What's Up Yukon, April 26, 2023

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POSTCARDS

WAKING UP FROM WINTER

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Some of us are groggy for a while, similar to a bear that remains in a kind of walking hibernation for a couple of weeks after coming out of his den. Others wake up ready to go, like female Arctic ground squirrels that get impregnated within a few days of coming out of hibernation. And for others, still, a big breakfast is the first order of business. A pregnant little brown bat (little brown myotis) can eat up to her entire body weight in insects, each night, according to MassWildlife (mass. gov/masswildlife).

In late April and early May, the internal clock of a wide variety of hibernators begins to trigger a series of chemical reactions that will eventually wake them up. We haven’t seen many of these Yukon animals since last year. Before you know it, we’ll be hearing male wood frogs calling to their mates again, near our local ponds, and seeing bears along roadsides, digging up roots and ants and waiting for those first sweet dandelions.

For many animal species, it appears that the males wake up first. The male Arctic ground squirrel wakes up earlier, in order to regain his strength for mating and to reach sexual maturity, as do male chipmunks. They need to feed so they’ll be able to compete for their mating rights, as soon as the females come out of their burrows. And a female bear may stay inside her den longer, in order to give her cubs a bit more time to grow and to prepare for life outside.

Some actually argue that bears aren’t true hibernators because their body temperature doesn’t drop very low and because

they’re still aware enough of their surroundings to wake up to any possible threats. They do, however, exist all winter long only on oxygen and their fat reserves from the previous year: they don’t eat, drink, defecate or urinate for months. Their fat stores from the past summer are slowly used as a food and water source, and urinary wastes are turned into proteins. Chipmunks, on the other hand, aren’t able to accumulate enough fat to last them all winter; and so, instead, they spend their summer and fall collecting food and storing it in their burrows. During the winter they wake up every few days from their state of torpor—to eat, defecate and urinate.

On the other end of the spectrum, of being able to decrease their body temperature, is the Arctic ground squirrel and the wood frog. Researchers at the University of Alaska, at Fairbanks, have found that the Arctic ground squirrel is able to cool its body to -2.9 Celsius, which is colder than any other hibernating mammal. It also stores up a cache of food, but

cont’d on page 3 ...

I like to imagine that hibernating animals wake up from their long winter sleep much like we humans wake up from our own nightly slumber

PHOTO: Jessica Suber

Jessica Surber is a writer who loves being in the mountains and working with plants. She divides her time between Peru and the Yukon.

A roadside dandelion feast

Waking up from winter cont’d from page 2

this isn’t eaten during hibernation; instead, it’s consumed in spring, after they wake up, while there isn’t much food available, yet, outside their burrows. The wood frog, which is found in almost all of the Yukon, manages to go to even more extreme measures in order to survive a northern winter. According to the Yukon Wildlife Viewing Guide, wood frogs “produce a glucose that prevents cells from bursting when they freeze. The heart stops beating, the fluid between the cells freezes, and the frogs look frozen solid.” They awaken in late April and breed in nearly frozen water, when bits of ice can still be found on lakes and ponds.

Speaking of breeding, while many hibernating animals (like the wood frog, the least chipmunk and the Arctic ground squirrel) wake up in spring with reproduction on their minds, the little brown bat actually mates in late autumn, right before hibernation, in their hibernaculum roost. Sometimes this occurs when the female bat is still awake, but apparently sometimes males mate with bats that have already entered into hibernation (and, surprisingly, they don’t seem to care much whether they’re female or male). Mating happens in the fall, but fertilization doesn’t occur until spring. Bat Conservation International (batcon.org) reports that “females ovulate within hours of emerging from hibernation in spring, and that’s when the egg is fertilized.” During the spring and summer, little brown bats live in separate colonies. Males roost alone or in small groups, often in higher elevations or cooler areas, and females come together in larger, warmer colonies of up to several-hundred bats, in order to maintain the warmth needed to

birth and care for their pups. Little brown bats usually give birth to only one offspring per year and spend most of their energy raising their pup over the summer.

It could be argued that, in that regard, the female bear has

A hungry chipmunk filling up on sunflower seeds

If you’d like to learn more about some of these Yukon creatures, a great place to start is the free Yukon wildlife pocket guides available at the Whitehorse Visitor Information Centre, as well as at other locations around town.

If you’re interested in bats, you might like to build a bat house. You can find step-by-step instructions and plans on the Yukon government website. While most biologists suspect that Yukon bats don’t hibernate in the Yukon and, instead, migrate in the fall to areas like Alaska’s coast, where warmer temperatures and the additional moisture in the air saves them from freezing solid or drying out, a bat house can provide a safe environment for these interesting beings, during the spring and summer; and if they decide they like your place, you may have years and years of bat viewing and insect control ahead of you, since bats are said to return to the same roost, year after year (and the little brown bat can live for over 30 years).

With support from:

the better early-childcare set-up.

Pregnant bears hibernate deeply, during the early winter, but their heart rate increases gradually up to when they give birth in their dens during January or February.

Bear cubs are born tiny, blind and helpless. After the cubs are born, the mother bear’s heart rate returns to hibernation levels and she continues sleeping while the little ones drink her nutrient-dense milk and rapidly increase in size so that they’ll be able to survive, in spring, when they’ll have to leave their dens with their mothers and

begin to learn about the unfamiliar world outside.

All these incredible animals go to astounding lengths to survive our harsh Yukon winters and, for many, spring marks the beginning of yet another cycle of hectic foraging to once again prepare for the next one. So what can we do to help our hibernating neighbours?

First and foremost, if you come across a still-hibernating animal, don’t disturb it. For many, waking is very difficult and unnecessarily burns a lot of their energy reserves, putting their entire survival at risk.

In general, don’t take away a hibernator’s food source or their potential hiding spots. Consider planting flowers that provide food for pollinators such as bumblebees and butterflies. And if, this spring, you come across one of these extraordinarily tough hibernating animals (whether large or small), give them their space and admire them from a distance for all they went through to survive the winter. Let them regain their strength in peace; after all, you wouldn’t want anyone to bother you after you just woke up, either, right? n

Macarena

Wood frogs are expert Yukon hibernators

PHOTOS: Jessica Suber

THE CLOAK OF INVISIBILITY

Hands up those of you who have ever wished you could be invisible

Right? Right? Me too! There are all kinds of reasons it would be fun, I used to think. You could do what you wanted, sneak into all kinds of forbidden places, get close to animals and birds (scent- and sound-free, as well), surprise your friends, sneak up on your brothers and so on. As I grew up, there were several circumstances where I felt invisible—not always happily.

Being a receptionist/clerical worker in the 1980s was my first such experience when people I had worked closely with, in a volunteer capacity, walked right by me without any recognition. Sometimes being a young woman in meetings was another, although I have heard things said that would have been astonishing if I’d been visible. Invisibility through sexism seemed to be fairly common in those days. (Things have changed, I hope—right?)

I am sure there are many of you who can relate, for your own reasons, and I’m sure you know it never feels good.

Now that I’m older, being invisible seems to be part of my everyday life in many circumstances. This time it is invisibility through ageism, and it is most definitely not pleasant. For example, trying to explain the circumstances as to how your computer, tablet, TV or phone isn’t working can be such a chore when you’re older. Waiting in a queue for a bus and being overtaken by a younger person, or boarding a crowded bus only to find the senior’s seat occupied by an able-bodied person—all these are examples of being invisible.

Of course, there are circumstances where an older

For many seniors, being invisible seems to be part of their everyday life

person can be quite visible. I heard this from a friend: “I was shopping in a drugstore, trying to decide what kind of deodorant to buy. I overheard one young person ask another where something was. They said that it was ‘right beside the old guy.’ I turned around to look … and it was me!”

And if I’m not invisible, I can be stereotyped or ridiculed or threatened. Jokes abound (about seniors) that would be quickly shut down if they were about any other group in society. Think about it the next time you’re browsing a card section in a store or reading some quipster on the internet. I continue to hear stories about workplaces where older members are shunted aside or denied access to training or promotions. Sometimes the input of older workers is ignored or dismissed or minimized. Too bad, given the shortage of workers.

Governments can also contribute to the invisibility of seniors. For example, the Yukon did away with the word seniors

in the only branch that had the title. Now we have the dubious distinction of being the only jurisdiction in Canada without a seniors branch. Some might call that shameful, especially if a senior with limited experience in technology tries to navigate the morass of the website. The ironic thing is that I’m sure, in the past, seniors have been invisible to me, too, or else they have been little more than a nuisance (the garrulous person at a check-out, or the person who can’t remember their pin, or the person who is having trouble with that horrible plastic money, or …).

I hope I’ve learned enough that I think thrice before judging—and I hope that we, as a community, are all doing the same with our older friends, clients, family members, volunteers, co-workers, colleagues and contributors.

Right?

OK, you can put your hands down now (I can’t see you anyway). And thank you for taking the time to read this. n

PHOTO: Pixabay

column with Deborah McNevin

Deborah McNevin is a long-time Yukoner and a relatively new senior who is part of the writers’ collective for this column.

