What's Up Yukon, May 3, 2023

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BRINGING THE HEAT

Step inside Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, the Yukon’s new relaxation facility with heated pools, saunas, yoga and more

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs finally opened this winter, after around a decade in the making, though a good chunk of that process was more planning than making and, more specifically, trying to reach an agreement with the government to sidestep some of their public pool laws, which effectively forbid public swimming areas from looking anything like how a hot springs pool should look, requiring depth markers, blue tiles and rectangular shapes, according to Eclipse manager Andrew Umbrich.

“We started construction about four years ago, and Covid slowed everything down,” Umbrich recalled. “But we were finally able to open in May 2022. And then, a week after we reopened, we had a chimney fire and it closed down half our facility for almost seven months. Wow. Then it was just in mid-December that everything opened. January was the first regular month I’ve had operating this business.”

Umbrich told What’s Up Yukon that between himself and his parents, they have been to over 30 countries and hundreds of hot springs and spas along the way. During the planning stages of the new facility, the family set about cherry-picking all the best practices from around the world and brought them into their vision for Eclipse.

“I lived in Iceland for two years while I did my masters, and I went to every single hot spring there,” said Umbrich. “I spent well over a month in Japan, going to all the hot springs there. And we discovered through all our research that Japan has consistently, without comparison, pretty much the most beautiful hot springs pools in the world.”

Umbrich emphasized the fact that Eclipse is not simply a reno-

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Hot Springs. He said some people still believe it is and he wants to make the distinction that this is a completely different and new facility that looks nothing like the hot springs pool Yukoners are used to. It makes sense for a hot springs facility to be housed in the Yukon, as the territory is in a unique position, as Umbrich explained.

“We’re very fortunate to have natural hot springs within a 30-minute drive of an international airport; that almost doesn’t exist anywhere in the world,” he said. “Now, we’re the only public, accessible hot springs in the Yukon. If you go to Japan, though, because it’s such a volcanic country, you dig 1,000 metres anywhere and you’ll get hot water.

“And then in Iceland, most of the pools you’re going to aren’t actually natural hot springs pools. They have so much geothermal energy generated from hot water that they just preheat and reheat pools and inject minerals into them. A lot of people think they’re in natural hot springs pools and, really, they’re just in heated water with minerals to stimulate hot springs. They have a lot of natural hot spring pools in Iceland, but none of them are big facilities. And none of them are regulated.”

Of course, it’s impossible to talk about the hot springs in the Yukon without talking about the Hair Freezing Contest. Something of Umbrich’s baby, he has run the

contest since 2011. Each year, the prizes have been increasing in value. What started at $150 for one winner is now six prizes of $2,000, and the contest even has international sponsors.

“We’ve been included in the Guinness Book of World Records,” said Umbrich. “Every winter, I do 150 to 300 interviews about the contest on [the] internet, radio, magazines, TV shows, everywhere.”

The contest now includes prizes for categories of Best Male, Best Female, Best Group, Nongshim’s People’s Choice, Tim Horton’s Most Creative, and Best Frozen Facial Hair sponsored by Air North. The contest runs every day when it is minus 20 degrees or colder outside.

“One of the guys who won Best Male, in 2020, had everything from his belly button up frozen,” Umbrich said. “So, at minus thirty, he probably spent a good half hour to forty-five minutes to get all of that frozen. And then I’ve had other women who, with their hair, spend probably a couple hours sculpting it for sure.”

To learn more about Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs and the Hair Freezing Contest, head over to eclipsenordichotsprings.ca. n

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

PHOTO: Courtesy of Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs People’s Choice 2020

THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS

A mug and its (personal) history

Idon’t use Google Lens often.

It’s an app that is scanning almost everything and showing users the results on Google. One day I was curious to find out if the app could tell me more about a mug made of clay that I had bought in Vancouver, nine years ago. It is the only thing left from my house hold in the Yukon. The only thing that survived many years of moving around. It’s a greyish mug in the shape of an owl, with a white belly.

As the camera scans the mug, I “go back” to Vancouver, in my mind, where I bought the item in a huge bookstore. At the time, I was looking for self-help books because I was heartbroken.

I was fleeing Whitehorse after my boyfriend broke up with me. I thought a trip to Van couver would help me get over it. It turned out I was on a shopping retreat. Wandering up and down Robson Street, I found things I needed for our household in Whitehorse: my roommate and I needed a saucer, because we always left stains on the table when using a bowl for gravy. A proper saucer would help. I didn’t need new bed sheets and linens (I

bought them anyway, along with a very expensive saucer made of fine white porcelain). I kept the saucer (and some other things I had bought) in my hotel room.

an umbrella—the only thing I was using because it was raining in Vancouver, of course. When I realized I needed an extra suitcase to bring my new stuff to the Yukon, I bought one. Shopping kept me busy during the day. And browsing through self-help books became another way to be distracted. I felt like I needed a quick fix for my heartbreak.

A friend of mine suggested that I go have sushi and enjoy Vancouver. Okay, I tried. But as I sat down with my shopping bags at an Asian restaurant, I broke down inside. I couldn’t eat the sushi. I went back to the hotel and cried my eyes out.

were too heavy for my suitcase. My suitcase was full of cutlery, cotton napkins, new bed sheets, a duvet—and the mug. Oh, and I forgot the expensive saucer. So, we never had gravy in a saucer; we kept using a bowl for that.

