What's Up Yukon, December 14, 2022

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The Boys and Girls Club (BGC) Yukon has announced that they are renewing the Gift of Community program for the eighth year this Holiday Season. Over the past seven years, the charity initiative has been able to fulfill the wishes of over 500 children and parents and aims to meet or exceed that amount this year. As with previous years, BGC Yukon has partnered with Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre, Kaushee’s Place, and Betty’s Haven.

Supporting the program is local musician Clancy Mcinnis, frontman and rhythm guitarist of rock band Trailer Park Trash Cats. McInnis and his bandmates have long been donating earnings from their endeavours to the Humane Society Yukon and Mae Bachur Animal Shelter. They had the idea to hold a charity show, as a toy drive for cats and dogs, before joining forces with BGC Yukon to increase their vision.

“If you’re going to be going out to a show anyway, why not go and contribute to something that’s helping the community anyway?” said McInnis. “And it’s fun to go out and support local businesses too.”

McInnis’ band will be performing December 17 at The Local Bar, along with additional local talent Mister Bigly and The Filthy Casuals. Doors open at 8 p.m. with the show starting at 9. The Trailer Park Trash Cats will finish off the night with a special visit from none other than Santa

Claus. Patrons can bring a toy (for any gender), unwrapped, or a cat or dog toy or treat, with a suggested value of $10 to $25, to pay for admission to the show.

Tickets can also be ordered at a discounted rate of $10 and will be available at the door for $15.

Like at every Trailer Park Trash Cats concert, 10 per cent of all ticket sales will be donated to the Humane Society’s emergency veterinary fund.

Additionally, this will be Whitehorse’s last chance to see The Trailer Park Trash Cats before McInnis moves to B.C. to start a new life and a new adventure as a solo musician.

“I’m kind of going back to my greasy roots,” he said. “I’m trying to look at doing stuff I can do mostly myself, so I don’t need as many band members.”

Of the toy donations collected at the concert, the children’s toys will be distributed by the

Gift of Community program, and the pet toys will be delivered, in person, by McInnis and his bandmates—guitarist Francois Jacques, bassist Johnny Rodgers, and drummer Patrick Singh.

A statement from BGC Yukon reads: “Participation is easy. Just drop by The Learning Tree Early Years Centre at 95A Lewes Blvd. in Riverdale between November 28 and December 13. Choose an ornament to take from our Holiday Tree. Then, purchase a gift that matches the information on the ornament, wrap it, attach the ornament to the wrapped gift and return it to the Early Years Centre by December 14, 2022. The rest is up to us. We will deliver the gifts by December 16 to our partner organizations for distribution to the families in time for December 24th.”

“You can’t adopt them all,” McInnis said. “But you can do a little bit.” n

BGC Yukon is renewing the Gift of Community program for the eighth year this Holiday Season

Musician Clancy Mcinnis with the shelter animals

PHOTO: Courtesy of Clancy Mcinnis

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First, being high risk by virtue of age and medical issues, I still need to assess each activity as to its degree of risk. How many people will be there? How big and well ventilated is the venue? What is the age profile of the attendees? I have the impression that younger folks are willing to take more risks.

Second, should I wear a mask? And, if so, should I wear it for the whole event or just until seated? How close are other non-mask wearers? My medical issues cause shortness of breath even without a mask, so I feel more at ease without it, but …

These are just some of the choices with respect to the ongoing risk of Covid and now, of course, the flu, as well. When I received my flu vaccine and Covid booster, I had to choose whether to have both in one arm or one in each arm.

Then there is the myriad of other choices and, in many situations, no clear right or even best answer. If I drive a car, should it be electric (EV), hybrid, plug-in

hybrid or gasoline. The obvious answer appears to be electric, if possible. But how difficult will it be to charge it, and if everyone chooses EV, is there adequate electricity? Especially with all the new houses being built in Whitehorse with electric heating.

And how about food? Is it best to eat vegetarian, vegan, the traditional meat and potatoes, or one of the in-between options? Which is better for health? Which is better for my wallet? What is sustainable, affordable, enjoyable and just?

Should I buy local, at any price, or order online?

And this is only the beginning of my list of choices. Should my next vacation be one that requires a long flight, with all of the issues of climate change? Or should I do the “staycation” instead? What is the best way to share my abundance with folks who barely get by? My mailbox is full of requests from seemingly worthy causes, especially as the holiday season approaches. Which are the best ones, the most ethical ones?

The first time I recall being overwhelmed by choices was a very concrete situation. I had just returned from living and working for seven years in “poor” countries. I needed some big garbage bags and went to the nearest shop, close to where I was staying. It was a large Superstore in Winnipeg. When I eventually found the correct aisle, there were shelves and shelves of plastic garbage bags: green, black, orange, name brand, store brand, no name and packages of 5, 10, 25, 50. Some were on special, some were not.

I could not decide. Abandoning my quest, I ran out of the store in tears and without any garbage bags. It was just too much.

Making so many decisions every day can be stressful. Sometimes it causes me to lose track of the big picture.

However, it is a good thing to have choices. I know that I have had a privileged life, with lots of choices—choices about almost everything. I also know that there are many, perhaps most people in the world, who have few, if any,

choices. And that number seems to be growing. I was able to leave a perfectly good house and job in Winnipeg because I wanted to live in the Yukon. And right now there are people all over the world who are being forced to leave their homes because of floods, fire, war, etc. I feel guilty for complaining about too many choices. But that’s the way it is.

I want my life to be meaningful and to live it mindfully. Many of these daily choices are not very important in the end. The task is to decide which are the important ones to reach that goal.

So, should I go to that concert, eat salmon or plant-based fish sticks, drive a car, take the bus or take a plane? Or should I buy 10 or 50 or no green garbage bags …? n

column with Susan Clark

Susan Clark has always been an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys canoeing, camping, biking and cross-country skiing. Her other passions include spinning wool, knitting, reading and writing. Since coming to the Yukon she has taken two sessions of Creative Writing at Yukon University and belongs to two different writing groups.

Making so many decisions every day can be stressful

PHOTO: Courtesy of Mark Wykes (Your Independent Grocer, Whitehorse)

REINDEER NATION

Exploring Canada’s own herd of reindeer

Canada is home to many species such as the beaver, the common loon, the Canada lynx, moose, wolverines—and the list goes on. While reindeer may not be native to Canada, having first been discovered in northern Russia, we do have quite the abundance of them (more than two million).

How the abundance of reindeer came to northern Canada is a rather interesting tale.In the mid1920s there was a food shortage within the Inuit community. Wild game became scarce. To help the Inuit, the Canadian government ordered 3,000 reindeer from Alaska. Originally, the reindeer from Alaska came from Siberia and Finland where they have been farmed since the 1700s and have been used for meat and milk, as well as for hides or for pulling sleds. Once arriving in Alaska in the mid1800s, the reindeer thrived.

In 1929, a man named Carl Lomen, known as the the “Reindeer King” and who was the owner of the Lomen Reindeer Corporation, signed a contract with the Canadian government to deliver 3,000 reindeer from Naboktoolik, Alaska, to the east side of the Mackenzie River Delta in the Northwest Territories. This journey was 2,400 kilometres long and was estimated to take just under two years to complete. However, it ended up taking five years.

One main challenge was climate.

In some cases the temperature would drop as low as minus 60 degrees. While reindeer have a thick hide that keeps them warm in cold temperatures, it was no match for the bone-chilling blizzards of the Great North. Also, when it gets

this cold, a thick arctic mist rises, which makes visibility weak. Unfortunately, a few hundred reindeer from the herd froze to death.

In addition to frigid temperatures, there were high volumes of snow, which slowed down travel quite a bit. In some cases, the snow was waist deep and the herders could not travel more than two kilometres a day.

Another challenge for this expedition was wolves. I suppose it is only natural for a wolf pack to take advantage of “easy food” when they spot a convoy of reindeer passing through. Since the wolves adapted very well to their arctic surroundings, it was easy for them to prowl through the mist and blizzards while hunting reindeer.

In the summertime, travel did not become much easier. Swarms of black flies and mosquitoes would follow the herders and the reindeer. Sometimes they laid eggs in the reindeers’ fur or inside their noses. The larvae would stay there and burrow until the following spring. This ended up causing quite a bit of blood loss and weak-

ened the immunity of the reindeer, causing some to die.

By the time the three-year mark was reached, only 2,000 reindeer remained. In addition to dying, many ran away from the herd. This journey was also difficult for the herders, too, mostly because they often ran out of provisions.

The good news is that by the time the herders finally reached their destination, they had 2,370 reindeer, as some were born along the way. This journey was often referred to as the Canada Reindeer Project and was considered, by many, to be a great success despite its losses.

Today, there are three distinct types of reindeer in Canada. They can be found in abundance along the northern territories, as well as in northern parts of all mainland provinces. In the Maritimes, some smaller herds can be found as well.

Rumour also has it that the office of Santa has a special agreement with Canada to let him select reindeer for his “travel crew” when needed. n

It’s estimated that Canada has over 2 million reindeer (caribou)

PHOTO: Pixabay

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

Freelance with Angela Szymczuk

THE YUKON’S BASKETBALL STAR

was encouraged by his parents to get an education in case he didn’t end up making it in professional basketball. He decided to pursue hotel management but still managed to play professional basketball overseas through his 20s.

Dikran Zabunyan is all about teamwork. Whether it’s a basketball team or the staff at a hotel he manages that he’s talking about, his team spirit is always there. Growing up in Turkey (and later in Toronto), he

He later moved back to Canada and on to coaching, forming the Rose City Express Pro Team in Windsor, Ontario, when he got a resort-management job there, in 1994, and later moved back to Toronto and renamed the team GT (Greater Toronto) Express, in 1999.

“The Raptors didn’t exist then,” Zabunyan said. “We were the only professional team in Canada.”

Zabunyan headed the team until 2006, winning multiple champion-

ships, then decided to move up to the Yukon for a change of pace and a new adventure. He became the vice president of Yukon Basketball, and he continued moving around to various hotel-management and coaching jobs around the country, before ending up back in the Yukon again. He currently resides in Carmacks, managing the Hotel Carmacks.

In 2019, Zabunyan was notified that he was being inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame.

“It was very humbling for me,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting it.”

Zabunyan is happy he took his father’s advice to find a fallback career, and he said that the best thing about his life right now is that he works for great people. He suffered a heart attack in 2018 and has been taking things slower, looking after his health, while still working in a field he enjoys.

