What's Up Yukon, February 26, 2025 by What's Up Yukon

LEGACY HUMANS GREY MATTERS

Last month I was reading an article from one of those techie magazines when the

These are products that still work and are hanging around. They are not as good (fast, reliable, etc.) as newer models, yet they still have some use, potential or otherwise.

Techie examples of legacy products are old desktops, laptops, iPads, tablets, and cell phones. (I do wish that netbooks could still be used, and I’m dreading the day when my iPod gives up the ghost.)

Tech legacy products can also include some of the tangled cords that you may have nesting in drawers or baskets or other spots around your home. I’m fairly certain those legacy cords don’t breed, but they sure seem to accumulate faster than the devices they serve.

I’m leery about decluttering the cords since I did it one time and then could no longer find the cord to fit my old, old, old Palm pilot. I wanted to wipe it before sending it to its final home – I had to settle for driving over it, instead.

Anyway, when I read the article mentioned above, an idea hit me like the smack of a hip falling on ice. I gave an excited “that’s it!” to the grey cat lazing on my lap. She raised her head, gave me one of those ‘why are you bothering me’ looks, and nestled back down. I refused to let her indifference worry me, for I had found the perfect phrase to describe this particular phase of my particular life.

Deborah McNevin is a relatively long-time Yukoner and a relatively short-time senior, part of the writers’ collective for this

I’ve decided that I am a legacy human being. After all, I still work even though parts of me work less well than they did when I was younger. I work by being a volunteer. I work by learning and trying to use that learning. I work by maintaining a home. I work by maintaining and enhancing friendships and family where I can. I work on my health, although that can be an intermittent effort.

I like to believe I have some use, over and above being an organ donor or a cat-lap. I support the community and non-profit organizations. I shop locally and I pay taxes. I vote.

There is no doubt that the RAM in my brain is no longer fast at retrieving facts, names, or faces, when they can be retrieved at all. This is embarrassing in social gatherings unless a goodly number of other legacy humans are present who also have insufficient or slowing RAM.

At the same time, my disk space is full of experiences, thoughts and feelings that lend themselves out as wisdom, often embedded in anecdotes or stories. I should say that it feels like wisdom to me, even if the recipient may be wondering what I’m

A basket of legacy products and tangled cords

going on about, or may be bored to tears. Fortunately, I can still take a hint, as they repeatedly tap their watch on or check their phone. Or yawn.

Yes, I’m a legacy human being. Useful, I hope. Contributing, as I’m able. Trying to lay a positive foundation for those who come after, despite mistakes and failures of the past, whether from my generation or those who went before.

Now, being a legacy is not the same as leaving a legacy. It’s not about money, memories, experiences or education that others may have when I’m gone. It’s not about the money, photos of folks long passed, shelves of books, and things I haven’t decluttered yet.

It’s about me as an older Yukoner with an unknown health span and an unknowable life span ahead. It’s about living and loving and enjoying lap time with my kitty. In the end, as an old friend used to say: “we are not human doings – we are human beings.”

My cat concurs. n

PHOTO: Deborah McNevin

column with Deborah McNevin

column.

Freelance with Mike Linder

Mike Linder is a writer whose heart remains in the Yukon, while his feet continually carry him to places unknown.

HEALING THE WOUNDED WARRIORS

Rose Haven on the front lines

“We need to bring our warriors back.”

Donna Johns speaks with the authority and clarity of purpose that comes from knowing the enemy, and knowing oneself. She has overcome much adversity in her life, and emerged a woman on a mission. A warrior in the real-life battle against an enemy both cunning and powerful; the drug epidemic that is killing her people.

So far, it has been a massacre.

“I quit counting after 50 people; these were people close to me, loved ones, my best friends, my brothers, my uncles. We have a whole generation of orphans, and a generation of parents who’ve lost their kids.”

Colonial policies broke the social organization of First Nations, and Johns says without their cultural armour, they were left exposed and vulnerable to the scourges of addiction and dysfunction.

“Residential schools; that was spiritual warfare. They completely skewed our whole value system. They set one against another, they had competitions where only one person could win. That is not our way.”

Working together did not make her people any less fierce or proud, she says. It was the only

way they could travel the rivers that connected their communities. Her own Tlingit ancestors came from the Alaskan coast and intermarried with the inland Tagish nation.

“We were the people of the canoe. We never lost one battle. For 371 years our ancestors kept the invaders out. Then Spanish Flu wiped out between 50 and 90 percent of us. That’s when the white people were able to come in. We were overrun.”

The canoe and the rivers of the Yukon and Alaska have been central in Johns’s own life. She taught herself to canoe and to “read the river.” She went on to become the first female canoe leader in over 125 years. She competed in her first Yukon River Quest in 2015; limping to the finish line in a bad boat with an exhausted crew.

“One of the team almost died of hypothermia, and that same day my friend almost died from heatstroke. You learn. The next year

we got a good boat, came back experienced and won in 2016!”

She’s won the quest or come close every year since, and she brings the same determination to all aspects of her life. Since 2019 she’s been building Rose Haven, parenting and completing a bachelor’s degree in recreation, sports and tourism and three certificates in aboriginal sport, fine arts and wilderness guiding.

cont’d on page 22 ...

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Donna Johns and Rose Haven

Donna and Jamie Sue in the canoe

LOVER GIRL

Whitehorse R&B singer Jeymama to release debut single February 20

Jemymah Familoni, professionally known as Jeymama, is already garnering a following ahead of the release of her first single. That’s not to say she hasn’t been working at her dream for a long time.

She’s known she would pursue music since she started singing at age 11. Now 18, she’s proud to have her song “Lover Girl,” finally here.

“I put my heart, my soul, my blood and my sweat into this song,” she says. “It wasn’t easy to produce.”

Familoni found that her first recording of “Lover Girl” didn’t match her artistic vision, and despite feeling like it was a setback, she persevered and remade the song over and over again until she landed on what she had originally heard in her own head.

ing about a relationship in which she’d felt taken for granted, and hopes anyone who can relate to that feeling can enjoy the song.

“I wanted to put the emotion I felt into the track,” she says. “It’s really hard to do that, but I did it, I feel.” When asked to describe the song, Familoni’s first word is “self-empowerment: it’s a confession that I am the lover girl, but don’t take me for granted; I’m not dumb and I know what I’m doing.”

ing up to dropping her first music, admitting she’s going into the unknown. Looking back to her childhood, she says it was one thing to dream of being a music artist, but another thing entirely to be working towards making that dream a reality.

Beyond “Lover Girl,” Familoni is planning to release more music, which she’s been hard at work writing, with the goal of releasing an EP in the next year. “I’m writing, I’m erasing and I’m tweaking,” she says. “It’s really in the foundation stage right now.”

Cover of Jeymama’ debut single, to be released February 20

“It’s not perfect, because I didn’t want it to be perfect, I wanted it to be authentic,” she says. “It’s still very good, but I really wanted it to capture my mind and the mind of a 17-yearold singing about love.”

Originally from Nigeria, Familoni wanted to use afrobeats elements in the song to honour her roots, while also taking heavy inspiration from R&B music. Intent on bringing her canvas of ideas to life, she admits the first draft of the song left her feeling depressed, knowing she could do much better to blend her array of stylistic inﬂuences and give her strongest performance.

Familoni wrote “Lover Girl” in her bedroom when she was think-

Feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness for the song’s release, Familoni notes that she may face some criticism, but hopes also to receive some love for the single. With a following of over 1,400 Instagram users, she is confident that she will be able to push the release to her fans, whom she calls “Jemmies.”

“I’ve been teasing them a lot on social media – they don’t know how the song sounds, really, but I’ve posted some snippets to keep them excited,” Familoni says. “They haven’t heard the song, and I’m really excited to hear their feedback.”

Familoni didn’t anticipate the uncertainty she would feel lead-

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Mainly drawing from her own experiences in life, but also occasionally finding inspiration in movies and TV shows for her writing, Familoni writes whatever comes into her head, going back and changing, adding and taking out things afterwards to form full songs. “I feel relieved and empowered,” she says of her writing process.

Familoni has been seen performing around Whitehorse at various open mic nights and live music events, something she will also continue to do as she writes, records and releases new music. “I just perform wherever I get the chance to,” she says.

“Lover Girl” is available on all music streaming platforms as of Feb. 20.

“If you’ve ever been taken for granted because of how kind and loving you are, go listen to this song, because it’s going to help you get through those emotions,” she says. “That’s really the main theme.”

To keep up with Familoni, follow her on Instagram at instagram.com/j3ymama

“I’m just a girl with dreams who is chasing her dreams, and I hope it works out,” she says. n

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PHOTO: Courtesy of Jemymah Familoni

column with Dan Davidson

Dan Davidson retired after more than three decades teaching in Yukon schools. He

A PERSISTENT GHOST AND A SAUCY PARROT MOOSE

The Caribou Hotel: Hauntings, hospitality, a hunter, and the parrot

By John Firth

John Firth/Caribou Hotel

244 pages

$19.95

The subtitle of Firth’s 2019 history of the Carcross area describes the highlights covered in its 33 chapters. There are several ghost stories that wend their way through its pages, including one at the beginning and another at the end. There are stories of the later years of two of the men who helped to discover the gold in the Klondike.

In spite of the main title and the fact that the chapters keep circling back to the hotel, the book is about a lot more than just that building. Firth traces the histories of several hotels, including the Anderson Hotel in Bennett, which was eventually moved up the lake to Carcross and remodeled into the Caribou, so

City sometimes ended up in Dawson Creek, so this makes sense.

Aside from the gold rush, a number of other projects impacted the area, including the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway (establishment and subsequent shutdown), the building of the Alaska Highway, the Canol Road oil project, the tourism link to Atlin, and the development of the road to Skagway.

side Jack London’s cabin. Robert Service’s cabin was a 10-minute walk from my front door.

“Today I live in Whitehorse, Yukon. From here I can hike on ancient First Nation trading trails across the coastal mountains, follow the route of the riverboats down the Yukon River or discover long lost places hidden in the interior trenches.”

Firth’s other books include One

Mush: Jamaica’s Dogsled

The look of the book is deliberately old and engaging. The pages are a sort of an off-white colour that looks as if you are leafing through the book and seeing their edges as you go. The print is a little bit lighter than the usual black, making it appear that you are looking at an older document.

named because the animals were once vital to the lives of the local First Nation people.

The sans-serif font takes a little getting used to, but contributes to the overall effect. Firth tells me that this was the intent of the design choices, and it seems to work well.