I went back to Whitehorse, realizing that my ex-boyfriend wouldn’t come back. I was left with my heartbreak and with all of the stuff, which I didn’t even unpack—except for the mug. Every morning, I sipped my coffee from the mug that was in the shape of an owl, touching her brown beak that was moulded out of clay, holding on to the cup and watching the sun rise over the hills.

“Hang in there,” my roommate would say.

Egyptian cotton sheets in rose, cutlery, cotton napkins, scented candles, and a pink duvet for my bed—all the result of my shopping retreat and all piling up next to

I bought the mug in the shape of an owl, with hope. I owned only big mugs at the time, the kind one could buy at Starbucks. My boyfriend and I used to share coffee from one big mug. A nice ritual which I enjoyed. Maybe he will come back and then we can share our coffee from this cute owl mug that I spent a ridiculous amount of money on, I thought. When I left the hotel, I also left behind a few self-help books. They

Eventually, I recovered from my heartbreak—and so did my bank account. When I moved back to Germany, I took the mug with me. Nine years later, I still wonder what would happen if the mug were to break: Would I buy a new one? Google Lens lead me to a shopping website in the U.S. that showed me it was still possible to buy another one. It’s still manufactured.

I am not keen on ordering another mug. Mine became like a friend over the years—serving me and bringing me joy every morning. It has a crack in the white glaze on the owl’s belly. But it’s not leaking; it’s not broken. n

PHOTO: Elke Reinauer

A sentimental item: A mug Elke Reinauer bought while in Vancouver many years ago

My grandfather

always told me, ‘Never watch your money, always watch your health’. PHONE OR TEXT 867-332-5810

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

When Australia comes to mind, some of the first images we tend to think of are of surfing and kangaroos, and of the Sydney Opera House and Uluru (a Yankunytjatjara word, the Aboriginal word for Ayers Rock) … and maybe actor Chris Hemsworth. Did you know that Australia also has a thriving wine country?

One of the top brands to come out of Australia’s wine country is Yellow Tail.The brand has been producing a variety of wines since 1957. Founded by Sicilian immigrants Maria and Filippo Casella, who got to work right away in their new home, to produce some first-class wines in Yenda, which is located in the North Burnette Region of New South Wales. The Yellow Tail brand has grown incredibly and is now available in more than 60 countries. In addition to the brand’s growth, it has also won more than 500 awards, including #1 Most Powerful Global Wine Brand, a title that Yellow Tail has been able to hold onto for the past five years in a row.

While Yellow Tail is known for their classic reds and whites, they also produce a classic selection of sparkling wines. There are two kinds of sparkling wines under the Yellow Tail label: Yellow Tail Bubbles and Yellow Tail Bubbles Rosé. I was feeling lucky and decided to try both in one weekend.

Yellow Tail Bubbles is a sparkling white wine. Its flavour palette is light and fruity, with hints of strawberry, citrus and tropical flavours (papaya, pineapple, dragon fruit). The fruit flavours are very well balanced and work well with one another to create a fun-tasting, bubbly drink. I would say this is perfect for an afternoon garden party or a lunch on a patio. It has a nice crisp body, tastes delightful and you won’t have to break the

bank to purchase it. Yellow Tail Bubbles

Rosé has a more alluring summer-night vibe. It is a lovely deep-pink colour. As soon as you pop the cork, you are hit with aromas of cherry, peach and a slight sweet musk. The taste is sweet and creamy, a perfect accompaniment to any dessert. When you drink this, it tastes decadent without being overstimulating. Yellow Tail Bubbles Rosé can turn any date into an extra-romantic one. Definitely one to impress any lovers of sparkling wine. If you are not a fan of sparkling wine, no worries. Yellow Tail also produces Sangria and Moscato, both of which are great choices for getting into the summer mood. n

PHOTO: Courtesy of Yellow Tail Yellow Tail Bubbles Rosé

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THE PREGNANT SASQUATCH

Agentleman of the Gitsegukla First Nation, from B.C., shared his sighting experience with me. At the time, he was a self-employed hearing specialist, under contract with the Yukon Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board, who was conducting hearing tests around the Yukon. He was using a three-ton truck—set up with testing equipment, a dining area and sleeping quarters—to travel to various mining sites and to camp along the way.

On July 8, 2008, he was on his way to some small mining sites in the area of Keno City, in Central Yukon. His first appointment was on the following day at 10 a.m., so he decided to camp by Duncan Creek for the night.

Duncan Creek and the area, around Keno City, had been mined since the early 1900s. All of the waterways in the region have ex-

perienced mining activities, and most still do.

Keno City is 35 kilometres northeast of Mayo on Yukon Highway 11—the Silver Trail. The Duncan Creek Road is the original but longer road leading to Keno City. The present-day, shorter connector road between Mayo and Keno was constructed when mining operations started in the area of Elsa and Calumet in the mid1900s. Today there are two large mining operations around Keno City.

After dinner, our witness had ventured in the direction of the creek by following a small trail. Being a rock collector, he bagged a few interesting rocks; then at around 8 p.m., he was heading back to his campsite.

He was walking slowly, mostly looking at the ground, when at a bend in the trail, three metres

in front of him, he noticed two large bipedal entities walking his way, which he immediately identified as sasquatch.