When it comes to coaching, Zabunyan feels that it is his duty to pass on his basketball skills to the younger generation.

“I think I owe it to the game, to give back,” he said. “And also, being a manager of hotels and resorts has taught me how to transfer that to the game of basketball, or vice versa—it’s a team game. You’re coaching and mentoring employees or players; you’re setting standards, not rules. You do the same thing in the hotel business. It’s the same in the game of basketball, especially at the pro level. It’s my passion.”

Zabunyan’s most-recent head coaching post was at Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School in Courte-

nay, B.C., where his unheralded Senior Boys team advanced to the 2020 AAA B.C. Provincial Tournament and finished with an overall record of 19 wins and 15 losses.

During his 24 years as a head coach, Dikran compiled a record of 616 wins and 315 losses (498 to 237 Pro, 29 to 28 College and 89 to 50 High School).

Moving to the Yukon was a learning experience at the beginning, but Zabunyan found the people nicer (compared to some big cities he’d spent time in) and said that living Up North made him more humble, as he was able to

find out more about himself. He’s now delighted to be living in Carmacks and still following his passions. He says his life still consists of family, career and basketball.

“You have to follow what you love,” he said. “And I was lucky enough to do that.” n

Canadian Basketball Hall of Famer Dikran Zabunyan has been all over the world, but he calls the Yukon home

Dikran Zabunyan was inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019

PHOTOS: Dikran Zabunyan

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

Freelance with Manus Hopkins

Dikran

Zabunyan currently resides in Carmacks

PUPPET SHOW IN THE WINDOW

the performance’s accessibility to the Whitehorse community.

Leon and Bauberger, both members of the Yukon Artists @ Work Society, envisioned the show inspired by the collective’s use of the gallery’s front windows to host mini artist-residencies, the “Artist in the Window.” This strategy emerged as the group’s response to initial Covid measures and has been embraced by the group of mutually-supporting artists, as part of their ongoing practices.

In last year’s heavy snowfall, Bauberger and Leon dug out a little snow fort in which passersby could shelter to watch the artist in the window from outside, which added to their excitement about the possibilities of performance there. The two of them looked at the window and saw a stage. They originally planned to build an audience area outside the window that would seat five people at a time, with the production’s sound crossing the glass by means of Bluetooth speakers.

Far Left: Pip and the kid in the cardboard set

Top Right: Visitors drop into the story from many places

Bottom Right: The cast of cardboard gathers for a photo

As they worked out these technical challenges, they realized that if they turned the puppet show around, they could seat a slightly larger audience and not have to worry about amplification at all. So the performances will take place in the gallery’s front room, with passersby able to peek backstage from the street.

Sessions, Krikorian played their cello pieces for Bauberger, suggesting that perhaps they could work together on a storytelling project. Bauberger was delighted when Krikorian agreed to lend the sound of their cello to their production.

Of their cello practice, Krikorian writes: “I moved around a lot as a child and youth. Since I was a teen, I have used my cello to compose pieces that reflected where I was. I draw inspiration from both the geography and the people and stories of various phases of my life. I have learned to use the cello to create melodies and tones that are a soothing blanket for myself.”

As Krikorian got to know the characters in “Found in a Blizzard,” they learned to make melodies that complement the feeling they express and the overall story. They draw their melodies from traditional fiddle tunes, modifiedcello student exercises, and from their own compositions, repurposed for this project. They really like the texture of Melodic A minor scales.

Leon said she has “been lost in metaphorical and emotional blizzards” during her life. “Humour is a great healer. And what a joy to work on something from the story creation angle!”

Coming up in the new year, Leon will exhibit paintings for Celestial Bodies at YA@W, with Sandra Storey, opening January 13. She will also be involved as a designer in the creative workshop of a new script by Linda Carson, for Presentation House Theatre.

“Found in a Blizzard” tells the story of Pip losing their aunt’s cat Emerson in a cookie-baking mishap and seeking her out in a snowstorm. Along the way they meet a variety of characters created in cardboard and other found materials.

Linda Leon and Nicole Bauberger created “Found in a Blizzard,” with cello accompaniment by Cai Krikorian.

Leon said, “What I find most exciting about ‘Found in a Blizzard’ is the opportunity to collab-

orate with Nicole and Cai on what I believe is a quintessential Yukon story—numerous, occasionally deranged characters trying to find meaning or friendship or themselves in our winter landscape. The fact that the three of us come

from such different angles is what will make this a terrific show!”

Krikorian was drawn to the balance of darkness and playfulness in the project. They are motivated by the very idea of doing a puppet show in the YA@W window, and by

Leon and Bauberger both have practices that include theatre as well as visual art. Leon has designed many productions over her 35-year career in the business, including many works for children’s theatre that often involved puppets. Bauberger’s theatre background leans towards storytelling and performance, though she has also taken design roles and, most recently, has instigated Monster Parades in locations from Peterborough, Ontario, to Mayo.

This past summer at one of the Yukon Women in Music Cookshack

The show will run no more than 15 minutes, every hour at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. on December 15–17. The audience is invited to sip cider and to browse the gallery, after each show, but must clear out for the performers to reset at 10 minutes before the next performance.

Tickets are free but must be registered on Eventbrite: www. eventbrite.ca/e/found-in-a-blizzard-window-puppet-show-tickets-476636060287.

Donations are welcome at the gallery. Bring kids! n

Thegiftoftraveldreams

Startingfrom$25atflyairnorth.com.

PHOTOS: Nicole Bauberger

Nicole Bauberger is a painter, writer and performer living in Whitehorse. She is one of our Original 12 writers and has contributed to What’s Up Yukon since our first issue February 9, 2005. Along with her many freelance articles, she has had a number of columns.

Freelance with Nicole Bauberger

p Linda Leon works her magic with sirens made of knitting needles

Do’s and don’ts when caring for someone’s home

In the coming months, just like elegant trumpeter swans, many Yukoners will flock to warmer climates in search of sand and vitamin D. Even more so now with lifted pandemic travel restrictions. And, once again, the question of who will take care of “Rufus the dog” and “Tina the aloe vera” will pop up in the mind of eager travellers. Even in the absence of pets or plants, making sure the heating system still performs, as it should, is a prime concern for outbound homeowners. A trusted house-sitter is the answer for many.

House-sitting is quite common these days, and some advertise their services year-round. For the house-sitter, it allows a change of scenery from their own place or an opportunity to get pet love without the onus of pet ownership. But a good house-sitter is not just anybody you give your house key to.

If house-sitting is on your mind, these few tips will help you become the sought-after golden house-sitter.

Do your due diligence. Know what you are putting yourself through. Understand exactly what is expected of you and anything required in taking care of pets,

a house in Vancouver is not the same as in Whitehorse. Have an orientation visit before the actual house-sitting starts. You may want to make a list of questions first and bring it with you. Just as in any trusted relationship between human beings, good communication is golden. Be honest about what you feel comfortable doing (or not doing).

Experienced house-sitters have deal-breakers in order to decline house-sitting opportunities. Don’t hesitate to do so if you think you are being asked to bite off more than you can chew. Are you comfortable being out of town or in a house on water delivery? What about in a condo that backs onto a busy and noisy alley? Or taking care of a sick dog?

Speaking of pets, be certain to meet any animals, beforehand, that you will be caring for.

It is much less stressful for both humans and animals to establish contact and trust while the owner is still around. Be clear about the degree of care you are willing to provide. This could be medicating a cat or bathing a dog. Discuss scenarios when it would be appropriate to bring the pet to the vet (and when not to).

Having a way to communicate with pet or property owners, while they are away, is essential. Do ask for emergency contacts, even if it means calling to a foreign country. For long stays, hav

ferred. Make sure you have a roof over your head if the owners come back earlier than planned.

Taking care of a property can be intimidating for non-homeowners, but it can also be a fabulous opportunity to learn new skills. Starting a generator, keeping an eye on a water pump, and driving on sketchy rural roads can all be apprenticing for when your turn comes to own a place.

Heating and power issues are common. And just like Murphy’s law, when you think it could not get worse, it does. A dead furnace opens the door to frozen water pipes, which turns into cracked pipes and a flooded basement. Besides that, you are cold too.

Some house-sitters will not look after properties solely heated by wood. Even if you are knowledgeable and confident around a wood stove, ask for a demonstration on how to start a fire and reload the stove. Wood stoves come in many sizes and ways of operating. Don’t think that because you are familiar with your stove that it will be the same at your house-sit location. Ask when the chimney was last swept. If you are not comfotable with the answer, say so.

Most house-sitters receive money in exchange for their services—but not all. If you would like a token amount of gas money for looking after a rural property, have a discussion about it. A dent

House-sitting is a great way to experience diverse neighbourhoods and to learn new skills

consequence of your house-sitting engagement.

If it helps, write an agreement about money, animal care and property maintenance. Do your homework; it will pay off in case of troubles.

House-sitting is a great way to experience diverse neighbourhoods and to learn new skills. Plus, you get to hang out with cool pets and with Tina the aloe

PHOTO: Pixabay

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

with Gabrielle Dupont

ART SHOWS

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

Until Dec 24 Gold by Yukon Art Society Members Arts

Underground New works by our members in a wide range of media, all based around a central theme. This year, artists have created pieces reflecting the theme ‘gold’.

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

Until Feb 25 Archival Gold

Favourites from the Vault Arts

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

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

LIVE MUSIC

Wed Dec 14 Whitewater

Wednesday Night Jam 7:00 PM

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

Wed Dec 14 VVinyl

VVednesdays 7:00 PM Lefty’s

Well Every Wednesday a local record junkie will be showcasing their collections for you, and maybe sometimes trade or buy.

Better Buildings

Thu Dec 15 Live Music

Thursdays 7:00 PM 98 Hotel

Thu Dec 15 Well Played - Open Mic 7:00 PM Old fashioned drop in Open Mic - Every ThursdayHosted by Jon Eastlander! - Show up and write down your name, players will be called up in order.

Thu Dec 15 Live DJs - Thursday Throwdown 9:00 PM The Local Bar

Fri Dec 16 The Bleeders, Super Cycle & Spank Karr 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Sat Dec 17 Music For Breakfast 9:00 AM 98 Hotel the last Saturday of every month. All New Members to The Breakfast Club Welcome. Music lasts until noon

Sun Dec 18 Carols by Candlelight 7:00 PM Riverdale Baptist Church Everyone welcome! Free event! Christmas songs sung by candlelight, hot apple cider, cookies and a chocolatey treat to take home.