Indeed, Caribou Crossing was the original name of the town, changed in 1904 because the Canadian Postal Service found it conﬂicted with similar names in British Columbia. Before postal codes, mail addressed to Dawson

One project that was discussed for years, but fortunately never came to pass, was a proposal to ﬂood the entire area in order to generate electricity.

This is also a book about people: Dawson Charlie, Skookum Jim, Archie Lang, Colonel Conrad, Patsy Henderson, Jack Stewart, Bessie Gideon, Johnnie Johns, Dorothy Hopcott, as well as Jamie Toole and Anne Morgan, the current owners.

And, of course, who can forget Polly the parrot – a male bird, in spite of his name. He came to live there in 1918 and remained until his death in 1972, at the age of 126, which must have made him the longest resident ever.

This is a delightful book. I found its short chapters were easy reading when I only had a few minutes to spare, but I often found myself reading more than one.

John Firth, currently Yukon’s Story Laureate, describes himself and his work on his website. He grew up in Dawson City and told the audience about some of his boyhood there in an address at the 2024 Commissioner’s Ball at the Palace Grand Theatre.

“The Klondike Gold Rush was my backyard,” he writes, “and I was surrounded by writers, both living and long gone. Pierre Berton’s childhood home was just down the street. Dick North lived on the next block over, right be-

dog race between Fairbanks and Whitehorse; and his latest, North Star: The Legacy of Jean-Marie Mouchet (2024). n

including two columns in What’s Up Yukon. John Firth emceed and spoke at the

Commissioner’s Ball in June

Team; Yukon Sport : An Illustrated Encyclopedia; River Time: Racing the Ghosts of the Klondike Rush; Better Than A Cure: One man’s journey to free the world of Polio (with Ramesh Ferris); Yukon Quest: The 1000-mile sled

CTHE CONTRIBUTIONS OF YUKON FRANCOPHONE WOMEN

column with

Angélique Bernard

Angélique Bernard is a translator, communications specialist, radio host, writer and community volunteer. She was the Commissioner of Yukon from 2018 to 2023.

2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Les Essentielles. For this occasion, short biographies of Yukon francophone women will be presented throughout the year in the pages of our paper. Thank you to l’Association francoyukonnaise, l’émission Rencontres, and l’Aurore boréale for their collaboration in this project.

Cécile Girard

écile Girard was born in Chénéville, in Québec. Her family moved to Laval when Cécile was 12 years old.

Cécile studied history at the Université de Montréal and completed a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts at the University du Québec à Montréal. She moved to the Yukon in 1981 to look after her sister’s children. She felt at home as soon as she arrived in the territory.

She worked with other parents to create the francophone daycare La Garderie du petit cheval blanc and chaired the organization’s first board of directors.

Cécile was the director and editor of the Yukon francophone newspaper l’Aurore boréale from 1988 to 2013.

She co-authored the book Un Jardin sur le toit about the presence of francophones in the Yukon. She wrote and illustrated J’ai mis tes mocassins, published in 1993, and co-authored the play Un boulet poids plume for the Health Community Network (PCS).

She created the Yukon francophone ﬂag in 1986 and led the doll project De ﬁl en histoires/Stitches in Time in 2017.

Cécile is a member of a francophone artist collective called “La bête à cinq têtes”. It presented the exhibition La Chasse-galerie at the Yukon Arts Centre in October 2023.

We can find her art in private collections in Canada, Europe and the United States. For her community involvement, Cécile received the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.

Denise Beauchamp

Denise Beauchamp was born on October 10, 1956 in Saint-Jérôme, Québec, and grew up in Sainte-Adèle.

She started a bachelor’s degree in sociology at the Université du Québec à Montréal.

Looking for adventure, Denise arrived in the Yukon in September 1980. She worked as a bilingual tour guide on the SS Klondike sternwheeler, from 1981 to 1983.

She also studied at Yukon College in the first version of the Yukon Teacher Education Program (YTEP).

She returned to Montréal to finish her studies and received a diploma in second language education with a teaching certificate in 1985 and returned to the Yukon. She also holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Alaska Southeast (Juneau).

Denise taught at the elementary and secondary levels in Whitehorse for 29 years and redesigned the F.H. Collins’ library. She went to Africa on three occasions to teach adults as part of the Overseas Service Program.

She chaired Les Esssentielle’s board of directors in 2014 and 2015 and took part in the Francophone doll creation project Stitches in time: Yukon history makers in 2017.

Now retired, Denise participates in various art workshops and activities organized by Franco 50, records articles for l’Aurore boréale, is a board member of the Yukon francophone History Society, recorded a podcast for the project Stories of our Yukon francophone elders and acted in the French play Tu te souviendras de moi.

In the Yukon, Denise found a sense of well-being through nature.

Marie-Hélène Comeau

Marie-Hélène

Comeau was born in January 1969 in Montréal, Québec. She spent her youth between the city, in a suburb of Montréal, and the countryside, at Sainte-Anne-de Sabrevois, on the shores of the Richelieu River.

Marie-Hélène completed a bachelor’s degree in anthropology at the Université de Montréal and needed to keep moving. She arrived in the Yukon in 1992, looking for adventure. Before leaving Québec for the territory, she received a phone call offering her a position as a French monitor during the school year.

She worked at the Association francoyukonnaise (AFY) in family literacy and as the first official journalist for l’Aurore boréale

Marie-Hélène completed a master’s degree in anthropology on linguistic transmission in Yukon mixed families and a doctorate in Arts Studies and Practices at the Université du Québec à Montréal on the Yukon francophone identity building in a migratory context through a series of art workshops. She discovered the social role that an artist can play at the community level.

Since 2013, Marie-Hélène has been coordinating the Yukon component of the Caravane des dix mots. She also acted in several community plays in English and French and created sets.

After more than 30 years in the Yukon, Marie-Hélène has realized how privileged she is to observe and participate in the development of the Yukon francophone community. As an artist living in a minority French setting in the Yukon, she enjoys exploring various aspects of artistic creation.

Hélène Saint Onge

Hélène Saint Onge was 12 years old when she first heard about the Yukon at Camp Minogami, near Shawinigan. In 1984, Hélène finally arrived in the territory. She worked as a French monitor and as a teacher at École Whitehorse Elementary School. She finished her education career as the principal of École ÉmilieTremblay and École Whitehorse Elementary School.

Retired for eight years now, Héléne has rediscovered her passion for travelling and enjoys discovering new countries. An avid walker, she walks the Camino de Santiago every year in Europe.

Hélène was president of the Association franco-yukonnaise, represented the Yukon on the boards of the National Francophone Parents Commission and the French-Canadian Cultural Federation, and was a board member of Nakai Theatre. She participated in the exhibition Elles se racontent in 2017.

She co-founded the educational theatre company Le Théâtre de la Pastèque in the ’90s and presented six children’s plays. She received a national award from the Canadian French Language Teachers Association for the creation of educational guides, as well as a territorial education award. She played the role of Émilie Tremblay in a video on the life of the francophone pioneer. She produced the musical Le Petit Prince with 450 French immersion students at the Yukon Arts Centre.

It is important for Hélène to see that educational and community institutions have kept pace with the francophone growth and are now welcoming a third generation of Yukon francophone children, including her grandchildren!

PHOTO: Arts and Culture Department, Association franco-yukonnaise

PHOTO: Vernon Marshall

PHOTO: Marie-Hélène Comeau

PHOTO: Hélène Saint Onge

PARTY TIME

WE’RE GIVIN G AWAY UPTO 1 MILLIO N POINTS!

MARCH 8 &9

Our “POINTS PARTY” event includes fun activities for the kids’, food and beverages, and a giveaway of up to 1,000,000 More Rewards Points, (that’s a value of $4,200).

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Prizes: Up to 1,000,000 More Rewards Points (that’s $4,200 in travel)

Event Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

“minimum in-store purchase required and proof of sale with receipt”

How it Works: Customers enter the cube and grab as many points as they can within 10 seconds. Whatever points they carry out, they keep.

ART SHOWS

Until Mar 1 Maux & Merveilles by Association franco-yukonnaise Arts

Underground Featured artists: Aurore Favier, Cécile Girard, Françoise La Roche, Joe La Jolie, Karen ÉloquinArseneau, Maryne Dumaine.

Until Mar 1 It’s Weird Down Here by Amy Kenny & Tedd Tucker Arts Underground Highlighting 10 of the 100 stories interpreted by the collection. A sort of exhibition-y amuse-bouche to give you a taste of the particular brand of shenanigans you’ll find in the pages of It’s Weird Up Here

Until March 1 Growing Up With the Yukon - The Van Bibber family Arts Underground Showcases selections from almost two thousand photographs taken by the Van Bibber family between 1919 and 1965

LIVE MUSIC

Sat Mar 1-3 Coffeehouse ft. Caleb

Tomlinson + The Perseids 7:30 PM Whitehorse United Church Caleb Tomlinson and the Perseids perform beautifully crafted, lyrically driven, altcountry and folk music. An all ages event that provides a venue for audiences to enjoy emerging local performers.

Sat Mar 1-3 Adversary - A Musical Journey 7:30 PM CSSC Mercier

Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon Join us at sunset for an unforgettable evening of music and harmony in the atrium of CSSC Mercier! Experience the magic as the choir takes the stage at this in-person event.

Sun Mar 2 JOTW – Vancouver Pianist

Miles Black Trio 7:30 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Miles Black is highly acclaimed as an arranger, producer, composer, session musician, guitarist, vocalist and much more, and recognized as one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz pianists. https://jazzyukon.ca/

Sat Mar 8 Karl Stobbe & Friends 7:00

PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Karl Stobbe (violin), Paul Marleyn (cello) and Paul Williamson (piano) anchor this show. They will also be joined by some of the Yukon’s finest classical players. https:// yukonartscentre.com/whats-on/karlstobbe-and-friends/

Sat Mar 8 Funk It - Lets Try

Something New 8:00 PM 98 Hotel Funk it - keep the beats up, the lyrics fresher than a salad made of pure iceberg, superheat an electrified guitar and hand out bass in equal parts smooth and crunchy.

Monthly

Mondays

Gray Jay Café 6:00 PM Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House.

Tuesdays

Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Wednesdays

Intermediate Jam - Bluegrass & Old

Time 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion biweekly Hosted by the Yukon Bluegrass Society

Karaoke 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Whitewater Wednesday 8:00 PM 98

Hotel

Thursdays

Muster Point 6:30 PM Baked Cafe

Muster Point live and featuring a rotating lineup of local guest artists.