The one mostly in front was a pregnant female and, according to the witness, ready to give birth. They all stopped, looking at each other, and the female immediately moved behind her companion, a mean-looking, tall, shaggy and huge sasquatch that, at the time, was showing a grimace of some sort, with protruding, dirty ivory-coloured teeth—but there were no sounds, no vocals or any gestures on their part.

Our witness, quickly recovering from his shock, then made a hand gesture by bringing his open hand to his heart and presenting his open hand to the sasquatch, in a gesture of friendship.

He made this gesture three times, and it seemed to work; they appeared to understand, as the male was no longer showing the original grimace and was sort

of relaxing. Then, with his hand still open, our witness pointed to himself and gestured that he was going to walk into the bush, leaving them the trail.

The gentleman started walking into the bush, to his left. First the sasquatch stood still, then they also started walking on the trail. The witness was now looking in his direction of travel, his eyes no longer watching the sasquatch, for a few seconds. Then, when he turned in their direction, they were gone … no longer in sight.

The next morning, the gentleman contacted me by email and requested that we meet when he came back to Whitehorse. We met three days later and I conducted an interview with him, getting his full story.

A few interesting points were presented: the female was pregnant, showing that indeed, sasquatch do have family groups.

The action of the female (moving behind the male), seeking pro-

tection, showed a human-related trait. The action of the male (first showing a grimace) conveyed that he was not happy meeting our witness; then he stood still, showing he was protecting his companion; and then sort of accepted the message of friendship conveyed by the gentleman’s hand gestures (by no longer grimacing), which demonstrated an ability to understand.

Then, the vanishing: How did it happen? The witness stated they were in clear view, a few metres away, then he turned to look where he was going, for a few seconds—maybe four at the most—and when he looked back, they were gone … no longer there. No walking sounds. Nothing.

I visited the area a week later, located his campsite by following his directions, walked the trail in question a few times, hoping to find a few footprints, but no such luck … and I did not meet our legendary creature, either. n

PHOTOS: Pixabay

A witness describes seeing a family of sasquatch - one of them a pregnant female

Red Grossinger is a sasquatch enthusiast, investigator and a published author

TOASTED HAM, CREAM CHEESE AND STRAWBERRY PRESERVE

AKA Elena Ruz Sandwich, this is the lesser known version of the classic Cuban sandwich. The true version is made with sliced turkey, but using ham gives the sandwich a bit more salt, which is a welcome contrast to the sweet strawberry preserve.

Serves 1.

Ingredients

❑ 1 kaiser or brioche roll, halved

❑ 150g sliced ham (or turkey)

❑ 1 slab cream cheese (about 1/3 cup)

❑ 2 Tbsp strawberry preserve

Instructions

• Split the roll and build the sandwich, with cream cheese on one side and ham (or turkey) on the other, and strawberry preserve in the middle.

• Close the sandwich and toast on either side until the bread is crisp but the cream cheese is still cold. Slice in half and serve.

1 2

Clayton’s CAR CARE Tips

BATTERY

Batteries store energy that is needed to start your vehicle, there are a few things to remember about batteries. Regular maintenance #1 is making sure the battery is secured properly so it doesn’t vibrate, keeping connections clean and tight at the terminal, with loose connections you may run into problems like vehicles won’t start, alternator not charging properly and could cause battery and alternator failure. Making sure your battery is ready for the colder weather we see in the Yukon like adding a battery pad or battery blanket to keep it warm when the vehicle is not in use; by keeping the battery warm in colder weather you will get the most power out of the battery on start up. Here is a side tip: if you don’t drive your vehicle on a regular basis and are experiencing battery problems, you could ask you local mechanic to install a low amp battery maintainer; this will keep your battery fully charged even when the vehicle is parked for a long time.

WE CATER

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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

Crusty roll Cream cheese and ham

Add the strawberry preserve Toast the bread but keep the cream cheese cold

Toasted Ham, Cream Cheese and Strawberry Preserve (AKA Elena Ruz Sandwich)

SPRINGY FLAVOURS

Low-bush cranberries and lemon are two flavours that shout out “Spring!” at this time of year. The swans are flying overhead and we have, it is to be hoped, seen the last of the freak snowstorms. The crocuses—if not already pushing through the earth on sunny hillsides, soon will be. The first fireweed shoots are still a couple of weeks away, and the spruce tips probably a couple of weeks after that; so the gatherer, in a celebratory mood, must turn to the freezer and the produce section for a dish to welcome the season. You’d think that the tartness of low-bush cranberries and the sourness of lemon would be too much together, but the addition of butter, sugar, milk and flour smooths out their differences, and everyone is happy. And who doesn’t love a pudding cake, that enchanting concoction of custard on the bottom and cake on top, with an ever-so-lightly caramelized coating providing the merest crunch between the teeth? The twin glory of these cakes is that they’re so easily produced and satisfy our craving for the light and the bright, long before the buds are out on the trees. I’ll miss that first delicate blaze of green this year (I’m going overseas for much of May). But I’ll catch wildflower season in Greece and a wedding by the sea

in Cornwall, for which I’ve been asked to create a special cocktail.

I found inspiration in some of the ingredients the groom has on hand, including kombucha and in the history of Prussia Cove where the festivities will take place.