Mon Dec 19 Live Music

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

Tue Dec 20 Song in the Dark 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre A celebration of the human voice in song, chorus and spoken word. New compositions / writings include work by Scott Maynard, Ben Johnston-Urey, poet Peter Jickling, and Daniel Janke. http:// longestnight.ca/

Tue Dec 20 Open Mic Night

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

GENERAL EVENTS

Until Dec 20 12 Days of Christmas Market 9:00 AM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Local indoor marketplace offering Yukon hand crafted and grown products from over 100 local vendors. Find unique art and crafts, farm products, specialty foods, preserves, spices, baked goods, body products, photography, books, and much more.

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

Wed Dec 14 Spanish

Conversation Group 12:00 PM Whitehorse United Church For more info Louise 867-687-7238 or Michele 867-333-6081

Wed Dec 14 Line Dancing 1:00 PM Golden Age Society Wed Dec 14 ArtWings Whitehorse 5:00 PM Best Western Gold Rush Inn Are you interested in arts around Whitehorse, want to be more social = better arts, wings are half price, Jacob and Norah from Nakai facilitating.

Wed Dec 14 Texas Hold’ Em 6:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For signed in members and guests. Bragging rights!

Wed Dec 14 Devotion 7:00 PM

An aerial war epic based on the bestselling book of the same name, tells the inspirational true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots. https://bit.ly/3XZNQcG

Wed Dec 14 Intermediate Bluegrass Jam 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 A fun and relaxed jam, medium tempos, bluegrass and related genres (old-time, classic country, etc). Lots of opportunities to take a solo if you want, but not at all required. Email ian.boyce@ northwestel.netfor more info

Thu Dec 15 Public Speaking Training - Toastmasters 12:00 PM Northwestel Building Guests are always welcome. There are many roles to learn at Toastmasters. Practice 2 minute table topics to help you with presentations and speaking in front of people.

Thu Dec 15 Lights of Life Opening Ceremony Elijah Smith Building 12:00 PM Let’s remember our loved ones together as we hang red tags. Whitehorse choirs will join us with gentle music during this well-loved community event. Hope to see you there.

Thu Dec 15 Winter Solstice Member Celebration 4:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Members get together to celebrate the holiday season, potluck, drinks and prizes to be won.

Thu Dec 15 Prayer 7:00 PM

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

Thu Dec 15 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.

Thu Dec 15 The Polar Express 6:00 PM Yukon Theatre On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas. Stars Tom Hanks. https://bit.ly/3F4V8Va

Thu Dec 15 Devotion 8:00 PM

An aerial war epic based on the bestselling book of the same name, tells the inspirational true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots. https://bit.ly/3XZNQcG

Fri Dec 16 Yukon NDP Open House 11:00 AM Join the Yukon NDP team for our annual holiday open house. Snacks and good conversations will be served! Donations for the outreach van are welcome.

Fri Dec 16 Dufflebag Theatres – A Christmas Carol 7:00 PM Yukon Arts Centre An exuberant version of the Charles Dickens yuletide classic! The main parts are played by audience members and the resulting hilarity promises a memorable experience for all! Suitable for the whole family. www.yukontickets.com

Get low-cost funding for improving your home or building’s energy use.

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

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

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

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

We’d Like To Help Your Business Soar

Fri Dec 16 Avatar: The Way of Water 7:00 PM Yukon Theatre

Follows the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. https://bit.ly/3W08t6y

Sat Dec 17 Yukon Amateur Radio Association Coffee Discussion Group 8:45 AM A&W Restaurant Hams from outside the Yukon and those are interested are welcome to join us in this casual event.

Sat Dec 17 Barking Dawg Artists Market 11:00 AM 142 Mt Sima Road Snacks, beverages and amazing work by an eclectic group of artists!

Sat Dec 17 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.

Sat Dec 17 Avatar: The Way of Water 2:00 & 6:00 PM Yukon Theatre Follows the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. https://bit.ly/3W08t6y

Sat Dec 17 After Dark – A Cabaret 7:00 PM Blackbox Theatre a night of free food, talented performers, and stunning visual effects. This event is for ages 19+ only. https://bit. ly/3gtunQF

Sat Dec 17 Yukon Outfitters Association Fall Round-Up 8:30 PM Alkan Air Ltd Banquet and dance featuring live country music performance by Tim Hus, and silent auction. https://bit.ly/3i1pRtg

Sun Dec 18 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

Sun Dec 18 Clothing Room 10:00 AM Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone

Sun Dec 18 Whitehorse United Church Worship Service 10:30 AM a caring community of faith, based on a foundation of Biblical teaching and spiritual truth.

Sun Dec 18 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.

Sun Dec 18 Sunday Gatherings 3:00 PM The Northern Collective Church

Sun Dec 18 Avatar: The Way of Water 2:00 & 6:00 PM Yukon Theatre Follows the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. https://bit.ly/3W08t6y

Sun Dec 18 After Dark – A Cabaret 7:00 PM Blackbox Theatre a night of free food, talented performers, and stunning visual effects. This event is for ages 19+ only. https://bit. ly/3gtunQF

Sun Dec 18 Author Reading with Jason Lane 7:00 PM WellRead Books Jason Lane will be reading his fantasy story from the recently released anthology We Who Are About to Die. The event is open to all.

Mon Dec 19 Welding 101 5:00

PM Yukonstruct Makespace Learn basic welding in the 4 hour welding class. https://bit. ly/3FZR1uh

Mon Dec 19 Euchre - For

Members and Signed in Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Euchre a trick-taking card game for four players, two on each team, As a member you can sign in 2 guests MAX

Mon Dec 19 & Tue Dec 20

Avatar: The Way of Water 6:30 PM Yukon Theatre Follows the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. https:// bit.ly/3W08t6y

Tue Dec 20 Men’s Community Group Mountainview Church 5:30 PM We start with a meal and fellowship, then work through a biblical study, and take time to pray for one another, and for shared requests.

Tue Dec 20 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

Tue Dec 20 Chess Club 6:00 PM

Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us!

Tue Dec 20 New Member

Orientation 5:00 PM Yukonstruct

Makespace Get comfortable in the Yukonstruct space, register online.

Tue Dec 20 Woodshop

Orientation 6:30 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Learn about the Yukonstruct wood shop and each piece of woodworking equipment. Participants will each get handson practice with some of the machines. https://bit.ly/WUY-hHU

Tue Dec 20 10 Card Crib 6:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 https://bit.ly/3oWjB5W

KIDS & FAMILIES

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

Tuesdays Baby Story Time 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Rhymes, music, stories, movement, art & outside time. Ages 6 - 24 months & caregiver, Whitehorse Public Library meeting room. Free drop-in..

Tuesdays Toddler Story Time 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Rhymes, music, stories, movement, art & outside time.

Ages 2 - 4 yrs. & caregiver, Whitehorse Public Library meeting room. Free drop-in.

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

Wednesdays Warhammer Wednesdays - Age of Sigmar 5:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe Every Wednesday Thursdays Kill Team Thursdays 5:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe 6685750 Units can be drawn from both the core book, elite book, Kill team annual and white dwarf.

Fridays

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

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

Wed Dec 14 Polarettes Preschool/Family Drop In 11:00 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club enjoy the gym as a giant indoor play space. A great place to practise skills or just play and explore! Open gym is for members only.

Wed Dec 14 Strange World 6:00

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

Fri Dec 16 Strange World 6:00

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

Sat Dec 17 Strange World 2:00 & 6:30 PM Yukon Theatre

A family of explorers attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures.Tickets online or at the door.

Sat Dec 17 One Starry Night 2:00 PM Christ the King Elementary A live nativity scene and then share the experience of Bethlehem in the school gym, along with snacks and games.

Sat Dec 17 Polarettes

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

Sat Dec 17 Kids Night Out 5:00 PM Polarettes Gymnastics Club Register your child for a night of fun, games, snacks, and a movie. Parents get the night out you deserve! www.polarettes.org

Sun Dec 18 One Starry Night 5:00 PM Christ the King Elementary A live nativity scene and then share the experience of Bethlehem in the school gym, along with snacks and games.

Sun Dec 18 Strange World 2:00 & 6:30 PM Yukon Theatre A family of explorers attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures.Tickets online or at the door.

Mon Dec 19 One Starry Night 2:00 PM Christ the King Elementary A live nativity scene and then share the experience of Bethlehem in the school gym, along with snacks and games.

Mon Dec 19 Whitehorse

6:00 PM A&W

Tue Dec 20 Stranger Christmas – an 80s Themed Holiday Party 7:30 The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre Join us for a night of karaoke, trivia, and the splendour of the 1980’s when our annual holiday party heads ‘back to the future.’ Ages 12-18

ONLINE EVENTS

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

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

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

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

Saturdays AA Detox Meeting (OM, NS) 1:00 PM Online For Zoom Room address call 3347693.you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https://www. rootedtreemassage.com/bookonline

Mondays Yoga Wake up Flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help Tuesdays Restorative Online Healing Circles 7:30 PM Online Check-in, Q&A, connect and feel the results. No experience necessary. Register online, or call 335-0078 or email alison@ alisonzeidler.com for more info.

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

We’re nearing the end of the year and soon we’ll all be gathered with our friends and families, glasses of champagne in hand, waiting to ring in the new year, reflecting on this latest spin around the sun

and pondering the ways we might want to do things differently in 2023.

According to statistics, taking up a new hobby and learning a new skill are among the most common New Year’s resolutions (right

after losing weight and exercising more). As young children, we loved to try new things and were convinced that we were great at everything. Self-doubt and comparison, however, began to creep in as we gradually got older and

soon the years went by and we convinced ourselves that creativity was only for artists and that failure would be inevitable if we were to pick up a paintbrush again or try our hand at something new.

But the thing is, our natural predisposition towards creativity is one of the things that fundamentally makes us human, and when we suppress that, we begin to feel there is something missing in our lives. It’s a form of selfexpression, communication and a way to open our minds, and it is also closely linked to our ability to problem solve. If you look at the cave paintings of Lascaux (in France), for example, it’s clear that human creativity has been present for thousands of years.

As Elizabeth Gilbert states in her book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, “If you’re alive, you’re a creative person.” So how do we reconnect with that part of ourselves and get over our fears and excuses?