Ginger Jam 7:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Fridays

Live Music 6:00 PM Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House.

Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Saturdays

Live Music at Whiskey Jacks 7:00 PM Whiskey Jacks Pub & Grill. whiskeyjacks.ca/

Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Sundays

Open Jam 8:00 PM 98 Hotel

GENERAL EVENTS

Tue Feb 25 Sugarcane 6:00 PM Yukon

Theatre Amidst a groundbreaking investigation, illuminates the heartbreak and beauty of a community breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and finding the strength to survive.

https://yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/ sugarcane

Tue Feb 25 Sing Sing 8:00 PM Yukon Theatre Divine G (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group with other incarcerated men. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/ schedule/sing-sing2

Wed Feb 26 Beginner Crochet Workshop - Cozy Cowl 6:00 PM Northern Bohemian Studio A beginner crochet workshop includes all you need to create a beautiful cowl from brushed yarn. Register in Advance- space is limited, all materials included.

Thu Feb 27 Lighting & Shooting for Green Screen 5:30 PM SPYA Gear House A 2-hour workshop with instructor Sam Fleming on lighting and shooting with green screens. Email clientservices@spya.ca for more info.

Thu Feb 27 Elevate your Food & Product Photography with Your Phone 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Led by Tara Klippert, a food & product photographer, food blogger, and serial entrepreneur based in Whitehorse. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ yukonstructentrepreneurprogramming

Thu Feb 27 True Colours Talent Show 12:00 PM Yukon University Whitehorse Campus Dust off your dancing shoes. Tune your guitar. Practice your best poem. Sew on those sequins. To participate, email icoyote@yukonu.ca with a description of your act.

Thu Feb 27 Climb Yukon Fundraiser and Open House! 4:00 PM MacBride Museum Climb Yukon open house and opportunity to become a founding member by pre-purchasing your gym membership at peak early bird pricing https://www.climbyukon.com/

Fri Feb 28 Dune - Part Two 7:00 PM Yukon Theatre Explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/ dune-part-two2

Sat Mar 1-3 Stunt Workshop - Fighting & Falling Safely on Camera 10:00 AM SPYA Gear House 1-day masterclass in stunt work for the camera with professional stuntman Paul Rutledge. Learn the do’s and don’ts of how to safely fight and fall, while making it look great for the camera! Email clientservices@spya.ca for more info.

Sat Mar 1-3 Swing Dance Weekendwith Lindy Hop 10:00 AM Old Fire Hall 2 incredible, nationally-recognized visiting instructors bringing their expertise, energy, and love for Lindy Hop, Jazz, and all things swing to the Yukon!

Sat Mar 1 10th Anniversary Yukon Beer Festival 7:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Gather your favourite beer buddies, and join us for an evening of delicious craft brews. https://ybfs.ca/ Sun Mar 2 Yukon Home Wise ExpoHow to buy and maintain your home in the Yukon 11:00 AM Best Western Gold Rush Inn Hosted by Realtors Sara Skelton & Julie Clark at Coldwell Banker, this event brings together local experts in mortgages, insurance, roofing, electrical, plumbing, flooring, heating systems, windows, and more!

Sun Mar 2 & 9 DIY Jacket Workshop

1:00 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Customize and decorate your clothes, raid our art supply stash, or create your own pin-back buttons with a button machine! Drop-in, all genders, ages, and skill levels welcome!

Tue Mar 4 Workplace Violence Prevention & De-escalation Training 9:00 AM NorthLight Innovation A full day, in-person comprehensive training course for business owners and employees.

Wed Mar 5 Klondike Karaoke 6:30 PM Old Fire Hall Belt out your favorite hits, wow the crowd, and compete for cash prizes. grab the mic and sing it like you mean it. Spectators are welcome. No registration required.

Wed Mar 5 Working with Clients 12:00

PM SPYA Gear House A 1-hour lunch time course, with Naomi Mark of Midnight Light Media, learn best practices and what to expect when you move into the corporate world. Email clientservices@ spya.ca for more info.

Fri Mar 7 Comedy - Keith Pedro ft.

Simon Glassman 7:00 & 9:30 PM Boiler Room Lounge Keith Pedro, a trailblazing Filipino headlining comedian whose bold style, dark humor, and hip-hop influences have made waves across North America. The show will also feature Edmonton headliner, Simon Glassman! https://www. jumpcomedy.com/e/keith-pedro-ft-simonglassman-live-at-the-boiler-room

Sat Mar 8 Assistant Directing Master

Class 10:00 AM SPYA Gear House

This hands-on weekend workshop will introduce you to the key skills of an assistant director and prepare you for working on sets in the future. Email clientservices@spya.ca for more info.

Sat Mar 8 Comedy - Keith Pedro ft.

Simon Glassman 7:00 PM Boiler Room Lounge Keith Pedro, a trailblazing Filipino headlining comedian whose bold style, dark humor, and hip-hop influences have made waves across North America. The show will also feature Edmonton headliner, Simon Glassman!

Mon Mar 10 Data Basics for Business Owners 12:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre An interactive session designed to help you make sense of the numbers behind your business. https://techyukon. ca/event/data-basics-for-businessowners/

Monthly

2nd Monday Ukulele Group 6:00 PM Golden Age Society salvin@northwestel. net 2nd Monday Whitehorse Slow Jam 7:00 PM Golden Age Society 2nd & 4th Mondays Service Officer 7:00 AM Royal Canadian Legion Whitehorse An invite to all Veterans, Police and First responders for the service hour at the Legion, socialise and find out what is going on. https://bit.ly/3Lm40ZG 2nd & 4th Wednesdays Whitehorse Photography Club - Meetup 7:00 PM Yukon University - Whitehorse Campus Held in Rm A2204. Discuss photography, share your work, learn new tips and tricks. http://whitehorsephotoclub.ca/ First Thursdays QYS Craft Night 7:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache This is a great place to gather and meet other queer crafters. And there will be tea of course. Regular drop-in is still available.

2nd Thursday QYS Movie Nights 5:00

PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache Last 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.

2nd Thursday Music Trivia 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Come on out and test your music knowledge! Teams of no more than 6 people.

Last Friday Pioneer Women of Yukon

12:00 PM Golden Age Society

3rd Sundays Messy Church 3:00

PM Christ Church Cathedral church for children and adults that involves creativity, celebration and hospitality. Crafts, singing and food will be the focus.

2nd & 4th Sundays Grade 8 – 12

High School Youth Group 6:00 PM

Mountainview Church A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith. https://mountainview.church/connect/ youth Monthly

Weekly

Mondays

Mtg: Competitive Commander 6:00

PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Women’s Bible Study 6:00 PM Women’s Bible Study. Refreshments are served followed by the study. For more info check out www.mountainview.church or email rachel@mountainview.church.

Ukulele Group 6:00 PM Golden Age Society

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

Beginner ASL Class & Social Hang

6:15 Queer Yukon Society - The Cache

Tuesdays

Bridge 12:00 PM Golden Age Society Café de l’amitié 2:00 PM Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY) Le Café de l’amitié est un rendez-vous hebdomadaire et une occasion de rassemblement pour les francophones de 50 ans et plus.

QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache

Language Skills for Ukrainians 5:15

PM Yukon Learn A discussion group workshop provides a relaxed and friendly environment where learners can practise and learn English conversation skills.

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

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

SuperSmash Bros, Mtg: Commander 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles 10 Card Crib - Members & Signed In Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Whether you are a seasoned crib player or a beginner, come play! Learn tips and tricks and have some fun! https://bit.ly/3KP0B5s

Wednesdays

Multicultural Connection Group 11:00

AM Multicultural Centre of the Yukon –MCY Connect with other parents and caregivers, learn about parenting in different cultures. A free lunch program for immigrants and refugee families. Lunch and transportation provided. Call 332-1803 for more info.

Spanish Conversation 12:00 PM Whitehorse United Church Call 3336081 for more info.

Anglican Holy Communion –

Whitehorse 12:10 PM Christ the Church

Cathedral The Book of Common Prayer, 2nd Wednesday of the month

Sew & Tell All – Elders Hangout 1:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre

Facilitated by Kwanlin Dün Elder-inResidence Shirley Smith, everyone welcome. Feel free to join and start a beading project or work on something that you’ve already started! For more info email culturalprograms@kdcc.ca

QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon

Society The Cache

Texas Hold’ Em 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For signed in members and guests. Bragging rights!

Mtg: Modern, Warhammer Age of Sigmar 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Thursdays

Public Speaking TrainingToastmasters 12:00 PM Decora Guests are always welcome. There are many roles to learn at Toastmasters. Practice 2 minute table topics

Anglican Thursday at the Cathedral 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral Bring a lunch (Book of Alternative Services)

Pathfinder Role-Playing Game for Youth 3:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Find out what role playing games are all about! Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are always welcome.

Mtg: casual Commander, Warhammer 40k & Kill Team 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Mountainview Church Community Group 7:00 PM 16 years or older?

Mountainview Church Community Group! We’ll share some snacks and talk about what the bible has to say about discipleship.

Fridays

Coffee & Chat 11:00 AM Golden Age

Society Coffee and chat is a way to connect with your community, develop friendships, and have fun.

Mtg: Pioneer, YuGiOh Casual 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

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.

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.

Pokemon, Mtg: Youth Magic, Lorcana 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

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

Clothing Room 10:00 AM Whitehorse

Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone

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

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

Sunday Gatherings 3:00 PM The Northern Collective Church

KIDS & FAMILIES

Mon Feb 24 Wild Robot 6:30 PM Yukon

Theatre The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot—ROZZUM unit 7134, “Roz” for short — that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings https:// yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/the-wildrobotfeb2025

Wed Feb 26 Better Sleep for Kids 6:30 PM LDAY Centre for Learning Parents to gain a better understanding of sleep health and learn practices the whole family can use to achieve better rest. Email Stephanie at ed@LDAYukon. com for more info. www.LDAYukon.com https://us02web.zoom.us/.../register/ vRgorzZnQPWATcGg_00PaQ

Thu Feb 27 Wild Robot 6:30 PM Yukon

Until Feb 27 Dog Man Matinees & Nightly Yukon Theatre When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the job, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together and Dog Man is born.

Fri Feb 28 Paddington in Peru 5:30

PM Yukon Theatre Paddington returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey. https:// yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/ paddington-in-peru

Wed Mar 5

Babies

Centre Please join us for a free, dropin 30 minute session of music and movement designed for parents and babies led by Lianne Cranfield.