Prussia Cove was the home of a notorious smuggling family who dealt in illicit goods, such as brandy, gin and tea, in the late 1700s when excise taxes were so high that ordinary folk couldn’t afford those items. John Carter, one of the family’s better-known members, was nicknamed “King of Prussia,” either because he adopted that name in a childhood game or because he looked like Frederick the Great, the King of Prussia, depending on which source you read. John Carter had the reputation of being an honourable thief, and the family provided not only goods but employment for the local populace. Sort of Robin Hoods of the sea, though the customs people didn’t think so. Kombucha’s starting point is a fermenting agent (a scoby) and some tea, and flavours are added in the second ferment. A friend of mine makes a beautiful citrusy kombucha. All it needed was the addition of some bracing gin and St.-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, “the bartender’s ketchup,” to bring everything into balance. Et voilà, a lively springtime cocktail, From Prussia With Love.

From Prussia With Love

Ingredients

Cranberry Lemon Pudding Cake

❑ 2 large eggs, separated

❑ 1/2 cup granulated sugar

❑ 3 Tbsp flour

❑ 2 Tbsp melted butter

❑ Grated zest of 1 lemon

Ingredients

❑ 1 oz St.-Germain Elderberry Liqueur

❑ 1 1/2 oz gin

❑ 2 oz citrus kombucha

Instructions

• Combine and stir all ingredients with ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a few low-bush cranberries

Makes one cocktail.

Instructions

❑ 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

❑ 1 cup milk

❑ Pinch of cream of tartar

❑ 1 1/4 cups low-bush cranberries, defrosted if frozen, divided

❑ 1/2 cup 35 per cent cream

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a rack in the center of the oven. Set 8 half-cup ramekins in a 9- by 13-inch baking pan.

• Whisk egg yolks and granulated sugar until thick and creamy. Whisk in flour, butter, lemon zest, lemon and juice, and milk until blended.

• In another bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until whites hold stiff and form moist peaks when the beater is lifted. Stir one-quarter of whites into yolk mixture, until blended, then gently fold in remaining whites. Fold in one cup of cranberries.

• Spoon batter into ramekins. Pour enough boiling water into baking pan to come half-way up sides of ramekins.

• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until cake layers are set and tops are golden.

• Remove ramekins from water, place on a rack and allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

• When ready to serve, whip cream and pile each ramekin with a few berries and a dollop of whipped cream.

Makes 8 half-cup servings. n

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

PHOTOS: Miche Genest

The basic recipe is all about proportions: once you’ve got those nailed, you can substitute any herbs, nuts or seeds that you have on hand.

TALES OF ‘AN ALTERNATIVE KLONDIKE’

I’m not just sure when David Thompson started writing his tales of an alternative Klondike, but he began submitting entries to the annual Authors on Eighth writing contest sometime in the first decade of this century, and by the time he had enough of them to put together, his first book, Talking at the Woodpile (2011), had won the Fiction Category prize— twice.

Two more books have followed since then: Haines Junction (2013), and The Home Run Gold Nugget (2020). Currently, he is finishing up drafts on a fourth book, so far called “The Lucky Inn.”

While about half of his second book is set in Haines Junction, most of the stories he has published, so far, take place in what I’ve called “an alternative Klondike,” and feature settings in Dawson City, Rock Creek and even Stewart Crossing and Mayo as they might perhaps have been in the late 1960s and up to the middle ’70s.

His whimsical stories have been compared to those of Stuart McLean, and this is fair in that his rendition of the Klondike is similar to McLean’s stories, which were set in the suburbs of an alternative Toronto, as narrated on CBC’s Vinyl Café, for years, every Sunday.

They have a flavour of the place, without being entirely accurate (as my son, who has just started reading the books, pointed out to me last week). Some of the buildings aren’t located quite right; and others, like the Stewart Crossing Lodge, have been gone for years.

Thompson’s books are not exactly novels and not exactly short-story collections. The tales

in the first book overlap and lead into each other; and the set of characters, settings and groups that he created, then, have flowed through the next two books.

When there is an overarching storyline, as there is in Joshua Waldo Lake Shackelton’s memoir, in the second book, it is often sidetracked into other stories that Joshua heard from or about other people.

The Home Run Gold Nugget is closer to being a novel in that the dominant narrative line is the life and love story of Kevin and Victoria Beals, who make their life together, in spite of some obstacles, and make their living mining on Blanc Raven Creek.

Kevin is the primary narrator of this book—though there are tales that he clearly learned about from other people, rather than having been present himself.

As a young lad, Kevin was heavily influenced by movies and comic books featuring the Lone Ranger, and he swore to live his life according to the Ranger’s Code, as he understood it, which was “to do good all my life.” If he is forced into fighting, he does just enough to do the job—and no more.

For all the whimsy in the book— the constant references to “Spam” being among them, as well as the shenanigans related to The Phantoms car club—there are serious themes as well. There are weddings and parties that get somewhat out of hand. There are lots of campfires and friendly evenings of sharing stories.

Kevin’s ne’er-do-well sister has a Down syndrome child, and Kevin and Victoria raise him after the infant death of their own daughter.

A British soldier on a training exercise is lost in the bush and re-

covered, while one of his mates is shot by some trophy hunters. It emerges that Victoria, who hails from Québec, was sexually assaulted by the manager of the local Bay store, when she was young, and had a son who was taken from her. When Kevin finally learns the details, he does “the right thing,” of course, and their two boys are great chums.

The finding of the “nugget” of the title was what inspired Kevin to mine that creek in the first place, and some forty-odd years later, the story ends with him discovering another one, a lot like it, as they are shutting down their operations.

