-1996 for more info.

Tuesdays Men’s Community Group 5:30 PM Mountainview Church We start with a meal and fellowship, then work through a biblical study, and take time to pray for one another, and for shared requests.

Tuesdays Yoga by Amber 7:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A yoga class that is for all levels and abilities, register online.

Tuesdays AA UglyDuckling Group (C/M, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral New members always welcome, this is a non smoking group.

THE BEAUTY AND THE MYSTERY OF A YUKON WINTER

_ Discovering the gifts within these short days

Early winter in the Yukon is a special time of year, and yet it can also be a very bleak time of year. The shorter days feel dreary, and the long nights can weigh on you like an overly heavy blanket. Many go to work in the dark and return home in the dark. It’s difficult to not be affected by the lack of sunlight, and even those of us who enjoy hibernation can start to fall into a gloomy mood. Compounding the effect of the shortening days is the fact that the extra moisture in the air from the rivers and lakes that haven’t frozen completely leads to a cloak of fog that envelopes many parts of the Yukon in November and December; and so, even during the few fleeting hours of daylight that we have, it’s often impossible to see the sun. We may wistfully begin to yearn for the brighter, colder days of January and February and the blue skies they bring.

However, there’s also something magical about the beginning of winter. It often reminds me of the excitement and wonder I felt as a child. The joy of waking up to the first snowfall, although dampened a bit by the responsibilities of adulthood, can still feel like a beautiful gift. The ice crystals and hoar frost that form on the trees, during especially moist and chilly evenings, can look like nature’s early Christmas decorations in the morning sunlight. The first few months of winter are a time filled with magical phenomena, if we’re willing to see and witness them.

One of my favourite mysterious wonders of this time of year begins when the lake near my home freezes over. As the ice thickens and grows on the water’s surface and the tension increases with extreme cold periods and the increasing weight of snow on top, the most marvellous sounds begin to arise from within the depths of the lake. If you’ve never had the opportunity to hear these sounds, a young Swedish YouTuber, Jonna Jinton, has posted many hours of

raw ice sounds on her YouTube channel, which she recorded near her home in northern Sweden. It’s sound that can travel great distances, but the most intense “ice concerts” can be experienced standing on the lake itself when you can feel the vibrations coming through the ice and the sounds seem to come from all around you. Some might call it an eerie sound, but to me it’s a reminder that there is so much more going on around us than what we usually realize, and it feels almost as if the spirit of the lake is trying to communicate with us. The North in wintertime can seem empty when you look at it from an airplane window or while driving along the highway, but that’s far from the truth.

A similarly extraordinary occurrence is the appearance of the northern lights in the night sky and, if you’re lucky and quiet enough, you may even hear another kind of almost ghostly sound. Some have described it like a static or a hissing sound, with the occasional pop or snap. Not much scientific research has been done about auroral sounds, even though people all over the North have reported hearing sounds accompanying the aurora borealis since time immemorial. An acoustic engineer in Finland was able to make a recording, a few years ago, but it doesn’t really do justice to the experience of standing under

a dancing sky and hearing the almost-imperceptible sounds that the lights seem to emit.

Maybe it’s the darkness and the short days that make these things seem so magical. Maybe they can act as reminders that nothing in life is only one thing. The bleakest of days can hold lessons or something beautiful to witness. As I sit here and write these final words, the sun has come up and is slanting through the fog, hitting the thick white hoar frost on the trees outside my window. It looks as if a layer of icing sugar was poured over their branches during the night. The lake still has a few open ice-free patches, but I already look forward to the coming weeks when the ice will begin to grow and thicken and sing. We may not get many sunny days between now and the new year, but there are so many other marvels of nature and wintertime to enjoy.

It can take some extra motivation to get outside right now. An excuse or two can always be found to stay inside where it’s warm and comfortable. But if you can muster up the energy to take that walk after dinner or go out on a grey and chilly morning, you may very well be rewarded with not only a feeling of accomplishment but also the possibility of witnessing some of the beauty and the mystery of a Yukon winter, a gift that will be solely yours. n

Ice crystals and icicles

PHOTOS: Jessica Surber

column with Jessica Surber

Rocks along the frozen lakeshore

Refracting sunlight

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Happy Holidays

On behalf of the entire Victoria Gold team, we wish all Yukoners our very best wishes for a happy, healthy and safe holiday season and thank you for your support in 2022.

Since Victoria Gold acquired the Dublin Gulch Property in 2009, we have been so fortunate to experience the warm and caring spirit of Yukoners, which shines especially bright at this time of year.

We recognize all the achievements gained this year at the Eagle Gold Mine have been made possible with the continued support and involvement of our employees and contractors, our business community and, our First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun partners. And thanks to Yukoners, we can continue to provide opportunities right here at home today, and for many years to come.

Victoria Gold looks forward to all 2023 has in store and what we can accomplish together.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

If you are a Yukoner with mining experience, Victoria Gold encourages you to become a Yukoner At Work. Visit the “Work For Us” page at vgcx.com/contact/work-for-us/

send your resume to greatpeoplework@vgcx.com

The Eagle Gold Mine is situated within Victoria Gold’s 100 per cent-owned Dublin Gulch Property located approximately 375 kilometres north of Whitehorse and 85 kilometres north, northeast of the Village of Mayo, within the traditional territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun (FNNND). The company employs over 500 workers and contractors; half of which are Yukoners At Work and many are FNNND citizens.

and

John McConnell President & CEO Victoria Gold Corp

from John, Tara, Katherine and the entire Victoria Gold family.