Sat Mar 8

Games 2026

Games Centre A fun-filled family event celebrating the countdown to the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games!

Obstacle Course - Bouncy CastlesCraft Stations - Tasty Treats - Volunteer Sign-Ups

Sat Mar 8 Kids Create Workshop for Grieving Children 1:00 PM Hospice Yukon https://hospiceyukon.net/ en/2023/11/02/kidscreate/

Monthly

1st & 3rd Saturdays Grades 5 - 7 Junior

Youth Group 7:00 PM Mountainview Church Passionate about giving kids opportunities to have fun & make new friends, while teaching them about Jesus & His great love for our world https:// mountainview.church/connect/youth

2nd and 4th Saturdays Grade 8 - 12

High School Youth Group 7:00 PM Mountainview Church A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith. https:// mountainview.church/connect/youth

Weekly

Tuesdays

Story Time 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Join us for stories, songs & rhymes! A free drop-in program for children ages 0-5 and caregivers at Whitehorse Public Library

Parent-Child Mother Goose 10:30 AM The Child Development Centre Celebrates the power and pleasure of songs, rhymes and oral stories. Bonding time with your little one or to learn for later.

Wednesdays

Community Connections 1:30 PM Yukon Family Literacy Centre An intergenerational story time and craft program. Meet local elders, have a coffee, do some crafts, and make a friend!

Thursdays

Transformations Along The Chu Nikwän 1:30 PM Yukon Visitor Information Centre Join Amber for a free walking tour every Thursday along the Whitehorse waterfront to learn about the Yukon First Nations people and the history of the Yukon.

Pathfinder Role-Playing Game for Youth 3:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Youth 11-17 are invited to join, no experience necessary.

MEETINGS

Fri Feb 28 Yukon Association for Birth

Thursdays Toastmasters Decora 12:00 PM Sundogs Toastmasters Club. Club is open to all interested parties and we provide constructive feedback to help develop public speaking skills.

Monthly

First Monday Klondike Snowmobile Association Board Meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon https://ksa.yk.ca/comingevents/

First Monday Yukon Amateur Radio Association Monthly Meeting 7:00 PM EMO Building Discussion of club business. Prospective hams are welcome.

Third Thursday Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition Monthly Meeting 5:00 PM ZOOM Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition for regular meeting. Everyone is welcome. Call Kathy 334-9317 or info@yapc.ca for a zoom link or join us in person. https:// yapc.ca/actions/detail/yapcs-monthlymeetings

Third Thursday ASAY board monthly meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon

ONLINE EVENTS

Thu Feb 27 Living with Loss - free workshop 6:00 PM Online Free online workshop to help you support yourself and others in times of grief. Learn about the nature of grief https://hospiceyukon. net/en/2022/04/05/livingwithloss/ Wed Mar 5 Communication Skills after Separation or Divorce Workshop 5:30 PM Online A free workshop, learn the impact of conflict on children, alternative ways to respond to conflict and verbal and non-verbal communication skills. For more info email flic@yukon.ca https:// yukon.ca/

Tue Mar 11 For the Sake of the Children Workshop 5:30 PM Online Learn about family law and the effects of separation or divorce on adults and children. Registration and more information: flic@yukon.ca https://yukon. ca/en/family-law-information-centre

Fridays AA Yukon Unity Group

Whitehorse Community Choir presents:

Join the Whitehorse Chamber Choir and the Persephone Singers as we explore of the many adversaries in life, their tensions, impacts and resolutions. Saturday, March 1 7:30 pm CSSC Mercier 1009 Lewes Blvd

Adults: $27 Seniors/Students: $22

FROM THE NEWS DESK

ULTIMATE CROSS-COUNTRY EVENT HITS YUKON TRAILS

Whitehorse Nordic Centre will host ski races and festival

March 8-9

March in the Yukon is a great time of year. Longer days, a high probability of warm(ish), sunny days, and of course lots and lots of skiing.

The Whitehorse Nordic Centre is set to host the annual Yukon Ski Marathon on March 8. This newly re-imagined event is set to become the premier cross-country ski race in the Yukon and a key highlight of the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series, bringing together skiers from across the region.

The aim of the Yukon Ski Marathon is to provide competitors an exciting new race on the loppet calendar, and offering up a unique experience on pristine trails right in the heart of Whitehorse. The event is designed for both elite athletes and recreational participants, with courses that offer a variety of distances to suit all levels.

“We are thrilled to join the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series and elevate the Yukon Ski Marathon as a signature event in the region,” said Ben Poudou, the manager of the Whitehorse Nordic Centre. “This is an incredible opportunity for skiers to experience the magic of the Yukon’s winter

landscape and be part of an exciting new tradition.”

The Yukon Ski Marathon has partnered with Make It Happen, the Sport Tourism program, AirNorth, Yukon’s AIrline, and the Sternwheeler Hotel, to transport and accommodate out-of-territory competitors making the long trip North.

Fran Nyman, who is the event coordinator for the ski marathon and the Whitehorse Nordic Festival, said the hope is that the annual event will continue to grow and bring in skiers from all over, as well as those who may also already be in Whitehorse for the Canadian Masters Championships.

Marathon race numbers are a little lower than she had hoped, for Nyman said, but she added the two events could succeed together going forward.

“I think what’s happened is that a lot of people that may have come up for the ski marathon, are choosing to come up for masters. So we do have some people from B.C. And I think we have one American from out East.

“We were hoping for more. You know, we’re kind of thinking, people who are coming from outside this year are certainly going to go back with good stories to their clubs, and we should see it get better over time.”

The Yukon Ski Marathon shows off our world-class trails, reliable snow and large, friendly ski community.

“The Yukon Ski Marathon is not just about challenging yourself on snow,” said Poudou. “It’s about embracing the landscape, the culture and the people who call this place home. We’re excited to welcome everyone to experience the Yukon beyond the race.”

“It’s, sort of, main agenda is just to celebrate our northern lifestyle and everything we like to do outside.” Nyman said.

The festival will feature partnerships with other organizations,

she added. The Yukon Orienteering Association will host a snowshoe orienteering course; Adventure Smart and Yukon Search and Rescue will host an hour-long session; the Whitehorse Curling Club and Icycle Sport (with fat bikes and e-fat bikes) will be on hand with how-to demonstrations; Kicksled Revolution will offer people the opportunity to tryout a kicksled; Biathlon Yukon will give festival-goers an opportunity to try out laser riﬂes, either on skis or snowshoes.

*Some

The third annual Nordic Festival runs March 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The ski marathon itself gets underway March 8, at Fish Lake Road and Copper Road (at the gazebo), and will feature race distances of 44 km beginning at 11 a.m., 22 km at noon and 12 km at 1p.m.

“Skiers will be bussed out to the start line,” Nyman said, adding she thinks most racers will come back in between 2 and 4 p.m.

Trails are groomed for both classic and freestyle skate techniques, and the marathon is an official event of the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series. The event will also feature family-friendly activities, medal presentations, and post-race festivities with food, drinks and prizes.

A Whitehorse Nordic Centre news release says the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series is a cross-country ski race circuit that spans premier locations across the Pacific Northwest, bringing together a community of passionate skiers for a season of high-caliber events. Each race in the series offers participants the chance to experience diverse terrains while competing for series-wide recognition.

For more information and registration visit yukonskimarathon.ca or email info@whitehorsenordic. ca. n

There will also be a soapbox derby at the end of the day. Nyman said food and drink will also be represented with a beer garden by Winterlong Brewing, and other food vendors setting up.

A pair of racers prepare to head down the hill during a previous soap box derby

Chris Colbourne is a Yukon-based photojournalist and writer who has had video work commissioned in Southeast Asia, worked for two National Geographic photographers, is an Eddie Adams Barnstorm Alumnus and worked as a staﬀ photographer for the St. Albert Gazette for 10 years.

Marathon racer Ellory Mcknight races in the 2019 Yukon Ski Marathon Participants

THE VIBE OF THE ROOM

Vancouver’s Miles Black Trio will be On the Wing at YAC on March 2

Everyone knows jazz is all about improvisation. Right?

Somebody (or a clutch of somebodies) lays down an opening melody that establishes such essentials as mood, key, tempo and time signature. Then individual players take turns wandering through the daisies of selfdiscovery until everyone comes back home for a solid finale.

But everyone also knows precisely-scored works such as Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, or Oscar Peterson’s Canadiana Suite are firmly rooted in the jazz idiom.

So, how do you reconcile loose and groovy with concert-hall formal?

Vancouver pianist, producer, arranger (and more), Miles Black sees no conﬂict. And he should know; over the years, he has penned more than 4,000 jazz tunes.

“We try to write music that inspires us to improvise, within a nice framework, so that we can have a nice musical conversation with ourselves, and with our audience.

“Generally, my favourite pieces to play are ones that are fairly easy to memorize, and somewhat catchy for the audience. Maybe a couple of interesting little harmonic things in there that are fun for the band to play with. Then we are free to play, basically, to have fun with it, pass the ball back and forth and have a good time,” he says.

“I try to write things that aren’t too complicated. I used to write very complicated things when I started out as a kid, but now I find I’m writing pieces that are cheap and easy … just something you can memorize quickly and have a good time with.

“Once you write one, you play it for a while, and you feel like writing something else, so you write it and play it. You write for the circumstances, too. The big thrill is that people take your little, tiny thing that you create, then have a lot of fun with it.”

Black has performed in the Yukon many times as part of

various musical assemblages. On March 2, he will be back at the Yukon Arts Centre (YAC) for the second-last Jazz on the Wing Concert of the 2024-25 season, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

His trio will include fellow Vancouverites Kristian Braathen (drums) and Steve Holy (bass).

The three have played together in B.C. for years and will be laying down a new album as the Kristian Braathen Trio (Braathen’s second as leader) in a few weeks.

“This is an opportunity to try out some music we’re going to play for that,” he says of the Jazz Yukon gig.

Does performing together in many different scenarios mean the musicians know what they can get away with? Black chuckles.

“Every audience is so different. You become attenuated to the vibe of the room. Your intuitive powers grow somewhat. An experienced band will be able to read the room and maybe make adjustments on the ﬂy, according

to what you think the mood is.

“I’ve always found that Whitehorse is very receptive to whatever you offer them,” he says.