David has a blog, though the most-recent entry there was in 2016. He describes himself as “a

general building contractor who has lived in the Yukon Territory since 1962,” and says, “This land and its people is what has inspired me to write short stories describing life in the Yukon.”

(By the way, if you happen to decide to pick up the Kindle edition, the author’s bio on Amazon is totally and completely incorrect.) n

David Thompson

BATTLE LINES IN THE SAND

Dennis goes deep into enemy territory

When we were growing up, I would hear stories from the Elders about the tribal wars between Dene and Inuvialuit. One story I remember is how Inuvialuit from Herschel Island would kayak a hundred miles up the Mackenzie River, under cover of the September darkness, to the Thunder River, or Vihtr’iishik, to look for flint. They would grab what flint they could find, then try to make it back to the coast without getting killed. I was in Fort Good Hope, one time, and I asked my friend Ronald Pierrot about that story. He said “Oh yeah, we used to use your people’s skulls for piss pot.” A worried look came across my face. Ronald continued, “Don’t worry, we got honey bucket now.” Then he burst out laughing and slapped me on the back. “I’m just kidding,” he said, “We’re past those days.” If you know Ronald, you gotta watch when he says “I’m just kidding.” Another story I heard was how

aluit were looking for uprooted trees to use for constructing the kayak bow and stern. Former Fort McPherson Chief James Ross told me one time, “We used to hang you guys by the toenails when we caught you in our country.”

If you know James, he’s got a poker face and he’s a tough guy to read. Those stories still ring in my head, from time to time.

I was invited a few years ago by the people of Tulita, a Dene community along the Mackenzie River, to produce a video documentary about the construction of a traditional moose-skin boat. My Inuvialuit friend and mentor, Louie Goose, remarked about how some Dene Elders still hold grudges against Inuit for past atrocities. “Watch yourself,” he warned me. I landed in Tulita with some trepidation. We were loaded into jet boats and travelled 60 miles up the Keele River, deep into the Mackenzie Mountains. A sponsoring

Inuvialuit would sneak into the Mackenzie River Delta, right after the spring floods. The delta was, at that time, controlled by the Gwich’in people. The Inuvi-

partner for the trip was Husky Oil and their community liaison officer, and fellow Inuvialuit, O.D. Hansen was along for the trip. O.D. didn’t help matters when he

pulled me aside and said jokingly, “You realize we’re the only Inuvialuit here, don’t you?” I managed a weak smile and didn’t know whether to take him seriously or not. O.D. was older than me, and in our culture, it is custom to tease anyone younger than you. We found a good spot with lots of firewood and people got busy setting up camp. I set up my eight- by 10-foot canvas tent and built myself a makeshift work station with a piece of plywood I scrounged, and some driftwood and twine. There was an old-timer named Jonas Peter, originally from Mayo, Yukon, who kept walking past my tent and peering in to see what I was up to. His nickname was Lalu and he seemed to be a bit of a joker. But, to me, he kept a bit of an edge. That night, after supper, Lalu asked me where I was from. I told him I was from Inuvik. He asked me if I was Eskimo, a word still used by old-timers. I told him I was and he got quiet. He said something to his friend in their language and said the word “ehrah-ki.” I whispered to my friend

and former Dene CBC host Paul Andrew, “What does that mean?”

He whispered back, “Enemy.” I couldn’t tell if that was a smirk on Paul’s face or just the way the sun was bouncing off his eyes. At any rate, I stayed up till the camp was quiet and then I drifted off to sleep. I fell into a deep sleep and was dreaming that I was in a kayak and paddling for my life, with Ronald Pierrot, Lalu and James Ross circling me in Paul Andrew’s jet boat. Lalu was swinging a war club around his head and yipping as they closed in on me. Just as Lalu was going to nail me in the head, someone opened my tent flap. I shot up and there was a dark figure standing over me. I grabbed my rubber boot and was ready to fight for my life.

“Hey, quit snoring, we can’t sleep.” It was Lalu. “What you’re holding your boot for?” he asked me. I looked at my boot, then at Lalu, and put it down. “I thought you were a bear. Jesus Christ! Quit snoring. We can’t sleep,” he said, then walked away. Oddly enough, he never mentioned it

to anyone in camp. And I hadn’t bothered to tell anyone either. So it was left unsaid that whole trip. Years later, I ran into Lalu in Norman Wells. I was touring my film Crazywater and ran into him at the community feast. He was getting on in age and it seemed he’d forgotten me. I tried to tell him who I was and where we’d met. “Dennis. I met you at Keele River. Making Moose-skin boat.” He stared at me blankly. “Eskimo,” I told him.

A smile came across his face. “Eskimo?”

“Yeah, Eskimo.”

He jabbed another Elder in the ribs and pointed at me and started telling him a story in their language. I heard “eh-rah-ki’” and I knew he was telling him the story. Lalu passed on to the happy hunting grounds, a couple of years ago. I was going through some old photos on my computer and found these photos of that trip, which reminded me of this story. Besides me and Lalu, you’re the only other person who knows this. n

YUKON MINING and GEOLOGY WEEK

This year marks 125 years since stampeders migrated to the Yukon and began the Klondike Gold Rush. The Gold Rush put the Yukon on the map and thrust this dynamic industry to become the territory’s number one economic driver.