Steven Pressfield, author of The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, says that “most of us have two lives: the life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.” That resistance takes the shape of procrastination, negative self-talk, perfectionism and many other things that convince us that creativity is elusive—that we need to wait for our muse or that it’s too late for us anyway. Often it’s the fear of taking the first step that blocks us the most. What if this year we didn’t wait until January to put our creative dreams on yet another list of New Year’s resolutions and, instead, used these last few weeks of the year to kickstart creative habits that we can then build upon in 2023?

This holiday season, let’s concentrate on our creativity instead of on the consumerism that already gets enough attention. Let’s play and remember how fun it used to be to create something that only you could have brought into reality, no matter how imperfect. Let this be the year that you make some of your Christmas gifts, instead of buying them all. Pick up a new needle-felting hobby, dig out your watercolours and paint your own holiday cards, make some

Christmas cookies and wrap them up with a pretty bow. It’s the perfect opportunity to dust off your abilities and throw caution to the wind, since the recipients of these gifts (your friends and family who love you) are probably the people most likely to appreciate the time and effort you put into your creations, as well as being the most willing to overlook any flaws.

If your Christmas gift list is long and you’re running out of time, head out to one of the local Christmas markets such as the 12 Days of Christmas Fireweed Community Market at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre (Dec 7–20) or the Christmas Spruce Bog presented by the Yukon Craft Society at the Old Fire Hall (Dec 2–21), and let yourself be inspired by how others have tapped into their creativity (while also supporting these hardworking local artists). Go home with some beautifully unique gifts and maybe with new enthusiasm to learn woodcarving or to make your own soap.

If music used to be your passion, maybe pull out your guitar this month and learn a few Christmas songs to share with your family. Get together with your kids on a cozy Sunday afternoon and make some Christmas tree decorations. The possibilities are endless and will serve as a wonderful way to ease into more creative habits in January, once the hustle and bustle of the holidays has died down.

Maybe you will want to set a new creative goal for each month this coming year. Much like the idea behind the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), where participants attempt to write a novel in four weeks, you might like to dedicate a month to starting a new journaling habit, (possibly using Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages from her book The Artist’s Way), as an inspiration, or to picking up your old camera or learning how to make jewellery.

Whatever you feel pulled to do—whether it’s cooking, songwriting, knitting or writing daily haikus—do it with joy. As Julia Cameron reminds us, “The creative process is a process of surrender, not control” (from The Artist’s Way, 1992). n

PHOTOS: Jessica Surber

Jessica Surber

mountains,

with plants and exploring all that lies beyond her comfort zone. She divides her time between Peru and the Yukon.

Jessica Surber

PROFILES:

Connor Robert Kaszycki

to not only stop overthinking but to start being proud and confident in what I was doing.

What is the best part of being in your trade?

How did you decide on your trade?

I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, whether it’s something as small as Lego or as large as a building, putting things together has always been a hobby of mine. At first I wasn’t too aware of the trades, growing up, thinking my fate was tied to a university of sorts. But once I got involved with electrical and began training to become a journeyman, I’ve been in love ever since. Electrical is a lot of puzzle and problem solving, both of which I’ve always enjoyed doing, as a child, and still love to do today, so it was almost a perfect fit for me.

What were the first steps you took in the trade?

I started in the pre-apprenticeship course at the college, straight out of high school and almost no trades experience to my name. As you can imagine, I took a couple zaps when I first started putting things together, so it certainly was not easy to get the hang of it quickly. It showed me that I would have to challenge myself and adapt to an environment that I originally struggled in. Took some time, but with a lot of effort, a lot of time and some help from classmates, teachers, co-workers, and some extra determination, I was able to blossom into what I am today.

as it was my first time doing any sort of teaching in my life, but I think the girls enjoyed it and it was nice to see their eyes light up when they were able to get the light to turn on! I would love to do more volunteering like that, as it was a lot of fun and even I was able to learn a little from the experience!

Was there anything you found intimidating about your job before you started? If so, how did you overcome that?

I’d have to say the satisfaction and the amazement at the end. You get a set of prints with a design of a house, a building or a set of controls on it and sometimes they have specs of where they want things installed, and other times you have to design it yourself using the code book as a reference. It’s always satisfying and exciting mak-

Best advice I can give is to never stop learning and always be willing to learn. In some ways electricity is finite, but in a whole lot of others, there’s a million ways to get things to work. One person might do things differently from everyone else and still make everything work, and there’s an endless amount of different work that you can do with electricity. The more experience you can get and the more that you learn while on the job, the better off you’re going to be, and you’ll always keep learning every day. Be open to learning something new, as in this trade you’ll be learning every day, even after you have graduated from school.

What is the most interesting thing/ project you have worked on?

order to make your work not only work but also look good and pass inspections. Trigonometry, scientific electrical theory and a lot of rules and regulations go into a large amount of the work that you do as an electrician. Trust me, when you stop thinking and just go into autopilot mode to get things done, that’s when all the mistakes happen, and it’s never fun to have to go back and troubleshoot everything.

I recently helped organize and teach a workshop for the Yukon Women in Trades and Technology (YWITT) program, and I’ve shown a number of high-school girls how to wire up and tie in some electrical equipment. I’m not sure if I was the best teacher in the world,

The most-intimidating part of my job is that it pushed me out of my comfort zone. When I first started the trades, I wasn’t exactly confident in what I was doing. I’d second guess myself a lot, trying to make sure what I did was correct, and often I would overthink situations while not asking enough questions about the work I was doing. It was a mix of both self-depreciation—thinking that I should know things and that I wasn’t good enough—and a lack of confidence in the work I was doing. It showed me that I was being complacent with where I was in life and that I was afraid of stepping outside of what I had found comfortable over the years. It was challenging, for sure, and there were times where I didn’t think I was cut out for this kind of work, being who I was at the time. However, something just clicked eventually. I started to get better, I started to find my voice with the trade and I started to push myself

ing it all work, wiring it all up, turning it on and watching the devices come to life with power. And knowing that you’re the one who made it all work is probably the best feeling that you can ever experience within the trades, and it always calls for a kind of celebration!

If you met someone who was looking at getting a job in your trade, what piece of advice would you give them?

The water treatment plant in Dawson City, for sure. There was so much to that job, a whole giant [Programmable Logic Controller] PLC cabinet for all of the plant functions, a bunch of different pumps and motors that you had to run the proper power and controls to, a sanitation room, a workshop and even an office space and laboratory upstairs. There was so much to learn that I not only got to experience, while working on it, but that I got to see for myself once it was finished. That job in itself was what taught me the most and made me fall even more in love with the trade!

It took me around five to six years to fully complete the electrical journeyman program in the Yukon. There are four different two- to three-month courses, while you have to accredit a certain amount of workplace experience between each set of classes. You also get the opportunity to take some workplace-related courses in order to get tickets to do specific jobs (such as first aid, hazardous materials, fall protection, etc.). I do plan on going back to school, in the future, for possibly electrical engineering and designing, but for the time being, I just plan on continuing to work hard.

Were you eligible for any grants or incentives for doing an apprenticeship in the Yukon?

The two big ones are the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, which grants a taxable amount of 1,000 dollars a year, per level, for two years; and the Apprenticeship Completion Grant, which is a one-time taxable grant of 2,000 dollars for completing your apprenticeship.

Where do you see your career in five to 10 years?

It is a common misconception that most tradespeople are all a bunch of strong guys who just throw things together and who don’t have to think much in order to make everything work. That stereotype of tradespeople cannot be further from the truth in all trades, but even more so in electrical. There’s a lot that you have to be constantly thinking about in

I think once I work in the trade for a while longer, I will most likely return to school for an electrical engineering degree and continue to learn more and more about electricity, as a whole, while designing and developing large-scale projects all across Canada. It will take a lot of time and effort, but I wholeheartedly believe that it will be possible, as long as I keep working hard! n

Is there anything you do to help motivate others to join the trade?

Is there something about your trade that you think not many people know?

How long did it take you to reach the certification you have now, and do you have plans for further education?

Electrician Connor 2022 Nationals

PHOTO: Riley Olsen

Skills Canada Yukon promotes trades and technology careers as a top choice for Yukoners. If you are interested in learning more about the trades and technology sectors, or want to connect with our community, please call 867-332-7446 or send an email to yukoncommunications@skillscanada.com You can also find us on Facebook and on Instagram @skillscanadayukon.

Interview with Connor Robert Kaszycki

column with Riley Olsen

The holidays through a

toddler’s lens

For many of us, that first Christmas as a parent is something very special. So special, in fact, that it is difficult to describe just how many emotions you go through as the holiday season progresses. And if you’re anything like me, you just can’t wait to provide a plethora of festive experiences for your little one: that first photo with Santa, opening up gifts on Christmas under the tree, holiday movies and a yummy turkey dinner … all of the things that make the holidays so near and dear to our hearts are just waiting to be enjoyed.

My Little Buddy was six months old for his first Christmas, and I worked hard to accomplish my list of holiday objectives for him. We got the Santa picture (it was 2020 at the time, so Santa remained a safe distance away) and we opened the mountain of presents our family sent up for Christmas morning. It was great, but despite the joy that I felt with each of these activities, I did find that he was a little too young to fully grasp what was going on in those moments.

This year, it’s quite different. I am the mother of a rambunctious toddler going into his third festive season with a growing awareness of what holidays are and what fun experiences they include for him. I know it’s not his first Christmas, but in some ways it is. It’s the first Christmas where he is able to play an active participant in all of the holly-jolly buildup.

And that has been so much fun!

I knew becoming a parent would change how I looked at the holidays, but as each Christmas tradition is taken in by my toddler, for

the first time I find myself blown away by how much I have been taking for granted. Small things, like putting up a wreath (which has been dubbed the “Christmas Donut” in my household) or walking through the decorations aisle in the Dollar Store provide moments of sheer excitement for a two-year-old who has never seen any of this before. And as he is

beautiful, and I enjoy taking a stroll to see the beauty that they present. But for Little Buddy, these colourful orbs are the epitome of absolute perfection. Nothing about the Christmas season can top them. He’s described them as funny, amazing and oh, so cool! That’s very high praise coming from my toddler. These small decorations bring him such utter

hysterically when his teacher (bless him) dressed up for photos with the kids at daycare. It was an experience that even tainted presents for a time, with him, as I think he associated wrapped gifts with that particular “Santa experience.”

Lucky for us, this year my kiddo’s level of understanding of who Santa is has allowed him enough

change, I’m sure.