Black grew up in an artistic household. His young, “beatnik” parents loved the likes of Miles Davis (hence his first name) and Dave Brubeck, but were also into Bob Dylan and early rock ‘n’ roll, not to mention a lot of classical music.

His father plays folk-style guitar, so that was Black’s first instrument as a youngster. He started playing piano around the age of 10, studying music traditionally until fifth grade of conservatory.

“Then I got really interested in jazz music and more or less abandoned my formal classical studies. By the time I was 14, I was playing professionally in Victoria, British Columbia, with jazz groups all over town, gigging with a sax player,” he says.

“I’m more or less self-taught. I took lessons from a few jazz teachers in Victoria who were

wonderful, and then I just went out on my own. I learned the oldfashioned way, with the record player at the library, just asking questions and writing down notes.”

Another interesting tidbit on Black’s eclectic resume concerns his work as a musical therapist.

“When I finished high school, I got a full-time job as a music therapist, working with two wonderful women. We travelled around, working in a variety of situations.

“We played for senior citizens who had dementia and Alzheimer’s; we played for little children who had been involved in drowning incidents; we played for adults who had severe mental problems; we played for people who were mentally handicapped. It really ran the gamut. We also played in high schools and for little children, it wasn’t always people who had suffered brain trauma or anything like that.”

Black says doing music therapy was very up close and personal,

and very intense.

“It was five, six days a week. You have to be very patient doing music therapy. You can work with one person, and months later they might pick up the shaker and shake the shaker. It’s just a slow, patient, wonderful process, to be able to help people out.”

Occasionally, along with a few other B.C. musicians, Black still does music therapy, performing for children who are on the autism spectrum or have various other conditions.

“We guide them; we invite them to think of colours, and animals; we play music that reﬂects their experience and thoughts,” he says.

“As I’ve got older, I’ve come to see that music is therapy for us all. We use it as therapy whether we know it or not. We put on songs that retrieve something from our past or make us feel better. So I’m still involved in music therapy in some way, if you can think of jazz as a healing art form.” n

The Yukon Hospital Foundation raises funds to enhance the quality of healthcare for all Yukoners. Every dollar you give is used to support the area of greatest need. Your hospital needs your support. There is a great need for advanced equipment, including critical diagnostic imaging, surgical and other specialized tools. Give our doctors, nurses and sta the necessary equipment to provide the care you need.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Miles Black

Ken Bolton is a former editor of What’s Up Yukon’s, as well as a copy editor, freelance writer and columnist.

Freelance with Ken Bolton

Miles Black Trio members (l. to r.) Steve Holy, Kristian Braathen and Miles Black

Vancouver pianist Miles Black and his trio perform at Jazz on the Wing March 2

PHOTO: Kristian Braathen

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Northern Haiku Project is looking for writers

Four members of solstice haiku group in Whitehorse are calling for haiku poems for an anthology to be published in 2025. The poems, written by northerners in Yukon, NWT, Nunavut and Nunavik will reﬂect life in

the north in all seasons.

Solstice haiku group was founded by kjmunro (Katherine J. Munro) in 2014 and has grown to include new and published poets who write in both English and French. Munro facilitates the monthly solstice haiku discussions and has been instrumental in expanding the knowledge and writing of haiku in Yukon and beyond. She has served as a mentor to many members of solstice haiku.

The Northern Haiku Project is being coordinated by solstice haiku members Charlotte Hrenchuk, Pam Harry, Lillian Nakamura Maguire and Sandra St-Laurent. Hrenchuk proposed the idea of an anthology to her fellow haiku poets, who strongly supported the project.

Hrenchuk believes that, “Northerners want to express their view of the North from their own lived experience. We intend to share our creative expression through our own eyes and give southerners a glimpse through our writing.”

The members emphasized that northern images are not just of snow and the Northern Lights. They want to celebrate life in all the seasons and invite haiku about spring, summer, fall and winter.

To that end, Harry led a group in brainstorming a list of northern “kigo “ or words and images conveying fall and winter. Seasonal words for spring and summer will be added to complete this list during the second round of submissions in August.

St-Laurent, who has written and published in English and French, encourages francophone writers to submit their work in French and include a translation in English. Haiku poems can also be submitted in other languages, along with the translation.

Nakamura Maguire reminds

people to “let go of the old notion of the format 5-7-5 syllables, you may have learned in school. English haiku doesn’t necessarily follow this format and takes many different forms.”

In addition to haiku, other forms for consideration in the anthology include senryu, tanka, haibun and haiga. For more information on these other forms, contact the Northern Haiku project or attend the monthly solstice haiku group discussions.

The anthology will include poems from all seasons. The deadline for autumn and winter poems

is March 15 and for spring and summer, the deadline is August 31, 2025. Contact northernhaikuproject@gmail.com for more details about submission process, updates and upcoming writing sessions.

The solstice haiku discussion group meets monthly in Whitehorse to plan events, and to write, revise and share ideas about haiku poetry. For further info, please contact kj munro via her website: kjmunro1560.wordpress.com. n

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Lillian Nakamura Maguire

Library display 2024 featuring haiku collection from chasing sunlight, solstice haiku

Freelance with Lillian Nakamura Maguire

Lillian Nakamura Maguire is a Northern Haiku Project member and is a retired Whitehorse resident who enjoys writing personal essays, plays, creative non-ﬁction, haiku and exploring other creative pursuits.

Poster call for submissions for Northern Haiku Anthology

ISHISH KABOBS

A hearty and delicious meal with no dishes? Sign me up!

love shish kabobs. The jury’s out on whether they are kabobs or kebobs, but it doesn’t matter and I don’t care. They’re quick, easy, versatile and virtually no dishes to clean afterwards.

Traditionally, shish kabobs are Mediterranean cuisine, primarily from the Middle East. Pieces of meat, skewered and cooked over an open fire. As with so many recipes, they have evolved over time and made their way across the world for all to enjoy.

I think that what I love about these the most, besides eating them, is how little prep time there is and how easily they can be whipped up for a tasty meal any day of the week. I prepped these ones in the afternoon, stored them in the fridge and ﬂashed them up on the BBQ during a 15-minute intermission of a hockey game a little while ago.

I usually make sure to have the ingredients on hand when I go camping because they are great on the BBQ or the open fire. I do like the fire because it adds a smokiness to them that I don’t get from the BBQ.

You can use whatever you like for meat: beef, chicken, lamb, pork and whatever you like for veggies. I opted for beef, jumbo prawns, red, orange and green peppers, mushrooms and onions for these.

Ingredients:

• Beef

• Jumbo prawns

• Peppers

• Onions

• Mushrooms

• Veggie spray

• Ketchup

• Horseradish

• Lemon juice Method:

1. Assemble your ingredients. Wash your peppers and heat up the BBQ. Set up your cutting boards.

2. Cube the beef to about 1” square pieces. Cut the peppers into bite-sized pieces and the onions into thick wedges. Use

mushrooms that have very short stems or break off the stems and only use the caps. De-shell the prawns but leave the tails on. It’s very important here to count the pieces that you have. You want to have equal amounts of all pieces.

3. Assemble your skewers. I try to make sure that the first and last piece on each skewer is a piece of meat as it tends to hold everything together and stops things from falling off the skewer. You can use stainless steel skewers or bamboo skewers. The advantage of stainless steel is that they are reusable, but the disadvantage is that they get very hot! Use some artistic creativity and assemble your skewers with varying pieces of different colours to make a nice presentation.

4. Spray down all 4 sides with veggie spray and transfer to the BBQ. You’re going to want to monitor these closely as they won’t take long to cook and you’ll need to turn them frequently to avoid burning them. Be sure to use oven mitts or gloves when turning them. As I was using prawns, I used them as the ‘timer’ to let me know when the kabobs were ready. Once they turn red, they are done.

That’s it! All in all it took me about 15 minutes of prep time and about 7-8 minutes of cooking time. These came in at about $7.50 per kabob but would have come in much cheaper if I’d left out the prawns.

Let the skewers cool before serving; we don’t want to burn anyone’s fingers!

Serve with a side pot of BBQ sauce and seafood sauce for dipping. To make the seafood sauce, use 5 parts ketchup to 1 part horseradish and a squeeze of lemon juice. Use a fork to remove the pieces from the skewers at the table and dip the beef and prawns.

She says kebob, he says kabob. I say let’s eat! n

The Unknown Chef has fed you at many local restaurants for years, and has decided to share some recipes he has developed, and others he stole from other chefs.

(Formerly Tony’s Pizzeria - We’re Back!)

ORDER

 Assemble your skewers

PHOTOS: Unknown Chef

On the BBQ while camping in Dawson

 Assemble your ingredients

 BBQ and serve

PHOTOS: The Unknown Chef

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS JANUARY 24 - APRIL 19

Photos: John Howland Photography

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Wed Feb 26 Glide & Gather - Women’s Cross-Country Ski Evening 5:30 PM Whitehorse Nordic Centre Connect with like-minded skiers. Find your skiing buddy, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors under the stars. Email office@whitehorsenordic.ca for more info.

Thu Feb 27 Snowshoe Strolls

Elderactive Pilates level 1 9:30 AM

Northern Lights School of Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement

Tai Chi Kung Form (Seniors) 10:00 AM

Golden Age Society

Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40

AM Northern Lights School of Dance

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Strength & Conditioning 1:00PM Northern Strength Academy

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Indoor Cycling 5:00 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/

Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre A knowledgeable guide will be on-hand for each walk, sharing facts about local plants and wildlife. All ages are welcome. Snowshoes will be provided for free on a first served basis. For more info email parks@whitehorse.ca..

Climb Yukon Fundraiser and Open House! 4:00 PM MacBride Museum

Climb Yukon open house and opportunity to become a founding member by prepurchasing your gym membership at peak early bird pricing https://www.climbyukon.

Kirtan Sound + Meditation with Dave Haddock 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery Upstairs Come and be nurtured by the vibration of voices coming together. No experience necessary. Lyric sheets provided. Chairs available. https://www. yogayukon.ca/

Second Cups tournaments 5:00 AM Better Bodies

Live Music Power of Breath 7:20 PM Alpine Bakery Upstairs a collaboration between you the breather, and the musicians creating the evocative music that first keeps you breathing, and then supports your post-breathing experience. https:// www.yogayukon.ca/

Sat Mar 8 LDAYs Snowshoe Fest 1:00 PM Biathlon Range 2.5km and 5km loppet trails to explore the trails of Biathlon Yukon. New: Ecoaims (optical shooting devices, no live ammo or loud noises) www.LDAYukon.com

Sat Mar 8 -10 Yukon Ski Marathon 5:00 AM Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club

Friendly competition and a festive finish line on the trails that hosted North America’s first World Cup event.