On this Yukon Mining and Geology Week, we encourage all Yukoners to learn more about mining and mineral exploration. Mining provides jobs for our families, friends and neighbours. It spurs many spino industries and jobs and contributes to the quality of life we enjoy.

As we transition to more environmentally friendly technologies, critical minerals will play a big role in that transition. The Yukon is ready to do our part to fill this emerging need.

This week, we take time to recognize the past while looking ahead to the future.

Dennis Allen is an award-winning filmmaker, accomplished writer and hopeless storyteller. He’s the only guy he knows who’s never seen the Stones.

PHOTOS: Dennis Allen

The infamous Tulita jokester known only as “Lalu”

Dennis Allen’s makeshift workstation

Dene men constructing a traditional moose-skin boat

2023 Special Olympics Festival

PRESENTED BY FOR THE BENEFIT OF Yukon

We Would Like To Thank…

OUR WONDERFUL EVENT SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSORS

ADAMS RETAIL GROUP

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

Boreal Engineering

The Hougen Group of Companies

AUCTION ITEM DONORS:

Angellina’s Toy Boutique

Anna Thompson

Annie Bernard and Mike Tuton

My Husband’s Idea

Aroma Borealis

Ashley Home and LG Canada

Bear Paw Gifts

Behind the Barn

Belly of the Bison

Bernace Walker

BonTon & Company

Bullet Hole Bagels

Cadence Cycle

Care-A-Lot Daycare

Chieftain Energy

The Collective Good Computec Embroidery

Crocus Botanicals

Cultured Fine Cheese

Dan Steyn

Due North Maternity

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

EMCO The Franchise Hammond Safety Solutions

Heather Menzies

Julie Thorpe

Karen Zanetti

Ken Mason

Klondike Visitors Association

Kyla Guzik

Lalee’s Naturals

Leo Chassé

Lumel Studios

The McKenna Family

Meadow Lakes Golf Course

Midnight Sun Gift Emporium

Mini Makerspace

Mint Salon Collective

Natural Forager

Niki Parry

Northern Strength Academy Northwestel Inc.

Rambles Kitchen Home and Gifts

Sport Yukon

Sports Experts Squash Yukon

STAPLES Whitehorse

Tanya Mackenzie and Dolores Springgay

Titan Gaming & Collectibles

Wellness in Mind

Wines by Design

Winterlong Brewing Co.

Woodcutters Blanket

Yukon Driving Academy

Yukon Film Society

The Yukon Refillery

Yukon Transportation Museum

SPECIAL GUESTS:

Alanna Dene

Bobby Ferris

Cheyenne Sparvier

Courtney Dill

Edward Kaye

Gaetan “Gaets” Michaud

Gracie Ryckman

NATIONAL/SILVER SPONSORS

Locksmith Services

Upstream Events

Urban Realty Group

Jaymi Hinchey

Jeremy McCulloch

John Macdonald

Kyle Shewfelt

Michael Tuton

Mike Sumner

Rachel Pettitt

Theresa Roberts

Thomas Scoffin

Tijana McCarthy

ENTERTAINMENT:

Sough-Do-Re-Mi

Thin Ice

Malorie Gendreau

Mister DJ

EVENT VOLUNTEERS:

Angela Salé-Roche

Ashley Turner

Chris McKay

Clint Letto

Emilie Dornez

Eric Bonnett

Ethan Vanderkley

Gord Kurzynski

John Tonin

Joshua Willoughby

Kirsten Martin

Kyla Kurzynski

Kyle Hammond

Megan Roche

Michele Shaw

Mike Blower

Mike Paré

Mike Spicer

Natasha Phillips

Richard Johnson

Rosemary Murdoch

Tania Beaudoin

Val Neufeld

Yvonne St. Vincent

Members of the Yukon Law

Enforcement Torch Run

With so many people to thank, it may have happened that we overlooked someone... We did not do it on purpose and we of course thank you!

The Never-Ending Bedtime

Every night, at the same time, we begin our toddler’s bedtime routine. And, honestly, more often than not, things tend to go pretty smoothly. In fact, as far as sleep goes, my son has always been a pretty decent sleeper— sleeping through the night since he was about two months old. My husband and I have worked really hard at creating a bedtime routine that worked for our Little Bud. While we have definitely needed to adapt to a variety of obstacles along the way, keeping as much consistency as possible has proven to be our saving grace. For us, this consistency includes a couple of must-haves, including:

• A sound machine (to drown out city noises that might wake him up),

• His favourite stuffed animal(s),

• A bedtime book (or two … or three),

• A song to put him to sleep—and, most recently,

• A story made up by Mom or Dad. Each of these elements are key to getting Buddy to sleep, and the trick has been to incorporate them into a routine that he can expect will always be the same.

For example, we currently follow the schedule of: diapers on, PJs, teeth, face, book, kiss, sleep. And, as I mentioned earlier, most of the time this works—that is until he seems to realize that this bedtime routine is actually putting him to sleep, or, more plainly, that it’s helping him fall asleep. And, right now, as a toddler that never wants to stop moving or causing mischief, that is the very last thing he wants to do. Hence, some delay tactics began to emerge.