Another thing I don’t see changing anytime soon is just how awesome Christmas baking is for a toddler!

In fact, I now have my own official “cookie tester” to help me out in the kitchen, as he has begun to realize that Christmastime results in many a treat being passed his direction. Whether it’s the candy canes being handed out in stores or the kids bringing in desserts for their friends at school—delicious goodies are everywhere right now. And home is no exception.

I find myself smiling as I watch him proudly wear his little apron while he climbs up on the stool next to me to help mix in the ingredients. We usually have to clean more flour off of the counter then we’ve gotten into the bowl, but I delight in knowing that we are making some truly memorable holiday moments—traditions, even—as I know he will certainly join my husband in decorating the gingerbread men with not-so-appropriate designs.

having all of these new experiences for the first time, I’m finding that I, too, am seeing my favourite holiday through a brand-new lens—a toddler’s lens.

For example, did you know that one of the most important parts of the holiday season is Christmas lights?

I mean … yes, I’ve always thought Christmas lights were

joy that it’s impossible not to fangirl right alongside him. And when he asks to go and say “Hello” to them, it’s nearly impossible for one’s heart not to melt.

Speaking of fangirling, I had been having doubts as to whether Buddy was going to view Santa as a friend, when they met this season, or if it would be a total disaster. After all, last year he cried

confidence to go up and say “Hi” to the big man in red. There was no fear when we went in for pictures—no shyness—and my husband and I beamed with pride as our little guy marched right up to Santa, sat on his knee and posed for the camera.

Yes, Santa is definitely a friend in the eyes of my darling little two-year-old. That’ll never

Yes, Christmas through the eyes of my toddler is a heck of a lot of fun. I’ve never experienced the holidays as the mother of a two-year-old, before, so I guess in a way it’s a first for me as well. A first that I am relishing every second of. I know we are in for some more festive adventures in the coming days, and I look forward to all of the lessons they will entail.

And so, to all of you out there, from my little family to yours, I wish you all a very happy holiday season that is filled with love, fun and an endless amount of Christmas lights. n

PHOTOS: Elsie Jordan

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

Freelance with Elsie Jordan

FRIED ZUCCHINI AND ALFALFA SPROUT SANDWICH

ating this sandwich feels hopeful for spring, and since winter just started, we need all the hope we can muster. Tender zucchini, lightly fried with a big handful of sprouts, makes for a light vegetarian lunch or dinner.

Instructions:

1. Season flour with salt and pepper, then toss zucchini in seasoned flour until evenly coated. In a skillet, heat 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Oil is at temperature when the end of a wooden spoon bubbles when placed in the pan. Cook zucchini in batches until both sides are brown, about 3 minutes per side.

2. Mix garlic clove and cream cheese, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Smear seasoned cream cheese over the slices of bread, then place alfalfa on two slices and fried zucchini on the other two slices and make into a sandwich that is sliced and halved diagonally. n

Sliced zucchini

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

Fry the zucchini

Zucchini tossed with seasoned flour

Browned zucchini

FURRY WILDLIFE AND LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS

eavers are found in most provinces and terriThey used to be eight-feet long and weigh about 200 pounds (check out the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre in Whitehorse). Did you know that a square inch of beaver fur holds 77,000–148,000 hairs? The toes of each hind foot have split nails, which makes it easy for grooming. What’s amazing is how far into the bush, away from water, that they walk for their food (up to 30 metres), and that their teeth cannot be discounted as weapons— not just for felling trees but for defending themselves. Beaver

Bteeth have iron-laced enamel that shows up as orange; therefore, they can cut through trees that are up to one metre in diameter. As for their hide, it would not get much (about $30) at an auction (you’ll send the hide in “green,” which means it’s not tanned but, rather, fleshed and dried), so I would opt to send it to a tannery rather than to sell it tanned or work with it myself. Then I would have the beaver skull. And the tail skin could be made into a wallet or eaten dried and smoked, once the hair has been singed off. We’ve eaten backstrap (beaver has protein, and its liver has iron) and dried the highly priced castor glands. Do you know what industries use beaver castoreum for? It is often added to expensive products such as ice cream (especially ice cream with raspberry, strawberry or vanilla flavouring), to beverages such as whiskey, or to perfumes such as Givenchy,

Beaver skulls: their teeth go way up into their skull

PHOTOS: Sonja Seeber

Sonja Seeber

Sonja Seeber and her husband Paul are Yukon trappers who live in the Pelly Mountains and have developed a lifelong passion for the trapping lifestyle in the North.

Chanel, Lancȏme and Dior.

We have a muskrat that lives in an abandoned beaver lodge in a side-channel (there is not enough standing water in this channel anymore, therefore the beavers have abandoned it because they are vulnerable to predators). Muskrats are plentiful in northern Yukon. They love marshes and the water plants that grow along channel bottoms. They burrow into riverbanks and use their long, naked tails as rudders. Their tails are scaly, black and flat from side to side. The muskrat is the largest “mouse” (really)—a field mouse that has traded meadows for marshes.

Each freeze-up, like clockwork, two or three otters come to the lake. They poke holes in the thin ice, walk along the edge of the lake, dive in and play. I watched one of them eating a fish (two ravens were eager to steal it). Not impressed by the ravens’ advances, the otter just walked under a tree, which hung over the lake,

and enjoyed the meal. This scene reminded me of Gollum with his “precious” ring (in Lord of the Rings). Otters are probably the most-playful of Yukon wild animals. Another time we watched an otter go sledding! It would walk up the hill and then slide down onto the frozen lake. It did that for about 15 minutes. These views, including the changing light of the seasons and the fire in the wood stove, are our “TV series” out here.

The lynx, a member of the cat family, has very sharp teeth and has claws to hold and kill its main source of food (the snowshoe hare) with one bite. It waits patiently for a hare, then pounces on it. Or, with its snowshoe-like paws, the lynx zigzags through the bush until it scares a hare out of its hiding place. Every 10 years or so, the snowshoe-hare population crashes (perhaps because of disease, the production of toxins from their favourite shrubs, or because of

food shortage). Then the lynx will go after squirrels, mice, grouse, ptarmigan or whatever it can find. Or it will travel away from its territory. Younger lynx starve, as the females give birth regardless of food supply. But when there is plenty of food, they’ll cache the surplus under mounds of grass marked with droppings.

We always take garbage bags with us in case we trap a lynx or a fox (they carry fleas). Back at home, we spray Raid into the bag, tie it up and leave it for a few hours.

The Grey Wolf can be different colours, from almost white to black. A pack has a territory of 1,000 square kilometres (males travel up to 500 kilometres in search of breeding females). A pair of wolves kill, proportionally, more moose and/or caribou than a pack will kill. The pair will eat until full and then leave the rest for scavengers: ravens, eagles, wolverines, martens and even

vchickadees will happily eat meat. A pack has a highly developed social hierarchy with a female as the alpha who leads the pack’s hunting efforts. If a wolf gets old and isn’t able to help with the hunt anymore, it has to go. Winter is an easy season for wolves to go on hunts, as moose are not able to jump into the water and cross a river or lake.

Wolverines, also called Gulo gulo (“glutton” in Latin), have large neck muscles and a very strong jaws, to crush bones, and are therefore superior to a grizzly, which would have to give up his kill when a wolverine shows up. Adult males have a home range of 400–700 square kilometres. Their fur is sought-after for hood trim, due to the fact that it is frost resistant.

Some fur-bearing animals are edible: lynx is very tasty (similar in taste to turkey). We’ve also eaten muskrat, beaver, squirrel and hare.

Now what about lures? All wildlife goes crazy for beaver, but there are still specialized lures to attract just the animal you want. Martens eat berries and they would love raspberry jam. Lynx respond to catnip, valerian or a perfume that you don’t wear anymore (a curiosity scent). Lynx are also attracted to a dangling feather or some flagging tape that is hanging. Some trappers make their own lures (one trapper told me he uses shaving cream). You can also use vaseline to make a paste with all of your other ingredients: it will retain the smell even during a cold spell.

Here is a favourite Yukon government webpage for you to check out: yukon.ca/outdoor-recreation-and-wildlife/yukon-wildlife. Just click on the animal you want to learn about (you can even listen to its call/growl/song).

Sew long fur now, Sonja Seeber, Yukon trapper n

The size of a woman’s hand in comparison to a wolverine paw

A beaver swimming to his lodge with a willow branch

PHOTOS: Sonja Seeber

EVENTS

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Wed Dec 14 Yukon Christmas

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

Wed Dec 14 Beginner Cycling

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

Wed Dec 14 Habit Spin 6:30 AM, 5:30 & 6:45 PM Habit Health and Wellness, Drop in for fun, inclusive, 50 minute indoor cycling (spin) class.

Wed Dec 14 Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Register online

Wed Dec 14 Kids BJJ 4:45 & 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Children’s classes are focused on self defense Jiu Jitsu. A typical class starts with a warm up game, stretching, technique/ drilling, and ends with more fun games! For kids 4 - 12 years old.

Wed Dec 14 Sass Class – Drop in Velvet Antlers Productions 6:00 PM Super sassy dance cardio and across the floor progressions, along with tantalizing floorwork and sexy choreography. Register online. https://bit.ly/3wkXVod

Wed Dec 14 Badminton Adult Drop-in Takhini Elementary 7:30 PM Open to everyone 18 years old and older and all skill levels

Wed Dec 14 Spirit Bear

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

Thu Dec 15 Intro to No Bun

Ballet – Drop in Velvet Antlers Productions 6:00 PM A low impact, medium/ high energy, basics class while you tighten your core, increase your strength and build on the fundamentals for all VA classes and performances. Register online. https://bit. ly/3cbyCOI

Thu Dec 15 Habit Spin 6:45 PM Habit Health and Wellness, Drop in for fun, inclusive, 50 minute indoor cycling (spin) class.

Thu Dec 15 NO-GI JIU JITSU Eight Days Martial Arts 7:30 PM This class is very similar to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, only the students typically practice in shorts and a rash guard t-shirt, rather than a Gi. There is also typically a little more wrestling and leg locks due to the rules in tournaments being less restrictive.

Thu Dec 15 Total Body HIIT

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

Thu Dec 15 Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves.