Sun Mar 9 Sky High 25K Winter Trail Race 9:00 AM Fish Lake Road Come run the beautiful Bonneville Lakes loop in the winter! https://www.strava.com/ routes/3292000427781996032

Sun Mar 9 K.S.A. Livingston Trail Group

Snowmobile Ride 10:00 AM Livingston Trail https://ksa.yk.ca/coming-events

Sun Mar 9 Tracks and trails 1:00 PM Department of Environment Winter walk through the woods to look for animal tracks. Learn how to identify prints and look for other signs that wildlife has been in the area.

Sun Mar 9 Soapbox Race – Whitehorse Nordic Festival 3:00 PM Whitehorse Nordic Centre Grab a friend, sibling, or colleague and build the fastest, most original soapbox together! Cash prizes for speed, show & shine and comedy class! Email office@ whitehorsenordic.ca for more info.

Mondays

Judo For Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days

Martial Arts

Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy

Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00 AM

Canada Games Centre Yukon Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged

Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!. http://cuts2.com/jiacg

Babynastics with Coach Libby 10:30 AM

Polarettes Gymnastics Club A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www.polarettes.org/ babynastics

Noon Strength & Conditioning 12:00 PM

Northern Strength Academy

Elderactive Pilates level 1 12:00 AM

Northern Lights School of Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement

Indoor Cycling 12:05 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days

Martial Arts 12:05 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Kids Muay Thai 4:45 PM Eight Days

Martial Arts KIDS MUAY THAI a dynamic and engaging martial art that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. Open to ages 8 - 12.

Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM

Northern Strength Academy

Ladies Kickboxing 6:00 PM Eight Days

Martial Arts

Tai Chi Qigong / Meditation 7:00 PM

Jack Hulland Elementary School

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 7:30 PM Eight Days

Martial Arts

Tuesdays

Winter Power Hour Series 6:00 AM

BrittyFit 95 Lewes Blvd Ignite your fitness regime in 50 minutes with Brittyfit

Strength for Endurance 6:00 AM

Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days

Martial Arts

Ladies Lift 7:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Lifting for Longevity 10:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Specifically designed for the retired population, but open to anyone.

Yoga with Barbara 10:00 AM Whitehorse United Church Everyone welcome pay what you can

Babynastics with Coach Libby 11:15 AM

Polarettes Gymnastics Club A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www.polarettes.org/ babynastics

Strength for Endurance 12:00 PM

Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.

Ladies Lift 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Tai Chi Traditional Form, Section 2A 6:30 PM Jack Hulland

Stretch & Stabilize - Functional

7:00 PM Grace Space Purposeful movement with our Functional Conditioning non-yoga movement class. http://amitieyoga.ca

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Wednesdays Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.

Indoor Cycling 6:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Morning Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/

Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00 AM Canada Games Centre Yukon Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged

Elderactive Pilates level 1 9:30 AM Northern Lights School of Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement

Tai Chi Essential Form continued 10:00 AM Heart of Riverdale

Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40

AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!. http://cuts2.com/jiacg Noon Strength & Conditioning 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/

Elderactive Pilates level 1 12:00

PM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!

Ladies Kickboxing 12:05 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.

Move & Meditate - Slow Vinyasa Yoga 12:10 PM

Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM

Northern Strength Academy Functional strength class teaches compound multijoint lifts that improve athleticism, strength, coordination, power and more.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days

Martial Arts

Introduction to Tai Chi 6:00 PM Elijah Smith Elementary School.

Tai Chi Traditional Form, Section 1 refinements 7:00 PM Grey Mountain Primary School

Indoor Range Night 7:00 PM Whitehorse Rifle and Pistol Club

Tai Chi Traditional Form, Section 3 continued 7:15 PM Elijah Smith Elementary School.

Muay Thai Kickboxing 7:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Thursdays

Strength for Endurance 6:00 AM

Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels

Winter Power Hour Series 6:00 AM

BrittyFit 95 Lewes Blvd Ignite your fitness regime in 50 minutes with Brittyfit

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days

Martial Arts

Ladies Lift 7:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Tai Chi for Seniors 10:00 AM Golden Age Society Come early, bring water, and wear comfortable, smooth soled indoor shoes.

Lifting for Longevity 10:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.

Strength for Endurance 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Strength & Conditioning 1:00 PM Northern Strength Academy

Babynastics with Coach Naomi 3:30 PM

Polarettes Gymnastics Club A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www.polarettes.org/ babynastics

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM Eight

Days Martial Arts

Ladies Lift 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Whitehorse Archery 6:30 PM Takhini

Elementary Whitehorse Archery is a nonprofit club for the recreational shooter, hunters, and those who just want to work on their skills. www.whitehorsearchery. com/schedule

Tai Chi Essential Form continued 6:30

PM Hidden Valley School

No-GiJiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days

Martial Arts

Tai Chi Yang Hand Forms refinements 7:45 PM Hidden Valley School

Fridays

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days

Martial Arts

Indoor Cycling 6:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Morning Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/

Strength & Conditioning 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy

Muay Thai Kickboxing 12:05 PM Eight

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

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy

Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.

Saturdays

Flow & Fly – Vinyasa Yoga 8:30 AM

Grace Space A dynamic and invigorating practice to awaken your inner strength. http://amitieyoga.ca

Ladies Lift 9:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Strength & Conditioning 10:00 AM

Northern Strength Academy

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling 11:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts

Open Mat 12:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Sundays

Free drop-in Tai Chi practice 10:00 AM Takhini Elementary

Tai Chi Sword Form 10:30 AM Whistle Bend Elementary School

WELLNESS LISTINGS

Wed Feb 26 Better Sleep for Kids 6:30

PM LDAY Centre for Learning Parents to gain a better understanding of sleep health and learn practices the whole family can use to achieve better rest.

Wed Mar 5 Family Gathering for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children 5:00 PM The Child Development Centre Connect with staff from BC Family Hearing, the Child Development Centre and other families. Email katie.lowey@cdcyukon.ca or call 687-4506 for more info.

Wed Mar 5 Internal Family Systems Group Therapy Info Session 12:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace A free lunch-time information session (in-person or online) an overview of what Internal Family Systems is and how it might be beneficial for you on your journey of self-discovery and healing.

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.

Monthly

Every other Tuesday Sharing Circle 12:00 PM Old Justice Building KDFN Every other Tuesday for recovery focused sharing circles. Connect, share challenges and gains, and access support and wisdom. Snacks and refreshments served. whatsupyukon.events/4en

Mondays

Sally and Sisters 11:00 AM Salvation Army 311 Black St Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM

305 Wood St. Captain Martin House

AA Life Ahead (O, A) 7:00 PM 509 Hanson St. Held in person or by zoom – ID 251-363-5766, call 778-907-2701 for more info.

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

Tuesdays

Sally and Sisters 11:00 AM Salvation Army 311 Black St Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.

VFWC - Drop-In 11:00 AM Victoria Faulkner Womens Centre Drop-In includes Laundry and Shower.

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM

305 Wood St. Captain Martin House

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 6:00

PM 100 25 Firth Rd Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Join us! Every Wednesday morning. Call or text 867-3341725 for more details

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

Ugly Ducklings Group (O,A) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Held in person or by zoom – ID 251-363-5766, call 778-9072701 for more info.

Wednesdays

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 8:00

AM Closeleigh Manor Common Room Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Call or text 867-334-1725 for more details

VFWC - Drop-In 11:00 AM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Drop-In includes Laundry and Shower.

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 667-2693 for more info

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM

305 Wood St. Captain Martin House Al-Anon 12:00 PM 407 Black Street, downstairs Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.

AA No Puffin Big Book Study (C, A) 8:00

PM Christ Church Cathedral (Hellaby Hall)

AA Porter Creek Step Meeting (C) 8:00

PM Our Lady of Victory

Thursdays

Sally and Sisters 11:00 AM Salvation Army 311 Black St Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.

VFWC - Drop-In 11:00 AM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Drop-In includes Laundry and Shower.

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM

305 Wood St. Captain Martin House

Polar Group (O, A) 7:30 PM 311 Elliott St. & 4th Ave. Held in person or on zoom, Zoom ID 251-363-5766, call 778-907-2701 for more info.

Fridays

Moth & Flame - Bright Light Morning

Meditation Series 9:00 AM Queer Yukon Society - The Cache

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM

305 Wood St. Captain Martin House

AA Yukon Unity Group (O) 1:30 PM

Online Zoom ID 482-518-9588 PC 334796 call 778-907-2971 for more info.

VFWC – Drop-In 1:30 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In. A safe welcoming space. Drop-in includes laundry and shower.

Community Kitchen 5:00 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.

AA Whitehorse Group (C, A) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Saturdays

AA Detox Meeting (O, A) 1:00 PM 609

Steele St.1:00 PM

AA Yukon Unity Group (O) 1:00 PM

Online Zoom ID 482-518-9588 PC 334796 call 778-907-2971 for more info.

VFWC – Drop-In 1:30 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In. A safe welcoming space. Drop-in includes laundry and showers.

Community Kitchen 5:00 PM Victoria

Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.

AA Hospital Meeting 7:00 PM #5 Hospital Rd. Room 1212

Sundays

AA Detox Meeting (O, A)1:00 PM 609

Steele St.

AA Yukon Unity Group 1:00 PM Online

By zoom – Zoom ID 482-518-9588 PC 334796 For more info call 778-907-2971

AA Hospital Meeting (O, A) 7:00 PM #5 Hospital Rd. Room 1212

DO YOU DARE SOUFFLÉ?

A few weeks ago, my roommate and I had the conversation common to people in their 60s and 70s: it’s time to divest

We must pare down our stuff. His eyes roved over the shelves of cookbooks in our living room and kitchen, a look filled with meaning. I resisted, but soon realized he’s right – I have far too many, and many of them I simply don’t use.

I’ve started the process of culling, studying the titles, considering. It’s hard, because even though I might not often open Charcuterie by Michael Ruhlman and Brian Polcyn, or Fermented Foods

the recipes, I like the authors’ voices, I love their passion. Each cookbook is a shining example of hard work and creativity.

But I must divest.

Joy of Cooking stays. So do Julia Child, Paula Wolfert, early Jamie Oliver. Ottolenghi, Jennifer McLagan, Gabrielle Hamilton, they all stay. Ditto Escoffier and Larousse Gastronomique. Farewell, Amy Sedaris, Elizabeth David, Mark Bittman, I love you, but another cook will love you too. I will find you that cook.