You see, my husband and I have always divided up our son’s bedtime routine into two parts. It used to be that Mommy would take the first half, getting all the pre-bedtime tasks completed, and this included the bathroom/hygiene items and getting him into his pajamas. Dad would then take over with reading a book and getting Buddy into bed. It was smooth sailing. However, once my son decided this was way too easy, he started picking fights at every turn. Whether it was a sudden aversion to brushing his teeth or an absolute refusal to lay down

in his bed, things just became an upward battle that would last hours and usually include a few tears (sometimes from the child, sometimes from one of the mentally exhausted parents). Something had to change; and after many long and sleepy discussions over the best course of action, we decided to switch things up by keeping the same routine but changing the players. Dad would begin handling the first half, and I would take over with the second. And we were thrilled to find that this worked like a charm. It was like a magic switch had been flipped and our boy was falling asleep quicker than he had in months. My husband and I finally got our evenings back, which joyously included a little bit of time to unwind and finally finish watching the final season of Better Call Saul. Yay! It felt amazing to be having positive time and interaction with my

child, each night, after weeks of battles—because, believe me, toddlers can be cruel opponents. Being on the same team again was incredible. And as he began to ask for me to tell him a story, each night, I found myself excited and happy to make something up for him … until … I forgot to write down one of the stor-

ies that I made up for him. Trust me, if you are ever in this situation and you make up a story for your youngster, for the love of everything you hold dear, please write it down. Because it will not be the only time you will tell it. They will ask for it again, and Lord help you if you happen to forget one of the seemingly insignificant details. My husband learned this the hard way when he was asked to tell the story I had made up on the previous night about two teddy bears making chocolate-chip cookies. Now, to be fair, I was tired when I made this one up, and at one point I had just listed off the ingredients I use in my own

cookie recipe. I didn’t think anything of it, and it didn’t occur to me that my son, who sometimes forgets to peel the banana before he eats it, would remember the entire list of ingredients. But he did. So when Dad not only forgot about brown sugar, but also listed the ingredients in the wrong order, my goodness did he get punished for it. And this upset ensured that my son also succeeded in delaying his bedtime by at least a good 15 minutes. These days, any extra minutes my child can get, whether it is from asking for an eighteenth sip of water or for another song, or wanting to brush his teeth without help and doing it as slowly as humanly possible, he’s going to try. And if it begins to occur to him that something is making him fall asleep faster, well, that piece of bedtime becomes an immediate no go. For example, I’m no longer allowed to sing “Hush Little Baby” because apparently it makes his eyes “shut too much.” Go figure! Who’d have guessed? So we’ll keep working at it, one night at a time. And as Buddy continues to try and distract, with delay tactics, we’ll counter with minor changes that appease him while continuing to maintain the necessary boundaries we have in place ’cause, really, bedtime routines can be wonderful—just as long as we have a large catalogue of songs to sing (and don’t forget about the brown sugar). n

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

Freelance with Elsie Jordan

Brushing teeth

Reading with Dad

PHOTOS: Elsie Jordan Finally asleep

2023 COURSE SCHEDULE

Yukan Canoe provides a wide range of Paddlesport Courses for you to learn from certified passionate Instructors. Courses include Canoe-solo/tandem, Sea kayaking, Swift Water Rescue and Packrafting. We provide a safe supportive environment for you to build your paddling skills and confidence. We take pride in watching our students succeed and connect with the water.

INTRO TO MOVING WATER $299 - TANDEM CANOE

Flagship course. In this 2 1⁄2 day course you will learn Moving Water Fundamentals including canoe strokes, equipment, front ferries, eddy turns, reading the river and canoe safety. This is a Moving Water Course and not a Whitewater Course and is a prerequisite for Whitewater Fundamentals. We learn on a local lake, the Yukon and Takhini Rivers. A perfect place to start for any river paddling you may want to do. Some courses start on Thursday evening and some start Friday evening. Please see the registration form for all dates.

DATES:  May 12, 13, 14; May 18, 20, 21 | May 25, 27, 28; May 26, 27, 28 | June 1, 3, 4 | June 2, 3, 4; June 8, 10, 11; June 16, 17, 18 | June 16, 18, 19; July 14, 15, 16; July 21, 22, 23 French Speaking, Women Only - May 26, 27, 28

WHITEWATER FUNDAMENTALS $399 - TANDEM CANOE

Build your Whitewater skills on Takhini & Wheaton Rivers - perfect your back ferry. We review fundamentals learned in Intro to Moving Water & build on them. Prepare yourself for your next whitewater Adventure or Wind River Canoe trip. Courses start Thursday or Friday evenings.

DATES:  May 25, 27, 28; June 1, 3, 4; June 2, 3, 4 | June 8, 10, 11; June 15, 17, 18 | June 23, 24, 25

LAPIE RIVER EXTRAVAGANZA $650 - TANDEM CANOE

Yukon’s Premier Whitewater Canoe Course. Your skills and confidence will soar. Catch every eddy and surf every wave. The Lapie River is the best river in the Yukon for learning whitewater. Each course is tailored to the class to provide optimal learning.

4 days of whitewater Biss and learning tandem or solo canoe, kayak or packraft available.

DATES: June 30, July 1, 2, 3 | July 6-9 | July 14-17 | July 6-9 - Solo Canoe + Packraft

SOLO PLAYBOATING

Are you ready to enter the exciting world of Solo Playboating? Course is taught in short responsive fully outfitted solo whitewater Canoes designed for turning & playing in Whitewater. Loads of fun.