UNGUIDED

NOT YOUR AVERAGE PACK-OUT

I had ever seen. I initially mistook him for the giant and rushed back up to camp, to tell the guys.

Once we had more time to study the moose, we realized that the bigger bull was, indeed, a different animal and was a few years younger than the monarch we saw on day 1. Nevertheless, he was an absolute beauty and an extraordinary example of what a big, mature Yukon moose can grow to look like. We watched them for over a half-hour as they grazed on the willow.

On August 14 of 2021, I set out with my hunting partners, Steve Hossack, Rory Allen and Sean McEwen, on what was supposed to be our first fly-in sheep hunt, together, as a team. After getting dropped off at a remote lake, we made quick work of unstrapping the canoe from the floats and began making shuttle runs to the base of the mountain. That afternoon, we made the three-hour hike into the alpine to set up our base camp.

Once camp was set up, lowhanging clouds in the valley began to clear and we were offered our first clear look at the surrounding mountains. None of us had flown to this part of the territory before, and we were all taken aback by the beauty and ruggedness of the giant peaks.

Despite having obsessively studied maps of the area, nothing could have prepared me for what I was looking at. I remember feeling intimidated by the sheer scale of the mountains that we planned to climb, and my inexperience in dealing with this sort of terrain made me uneasy. It was comforting to know that our buddy Sean, while new to hunting at the time, was a highly skilled and experienced mountaineer and was there to help guide our decision making and navigation in the hills.

Any experienced northern hunter knows that it is not uncommon to go days, or sometimes even weeks, without seeing much action. Much to our delight, this would not be the tale of this adventure. Minutes after getting the tents set up, we glassed back down at the lake, where we were dropped off earlier that day, and spotted the big bull moose of a lifetime. Steve, the most experienced moose hunter of our group, ballparked the bull to be somewhere in the high-60/ low-70-inch range—a true Yukon giant. We laughed as we watched the bull walk right over our tracks where we had been dropped off just hours before.

While we were all there to hunt sheep, I’d be lying if I said

that spotting the giant bull didn’t have me thinking about changing gears. When you work a full-time job and hunt to fill your freezer, sometimes you’ve got to make the most of the chances you’re given. Despite the fact that the big moose had likely just disappeared out of our lives for good, I couldn’t help but think about where everyone’s head would be at if we crossed paths with him again.

Later that night, Rory and Sean volunteered to make the twohour round-trip hike down the mountain to the nearest creek, to supply us with a few days’ worth of water. Steve and I seized this opportunity to do more glassing and were thrilled to spot another Yukon giant, this time a large Bonnet Plume caribou.

By the time Rory and Sean made it back to camp, we were happy to report that we had also spotted over 35 ewes and lambs. There were sheep in these hills. The next morning was our first real day of hunting, and while the guys finished eating breakfast, I grabbed my spotting scope and hiked 50 metres down from camp, to do more glassing.

While enjoying a morning coffee, I worked my spotter along the mountain block that we planned to hunt that day. Not five minutes after hitting the glass, I picked up something that I couldn’t believe … not one, but two BIG bull moose! Excluding the bull that we spotted the day before, the larger of the pair was easily the most-impressive moose

As we continued to glass back into the bowl, we spotted our first seven rams of the trip. The male sheep were bedded down just below the summit at the west end of a rocky outcropping. After determining that none of them were legal, we went ahead with our plan to hike up and traverse the east end of the mountain block.

For the next two days we hunted hard and did everything in our power to turn up an old ram. While we hiked and explored, we made sure to keep eyes on the two moose that continued to feed down in the valley below us. As every hour went by where we weren’t spotting “no doubter” rams, I could feel my thoughts slowly drifting back down to the two moose. I contemplated, in silence, as to whether or not it would even be possible for us to go after the big bull.

With the moose just over five kilometres from the nearest access to the lake, I knew that this would be close to the limit of what any sound hunter would ever dare to pack out. We managed to close in to 700 yards on a band of rams, on day 3, but, after watching them for an hour, we determined that none of the sheep were legal. Later that day, we found a slightly older ram tucked up higher in the

cont’d on page 7 ...

The decision to carry a mature Yukon bull moose, over 5 kilometres through the mountains, on your back, is not one that should be taken lightly

Sean McEwen, Steve Hossack, Rory Allen and Casey Donovan prepare to depart on their flight into the backcountry

PHOTO: Casey Donovan

YUKON

column with Casey Donovan

Yukon Unguided is a grassroots educational platform that aims to inspire an ethical and passionate community of DIY hunters and anglers.

Not your average pack-out cont’d from page 6

if all went according to plan. Too easy, right? It certainly wasn’t going to be a cake walk, but with the right mindset, we felt it was doable.

Because we trained hard all year for this hunt, we felt that our bodies were ready to sustain a multi-day pack-out.

Steve was already a seasoned sheep hunter and was no stranger to a good sufferfest. Sean’s years of mountaineering experience easily made him the toughest out of all of us, and no one was worried about whether or not he could handle the grind. On all of our trips together, Rory had proven his exemplary endurance, time and time again, and I was confident that, although I knew it wouldn’t be easy for me, I was up for the challenge.

ounce of meat was wasted due to the distance it had to travel, and we had a moral responsibility, as hunters, to do right by the animal that we intended to harvest.

We used our inReaches to gather weather reports for the next few days, and saw that it was supposed to remain cool, averaging around 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (with the exception of a few mid-day highs). It was not forecasted to rain until our pickup day, and even then it was only calling for light showers. These forecasted conditions were about as good as we could hope for, and even if they were to change, we knew we had the necessary tarps and equipment to keep the meat out of the weather.

rocks, but our hopes of pursuing him were put on hold when we were buzzed, multiple times, by a bush plane from the local outfitter who was clearly concerned about us getting too close to the rams. Not very neighbourly! Spooking sheep in that jagged terrain wasn’t very mindful of their wellbeing, either. Needless to say, none of us were very impressed. Hiking back to camp that night, the other guys started talking more seriously about the logistics of packing out a bull moose over five kilometres.

The next morning we woke up to bad weather and low visibility. The mountain tops were socked in, which would have made going after sheep very difficult. With tired legs from all the miles we had logged, we decided to take some time to rest up and gather our thoughts. We ate all that we could in an attempt to fuel up on calories, and we discussed the logistics of trying to harvest one of the two big moose. The majority of that day was spent talking over two main questions: 1) Could

we do it? and 2) Was it ethical to try? As we combed over all of the possibilities, we watched as the bulls fed not 100 metres from where we had first spotted them.

When it came to the question of whether or not it was possible, we had to consider three main factors: time, our fitness level, and meat care. With four days to work with before our scheduled pickup, we would need to be calculated and come up with a solid plan before taking any action.

If we went for it, we would have the first morning to stalk the moose, that afternoon to butcher him (if we were successful) and then whatever time was left in that first day to start packing meat to the lake.

The second full day would give us time to do the hardest job of all—hiking out the four quarters. Moose quarters can weigh north of 130 pounds each, so when we coupled this with the weight of our packs, our water, our rifles and any emergency gear we needed, we knew that we would be coming out heavy.

The third day would be set aside for ferrying meat, by canoe, to our pickup point at the lake, leaving a little extra time to hike

back up the mountain to grab the head and the hide. Our pickup would be the following day (day 4), which would give us that morning to fish, tear down camp and enjoy some fresh moose steaks …

These products are cost-effective and the program is very simple to implement.

All products come with MSDS and proper dilution information.

Once we decided it was possible, we still had to address the question of whether it was an ethically sound thing to do. The question of ethics boiled down to whether or not we were confident in our ability to butcher the animal and then transport it to the lake, all the while keeping the meat cool, clean and dry. It would be unacceptable if even an

After a full day of combing over the possibilities, we decided that it was time to change gears. n

See Part 2 of Casey’s story in the May 3 edition of What’s Up Yukon.

The group takes a break from glassing the surrounding hills

PHOTOS: Casey Donovan

Sean McEwen, left and Rory Allen survey the hills for sheep

SEASONAL RECIPES

GOCHUJANG BUTTERED NOODLES

With Garlic and Peas

Gochujang (고추장) is a Korean spice paste that you can find in the Asian markets around Whitehorse. Along with adding it to a host of other recipes, it really takes a simple butter sauce to a new level, making this super-fast weeknight dish fun and fresh.

Serves 2.

Ingredients:

❑ 4 Tbsp butter

❑ 6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

❑ 1 Tbsp gochujang paste

❑ 1 Tbsp brown sugar

❑ 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

❑ 1/2 cup frozen peas

❑ 400g dry fettuccine, cooked according to package directions, with 1 cup of cooking liquid reserved

❑ Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. When melted, turn the heat to low and cook the garlic until soft. When the garlic has softened, add the gochujang, sugar and vinegar, then turn heat to medium.

2. Continue to stir the sauce, adding the reserved cooking liquid a tablespoon at a time. Add cooked pasta and peas, and toss to combine. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper, loosening the sauce with more pasta water if necessary. n

Chopped garlic

column with Sydney Keddy

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

PHOTOS: Sydney Keddy

BEAT THE HEAT 2023

Become a Wildland Firefighter

Yukon First Nations Wildfire is hosting multiple wildland firefighting training programs this spring, summer and fall!