In the meantime, here is my pledge: I’m going to make one recipe from each cookbook before I let it go. That means I must read each book and really get to know it again to find that one recipe. It feels like a fitting tribute.

My first choice, because we have so many delicious, farm fresh eggs right now, is Soufﬂés, Sweet and Savoury by Sara Lewis. I bought it for my roommate sev-

eral years ago when he expressed an interest in learning how to make this somewhat intimidating and yet everyday delicacy. He has made two soufﬂés in the 8 years we’ve owned the book.

He made notes on each. One of them follows – a good, basic, cheese soufﬂé within most of our reach, complete with my roommate’s tweaks, found on a scrap of paper tucked into the pages.

There are recipes for soufﬂés in Joy of Cooking, in Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I’m okay with moving this book along.

But I’m keeping the soufﬂé dish.

FAIRLY FOOLPROOF CHEESE SOUFFLÉ

Tips for success:

*Take the eggs out of the fridge early to warm up – cold egg whites don’t whip as well.

*Assemble all your ingredients before you start.

*Let the cheese sauce thoroughly

cool before you fold in the egg whites.

*Make a parchment paper collar that extends 3 inches above the soufﬂé dish.

*Butter the parchment paper so it sticks to the dish, this will make the tying so much easier.

*Make a little window in the parchment paper collar so you can see how much the soufﬂé has risen and browned.

*Don’t open the oven door to peek; chances are the soufﬂé will fall.

*Finally, insist that the guests are seated at the table, ready for when the soufﬂé comes out – it will sink within a few minutes, and you want them to see it at its peak.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs at room temperature

• 6 Tbsp butter

• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan

• 1 cup grated cheddar

• 6 Tbsp butter

• 1/2 cup all-purpose ﬂour

• 1 1/2 cups milk

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

1. Butter a 6-inch diameter x 3 1/2 inches deep soufﬂé dish. Cut a 6-inch-wide strip of parchment paper, butter it, wrap it around the soufﬂé dish and tie it tight with a string.

2. Separate the eggs and yolks into two bowls, a small one for the yolks, a medium-sized one for the whites. Set aside.

3. Melt the butter in a mediumsized pot over medium heat. Stir in the ﬂour and cook for 2 minutes.

4. Whisk in the milk until no lumps remain, turn the heat to medium low and cook until the mixture just comes to a slow boil.

5. Add in the cheese, stirring until it’s thoroughly melted. Beat the yolks with a fork and add them to the mixture, stirring constantly. Add the Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and salt, whisk it all together, and remove from heat. The mixture will be the consistency of a thick custard. Allow it to cool to room temperature, whisking occasionally to help it cool. While it’s cooling, preheat the oven to 375F.

6. With a clean whisk, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks. Add a couple of tablespoons to the cooled sauce and stir to loosen it up. Fold in the remaining egg whites with a spatula until no streaks remain.

7. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the soufﬂé has puffed up above the rim and the top is browned. Turn the oven light on so you can see and be sure to arrange the soufﬂé dish with the little window in the collar towards you.

8. Remove the soufﬂé from the oven, snip the string, remove the collar and bring the soufﬂé to the table, slowly, calmly. Serve with green salad and sauteed potatoes. Bacon and onion in the potatoes would not be overdoing it.

Makes one 6-inch soufﬂé. n

by Kirsten and Christopher Shockey, or Shrubs, by Michael Dietsch, I like

column with Michele Genest

Michele 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.”

Cheesy Soufflé, just out of the oven

PHOTOS: Michele Genest

The parchment collar is your friend

Continuing Studies

Northern Institute of Social Justice

WINTER TRAINING COURSES and WEBINARS

Mo va onal Interviewing (MI)

Mar 6, 2025, 9am-4:30pm CRN 90110

$329 + GST

$299 + GST Early bird registra on by Feb 13

Registra on deadline: Feb 20.

Late registra on un l Mar 5, by emailing sam@ ctrins te.com

Delivered: In-person at YukonU in room C1440

*NEW* Transforma onal Leadership: Segment A -

The Resilient Leader

Mar 12, 2025, 9am-12pm

CRN 90096

$125 + GST

Registra on deadline: Mar 5

Delivered: In-person at YukonU in room C1530

*NEW* Transforma onal Leadership: Segment B -

The Resilient Organiza on Mar 12, 2025, 1pm- 4 pm

CRN 90097

$125 + GST

Registra on deadline: Mar 5

Delivered: In-person at YukonU in room C1530

In mate Partner Violence and Family Law: Part 2

March 27, 2025, 10am-12pm

CRN 90060

FREE

Registra on deadline: Mar 20

Delivered: Livestreamed via Zoom

*NEW* Neurodivers At Work

Apr 3, 2025, 9am – 12pm

CRN 90111

$169 + GST

$149 + GST Early bird registra on by Mar 13 Registra on deadline: Mar 20.

Late registra on un l Apr 2, by emailing sam@ ctrins te.com

Responding With Resilience

Apr 10, 2025, 10 – 11:30am

CRN 90072

FREE

Registra on deadline: Apr 3

Delivered: Live streamed via Zoom

Administra ve Jus ce: Prac ce And Procedure For Decision-Makers

Apr 9-10, 2025, 9am – 4:30pm

Apr 11, 2025, 9am – 12:00pm

CRN 90073

$600 + GST

Registra on deadline:Apr 2

Delivered: In-person at YukonU in room C1440. NOTE: This course is a pre-requisite for Administra ve Jus ce - Advanced DecisionWr ng.

Administra ve Jus ce: Advanced Decision-Wr ng For Decision-Makers

Apr 14 – 15, 2025, 9am – 4:30pm

CRN 90074

$450 + GST

Registra on deadline: Apr 7

NOTE: Administra ve Jus ce: Prac ce and Procedures for Decision-makers is the prerequisite for this course.

Delivered: In-person at YukonU in room C1530

Mental Health First Aid for Northern Peoples

13 Factors of Psychological Health and

Safe

May 2, 2025, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

CRN 90080

$175 + GST

Registra on Deadline: Apr 25, 2025

Delivered: In-person at YukonU in room C1530

*NEW* Narra ve Therapy

May 7, 2025, 9am – 4:30pm

CRN 90112

$329 + GST

$299 + GST Early bird registra on by Apr 16 Registra on deadline: Apr 23

Late registra on un l May 6, by emailing sam@ ctrins te.com

Delivered: In-person at YukonU in room T1023

FASD Informed Support

May 7, 2025, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

CRN: 90100

$50 + GST

Registra on Deadline: Apr 30, 2025

Delivered: In-person at YukonU in room C1440

Grief And Frontline Professions

May 21-22, 2025, 9am – 4:30pm

CRN 90055

$325 + GST

Registra on deadline: May 14

Delivered: This course is run In-person at McClintock Bay Resort, 62 Swan Haven Dr, Marsh Lake, YT

April 15-17, 2025, 9am – 4:30pm

CRN 90241

$260 + GST

Registra on deadline: Mar 31

Delivered: In-person at YukonU in room A2712

Delivered: In-person at YukonU in room C1440.

• Contact Registrations & Records at 867-668-8710 EXT 2 and

• Register by emailing registrations@yukonu.ca

Please note that if

EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS

ATLIN

Sat Mar 1 Atlin Frosty Frolic Atlin Sat Mar 1 DPSAY Frosty Frolics (Atlin Rendezvous) Race Atlin https://dpsay.org/ race-schedule-2024-2025/ Fri Mar 7 - 9 Atlin Outdoor Bonspiel Atlin

Sundays

HOW ARE THINGS UNDER THE HOOD OF YOUR CAR?

Have you had a look under your hood, how are your fluid levels, what about your belts and hoses. Most owners manuals show you where to check fluids at, if you have to add any fluids make sure they are the ones for your car. The belts and hoses are sometimes a little harder to check, if you are unable to check them or have any questions, take your car to your mechanic so they can have a look at it for you.

St. Martins Anglican Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM St. Martins Anglican Church 10:00 AM Everyone is welcome. Atlin Christian Assembly 11:00 AM St. Atlin Christian Centre 10:00 AM Everyone is welcome.

Mondays

Caregiver & Tot Drop-in 10:00 AM Atlin

Recreation Centre This is an unstructured hour for You and your Littles to get social and run wild. This IS NOT a drop off, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Call or email 993-4102 atlinarc.coordinator@ gmail.com for more info.

Yukon Communities:

Wednesdays AA 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. Online users’ sign in info: yukonbcdistrict52@gmail. com

CARCROSS

Second Sunday of Every Month St. Saviour’s Church Services 2:00 pm St. Saviour Church 867-668-3129

First Friday of the month Mother Goose Group 11:00 AM Haa Shagóon Hídi (Our Ancestors House) Carcross/Tagish Learning Centre Learn stories, songs, and rhymes, lunch provided. Suitable for babies and children 5 and under. Please bring along a water bottle and blanket to sit on. To register, call 332-2389. https://whatsupyukon.events/ jwf

Wednesdays Yoga with Richard Mueller 12:00 PM Carcross Firehall Free for everyone some fitness required. Thursdays Yoga with Jess Ghùch Tlâ Community School Beginners welcome, all equipment provided. Dropin, Free admission! For more info email yogajessyukon@gmail.com.

CARMACKS

Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at:

• Sunshine Restaurant

• Carmacks Rec Centre

• CDC / CIBC Bank

• Tatchun Center General Store

Wed Mar 5 - 9 Winterlude Carmacks

and activities.

DAWSON CITY

Handbuilding Pottery Drop-in 6:30-9

7 Klondike Ice Queens Jamboree 5:00 AM Art and Margaret Fry Arena A weekend of fierce friendship and good-natured competition in this tournament that invites players from all Yukon communities to participate. Email klondikeicequeens@gmail.com for more info.

Fri Mar 7 Look Up by Open Pit Theatre

6:00 PM Dënäkär Zho KIAC Ballroom

A series of intimate short performances which combines live visual animation, storytelling and live foley soundscape.

Sun Mar 9 Cult Film Screening - All the Colors of the Dark 7:30 PM Eldorado Hotel A rejuvenation of our winter cult cinema screenings in the Sluice Box Lounge, sit back, have a beverage and enjoy some weirdness from the other side of cinema.