Register online

Fri Dec 16 Habit Spin 6:30

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

Fri Dec 16 Women’s Brazilian JIU JITSU Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM a grappling based art that utilizes takedowns, sweeps, joint locks and strangle holds to subdue your opponent or attacker. BJJ emphasizes a lot of drilling and live sparring also know as “rolling”

Sat Dec 17 Winter Solstice Run 2022 10:00 AM Grey Mountain Road Run or walk up to the towers on Grey Mountain Road approx. 12 km return. Wear your most festive gear and to bring a donations to the food bank

Fri Dec 16 Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 12:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Fri Dec 16 Badminton Adult Drop-in Takhini Elementary 7:30 PM Open to everyone 18 years old and older and all skill levels

Sun Dec 18 Habit Spin 10:00 & 11:00 AM Habit Health and Wellness, Drop in for fun, inclusive, 50 minute indoor cycling (spin) class.

Sun Dec 18 Winter Solstice Spa and Snow Day 10:00 AM Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs Skiing/ snowshoeing, a gentle yoga class and spend a few hours in the Nordic Spa enjoying the hydrotherapy, saunas and steam. https://bit.ly/3P3BrAy

Sun Dec 18 Snow Sliding Meet Up 1:30 PM Mt. Sima Let’s get together for some rides! This meet up is for queers and BIPOC folx. One and two plankers are welcome!

Sun Dec 18 Kids Muay Thai 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai teaches combat skills that are good for self-defense along with positive holistic effects like respect, discipline, focus, and confidence. Open to ages 8 - 12.

Mon Dec 19 BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM & 7:30 PM a grappling based art that utilizes takedowns, sweeps, joint locks and strangle holds to subdue your opponent or attacker. BJJ emphasizes a lot of drilling and live sparring also know as “rolling”

Mon Dec 19 KIDS MUAY THAI Eight Days Martial Arts 4:45 PM a dynamic and engaging martial art that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. The sport is also referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because it utilizes punching, kicking, elbowing and knee strikes. Muay Thai teaches combat skills that are good for self-defense along with positive holistic effects like respect, discipline, focus, and confidence. Open to ages 8 - 12.

Mon Dec 19 Women’s Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 12:00 & 6:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Mon Dec 19 Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 12:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Mon Dec 19 Habit Spin 6:45 PM

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

Tue Dec 20 Total Body HIIT 12:15 PM Habit Yukon 30 min lunchtime high intensity interval training. All levels welcome, drop in and first time try it rates available.

Tue Dec 20 Kids BJJ 4:45 & 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Children’s classes are focused on self defense Jiu Jitsu. A typical class starts with a warm up game, stretching, technique/ drilling, then ends with more fun games! These classes are appropriate for kids 4 - 12 years old.

Tue Dec 20 Habit Spin 12:15 & 5:30 PM Habit Health and Wellness, Drop in for fun, inclusive, 50 minute indoor cycling (spin) class.

Tue Dec 20 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00, 12:05 & 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Often referred to as the game of human chess, BJJ is a grappling based art that utilizes takedowns, sweeps, joint locks and strangle holds to subdue your opponent or attacker. BJJ emphasizes a lot of drilling and live sparring also known as “rolling”.

WELLNESS LISTINGS

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

Tuesdays & Saturdays

Counseling Drop-In and Short Term Counselling Service 11:00 AM Canadian Mental

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

Wed Dec 14 Community Kitchen

11:30 AM Victoria Faulkner

Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 6672693 for more info.

Wed Dec 14 Dads Matter Group

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

Wed Dec 14 Beginner w/

Experience 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Assumes some familiarity with components of Sun Salutation

Wed Dec 14 Breathe + Stretch with Carrie 7:30 PM Alpine

Bakery – Upstairs A slow-paced class to stretch the body. Email carrie.ekholm@gmail.com

Wed Dec 14 Overeaters

Anonymous Meeting 7:30 PM Overeaters Anonymous For more information contact oayukon@ gmail.com for more information

Wed Dec 14 No Puffin Group (CM) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Wed Dec 14 Sally & Sisters/ Soeurs 1:00 PM Whitehorse United Church A safe place for women and children to access a meal.

Thu Dec 15 Hatha Yoga 12:00 PM Grace Space Find alignment mental and physical during this hour of inspiring hatha yoga,. Register online. https://bit. ly/3kFowWQ

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

Thu Dec 15 KDCC Walking with Our Sisters Sewing Group 5:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.

Thu Dec 15 Family & Friends Support Group 7:00 PM

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) A dropin support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Call 668-6429 or email programs@yukon.cmha.ca for more info.

Thu Dec 15 AA Polar Group

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

Fri Dec 16 Yoga wake up flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https://www. rootedtreemassage.com/bookonline

Fri Dec 16 Morning Yoga Stretch 9:00 AM 7th Ray Studio Easing into the day with gentling warming up and stretching. All levels are welcome Register online.

Fri Dec 16 Sally & Sisters/ Soeurs 1:00 PM Whitehorse United Church A safe place for women and children to access a meal.

Fri Dec 16 Slow Flow Resto

– All Levels 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Stretch, flow + restore.

Fri Dec 16 Sacred Breathwork with Derek Endress 7:00 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Email wallymaltz@mac.com to register.

Fri Dec 16 AA Whitehorse Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Looking for support with your relationship with alcohol? Join the AA Whitehorse Group..

Fri Dec 16 Men’s Support Group for Indigenous men 18 and over CYFN Council Of Yukon First Nations Family Preservation Services is hosting a Snaring & Trapping Workshop as part of its ongoing Support Group for Yukon First Nations and Indigenous men. Register now as space is limited!

Sat Dec 17 Yoga with Amber 7:15 PM Habit Health and Wellness book online or email habitcommunity@gmail.com for more info

Sat Dec 17 Kundalini Wake-Up with Nancy Alpine Bakery & Upstairs 9:00 AM Start the day with classic Kundalini yoga sets and meditations that stimulate the mind, activate the body and magnetize your energy. To register email wallymaltz@mac. com http://www.yogayukon.ca/ yogayukon/Schedule.html

Sat Dec 17 Restorative Yoga – All Levels 10:30 AM Alpine

Bakery & Upstairs Restorative poses are long holds over supportive props in relaxing variations of backbends, forward folds and twists, to relax deeply. To register email wallymaltz@ mac.com http://www.yogayukon. ca/yogayukon/Schedule.html

Sat Dec 17 AA Hospital

Meeting 7:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Mon Dec 19 Sally & Sisters/ Soeurs 1:00 PM Whitehorse

United Church A safe place for women and children to access a meal.

Mon Dec 19 Smart Recovery Addictions Support 6:45 PM Sarah Steele Building

Mon Dec 19 Live And Online

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

Mon Dec 19 Absolute

Beginners – Intro 5:30 PM

Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Intro to yoga with Erica & Carrie

Mon Dec 19 Hips, Hams & Core – All Levels 7:30 PM

Alpine Bakery – Upstairs A fairly vigorous class with emphasis on breath and slower is stronger.

Mon Dec 19 AA New Beginnings Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Tue Dec 20 Sally & Sisters/ Soeurs 1:00 PM Whitehorse United Church A safe place for women and children to access a meal.

Tue Dec 20 Yoga with Barbara 10:00 AM Golden Age Society Drop-in Yoga, everyone welcome. Call 335-1996 for more info.

Tue Dec 20 Men’s Community Group 5:30 PM Mountainview Church We start with a meal and fellowship, then work through a biblical study, and take time to pray for one another, and for shared requests.

Tue Dec 20 Intermediate –Level 2 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Explore alignment and form in a wide range of familiar + new poses.

Tue Dec 20 Soundbath with Dave Haddock 7:00 PM Alpine Bakery - Upstairs Email wallymaltz@mac.com to register.

Tue Dec 20 Yoga by Amber 7:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A yoga class that is for all levels and abilities, register online.

Tue Dec 20 AA UglyDuckling Group (C/M, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral New members always welcome, this is a non smoking group.

BASIC WINTER SAFETY

The duration varies a bit, but it’s still a lengthy period that we have to make adjustments for, based on conditions.

Cabin fever (a.k.a. SAD) used to be very common, but in recent times, winter activities have broadened to the point that everyone can get

out there, at least some of the time, and feel better for it.

Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice-skating, winter camping and bison hunting are common winter activities that often, if not usually, take us well off the beaten path. Ice thickness,

plexity, with your kids. This can be valuable “together time” and a learning experience for them.

snow depth, extreme cold, darkness, broken equipment and poor planning create unplanned situations that are commonly referred to as emergencies. These can be and often are life-threatening and death-resulting situations.

All of the above-mentioned winter activities likely involve travel on frozen lakes, rivers and swamps—any of which can have varying ice thickness due to currents, upwelling springs, overflow, river or creek entries, depth and other unpredictable circumstances. These conditions can result in thinner or thicker ice in just a few hours or days.

Ice thickness is very important, as thicker ice can usually support more weight. It is always prudent, when the ice is not predictable, to not stand close together in groups or to park snow machines or sleds without keeping them some distance from the others. It doesn’t take much more time to be careful. Checking ice thickness is part of a safety plan, but often the location to check is closer to shore where the ice is often thicker. In the early season, out near the middle of the lake, there may not be any ice, yet, while closer to shore the ice may well be thick enough for activities. Over the years, there have been more than a few Yukon-

ers who have snowmachined or skated off the ice edge into open water. This has most often been in the dark of night where more precautions are essential.

Overflow (upwelling of water on top of the ice surface) can create frightening moments for outdoor winter enthusiasts. It is often invisible because of fresh snow on top. If you are skiing, snowshoeing or walking, you will not have gone far into the overflow before you realize it. That allows you to reverse direction and get out of the situation fairly quickly, with or without getting wet up to the thighs. A snowmobile is a very different situation because even a slow machine goes fast enough to get you well into the unseen overflow situation. The best advice I can give at that moment of realization is to go as fast as you can and make a U-turn (ASAP) to get back out of the overflow conditions. Continuing forward is ill-advised, as you would have no idea how far the overflow situation extends.

Bogging down in overflow is not uncommon and can be very serious, depending on your location and the availability of assistance. Avoiding or escaping overflow is a far better solution to the problem. n

This cold, dark time of the year affects all of us to a greater or lesser extent depending on our attitude and inclination to do something to pass the time away. Our winter activity menu is vast and readily attainable depending on how much time you wish to spend outdoors. Of course, our indoor activity schedule is now extremely varied with all of the learning experiences available at the community level.