EARN CERTIFICATES:

☛ Standard First Aid/CPR-C

☛ Wildfire Suppression Training (S-131 Equivalency)

☛ Wildland Firefighter Type II Crew Member

☛ ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System

☛ ROC-A: Restricted Radio Operator Certificate

☛ Transport of Dangerous Goods - Aeronautical

☛ WHMIS

☛ Basic Chainsaw Maintenance & Operation

☛ Rotor Wing Operations Training

And more!

IS YOUR BIRD FEEDER A BEAR FEEDER?

Help grow your community

From building community gardens to restoring historical sites, the Community Development Fund supports projects that benefit Yukon communities.

Eligible projects include:

• new construction projects;

• renovations and restorations to buildings or lands;

• knowledge or skill development;

• research and planning; and

• programs and events.

The application deadline is May 15 for projects under $20,000.

Apply: Yukon.ca/cdf

Last summer, I lived at California Beach in Tagish, Yukon

Living in the Yukon can make one a bit complacent when it comes to bears. I don’t always feel like packing heat— my bear spray—when I go to the outhouse. I am better at doing that when I go for a walk.

One day I walked out to take a nature call. I had the sense that I needed to check for bears, and there he was, a young black bear, standing in my yard. I decided to return to the cabin, grateful I had followed my intuition.

I made one mistake with that bear: I didn’t make sure it knew I was a human (by talking to it and making myself look big). A bear’s eyesight is not great. Back in the house, I looked out the window and the bear looked right at me. With just a pane of glass between us, I didn’t feel so safe.

Luckily, this girl keeps the yard very clean and free of any bear attractants, specifically no bird feeder full of bird seeds. I never quite understood how we are told not to feed wildlife, but feeding birds is okay. In my experience, the mice appreciate the sunflower seeds, too, which leads to an increased mouse population. No more feeding birds. I don’t discriminate—equal rights for all, which means nobody gets fed.

The local conservation officer asked me to talk to neighbours about the bear being there, to make them aware. I had recently moved to the neighbourhood and found out that the whole neighbourhood was aware of the bear—except for me.

Talking to the neighbours, I heard things like, “Oh yes, he has been feeding off my bird feeder all spring. We enjoy watching him in the yard.” I get that. It is nice to watch wildlife in the yard. Unfortunately, that kind of behaviour leads to bears being killed and humans getting hurt.

Bears will move through a neighbourhood and if they don’t get any food, they will move on. If they find sunflower seeds in a bird feeder, in early spring, when protein and fat are scarce in nature, they will punch that into their internal GPS and frequently return to check on the situation.

Spring is a great time to clean our livers. There are dandelions and other herbs that support that process for bears and humans. Nature provides just what the bears need, and oily sunflower seeds or suet is not it.

Once spring comes around, birds can find enough food, and due to the warmer temperatures, their food requirements are lower.

The Yukon Bird Club recommends on their website to “only feed birds during months when bears are denning or are least active— late October to mid-April.”

One day, a young black bear snatched someone’s wiener buns from off their truck bed. The bear dined alfresco under a spruce tree and then chased after the neighbour’s family, to protect its food source.

No humans were injured, but the young bear was already habituated to people. Bear bangers and air horns were just part of the entertainment and

were not perceived as a threat.

The bear ended up being destroyed. As far as I can see, it could have been prevented by keeping yards free of attractants and chasing bears off early in the season before they became habituated to people.

Even relocating isn’t a solution. Often bears get shipped off into other areas and make their way back to the community they came from. I have a list of favourite restaurants in Vancouver, and I work my way down the list for a good meal or two. I can’t blame the bears for doing the same.

Last year, 55 bears were killed due to human-bear conflicts. According to the CBC, 33 bear deaths (in 2019) mark an “average” human-bear conflict season in the Yukon. Imagine reading that 33 humans being shot in the Yukon would be an average number of deaths. That doesn’t include the ones that died of old age or from other causes.

I am writing this article to encourage you to care enough to take down your bird feeder during the summer and ask your neighbours and friends to do the same. Taking down bird feeders, as soon as bears are coming out of hibernation, and leaving them down until November 1, is an easy way to enjoy birds and to keep the bears and us alive and healthy.

If you still want to attract birds in the warmer months, you can replace your bird feeder with a bird bath of clean water for the birds to drink from and preen in. It is unlikely that a bear will end up swimming around in that. n

Clayton’s CAR CARE Tips

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

When bears become habituated to humans, there can be serious consequences for both

PHOTO: Pixabay

Freelance with Susanne Aichele

Air North, Yukon’s Airline

Alpine Health Supplies

Amy Taylor

Angellina’s Toy Boutique

Alla Blysak

Arctic Motorcycle Adventures

Aroma Borealis

Asahi-ya Japanese Restaurant

Atco Electric Yukon

Audrey Twardochleb

Aurora Wellness Group

Badger Bobcat Services

Baked Cafe

Behind the Barn

Blackbird Bakery

Bullet Hole Bagels

Candy’s Fruit Stand

Carlie Beads

Cate’s Yukon Creations

Ceci Twigg

Checkered Flag Recreation

Cold Acre Food Systems

Creperie La Petite Maison

Crocus Botanicals

Cultured Fine Cheese

Dana Hoogland

Due North Maternity and Baby

Earl’s Kitchen + Bar

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

Eryn MacGillivray and Nathan

O’Grady

FawkesTrot Adventures

Felix Robitaille, Yukon’s Real Estate Connection

Firebean Coffee Roasters

First Peoples Coffee

Fraserway RV Whitehorse

Freedom Trails Therapeutic

Riding Association

Georgianna Craft by Georgi

Pearson

Glo’s Art

Heart to Home

Hooked on Ewe

Icycle Sports

Iron Woodworks & Renovation

Itsy Bitsy Yarn Store

Jasmine Kaytor

JJ Designs

Joseph, Uyanga, Chinobold and Chinozorig Wren

Kamp Yukon

Karen and Christine’s Crafting

Karen Giordano

Karen’s Krafts

Kate Swales

Kendra Kulych

Kiddie Couch

Kit’s Kitchen

Kutters Hairstyling

La Cara Restaurant

Lara’s Studio

Lee’s Cottage Gifts

Little Pizza Heaven

Lotus Esthetics Studio

ManilaVerseRugs

Maureen Caron Photography

Midnight Sun Emporium

Monique Levesque

Murdoch’s Gem Shop

North End Gallery

One Stop Pierogi Shop

Pickapeppa

Pierre Lacasse, CFP

Polarettes Gymnastics Club

Rapid Restoration

Sands Construction Inc.

Simon Blakesley Photography

Skoehoeteen Matthies

Smoke and Sow

Solstice Stitches

Stained Glass by EPS

Tamara Carter Handmade

Terry Funk Pampered Chef

Consultant

The Feed Store / Pet Junction

The Franchise Footwear and Apparel

The Railwork Lounge @ Raven Inn

The Wild Stitch

The Yukon Refillery

The Yukon Window Syl

Titan’s Gaming & Collectibles

Top Dog Training Academy

Tucker Carruthers

Veronica Usher

Whiskey Jacks Pub & Grill

Wild Adventure Yukon

Winterlong Brewing

Wise Canine Behaviour and Training

Yucanprints

Yukon Art Creations

Yukon Bliss

Yukon Brewing

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Yukon Clean

Yukon North of Ordinary

Yukon University Campus Store

Yukon Wildlife Preserve

BREAKING TRAIL: ATLIN TO DAWSON

We are the Brient Family

When we are not roasting coffee at Atlin Mountain Coffee Roasters, you’ll find us in the backcountry on some kind of adventure. Whether it’s canoeing the Yukon River to the Bering Strait, bike touring in 24 countries, trekking across B.C. with pack horses, or breaking trail with the Canadian Rangers, and so on. Adventure is our lifeline.

We love a good snowmobile adventure. Spring break offers a great opportunity for a longer trip. Last year, during spring break, we did the big loop from Atlin—Atlin via Carcross, Bennett and the Fantail Trail—after we spent the winter trail-breaking with the help of fellow Atlinites.

This year, our 10-yearold son was ready for a more serious adventure. As a family, dog included, we decided to snowmobile from our home in Atlin, B.C., to Dawson City. We started on beautiful Atlin and Tagish Lake, connecting them via the Mail Run Trail. Upon our arrival in Carcross, we continued toward Whitehorse using the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway tracks, until we hit the well-marked and maintained Trans Canada Trail.

After refuelling in Whitehorse, the plan was to refuel again in Braeburn, but unfortunately they ran out of gas the day before we arrived. We calculated that we would have enough gas to make it to Carmacks if the trail conditions were good. But an adventure is not an adventure without challenges or obstacles ...

We were now following the Yukon Quest Trail between Braeburn and Carmacks. The trail follows multiple chains of lakes. It had been over a month since the Yukon Quest came through here, and a lot of snow had fallen, since then, causing serious overflow on the lakes. After getting stuck in the overflow, time and time again, our tired bodies set-up camp, determined to come up with a better plan.