Fri Mar 14-16 Thaw di Gras Spring Carnival Dawson City, YT Celebrate the end of winter with Dawson City in the Thaw Di Gras Spring Carnival! Take in annual events such as DCMF lip sync competition, adult tricycle races, snow sculptures and many more!

Sat Mar 15 2025 Dawson City Fur Show 10:00 AM Robert Service School Best fur competition, trap setting competition, fur and crafters market, skinning demos.Free moose stew & bannock! Call 993-6976 for more information.

MONTHLY

1st Saturday of every month Coffee House & Open Mic Night Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) 7:00 PM family-friendly open mic night at KIAC. Admission by donation with all funds raised donated to a different community group each month. Last coffee house of the season May 4 to resume in the fall of 2024.

Weekly

Mondays Drop-In Pickleball 5:30 PM Robert Service School

Adult Drop-In Basketball 7:45 PM Robert Service School Ages 16+ - FreeCall 993-7400 ext 299 for more info.

Thursdays

Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster Arena Drop in. Programming is for kids 4 and under and their parents/caregivers.

Seniors Activities 2:00 PM St. Elias Community Centre Floor curling, carpet bowling and indoor walking group.

Haines Junction Thrift Shop 2:00 PM

St. St. Christopher’s Thrift Shop is a great place to pick up items. Prices are low and numerous adult items are available for $2, and most items for children are $1.

PM 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

Tuesdays

St Paul’s Anglican Church Morning

Prayer 9:00 AM St Paul’s Anglican Church

Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

St Paul’s Anglican Church Evening

Prayer 5:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican

Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

Hand-Building Pottery Drop-In 6:30

PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Self-guided group studio time for those with some experience with pottery. Newcomers are welcome, little instruction is provided.

Wednesdays

St Paul’s Anglican Church Morning

Prayer 9:00 AM St Paul’s Anglican Church

Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

St Paul’s Anglican Church Evening

Prayer 5:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican

Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

Welcome Wednesday Supper and Games 6:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican

Church

QYS Drop-in 1:00 PM DCMF Office

Screen Printing Drop-in 6:00 PM

Klondike Institute of Art & Culture KIAC

Classroom (enter via backdoor) Selfguided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with screen printing.

DCMF Film Selections 7:00 PM Dënäkär

Zho The best committee ever! Just watch movies! Help us select the films for the 2025 film festival. Come once, twice, or all the time! To get on our mailing list, email: filmfest@kiac.ca

CFYT Trivia Night The Drunken Goat Fun filled night of Trivia. Every other Wednesday. A variety of trivia categories! Come with your team or join a team when you arrive!

Thursdays

CDC Toddler Program 10:00 AM Klondike Institute of Arts & Culture KIAC Free drop-In for kids 5 & under with parent/guardian Story time & free play! Drop-in Volleyball 7:30 PM Robert Service School Ages 13+ - Free

Fridays

Cards & Conversation 1:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1 Dawson City Free! Drop-In! No registration necessary. whatsupyukon.events/dawson-legion8336c3

Open Studio Drop-in 1:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Enjoy KIAC’s bright, air-conditioned space to create and focus on your artistic practice. Even better- we’ve waived the drop-in fee this day.

Drop-in Bouldering 6:00 PM Robert Service School Free - drop-in - all ages

Saturdays

Youth Parkour Tumbling 12:30 PM Robert Service School All Ages - Free –Drop-In. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Open Studio – Drop In 1:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art & Culture KIAC Classroom (enter via backdoor) Space to create and focus on your artistic practice.

AA North Star Group Dawson City 7:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion In person or Videoconference option available Call 867-993-5095 or 867-993-3734 for more information

Sundays

Anglican Church Service 10:30

Anglican Church Service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Dawson City. Corner of Front and Church Streets at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Dawson City

Adult Drop-In Basketball 6:00 PM Robert Service School Ages 16+ - FreeCall 993-7400 ext 299 for more info.

Active Fun Fitness Class - Drop In 6:30

PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Improve your balance, flexibility, strength and endurance in this indoor class led by Colleen Ennis. Drop in, admission by donation. Suitable for mature youth & adults. https:// whatsupyukon.events/fhm

Thursdays

Community Drop In 11:00 AM Mount Lorne

Community Centre Run Club 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre

SKAGWAY Alaska

Wednesdays

Windy Valley Babies 10:30 AM Skagway Public Library Stories, Songs, and Fun with Ms. Anna! Designed for ages 0-3.

Fridays

Pickleball Outside Marsh Lake Community Centre 11:00 AM

MAYO

Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at: • Haldane Services

MOUNT LORNE Fri Feb 28 Youth Movie Night 6:30 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Skating, snacks and a movie! Feb 29 - Mar 2 Whitehorse Oldtimers’ Hockey Tournament Mount Lorne Community Centre Teams guaranteed 3 games, catered BBQ supper Saturday night, beer gardens and concession. Call 689-6232 for more info.

Sat Mar 1-3 Plant Encounter: Pine 1:00

PM Herbal Hearth An immersive afternoon to study Pinus Contorta and their medicine. For more info about the workshop, email harvester@nomadicharvests.com. https:// nomadicharvests.com/product/plantencounter-pine/

Sun Mar 2 Rec-Connect Youth Day Trip

9:00 AM Mount Lorne Community Centre

Youth ages 11-14, exciting activities that focus on team building, outdoor skills, and creativity. Food for the day included: all snacks, lunch & dinner. https://bit. ly/3CUs18D

1st Tuesday Monthly LAC Meeting Lorne Mountain Community Centre

Mondays

Run Club 6:00 PM Lorne Mountain

Community Centre

Yoga with Jess 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Beginners welcome, all equipment provided. To register or for more info email yogajessyukon@gmail.com.

Drop-In Yoga 7:00 PM Lorne Mountain Community Centre By donation all levels

welcome Tuesdays

Presbyterian Church of Skagway

TAGISH

Sat Mar 15 Tagish Poker Derby 5:00 AM

Tagish Community Centre Tagish Community

Association Poker Derby for an exciting experience. Enjoy a thrilling event filled with competition and fun.

First Monday of every month Carcross Tagish Renewable Resources Council 1:00 PM Tagish Community Centre

First Monday of every month Tagish Advisory Council 8:00 AM Tagish

Community Centre

First Tuesday of every month Tagish

Community Association 7:00 PM Tagish Community Centre

Second Thursday of every month Tagish

Local Advisory Council 7:00 PM Tagish Community Centre

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 Yukon Learn at Tagish Library 2:00 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.

Centre Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish Community

TESLIN

OLD CROW

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

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

Wednesdays

Stroller Walks 10:00 AM Kih Tsal Parent and Tots 4:00 PM Old Crow Community Center Call 966-3015 for more info. Adult Card Game Night 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Sundays St. Luke’s Church

Healing the wounded warriers cont’d

All focused on the work done at Rose Haven. Since the first Women’s Warrior group hauled their canoes ashore in 2019, its services to the people it helps have grown massively.

“We bring spiritual and First Nations cultural tools such as the medicine wheel, sweat lodge but also energetic work, breath work, trauma-informed yoga, reiki … there are traditional healing medicines, group healing and energy work such as Qigong and traumainformed yoga and art. We bring in skilled facilitators and counsellors from all over.”

Rose Haven became a registered non-profit organization in 2023. Last year there were four women’s retreats, with 20 participants in each. It also launched the first men’s group and a program for youth. The camp has also become a sanctuary, a refuge for some on the tipping edge of despair.

“Everybody is teaching them how to die; I said it’s time somebody taught them how to live. Live large! At Rose Haven we reconnect people with our spiritual energy. I’m teaching them their songs, their dance, how to read the rivers, how to work together.”

Johns says she desperately needs to build cabins and keep the camp open year round. But even operating only part of the year, she has seen lives transformed and a people’s spirit begin to reawaken.

“At the end of summer we had our first men’s healing camp. We

found sober men to lead it, and when we started, the men, they’re coming up the hill. My mom was sitting at the top of the hill. She saw them coming, man after man, and she just started crying.”

Changing lives and beliefs is Rose Haven’s goal, and its message is being heard beyond the First Nations or even the Yukon.

“It was one of the most lifechanging events I ever had!”

the journey, of everyone’s healing journey. We reconnected to ourselves and to the land.”

Sykes also connected with Johns; they found they had a lot in common and both were students at the time. A deep friendship was born and a shared commitment to making Rose Haven a success.

“The reason we connected so strongly is we were at the same place; we were both dealing with

new skills and also an appreciation for how Rose Haven compares to other healing facilities.

“Most centres with accredited programs run for six weeks. Then you’re done. Rose Haven is a healing camp; it is more immersive and can be more specific to what people need. It is trauma-informed but some of their work goes deeper, uses different methods. I’ve seen the release of trauma that

Jamie Sue Sykes is non-indigenous. She even admits she held all the negative stereotypes about First Nations people. Then she saw the reality. Soon after, she made a trip to Rose Haven.

“I was invited to a Women’s Warrior weekend. I was fully immersed and I could feel that what was happening was a key part of

mental health, losing loved ones, recovery, personal healing. The beautiful thing about our friendship is we were able to build this dream, this amazing dream, while we were still learning.”

Sykes spends as much time at the camp as she can in the summer, while holding a job in Northern Ontario. She graduated from her program and is now an Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialist - Level 2, which brings her

traditional counselling had not been able to resolve.”

She says Rose Haven has had an incredible impact in a very short period of time.

“Life is really hard, especially in the Yukon. They can’t catch their breath before there’s another death. And people wait a long time, people die waiting for treatment. But now some of them find us. When we weren’t running

retreats, people in a tough spot would come out, to refocus and re-centre.

“The kids were also different when they left here. They had a sense of pride, a sense of accomplishment. They were excited about the future.”

Sykes is also excited about the future, and dreams of someday seeing a network of healing camps across northern Canada. But for now, she and Johns both share more practical dreams: enough money to build cabins and stay open year-round.

Johns also has a larger vision of what Rose Haven could one day become: a beacon of hope, calling back the warriors needing to heal. A space for the rebirth of the warrior spirit and knowledge; a fortress against the slings and arrows of addiction and despair.

“We’d like to see Rose Haven become a centre for our community, and especially youth, in bringing back our great canoe culture. A nest for the Tagish language. We want it to become a safe space for people living with intergenerational trauma and addiction; a place to go to as pre-care for people waiting for treatment and for aftercare as well.”

There are already too many casualties in this war, and the enemy remains powerful. But Donna Johns says the people of the canoe have never lost a battle, and they are not going to lose this one, either. n

Unparalleled peace and calm