Due to one reason or another, we may still find ourselves with some spare time on our hands

that we would like to fill with a positive activity. Checking, repairing and evaluating your outdoor/recreational equipment are positive ways to fill many hours. Plus, next season (which is never far away) you will be pleased with yourself for having brought your equipment up to snuff and maybe even for getting rid of some useless items you have had for years in your camping or tackle boxes. These chores can be done alone (if you need some space), with a friend or, depending on attitudes or task com-

There are some obvious advantages to having a space where stuff can be left out (for a few days only!) if you aren’t finished when you have to leave it. You can then pick up where you left off without having to lay it all out again.

Fishing gear is a good and easy place to start. Empty the tackle box (or boxes) onto a table or bench and wash/wipe the boxes. A shop-vac can be useful here. I would then sort the gear into categories such as spoons, spinners, crankbaits, jigs, hooks, weights, leaders, etc. They can

be wiped clean before being put back in the box. Sorting is where the only real challenge arises. This is the point where you discard anything broken or rusty, and stuff that appealed to you but has never had the same effect on a fish. Remember the old rule that fishing lures were designed to first catch you and then maybe a fish or two. Fishing rods should also be inspected for damage, loose wrappings on guides, or damaged reel mounts.

Downriggers have clips to check, along with the mesh or telescoping handle on landing nets. Lines break down in sunlight and may need to be replaced (or just remove the first 10 to 15 metres if

frayed or kinked).

Waders, boots or other footwear can be examined for leaks, tears, and lace or insole replacement. Rain gear often gets torn or splits at a seam. There are many patch kits and adhesives for footwear, rain gear and other outer garments.

Paddles, oars and push poles can all be inspected and repaired, if needed, in the warmth of the basement or garage. Ropes, tarps and PFDs (life jackets) should be looked at as well. PFD weight limitations may no longer be adequate if growing children are part of the group who are enjoying the equipment. n

Winter activities have broadened to the point that everyone can get out there

PHOTO: Pixabay

Larry Leigh is an avid angler, hunter and all-round outdoors person who prefers to cook what he harvests himself. He is a past president of the Canadian Wildlife Federation and retired hunter-education coordinator for the Government of Yukon.

The Best Things in Life are… Rescued!

Meet ROXIE!

FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED

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

She is a 3-year-old spayed female Pitbull.

Roxie is the sweetest girl who loves to give love! She is full of wiggles and will pick up her favourite toy to show off while getting pets. She is sweet and will lean into you for affection. She has a luscious short coat that will require bundling up with a jacket and booties for the colder months!

She will benefit from regular play and exercise. She would do well in a home with children, she may be ok with another dog her size, and we do not know how she is with cats.

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

Shelter Hours: Tuesdays - Fridays 12pm-6pm Saturdays - 10am-6pm 126 Tlingit St, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 6J2 | Tel: 867 633 6019

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

If you are interested and able to help in fostering please get in contact with us via our page @YukonAnimalRescueNetwork or send us a message via Facebook messenger or email: cheryl@YukonAnimalRescue.net

7:30am-5:15pm

When:

18 months - 5 years of age Cost: Tuition fees as follows: Toddler: $160/month, Preschool: $150/month Emily Howard at 393-2824 ext 206 or eypd@bgcyukon.com

Location: Riverdale

ü Feel free to attend with no obligation, any Toastmaster (TM) meeting.

ü You can attend 3 meetings as a guest while deciding to join. ü You can just show up at a meeting before we begin (11:55am).

BATTERY

Batteries store energy that is needed to start your vehicle, there are a few things to remember about batteries.

Regular maintenance #1 is making sure the battery is secured properly so it doesn’t vibrate, keeping connections clean and tight at the terminal, with loose connections you may run into problems like vehicles won’t start, alternator not charging properly and could cause battery and alternator failure.

Making sure your battery is ready for the colder weather we see in the Yukon like adding a battery pad or battery blanket to keep it warm when the vehicle is not in use; by keeping the battery warm in colder weather you will get the most power out of the battery on start up.

Here is a side tip: if you don’t drive your vehicle on a regular basis and are experiencing battery problems, you could ask you local mechanic to install a low amp battery maintainer; this will keep your battery fully charged even when the vehicle is parked for a long time.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

SEND WHAT’S UP YUKON YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS

It’s Free. It’s Fast. It’s Easy.

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

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

ATLIN

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

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

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

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

Yukon Communities:

Wednesdays Yukon Unity (OM) 3:00

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

CARCROSS

First Sunday of Every Month St.

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

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

CARMACKS

Wed Dec 14 Toddler Time & Indoor Soccer/Learn to Play 10:00 AM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Wed Dec 14 Teen Movie Night 7:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Thu Dec 15 Carmacks Open Gym 5:00

PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Thu Dec 15 Family Movie Night 7:00

PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Fri Dec 16 CTJS Floor Hockey 5:00

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

Sat Dec 17 Disc Golf Drop-In 1:00 PM

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

Sat Dec 17 Drop In Pickleball 3:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Sun Dec 18 Toddler Time 1:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Mon Dec 19 Drop-in Basketball 5:00

PM Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 5-12 (5-7PM) and Ages 13 to adult (79PM)

Mon Dec 19 Carmacks Spikerz Volleyball 6:00 PM Carmacks

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

Tue Dec 20 Drop-in Basketball & Soccer 5:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 5-12 (5-7PM) and Ages 13 to adult (7-9PM)

Tue Dec 20 Nerf Battle Dome 5:30 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre Carmacks Recreation Centre

DAWSON CITY

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

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

Tue - Thu Saint Mary’s Weekday Mass 5:00 PM Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Join Father Emanuel for weekday mass Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Wed Dec 14 Youth Muay Thai Classes 3:00 PM Minto Park Concession Ages 7-13 Email recreation@cityofdawson.ca to register.

Thu Dec 15 Intermediate Embroidery – Holiday Cushions 6:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Build on existing skills and techniques so some embroidery experience is required. Participants will create a holiday themed cushion over three weeks.

Thu Dec 15 Multi-Sport Drop In 7:30 PM Robert Service School Held in the gym, all children under 9 must have a guardian.

Fri Dec 16 Cards & Conversation 12:30 PM Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1 Dawson City Free! Drop-In! No registration necessary. Proof of double vaccination required for anyone ages 12+. For more info email recreation@ cityofdawson.ca or call 993-7400 ext 299.

Fri Dec 16 Adult Rec & Roll 5:00 PM

Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre Improve your roller skating and skateboarding skills, 18+ Free-Drop in

Sat Dec 17 Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00 AM Robert Service School

Sat Dec 17 Drop-In Walking Group 12:00 PM Robert Service School Open to all ages, children under 10 to be accompanied by an adult, Parents with strollers are welcome. Set distance goals to achieve or just come for exercise and socialization.

Sun Dec 18 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

Sun Dec 18 Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00 AM Robert Service School

Sun Dec 18 Learn to Skate 4:00 PM

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

Sun Dec 18 Yin Yoga 8:00 PM Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre For a deep stretch and relaxation before bedtime Email recreation@cityofdawson.ca

Mon Dec 19 55+ Stretch & Strong

Fitness Class 2:00 PM Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre A 6-week strength class for Dawsonites Call 993-7400 ext 299

Mon Dec 19 Badminton & Pickleball

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

Mon Dec 19 Adult Drop-In Basketball

7:30 PM Robert Service School Gym –Free Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info

Tue Dec 21 Magic The Gathering 7:00 PM Minto Park Concession Building FREE Event. Format is commander –Bring your own cards / decks

FARO

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

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

Fridays Badminton 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Saturdays Open Gym 4:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Unstructured activity time where the gymnasium is available to students, families, and/or community members to play pick-up sports.

Call 994-2375 or email recreation@ faroyukon.ca for more info.

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

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

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

Tuesdays Adult Floor Hockey 7:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Fri Dec 16 Council Open House 11:00 AM Stop by over the lunch hour and meet your town council.

HAINES JUNCTION

Wed Dec 14 Adult Volleyball 16+ 7:00 PM St. Elias Community School Meet in the school gym

Wed Dec 14 Village Council meetings 7:00 PM St. Elias Convention Centre

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

Wed Dec 14 Boxing Classes Bill Brewster Arena 5:30 PM Reach your fitness goals by joining this boxing program! Participants must complete out a waiver provided. Call 634-2012 or email dgraham@cafn.ca for more info.

https://bit.ly/3mGYALy

Thu Dec 15 Step It Up with Shelby

7:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena Cardio Aerobic Step Class is a classic cardiovascular workout, using a 4 or 6 inch step platform.

Fri Dec 16 HJL Story Time 10:00AM

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

Sat Dec 17 Step It Up with Shelby 7:00

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

Tue

Tue

Tue Dec 21 Hatha Yoga 5:30 PM Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre Improve your posture flexibility and strength. Email recreation@cityofdawson.ca

Tue Dec 21 English Conversation Club 7:00 PM YukonU A weekly English Conversation Club for immigrants in Dawson City.

Sun Dec 18 Sunday Christmas Markets 2:00 PM St. Elias Convention Centre Local Vendors, lots of baked and lovely homemade goods. Public Skating until 3pm.

Mon Dec 19 & Tue Dec 20 Public Skate

Bill Brewster Arena 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM

Mon Dec 19 Step It Up with Shelby 7:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena Cardio

Aerobic Step Class is a classic cardiovascular workout, using a 4 or 6 inch step platform.

Mon Dec 19 Smart Recovery Meetings 8:00 PM Munku Hall Everyone welcome, call 334-5688 for more info.

Tue Dec 20 Girls Club 6:00 PM St.

Elias School Held in the art room, open to Girls and identifying as Girls from Grade 8 to 12.

Tue Dec 20 Christmas Mitt Making

Course with Karrie Brown 6:00 PM

Yukon University Haines Junction Campus Learn how to make a pair of traditional mittens just in time for Christmas. Email ssheardown@yukonu. ca

Tue Dec 20 Family Fun Day at Pine Lake 11:00 PM Take part in fishing, kicksledding, cross-country skiing and fun games & prizes. Fun for the whole family.

MARSH LAKE

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays

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

Thursdays North of 60 Seniors Coffee and Chat 2:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Thursdays Shuffleboard Marsh Lake Community Centre 6:00 PM

Saturdays Knitting Circle 11:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre Everyone wielding a hook, needle or pin is welcome.