We decided to take all of the lakes, as close to the shore as we could. While still getting caught in overflow multiple times, while doing this, it greatly improved our progress and we started to think that we were going to be able to make it out of these lakes. What a joy to arrive at Mandana Lake, which had a windblown crust thick enough to bear the weight of our snowmobiles.

But we were not out of the woods yet!

The heavy snowfall that fell, since the Quest, had wreaked havoc on the forest between Mandana Lake and Carmacks. It took us an entire day to cover the last 24 kilometres before Carmacks, as we were cutting storm-fall trees all day. What a delight when the Carmacks bridge came into sight!

We faced beautiful, yet impressive jumble ice on the Yukon River. Whenever there was a lake to cross, we kept to our strategy of following the lake by the shore, and while this sometimes caused more mileage, it worked very well and allowed us to continue to make good progress. Our goal was to do about 100 kilometres a day, but during the overflow days, we could only do 55 kilometres,

as we spent so much time getting unstuck.

While the weather started out as typical, with -30 Celsius at night and -10 Celsius during the day, things were warming up to temperatures hovering above zero by the time we arrived in Pelly Crossing. Some locals were warning us to be careful of the river ice conditions with this warm weather.

Between Pelly Crossing and Scroggie Creek, we faced some big spring glaciers on the trail, and spring avalanches were coming down the steep slopes. We

DID YOU KNOW... The Inspiration for What’s Up Yukon’s logo

proceeded cautiously and arrived at Scroggie Creek and the Stewart River.

Only one obstacle now remained between us and Dawson, the infamous Black Hills.

Accompanied by whiteout and strong winds, we battled big wind drifts and steep sidehills. We had to drop our loads, break trail for a few kilometres, return to pick up our loads, drop them to where we had stopped (breaking trail) and then break some more trail, pick up the loads again, and so on … … until we stumbled upon a plowed road and it was smooth

sailing until Dawson City, except for some big wind drifts and spring glaciers around King Solomon’s Dome.

After 10 days and 935 kilometres of obstacles and challenges, beautiful scenery, great memories, and friendly people along the way, we made it.

Where to next year? That we’ll see about, but it’s going to have to top this trip now! n

The family dog, Scooby, catches a ride as Philippe navigates the terrain

PHOTOS: Courtesy of the Brient family

Philippe and Leandra own and operate Atlin Mountain Coffee Roasters, and a documentary of this trip is on their YouTube channel @thebrientfamily.

Freelance with Philippe and Leandra Brient

The house in the What’s Up Yukon logo was our very first o ce and is a famous structure in Whitehorse. It’s actually a photocopy from a sketch on a napkin of the Log Skyscraper.

The family heads across a frozen body of water on their way to Dawson

Philippe and Leandra Brient with their son, Justin, at one of the stops along the way

THE DELTA RAMBLER SLAMS EDMONTON

His mellow voice started crafting an unvarnished tale, with campfire simplicity

Ihad never heard of the Edmonton Story Slam “Slam Off” until Dennis Allen posted that he had won the darn thing in February. It’s held on the third Wednesday of each month in The Common in downtown Edmonton. Ten storytellers are picked out of a hat and they have five minutes to spit out their story. No time is allowed for the title or any explanation about the story. The second they blurt out the first word, the clock is a tickin’. They start deducting points from your score if you go over five minutes.

The win in February launched Dennis into the March grand slam. He would faceoff against all the monthly winners for the past year. Shirley and I took in the event on March 15, after Dennis posted an appeal for northern backup. He was surprised to see us. Hopefully, some of our Mackenzie Valley gossip loosened him up to face the mob while onstage. I also suggested to him that he should try to find a new name with “elastic” in it because of his ability to take a grain of truth and stretch it a mile.

The evening got underway with the host informing us that The Slam was in its seventeenth year and we were a part of the largest crowd that it has ever had in its history. The first contender of the night was a fella who decided to read an eight-minute story in under five minutes. I was sure that he had missed the turnoff to the local auction barn. I made a desperate attempt to keep up with his lingo, but it wasn’t long before my two and a half brain cells were left in his verbal dust.

The next name picked out of the hat was Dennis. As he headed up to the stage, I wondered what wild story was coming our way. Within two paragraphs, it seemed as if he had already grabbed the

packed crowd by the you know what, and then he tightened his grip. His mellow voice started crafting an unvarnished tale that was delivered with campfire simplicity.

They were experiencing a

new style of storytelling. It was a glimpse at his upbringing where the tall tale was used as a way of winding down the day. He had learned it at places such as Whitefish Station, after a long, successful day hunting a Beluga

whale in the 24-hour sunshine.

All the remaining writers left no doubt that they had the skills to herd the English language in any direction that they saw fit. I guess I have lived in the North too long because their writing seemed

a little too perfect for the setting, and a smidge uptight.

To be fair, most of the writers managed to muster a few guffaws from us, and a couple were able to get us into a full-blown giggle using that tried and true crutch— profanity.

On the other hand, every word Dennis used (I hope this doesn’t ruin his reputation) was fit for the ears of a choirboy. You had to listen closely because he was his own worst enemy. He usually never managed to spit out more than three sentences before the full house was roaring with laughter. In my biased opinion, he was in a league of his own.

At the halftime intermission, the usual practice of passing a hat around for donations (with the whole shebang going to the winner) easily broke all previous records.

Dennis could only watch as each contender tried to eclipse his high score. They came and went, one by one. The final challenger climbed the highest, but fell short of her goal.

The northern storyteller was asked repeatedly, after the show, if he had a book containing all of his stories. Of course, they received a northern answer. “I haven’t gotten around to it yet. I’ve been too lazy.”

Knowing how to massage the truth and use it to produce high, explosive comedy is an art that few conquer. There is a fine line that separates plausibility from plain old goofiness. Most times it’s the plausible that creates the comedy. Dennis knows exactly where that line is. I know because I watched it play out after the show. He was approached, time and again, and asked, “Was that story true?”

They received an answer that would have made an ambulancechasing lawyer blush. “It’s true somewhere.” n

Dennis Allen (a.k.a. The Delta Rambler) performing in a recent poetry slam in Edmonton

PHOTO: Carey Marshall

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

Klondike Institute of Art and Culture Dawson City, YT

The Best Things in Life are… Rescued!

Meet Doug!

Doug is an 8-month-old Male lab cross

This spirited boy has lots of love to give. He loves going on walks and is great as a companion on long adventures outside. He’s not too fond of being left alone inside, he would rather spend time with his human. He’s treat-motivated and loves pig ears and things to chew on.

If you are interested in adopting Doug, please fill out an online application at humanesocietyyukon.ca.

If you already have a preapproved application with us within the last year, call 6336019 to put your application towards him.

Shelter Hours:

Tuesdays - Fridays 12pm-6pm

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

UP

108

Do you have a fear of PUBLIC SPEAKING?

Would you like to improve your public speaking skills, build confidence and hone your listening skills?

FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED

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

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

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

May 5 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Yukon Riverside Arts Festival

June 1 - 4, 2023

Tel: (867) 993-5005

Email: kiac@kiac.ca Website: www.kiac.ca

Youth Drop-In Centre

Activités,formations

etnouvellesdela francophonie yukonnaise etcanadienne.

Inscrivez-vous!

Recreational program for teen-years youth

When: Tuesday to Friday 3pm to 9 pm & Sat 1-9 pm

Ages: 12-18 years old

For more info: See Facebook page for schedule & activities, or email Oliver: obulpitt@bcgyukon.com

AllStars After School Program

An affordable, quality after school program

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

Ages: Ages 6-11 years old

Cost: Tuition fees as follows:

$315/month allstars@bgcyukon.com for inquiries

Location: Downtown/Takhini Elementary Learning Tree Early Years Centre An affordable, quality, licensed childcare program

When: Monday to Friday 7:30am-5:15pm

Ages: 18 months - 5 years of age

Cost: Tuition fees as follows:

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

Location: Riverdale

infolettres.afy.ca

PORCUPINE SQUAD

&

matinees

Horvath & M Jelenic, 92 MINS COMING SOON

HOW TO BLOW UP A PIPELINE OPENS FRI MAY 12 fri-thurs, daily Daniel Goldhaber 104 MINS

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).

Actually, great value for the benefit, private public speaking professionals charge hundreds of dollars for courses, TM is much more affordable.

WHEN: Thursdays noon to 1pm (meet at 11:50 to noon at door)

WHERE : Northwestel bldg, Lambert St & 3rd Ave (blue coloured door around back side) QUESTIONS: herbeeking(at)hotmail.com

GUESTS WELCOME

Mon/Tues/Wed & Fri: 9am-12pm,12:30pm-3pm Thurs: 12:30pm-3pm Sat: 10am – 2pm The

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

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

ENTER YOUR EVENTS ON-LINE

It’s Free. It’s Fast. It’s Easy.

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Wed Apr 26 Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Register online

Wed Apr 26 Insanity Live – Beginner 6:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 8 week series, drop-in or register online https://bit.ly/3SyoqAL

Wed Apr 26 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 Apr 26 Sass Class – Drop in 6:15 PM Velvet Antler Productions Some super sassy dance cardio and across the floor progressions, along with tantalizing floorwork and sexy choreography. https:// bit.ly/3QqUMMz

Wed Apr 26 Spirit Bear Karate The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 6:30 PM & 7:30 PM Traditional Okinawan Shorinryu Seibukan Karate Do. Adult Class (16 y/o and up) http://spiritbearkaratekobudo.ca

Wed Apr 26 Badminton Adult Drop-in Takhini Elementary 7:30 PM Open to everyone 18 years old and older and all skill levels

Wed Apr 26 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 Apr 27 Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Register online

Thu Apr 27 Lunchtime Fitness Classes

12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy

Tuesdays classes are more resistance and strength focused and Thursday classes more HIIT cardio. Drop in & passes are available. https://bit.ly/3oiTBVz

Thu Apr 27 Intro to No Bun Ballet – Drop In 6:00 PM Velvet Antler Productions A low impact, medium/ high energy class. We will strip it all down to the basics while you tighten your core, increase your strength and build on the fundamentals for all VA classes and performances. Register online https://bit. ly/3CucusG

Thu Apr 27 Tahitian Dance Class 6:15 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre Dance and explore the Tahitian culture with Maeva Esteva. learn the basic step and gestural of this dance, on the beautiful rhythm of the Polynesian music. https://bit.ly/3Z1vPLi

Fri Apr 28 Lunchtime Mat Class – Drop in 12:00 PM Velvet Antlers Productions This class will take you through a flowing series stretches intended to increase length and mobility, along with some light core conditioning. A great way to transition from work time to YOU time. https://bit.

ly/3jPb9pX

Sun Apr 30 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.

Sun Apr 30 Insanity Live – Beginner

6:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 8 week series, drop-in or register online https://bit.ly/3SyoqAL

Sun Apr 30 Midnight Sun Fencing Club: Open Fencing 7:00 PM Grey Mountain Primary School Learn fencing fundamentals and provides an opportunity to get some exercise.. For Ages 18-100

Mon May 1 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.

Tue May 2 Lunchtime Fitness Classes

12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy

Tuesdays classes are more resistance and strength focused and Thursday classes more HIIT cardio. Drop in & passes are available. https://bit.ly/3oiTBVz

Tue May 2 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..

Monday, Tuesdays & Thursdays Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM Whitehorse United Church A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.

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 11am3pm. Call 668-6429 for more info.

Wed Apr 26 TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 8:00 AM 100 Lambert St. Common Room Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Join us! Every Wednesday morning. Call or text 867-3341725 for more details.

Fri Apr 28

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”

Fri Apr 28 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 Apr 28 Insanity Live – Beginner 6:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 8 week series, drop-in or register online https://bit.ly/3SyoqAL

Fri Apr 28 Badminton Adult Drop-in

Takhini Elementary 7:30 PM Open to everyone 18 years old and older and all skill levels

Mon May 1 BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU Eight Days Martial Arts 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 May 1 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 May 1 Women’s Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts

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.

Tue May 2 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”.

Tue May 2 Salsa and Bachata –Beginner and Intermediate Classes

7:30 PM Heart of Riverdale Community Centre A fun and person-centered class, including switching partners will be encouraged to promote communication & further learning open to couples or singles. Email salsayukon@gmail.com to register and for info

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.

Wed Apr 26 Yoga Classes at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs 10:00 AM Yoga mats are provided. Booking options that include yoga classes alone and yoga with discounted entrance to Eclipse are available. eclipsenordichotsprings.ca/ yoga-classes

Wed Apr 26 Community Kitchen 11:30 AM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.

Wed Apr 26 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 Apr 26 Overeaters Anonymous Meeting 7:30 PM Overeaters Anonymous For more information contact oayukon@ gmail.com for more information

Wed Apr 26 Arka Brotherhood Circle: Porcupine Squad 6:30 PM Whitehorse

For men eager to identify and move past self-limiting beliefs, stretch beyond their comfort zone and embody the best version of himself. To register email or call mjvernon@gmail.com 332-4722.

Wed Apr 26 No Puffin Group (CM) 8:00

PM Christ Church Cathedral

Wed Apr 26 Beginner w/Experience –Level 1 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs

Sun Salutation A+B, foundational standing poses. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@ mac.com

Wed Apr 26 Move with Life w/Phillipe – All Levels 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery –Upstairs A condition practice for movers of all types seeking agility, mobility, stamina and strength. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Thu Apr 27 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 Apr 27 Inyengar Yoga 12:00 PM Church of Northern Apostles Join the Elder Active along with instructor Richard Mueller, register online. https://bit. ly/3Zl6J9H

Thu Apr 27 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 Apr 27 KDCC Walking with Our Sisters Sewing Group 5:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.

Thu Apr 27 Vitality Yoga w/Nancy 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Kundalini yoga cleanses and detoxifies the body, neutralizes stress, rewires natural pathways. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Thu Apr 27 Family & Friends Support Group 7:00 PM Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) A drop-in support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Call 668-6429 or email programs@yukon.cmha.ca for more info.

Thu Apr 27 Breathe + Stretch w/Carrie 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs A slow paced class to stretch the body. PreRegister by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Thu Apr 27 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

Thu Apr 27 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

Fri Apr 28 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 Apr 28 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 Apr 28 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!

Fri Apr 28 Slow Flow Resto – All Levels 5:30 PM Stretch, flow + restore – a great way to end the week for a better weekend. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac. com

Sat Apr 29 AA Hospital Meeting 7:00 PM

Christ Church Cathedral

Sun Apr 30 Restorative Yoga – All Levels 10:30 AM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs

Restorative poses are long holds over supportive props relaxing variations of backbends. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Sun Apr 30 Self-Love Sunday – Drop In 11:00 AM Velvet Antlers Productions This class is taught with an easy breezy feel, with a focus on poise and confidence.

Mon May 1 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 May 1 Smart Recovery Addictions

Support 6:45 PM Sarah Steele Building.

Mon May 1 Absolute Beginners –

Intro 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery - Upstairs

Introduction to yoga with Erica. PreRegister by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Mon May 1 Arka Brotherhood Circle: Grizzly Squad 7:00 PM Whitehorse

For men eager to identify and move past self-limiting beliefs, stretch beyond their comfort zone and embody the best version of himself. Register by email or phone bcdrisco@gmail.com/867-3320465.

Mon May 1 CRUSH 2023! (or… what can a men’s circle do for me?) 7:00 PM Inclusion Yukon Meet the men involved and learn more about the two ARKA Brotherhood men’s circles changing lives in Whitehorse. http://www. arkabrotherhood.com

Mon May 1 Hips, Hams Core – All Levels 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery - Upstairs Fairly vigorous classes with emphasis on breath and slower is stronger. PreRegister by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Mon May 1 AA New Beginnings Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church

Cathedral

Tue May 2 Yoga with Barbara – All Levels 10:00 AM Whitehorse United Church All welcome, or register: Call/text 335-1996 or email bfraingower@gamil. com

Tue May 2 The Prenatal Lunch Network 12:00 PM NVD Place (Old Canadian Tire Building) A free prenatal lunch network. Each week will feature a different activity. https://bit.ly/42yV21Q

Tue May 2 Sewing Circle 1:00 PM Champagne and Aishihik First Nations CAFN Sewing Circle is every Tuesday. A gathering space available to work on your projects. Refreshments and snacks will be served.

Tue May 2 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 May 2 Intermediate – Level 2 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Explore alignment and form in a wide range of familiar + new poses. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Tue May 2 Green Circle to Heal from Being Harmed 6:00 PM Online For those who have been harmed and seek to explore their healing edge and how this harm has impacted their life. Register online. https://bit.ly/3MZ87fc

Tue May 2 Yoga by Amber 7:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A yoga class that is for all levels and abilities, register online.

Tue May 2 Better Backs Hips, Hams 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Critical alignment therapy and therapeutic work for healing. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Tue May 2 AA UglyDuckling Group (C/M, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral New members always welcome, this is a non smoking group.

LIVING OFF-GRID

energy to run the electric tools, such as the skilsaw and mitre saw, and to run the LED lights in the cabin and charge the laptop and other small batteries. Before upgrading to LED bulbs, we used candles and kerosene lamps (don’t forget the headlamps!) to get ready to go trapping in the morning and read at night. Quite a luxurious set-up, now, don’t you think? Nor are we off-line, either, as we enjoy daily 10-minute internet sessions. True off-grid living would be: using an axe and saw to cut firewood, forgetting the internet, and going back to using candles.

Do we hibernate in the Yukon?

Still—people are starting to look at what to scale back on: maybe fill up the washing machine instead of just doing one or two pairs of jeans, turn off the lights and electric devices when not needed (listen to how quiet it suddenly is!), shower once a day instead of twice. Right there, you’re already saving a ton of money (not to speak of saving many litres of water, which costs, too). Try cooking (or even canning) big pots of food, so you can freeze a few meals. If you have a wood stove, you can have hot water all winter long and also be able to warm up your leftovers. And do you need the same temperature in each room? (I think sweaters have made a comeback.)