Saturdays Pickleball Outside Marsh Lake Community Centre 12:30 PM

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

MAYO

Weekdays Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre

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

Mondays Video Yoga Classes 5:15 PM

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

Mondays Dinner and Movie Night

5:00 PM Mayo Community Hall And Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Drop-in Art Night 7:00 PM

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

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

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

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

MOUNT LORNE

Thu Dec 15 Parents and Tots

Playtime Group 1:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre

Thu Dec 15 Community Drop-In 1:30 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Play games, craft, chat walk, snacks, coffee & tea provided.

Fri Dec 16 Drop-In Adult Hockey Lorne Mountain Community Centre 7:00 PM

For members or non-members (for a small fee)

Sat Dec 17 Snow Much Fun 11:30 AM

Fatbike, Ski, Run, Walk, Kicksled or snowshoe 10 or 21 kms, donations to the food bank welcome.

Sun Dec 18 DPSAY Carbon Hill (40 miles) and Twister (up to 10 miles)

Mount Lorne Community Centre dogpoweredsports@gmail.com

Mon Dec 19 Drop-In Yoga Mount Lorne Community Centre 7:00 PM By donation all levels welcome

OLD CROW

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

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

Wed Dec 14 Adult Card Game Night

6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Wed Dec 14 Stroller Walks 10:00 AM

Kih Tsal

Mon Dec 19 Men’s Night At The Rec Centre 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Tue Dec 20 Kids Gym 3:00 PM John

Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Tue Dec 20 Adult Sewing 6:00

PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Tue Dec 20 Youth Gym 6:00 PM John

Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

SKAGWAY

Wednesdays Women’s Morning Worship 7:00 AM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway All are welcome.

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

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

Fridays Skagway Teen Night 6:30 PM

Skagway Public Library

Sundays Sunday School 4:00 PM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway Sundays Sunday Worship 10:00 AM

First Presbyterian Church of Skagway

Wed Dec 14 Christmas Hymn Sing

6:30 PM First Presbyterian Church Spend an hour singing your favorite hymns that tell the story of Jesus’ birth and learn a few new ones along the way. Children and adults are welcome. Refreshments afterwards.

Wed Dec 14 Reindeer Take and Go Craft Skagway Public Library Stop by the library anytime in December to pick up your Take-and-Go craft kit and make a festive reindeer decoration out of wine corks from the comfort of your home.

Fri Dec 16 Clinic Open House 2:00 PM

Dahl Memorial Clinic Tour the facility, meet our staff and enjoy delicious refreshments.

Fri Dec 16 Late Night Library 6:00 PM Skagway Public Library Calling all teens! Hang out at the library after hours and enjoy holiday-themed crafts, games, special guests, and activities. For teens ages 10-18.

Sat Dec 17 Community Holiday Rollerblade Party & Light Show Fundraiser 4:00 PM Skagway Recreation Center Opening with appearances by Flying Toad Circus and more. Rollerblade Light Show by Reuben Cash. Small Concession Stand, including Soft Serve Ice Cream by Jay Burnham.

Sat Dec 17 Holiday Wreath Craft 2:00 PM Skagway Public Library An afternoon of festive crafting, delicious tea and hot cocoa, and fun socializing!

Sun Dec 18 Holiday Book Club 3:00 PM Skagway Public Library Stop by the library in December to borrow a copy of the Library Book Club’s December selection, “The Ultimate Gift.” join us for our discussion of this heartwarming story just in time for the holidays!

Sun Dec 18 Sunday Movie Matinee 4:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Come watch the Christmas Story told from the viewpoint of the animals on the big screen, especially Beau the Donkey and Ruth the Sheep. Popcorn and refreshments are provided.

Mon Dec 19 Blue Christmas Service 6:30 PM First Presbyterian Church While there is much to be joyful for, there are also many things that are not the same this year due to loss or change. Those memories and lost dreams seem unwelcome during most events in December. This service creates a space for the loss and pain to be mourned and set free in the presence of hope.

Tue Dec 20 Holiday Spinning 9:30 AM Skagway Recreation Come Spin out that holiday stress with a blast of cardio and have some fun rocking out to holiday themed tunes!

Tue Dec 20 Holiday Pickleball 5:00 PM

Skagway Recreation Center Fun music and themes will be in the gym. Holiday colors and costumes encouraged!

TAGISH

Wed Dec 14 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

Wed Dec 14 Yukon Learn at Tagish Library 1:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Targeted literacy programming by Yukon Learn at the Tagish Library. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon.

Wed Dec 14 Intro to Yoga 4:15 PM

Tagish Community Centre

Wed Dec 14 Beginner and Intermediate Yoga 5:45 PM Tagish Community Centre

Wed Dec 14 Coffee And Chat 2:00 PM

Tagish Community Centre

Thu Dec 15 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

Thu Dec 15 Carpet Bowling 10:00 AM

Tagish Community Centre

Thu Dec 15 Tagish Local Advisory Council Meeting Tagish Community Centre 7:00 PM .

Sat Dec 17 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

Sat Dec 17 Tagish Community Christmas Dinner Tagish Community Centre

Sun Dec 18 Tagish Pancake Breakfast 9:30 AM Tagish Community Centre

Mon Dec 19 Tagish Butt Kickers

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

Mon Dec 19 Line Dancing Lessons

Tagish Community Centre 7:00 PM Music, Dancing and FUN! For more info or to reserve your spot email recreation@tagishyukon.org

TESLIN

Wed Dec 14 Pickleball 12:00 & 7:00

PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Thu Dec 15 Group Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Thu Dec 15 Youth Club 7:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Fri Dec 16 Young Explorers 3:15 PM Teslin Recreation Centre For those who like outdoor adventure.

Fri Dec 16 Public Skate 5:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Fri Dec 16 Badminton 6:30 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Fri Dec 16 Basketball Drop-in 7:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Sat Dec 17 Parent & Tots 12:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Sat Dec 17 Volleyball 7:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Mon Dec 19 Badminton 6:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Tue Dec 20 3D Archery 5:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Tue Dec 20 Group Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

WATSON LAKE

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

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

Wed Dec 14 Drop-In Ninja Tumbling 5:30 PM Watson Lake Secondary School All ages welcome. Adults are welcome too, come to do some stretching or try some handstands etc.

Wed Dec 14 Community Christmas Dinner 5:30 PM Watson Lake Recreation Centre

Fri Dec 16 Friday Night Lanes 7:00

PM Call 335-7979 to register

Sat Dec 17 Baptiste Power Yoga 7:00

PM Fees apply. A muscle-shaping and mind-sculpting workout, work at your own level and ability, set to electronic music.

Sun Dec 18 Sunday Nite Volleyball 11:00 AM Watson Lake Secondary School

Mon Dec 19 Learn to Skate Watson Lake Recreation Centre Sign up at the Rec Centre

Tue Dec 20 Pickleball & Badminton Watson Lake Secondary School 7:00 PM

Cartoon Zoo

You will see Dumbo the elephant

You will hear Porky the pig

You will touch Bambi

You will see Woody the Woodpecker

You will hear Kermit the Frog

You will touch Snoopy

You will see Mickey Mouse

You will hear Curious George

You will touch Garfield the cat

You will see Skipper the penguin

You will hear Wile E. the coyote

You will touch Bullwinkle The Moose

You will see Elsie the cow

You will hear Donald Duck

You will touch Peter Rabbit

You will see Pink Panther

You will hear Miss Piggy

You will touch Rudolph

You will see Smokey the Bear

You will hear Big Bad Wolf

You will touch Bugs Bunny

When I was a kid this Elder gave me a Gwich’in name, ”CHIH AHAA.”

Translated it means ”walking ahead.”

Allan Benjamin

CHIH AHAA

Holiday Hours

Fridays Dec 16 & 23: 10 am-7pm

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

Tuesday Dec 27-Friday Dec 30:

Boxing Days Extravaganza Saturday Dec 31-Wednesday Jan 4: Closed for inventory Reopening Thursday Jan 5: 10am

Allan Benjamin is a poet, a cartoonist, a fiddle player and a snowshoe racer from Old Crow, Yukon. Allan is a Vuntut Gwich’in artist who provides cartoons and poems to What’s Up Yukon. He introduces us to two sets of characters who represent Allan’s family and traditional Gwich’in life growing up in Old Crow.

Take a break, you deserve it. Visit Dawson City

AYLA VANDERHOFF

Submitted by: Dane Garner

Ayla Vanderhoff, is a 9 month old golden retriever, who loves to help out with the snow shovelling.

COMMUNITY Victoria Gold’s Commitment to the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association

Victoria Gold is pleased to renew a threeyear sponsorship agreement with the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association (YFNHA) to 2025.

The Victoria Gold presents the 43rd Annual Kilrich Building Centres Yukon Native Hockey Tournament will take place in Whitehorse from March 23 to 26, 2023 hosted by the YFNHA.

This very special event brings together northern communities to celebrate sport, culture and friendship both on and o the ice and contributes significantly to the socio-economic health of Whitehorse.

“Victoria Gold has graciously signed on for another three years of support as the tournament’s presenting sponsor,” says YFNHA President Michelle DawsonBeattie. “The team at Victoria Gold shares our association’s vision of supporting the longevity of what is truly a Yukon-wide community event. Without the company’s support and commitment, this tournament would not be possible.”

“Victoria Gold is very proud to once again present this tournament and help bring together hockey players from across the North, Alberta and BC today and for years to come,” says Victoria Gold President & CEO John McConnell. “For over four decades, the hard-working volunteer

Victoria Gold presents the Kilrich Building Centres Yukon Native Hockey Tournament is taking place from March 23 to 26, 2023 in Whitehorse and includes a three-year sponsorship commitment by Victoria Gold from 2023-2025 to the tournament’s host; the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association.

board of the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association has upheld its mission to promote the love of hockey amongst Indigenous Canadians.”

Founded in 1973, the tournament attracts more sponsors and participants each year. Beyond the annual event, the YFNHA supports both adults and youth to travel within and outside Yukon in order to participate in hockey tournaments

throughout the year. The YFNHA also works in cooperation with other organizations to o er hockey skill development camps for all levels of players.

For more information about the Victoria Gold presents the Kilrich Building Centres Yukon Native Hockey Tournament visit the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association, on Facebook.

Property located approximately 375 kilometres north of Whitehorse and 85 kilometres north, northeast of the Village of Mayo, within the traditional territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun (FNNND). The company employs over 500 workers and contractors; half of which are Yukoners At Work and many are FNNND citizens.

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

The Eagle Gold Mine is situated within Victoria Gold’s 100 per cent-owned Dublin Gulch