Out on the trapline, we both shower with 25 litres of water, which is heated on the wood stove. That water gets pumped through an RV pump, which runs with solar power, and we are using an Ecoflow shower head. Before showering the “convenient” way, we used a water jug, heaved up onto a shelf, with a gardening water-can head attached. We also used to carry water up from the lake. Totally off-grid we are not, as we use a propane cooking stove. All of our pre-cooked meals are warmed up on the wood stove. Then, to scale back on generator fuel, we set up four solar panels with four batteries. We use this

To some extent, we do. Out here, we live by the light (sleep a bit longer in November, get up real early come March). When out trapping, we really try to get to the line cabin before dark, though, as the cabin would be cold, we’d be thirsty (we have to haul water or melt snow)—and tired. To scale back some more on fuel, we go trapping with one SkiDoo pulling one toboggan.

In the middle of November to the beginning of February, we don’t have enough sunshine, so we still have to run the generator in this darkest time of year. When the generator is running, we make sure to charge all our batteries— and do the vacuuming, too.

We thought of trying out a small wind generator. It wasn’t realistic because we would have needed constant heavy wind with that unit, and that constant wind would be blowing for one winter only (not sorry about that, really, as we’ve heard stories and have read trappers’ stories about the winds in Saskatchewan, which we can do without).

A few years ago, we got some spray bottles of insulation and filled the cracks in the ceiling boards of our 20- by 22-foot log cabin. We couldn’t believe what a difference that made with retaining heat. All of a sudden we used a lot less firewood. The wood stove has a pipe going below the floor where it gets its own air.

cont’d on page 19 ...

Each year, more people are realizing that on-grid living might not be the best solution for protecting the planet and one’s pocketbook, but we don’t really want to scale back on convenience, either

Top Left: The author’s solar set-up

Bottom Left: How we got water, years ago

PHOTOS: Sonja Seeber

column with Sonja Seeber

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

Living Off-grid cont’d from page 18

All-City Band Society Presents…

Sounds of Spring

Debarking

for a future shed or sauna

Seeing a pile of firewood feels cozy

If you have a small cabin only, then cellars are sure handy: they’re cool and dark; therefore,

you won’t need a refrigerator. Our potatoes, onions and apples last for half a year, but beware

of mice—they love apples and will gladly eat potatoes, too. Also, make sure to keep your mouse attractants (sugar, flour, soup packets, chocolate) in plastic containers. Do not use big cardboard boxes (they’ll get damp and might spoil your food): that’s what we did, once, with our cartons of eggs. We put them in a Rubbermaid box and put the cover on it. The cartons got damp and the eggs did too! So now we just leave the eggs in their cartons and put them on the shelves in the cellar. Haven’t tried the “sailor” way, yet (story goes that eggs last even longer when you turn them “head to toe,” once in a while).

Sew long fur now, Sonja Seeber, Yukon Trapper n

Building a cellar

Digging an outhouse hole

logs

PHOTOS: Sonja Seeber

Built us a wood stove with a kit and an old oil barrel

COMMUNITY EVENTS WHITEHORSE EVENTS

ART SHOWS

Until Apr 29 New Pottery by Colin Dorward Arts UndergroundAn exploration towards a voice that includes elements of his painting practice, which has been his primary medium for the last two decades.

Until Apr 29 Field Guide by Dan Brown Hozjan Arts Underground This exhibition also includes observational drawings from the “field” itself, and from natural history museums.

Until May 27 Springtime

Premonitions by Rosemary Scanlon Yukon Arts Centre Gallery A new body of work by the Whitehorse based artist. Working primarily in watercolour, she attempts to locate the tension between fantasy and reality of northern life.

Until May 27 Trailing by Alia Shahab and Michel Gignac Yukon Arts Centre Gallery Viewers/participants are invited to wade through the sculpture and immerse themselves in aqua-green light emitted from the strands as they move.

Until May 30 Youth Roots –PhotoVoice Project Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre 39 youth from five Yukon communities involved in the Youth Roots PhotoVoice Project.

LIVE MUSIC

Wed Apr 26 Whitewater Wednesday Night Jam 7:00 PM The Local Bar An 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 Apr 26 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.

Thu Apr 27 Live Music Thursdays 7:00 PM 98 Hotel

Thu Apr 27 Well Played - Open Mic 7:00 PM Old fashioned drop in Open Mic - Every Thursday - Hosted by Jon Eastlander! - Show up and write down your name, players will be called up in order.

Thu Apr 27 Live DJs - Thursday Throwdown 9:00 PM The Local Bar.

Fri Apr 28 Whitehorse Community Choir Presents - Stay With Me 7:30 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre 2 evenings of celebration. The 90 voices of our Community Choir will sing spring into Whitehorse with songs such as Beautiful Dreamer, Bridge Over Troubled Water, All You Need is Love and many other songs. https://bit. ly/3nYXKxx

Fri Apr 28 Vanstones, Hayley Warden & Unicorn Parts 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well https://bit.ly/3KLI0Wx

Fri Apr 28 Friday Night Karaoke–Members & Signed in Guests 7:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Practise your high and low notes or just watch! For members or signed in guests.

Sat Apr 29 Thuya with Ryan McNally & Kieran Poile - Opening Act: Sarah Hamilton 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well Yukon Bluegrass Society presents, from Montreal, Thuya. Accompanied by Ryan McNally & Kieran Poile. Tickets online. https://bit.ly/43D34Y0

Sat Apr 29 Karaoke Golden Mic 9:00 PM The Local Bar, Sing and compete, or listen and cheer on!

Sun Apr 30 The Gallery Recital Series presents Hannah Mazurek 1:30 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Hannah Mazurek is a Canadian songwriter, multi- instrumentalist, sound designer, and educator. Admission by donation, held in the Yukon Arts Centre Public Gallery https://bit.ly/3KRbsuc

Sun Apr 30 Jam Session with Country Josh 6:00 PM 98 Hotel Mon May 1 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/

Mon May 1 All-City Bands Sounds of Spring Concert 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre a wonderful program of favourites from the concert and jazz band repertoires to share with you, played by the students of Whitehorse Secondary Schools and our adult musicians. Tickets online yukontickets. com

Mon May 1 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.

Tue May 2 The Fiddleheads 25th Anniversary Concert 7:00 PM MacBride Museum The Fiddleheads Tribute to Northern Fiddling: Honouring Joe Loutchan, Rusty Reid, Gerald Edzerza, Allan Benjamin, Andrea Bettger & more

GENERAL EVENTS

Until April 29 Wed thru Sat Ricpcord by David Lindsay-Abaire 8:00 PM

The Guild Hall From the playwright who penned Good People and Rabbit Hole, comes this hilarious look at how far people may go to get what they want. https://bit.ly/3HCQ3oi

Until May 14 Awaken Festival 2023

Various Locations Whitehorse National and international showcases will be brought to Whitehorse, and for 3 weeks, a diverse variety of workshops from Spoken Word to Acting to Redefining our cultural narratives, will bring together members of our community and beyond.https://www. gwaandaktheatre.ca/awaken-festival

Until May 16 7th Annual Crocus in Focus Contest! Celebrate the coming of Spring by enjoying one of the most amazing early season flowers. Send entries to info@riverstoridges.org or to Facebook https://bit.ly/41ayeo3

Wed Apr 26 Multicultural Connections 11:00 AM Whitehorse Public Library Connect with other parents and caregivers, learn about different traditions and discover new library resources. Call Yoko Oda 3321803 or email yoko.oda@yukon.ca for more info.

Wed Apr 26 Anglican Holy Communion – Whitehorse 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral The Book of Common Prayer, 2nd Wednesday of the month

Wed Apr 26 Spanish Conversation Group 12:00 PM Whitehorse United Church For more info Louise 867-6877238 or Michele 867-333-6081

Wed Apr 26 100 Women Who Care

- Whitehorse 5:30 PM Best Western Gold Rush Inn Learn about three nonprofits doing great work in our community, connect with other women and select one of the groups for your $100 donation. Cash or cheque only. Cash bar. https://bit.ly/40RSg6g

Wed Apr 26 Texas Hold’ Em 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254

For signed in members and guests. Bragging rights!

Thu Apr 27 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 Apr 27 Anglican Thursday at the Cathedral 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral Bring a lunch (Book of Alternative Services)

Thu Apr 27 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 Apr 27 WCC Business Excellence Awards 6:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards businesses that make Whitehorse a great place to live, work, play & do business https://www. whitehorsechamber.ca/events/2023business-excellence-awards

Thu Apr 27 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 heart

Fri Apr 28 National Day Of Mourning 12:00 PM Shipyards Park Every year, on April 28th, the nation pauses to remember our fallen and injured friends, colleagues and family members. https://bit.ly/3miW15K

Fri Apr 28 Worker Safety Rights Workshop 1:30 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre A workshop to ensure workers are trained to participate in workplace health and safety by knowing their rights, using available tools and defending occupational health and safety wins. https://bit.ly/41k7oJB

Fri Apr 28 TGIF Dinner – Members & Signed in Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Tickets available the week leading up to the TGIF. Tickets are NOT for sale at the door!

Fri Apr 28 JCAY Yukon Sakefest 7:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre 31oz Samples included. Sake sommelier will explain and educate. Finger foods from local caterers and a performance of Taiko drumming.

Sat Apr 29 Yukon Amateur Radio

Association Coffee Discussion

Group 8:45 AM A&W

Restaurant Hams from outside the Yukon and those interested are welcome to join us in this casual event.

Sat Apr 29 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.

Sun Apr 30 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 Apr 30 Clothing Room 10:00 AM Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone

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

Sun Apr 30 Secondhand Clothing

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

Sun Apr 30 Sunday Gatherings 3:00

PM The Northern Collective Church

Mon May 1 DIW - Laser Cut Wood and Resin Earrings 6:00 PM

Yukonstruct Makespace Learn how the Yukonstruct Laser Cutter works and create a pair of wood and resin earrings. All materials included. Register online. https://bit.ly/3D5Rg4M

Mon May 1 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

Mon May 1 Klondike Snowmobile Association Board Meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon https://ksa.yk.ca/comingevents/

Tues May 2 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.

Tues May 2 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

Tues May 2 Chess Club 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us!

Tues May 2 10 Card Crib 6:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 https:// bit.ly/3oWjB5W

Tues May 2 Sewing for BeginnersLearn to Use Your Sewing Machine

5:30 PM The Mini Makerspace 4-week workshop series is intended to get you started and over that initial hump of figuring out your machine and the basics of sewing construction. Register online. https://bit.ly/41dKNyd

Tues May 2 Metal Shop Orientation for Members 6:30 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Get started in the metal shop by learning how to handle the equipment safely, and how to access and put away the gear. Participants will get hands-on experience with some of the machines. https://bit.ly/WUY-hHU

Tues May 2 Intro to Pattern & Dressmaking - Beginner Intermediate Sewing Workshop 7:00 PM The Mini Makerspace In this 8 week workshop, learn how to draft a basic bodice and sleeve pattern for your body, go through the steps of fitting and altering that pattern, and learn how to take a basic dress design from your mind to the fabric! Register online. https://bit.ly/3mfqLVv

KIDS & FAMILIES

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

Mondays Family Drop-In 9:00 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Gym Open to all ages – Children, youth, and teens must be accompanied by an adult.

Mondays Craft & Activities Drop in Partners for Children 10:00 AM Drop in with optional activity and craft. Guest visitors from local organisations

Mondays Whitehorse Go Club 6:00 PM A&W

Tuesdays Craft & Activities Drop in Partners for Children 10:00 AM Drop in with optional activity and craft. Guest visitors from local organisations

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

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

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

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

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

Thursdays Head, Heart and Hands Drop in Partners for Children 10:00 AM Join us for songs, stories, rhymes, share and learn practical parenting tips for lifes challenges.

Thursdays Family Drop-In 11:00 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club Open to all ages – Children, youth, and teens must be accompanied by an adult.

Thursdays Drop-in Pathfinder Roleplaying Game 3:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Open to ages 11-17 to our free drop-in Pathfinder Roleplaying Game program! No experience necessary, supplies and snacks provided.

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

Fridays Family Drop-In 10:00 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club Open to all ages – Children, youth, and teens must be accompanied by an adult.

Fridays Standard Format - Magic: The Gathering 6:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe Legal sets = Ixalan, Rivals of Ixalan, Dominaria, Core Set 2019, Guilds of Ravnica, Ravnica Allegiance. Banned Cards = Rampaging Ferocidon Saturdays Pokemon Saturdays 12:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe Call 668-5750 for more info.

Saturdays 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.

Mon May 1 Power Up! 4:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Geared at ages 13-17, this is a chance to explore different trades and complete a series of projects over six weeks. https://bit. ly/3GwfJ4W

ONLINE EVENTS

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

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

Fridays Yoga Wake up Flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community Fridays AA Yukon Unity Group 1:30 PM Online For Zoom Room address Contact 334-7693

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

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

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

Tuesdays Mental Health Awareness and Support Online it is essential that people build capacity to support those with mental health concerns. https://bit. ly/3GTz6T5 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/ register/tZIpdmvrTwpHNUG1Hqq0cV87

HVTRByHff5U

Wed Apr 26 For the Sake of the Children Workshop 5:30 PM Online Learn the effects of separation or divorce on adults and children. Explore ways to relate to the other parent. Resolve legal issues. To register call 456-6721 https://yukon.ca/en/arts-andculture/events?page=3

Wed Apr 26 Communication Skills after Separation or Divorce 5:30 PM Online Understand the impact of conflict on children. Call 456-6721 to register.

COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS

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

Sat Apr 28 Thuya with Kieran Poile & Ryan

McNally 7:30 PM Atlin BC Globe Theatre Yukon Bluegrass Society presents, from Montreal, Thuya. Accompanied by Ryan McNally & Kieran Poile. https://bit.ly/4070KW1

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

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

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

CARMACKS

Wednesdays Toddler Time & Indoor

Soccer/Learn to Play 10:00 AM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Wednesdays Teen Movie Night 7:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Thursdays Carmacks Open Gym 5:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Thursdays Family Movie Night 7:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Fridays CTJS Floor Hockey 5:00 PM

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

Department has a variety of Driver, Fairway, and Putter Discs to use. https://bit.ly/3QIuxAs

Saturdays Drop In Pickleball 3:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Saturdays Laser Tag Battles 6:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 6-11 6PM, Ages 12-18 7:30 PM Sundays Toddler Time 1:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Mondays Drop-in Basketball 5:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 5-12 (57PM) and Ages 13 to adult (7-9PM)

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

Tuesdays Laser Tag Battles 6:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 6-11 6PM, Ages 12-18 7:30 PM

Fri Apr 27 New Minerals Legislation –Carmacks Open House 5:30PM Carmacks Recreation Centre Learn more about the different approaches under consideration. Staff will be present to answer your questions. Drop in any time! Snacks and refreshments will be offered.

Tue May 2 Carmacks Regular Council Meeting 7:00 PM Carmacks Municipal Building http://www.carmacks.ca/p/agendas-minutes

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 Apr 26 Queer Yukon – Drop-In 11:00 AM Queer Yukon – Dawson City Wednesday drop-in offers Direct Aid and Harm Reduction services.

Fri Apr 26 Getting Creative – Community

Mural Painting 1:00 PM Front Street Picnic Shelter Build and install a mural at the Art and Margaret Fry Recreation Centre. All are welcome! Weiner roast and light refreshments provided. For more info call 993-7100 x 169.

Wed Apr 26 Drop Dance and Roll 1:30 PM Klondike Institute of Art & Culture A fun and active hour practicing movement and rhythm! Totally Free! Drop-in for kids under 5 + a parent/guardian.

Wed Apr 26 Spring Archery 2:30 PM Robert Service School Open for grades 6 to 9. Archers will practice shooting with a recurve bow. Equipment is provided. To register, call 993-7100 or online.

Wed Apr 26 Preschooler Gymnastics with Terrie Turai 4:00 PM Robert Service School Introduce your 3 and 4-year-olds to tumbling and rolling!

Thu Apr 27 Hatha Yoga with Blackbird 5:45 PM Minto Park Register online.

Thu Apr 27 Multi-Sport Drop In 6:00 PM Robert Service School Free program, all children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

Thu Apr 27 Drop In Volleyball 7:30 PM Robert Service School

Fri Apr 28 Queer Yukon – Drop-In 11:00 AM Queer Yukon – Dawson City Open Community Engagement hours.

Fri Apr 28 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 Apr 28 YWITT Dawson City General Trades & Tech Community Meet Up 6:30 PM Connect with locals working in the trades and tech industry. Food and refreshments provided. https://bit.ly/3LddExN

Sat Apr 29 Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00 AM Robert Service School

Sat Apr 29 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.

Sat Apr 29 All Ages Amateur Parkour 12:00

PM Robert Service School Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 9937400 ext 299 for more info.

Sat Apr 29 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 Apr 30 Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00 AM Robert Service School

Sun Apr 30 Dawson City Music Festival

AGM 6:30 PM Online Learn about what we got up to in 2022 as well as what’s ahead for DCMF! https://bit.ly/40p0y4C

Mon May 1 55+ Stretch & Strong Fitness

Class 1:30 PM Minto Park A 6-week strength class for Dawsonites Call 993-7400 ext 299

Mon May 1 Drop Dance and Roll 1:30 PM

Klondike Institute of Art & Culture A fun and active hour practicing movement and rhythm!

Totally Free! Drop-in for kids under 5 + a parent/guardian.

Mon May 1 Badminton & Pickleball 6:00 PM Robert Service School Open to all ages (children under 10 must be supervised).

Mon May 1 Adult Drop-In Basketball 7:30 PM Robert Service School Gym – Free Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info

Mon May 1 Young Peoples Talking Circle 7:00 PM Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Youth Centre

Tues May 2 Romp & Run 10:30 AM YOOP Hall Email Jen.Suttis@cdcyukon.ca for more info.

Tues May 2 Drop Dance and Roll 1:30 PM Klondike Institute of Art & Culture A fun and active hour practicing movement and rhythm!

Totally Free! Drop-in for kids under 5 + a parent/guardian.

Tues May 2 Hatha Yoga 5:30 PM Minto Park Improve your posture flexibility and strength. Email recreation@cityofdawson.ca

Tues May 2 English Conversation Club 7:00 PM YukonU A weekly English Conversation Club for immigrants in Dawson City.

Tue May 2 Kevin Chong Book Reading 7:00 PM Dënäkär Zho – KIAC Ballroom A book reading by Kevin Chong author of 7 books, including the most recent The Double Life of Benson Yu. All welcome, Free Admission https://bit.ly/3LaU8BX FARO

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

Wednesdays and Fridays Seniors Yoga 2:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Wednesdays Public Skate 3:30 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Wednesdays and Fridays 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.

Thursdays & Fridays Youth Group 7:00 PM

Faro Recreation Centre

Fridays Volleyball 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Fridays Kids Floor Hockey 6+ 7:30 PM Faro

Saturdays Public Skate 2:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Saturdays Open Gym 3:30 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.

Saturdays Pickleball 1:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

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 preregistered, for more info call 994-2375

Tuesdays Archery 6:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Adult Floor Hockey 7:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Fri Apr 26 New Minerals Legislation – Faro

Open House 6:00PM Faro Recreation Centre Learn more about the different approaches under consideration. Staff will be present to answer your questions. Drop in any time! Snacks and refreshments will be offered.

HAINES JUNCTION

Wednesdays Movement Wednesdays 7:00

PM Haines Junction, Yukon Dezadeash River Trailhead, walking, jogging or running to the gun range and back. As the snow clears we will explore more trails. Prizes to be won.

https://bit.ly/3GuVkx0

Wednesdays Adult Volleyball 16+ 7:00

PM St. Elias Community School Meet in the school gym

Wednesdays Village Council meetings

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

Wednesdays Boxing Classes Bill Brewster Arena 5:30 PM Reach your fitness goals by joining this boxing program! Participants must complete out a waiver provided. Call 6342012 or email dgraham@cafn.ca for more info. https://bit.ly/3mGYALy

Thursdays Step It Up with Shelby 5:00 PM

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

Fridays HJL Story Time 10:00AM Haines Junction Library Registration is required but the program is still run as a drop in. There is no commitment to come each week. https:// bit.ly/3KmBdBC.l

Saturdays Step It Up with Shelby 7:00 PM

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

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

Mondays Smart Recovery Meetings 8:00 PM Munku Hall Everyone welcome, call 3345688 for more info.

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

Sat Apr 29 Spring Gardening Workshops

10:00 AM Yukon University Haines Junction Campus offered by local growing maven Jolene Billwiller. To register email ssheardown@yukonu.ca or call 634-8800

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

Until Apr 30 Celebration of the Swans Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Yukon’s premier birding festival brings residents and visitors alike out to great swan viewing areas to welcome spring to the North.

MAYO

Weekdays Mayo Mornings Parent and Tot

Time 10:00 AM Mayo Recreation Centre

Mondays Art/Entrepreneur Club 3:30 J.V

Clark School Held in the Lunchroom

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 996-2043 8979962043

Mondays Dinner and Movie Night 5:00 PM

Mayo Community Hall And Recreation Centre

Mondays Yoga 5:15 PM Mayo Community

Hall And Recreation Centre

Tuesdays & Thursdays Tabata Training 5:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Youth Archery 3:30 PM MMayo

Community Hall And Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Disc Golf 7:00 PM Mayo

Recreation Centre And Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Curling 7:00 PM Mayo Recreation

Centre 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.

Wednesdays Pottery Class 3:30 PM J.V

Clark School

Wednesdays Volleyball 7:30 PM J.V Clark School Held in gym

Thursdays Elementary Soccer 3:30 PM J.V

Clark School

Thursdays Teen/Adult Floor Hockey 7:30 PM J.V Clark School

Sundays St. Mary’s Church Service 11:00

AM St Mary’s Church (867)667-7746

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

MOUNT LORNE

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

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

Fridays Drop-In Adult Hockey Lorne Mountain Community Centre 7:00 PM For members or non-members (for a small fee)

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

Fri Apr 26 Seniors Tea 1:00 PM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Enjoy tea, coffee, sandwiches, homemade goodies, and peaceful swan viewing. Seniors and Elders are warmly welcomed. Drop in between 1 pm and 4 pm

Fri Apr 26 Thuya with Kieran Poile & Ryan McNally 7:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Yukon Bluegrass Society presents, from Montreal, Thuya. Accompanied by Ryan McNally & Kieran Poile. https://bit.ly/3UqEwgI

Sat Apr 29 Bird Banding 101 1:00 PM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Learn all about Yukon’s bird-banding stations from the experts themselves. https://bit.ly/42Y3qb8

Sun Apr 30 Bike to & from Swan Haven 12:00 PM Dust off the road bike and start out your training with a ride to Swan Haven. Bike to Swan Haven and shuttle back, or shuttle to Swan Haven and bike back. https://bit.

ly/42Y3qb8

Sun Apr 30 Wildcrafting – Plant

Encounters: Poplar 1:00 PM Wheaton River Gardens An introduction to the tree’s most common uses, tips to identify it, harvest it respectfully and process the harvest. https:// bit.ly/434b3Nf

OLD CROW

Sundays St. Luke’s Church Service 11:00 AM St. Luke’s Church 867-993-5381

Wednesdays Parent and Tots 4:00 PM Old Crow Community Center Call 966-3015 for more info.

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

Wednesdays Stroller Walks 10:00 AM Kih

Tsal

Mondays Men’s Night At The Rec Centre

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

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

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

Tuesdays 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

TAGISH

Wednesdays Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community.

What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon

Wednesdays Yukon Learn at Tagish Library

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

Wednesdays Intro to Yoga 4:15 PM Tagish Community Centre

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

Wednesdays Coffee And Chat 2:00 PM Tagish Community Centre

Wednesdays Tagish Country Line Dancing

5:30 PM Tagish Community Centre For members and non members, beginners at 5:30 PM and Intermediate at 6:30 PM Email recreation@tagishyukon.org

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

Thursdays Carpet Bowling 10:00 AM Tagish Community Centre

Thursdays Tagish Local Advisory Council Meeting Tagish Community Centre 7:00 PM . Saturdays Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon

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

Mon May 1 Carcross Tagish Renewable Resources Council 12:30 PM Tagish Community Centre https://bit.ly/3IQ1tGk

TESLIN

Wednesdays Pickleball 12:00 & 7:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Wednesdays Dominos 1:00 PM Teslin Recreation CentreCome out and play a game of dominos, for seniors but will play anyone!

Thursdays Group Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Youth Futsol Ages 8-14 5:30 PM Teslin School

Thursdays Youth Club 7:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

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

Fridays Public Skate 5:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Fridays Badminton 6:30 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

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

Saturdays Parent & Tots 12:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Saturdays Volleyball 7:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Sundays Adult Futsol 7:00 PM Teslin School

Mondays Badminton 6:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Art & S.T.E.M Afternoon 3:15 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Youth Futsol Ages 8-14 5:30 PM Teslin School

Tuesdays 3D Archery 5:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Tuesdays 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) 5362932

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

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

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

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

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

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

MINE UPDATE Eagle Gold Mine Updated Technical Report

Victoria Gold is pleased to announce the results of its updated Technical Report (“2023 Eagle Technical Report”) of the Eagle Gold Mine.

“Victoria Gold is excited to provide a mine plan update, which confirms strong production growth at the Eagle Gold Mine,” says Victoria Gold President & CEO John McConnell. “This increased production is achievable utilizing our extensive crushing and conveying circuit and mining fleet.”

The report includes an increase in mineral resources, updated mineral reserves and an updated Life of Mine (LOM) plan; highlighting an increasing gold production profile, long mine life and robust economics.

“The Eagle ore body continues to reconcile extremely well with our reserve model and gold production is in line with original recovery expectations,” continues McConnell. “We have also seen a significant increase in mineral resources with the success of our recent exploration drilling substantiating the operation’s long-term production and mine life.”

Since the 2019 Eagle Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”), an additional 35 drill holes were drilled proximal to the Eagle Deposit for a total of 16,885 metres. The primary focus of this drilling was to test for mineralization extensions of the Eagle Deposit to the west. A portion of these holes was also drilled within the existing deposit to test for mineralization at depth. Both the extension and depth drilling achieved positive results and were used in the updated MRE. The Eagle Deposit remains open both to the Southwest and at depth.

Victoria Gold’s updated Eagle MRE gold ounces have increased by 17 per cent in the Measured and Indicated category and 38 per cent in the Inferred category over the 2019 Eagle MRE. The new Eagle MRE represents an additional 629,000 ounces of Measured and

Indicated and 136,000 ounces of Inferred over the 2019 Eagle MRE. The updated mine plan considers cost and operating data from the last three years of operations at the Eagle Gold Mine. Optimizations incorporated into this 2023 Eagle Technical Report include year-round stacking on the heap leach facility (HLF), the stockpiling of lower-grade material for end of mine life processing and the utilization of a mobile crusher to supplement and increase production rates.

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

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

Gold doré bars from Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Mine.