INTRO: May 16, 17 (evening) + May 22 all day | June 19+20 (evenings) + June 21 all day $349

INTERMEDIATE: June 8 (evening) + June 10+11 full days | June 19 (evening) + June 20+21 full days: $399

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED: July 6, 7, 8, 9 full days at Lapie River $650

INTRO TO MOVING WATER SOLO TRIPPING $379

Are you wanting to paddle your own canoe? Course is taught in regular sized tandem canoes that you paddle on your own.

DATES:  May 19, 20, 21 | June 16, 17, 18

SWIFT WATER RESCUE $425+GST

Sometimes things don’t go as planned in the Wilderness. Prepare yourself for the unexpected, learn the ins & outs of moving water. This course is certified by the American Canoe Association. Ideal Course for anyone recreating around moving water including canoers, kayakers, fisherman, boaters, hikers & packrafters. 2 evenings + 2 full days.

DATES: May 23, 24, 25 all day | May 30+31 evenings, June 3+4 all day | June 15+16 evenings, June 17+18 all day | Custom groups and dates may be available

PACKRAFTING 101 $225

Try the exciting world of Packrafting and open up a whole new world of Adventures. Packrafts are lightweight solo inflatable kayaks that are easily hiked into your favourite lake or river. Our new fleet includes cutting edge Alpacka Packrafts and Kokapalii Self Bailing PackRafts.

DATES: May 16+17; May 23+24; May 30+31 | June 6+7; June 13+14; June 20+21 | July 18+19; July 25+26

PACKRAFTING 102 - WHITEWATER SKILLS $350

Yukan Canoe Packraft 102 teaches you whitewater skills you will need for River or Creek Paddling with a curriculum developed by the American Packrafting Association. We provide a safe, supportive yet challenging environment for you to learn & practice on Takhini & Wheaton Rivers. Packraft 101 is a prerequisite.

DATES: May 27+28; June 3+4 | June 10+11; June 17+18 | June 24+25 | July 15+16; July 22+23

Email for custom dates/groups

SEA KAYAKING

Please see our Website for dates, prices and course details (coming soon).

THE SIBILLA GETS A FACELIFT

Since it was built, more than 90 years ago, the Sibilla , a Yukon workboat, freighter and yacht, has had many lives. Now, it’s been refurbished and fixed up for display, to help tell the story

of

Carcross history

When Bob Cameron was a kid in the late 1950s and ’60s, his family spent summer weekends boating on Tagish Lake. “Back then, there was no highway going through to Skagway,” said Cameron. “The Southern Lakes were the ultimate waterways for boating.” They would stop on the lakeshore to fry up the fish they’d caught and explore the abandoned mining camps in the area. “There were miles of pristine wilderness and abandoned settlements—Tutshi, Engineer Mine, Taku Landing, Venus Mine, and Conrad,” said Cameron. “It was a big adventure to check out the inside of the old buildings or peer through windows and cracks in the walls if they were locked.” In Carcross, the family would load

onto a former workboat, the MV Dorothy, that Cameron’s father had salvaged and fixed up. Friends cruised alongside in their own boats, including George and Emily Simmons who owned the MV Sibilla, a former British Yukon Navigation Company (BYN) gas-powered workboat that had been converted into a recreational yacht. The Sibilla was constructed in 1932 at the Whitehorse shipyard.

Like many of the BYN boats built in Whitehorse, the Sibilla was designed to navigate well in shallow water. It had a canoe-shaped hull with a recessed propeller, a solid deck and a wooden-frame superstructure overlayed with canvas.

It was sent into service on the Yukon River, but was moved from Whitehorse to Carcross in 1940. There the Sibilla helped

chart the most-navigable channels for larger boats, each spring, and scraped out sandbars if they were dangerously in the way. It also served as a freight boat, pushing a barge laden with supplies—barrels of fuel, explosives for the mining operations, food and liquor—to settlements along Tagish Lake. Leaving Carcross, the Sibilla headed east on Nares Lake, past Windy Arm on Tagish Lake, and then turned south. At a narrow part of Taku Arm, called Golden Gate, the Sibilla turned east into Taku Inlet (also known as Graham Inlet) and on to Taku. There, the Taku Tramway, a 2-1/2-mile railway, transferred freight from the barges and boats to Atlin Lake where another gas-powered boat, the Norgold, carried the freight the rest of the

way to Atlin.

In 1944, “Scotia Mac” (John McDonald) was captaining the Sibilla and “was not an easy man to work for,” according to Ron Willis who worked as a deckhand on the boat.

For McDonald, the cargo came first. While still a long way from shore, he’d start hollering for Willis to “Jump! Jump!” into the icecold waist-deep water, to moor the Sibilla and its barge.

Though it was hard work, Willis said he would do it again in a heartbeat: “I would go right back up and I would work for nothing … well … we practically got nothing anyway,” he said, with a laugh, in a 1993 interview.

In 1955, the Sibilla was sold to George Simmons. It had a few more owners, until one winter in

the late 1970s when it was left in the water too long and its hull was crushed by ice. It was pulled from the frozen lake and left by the Carcross airstrip “patiently awaiting restorations,” according to a 1994 article from The Carcross Chronicle

In 1998, it was relocated to the yard beside the Carcross Barracks. And that’s where Jamie Toole and his partner, Anne Morgan, found it more than a decade later. In the 2010s, they purchased the barracks, now the Sourdough Bakery.

“It was basically buried beside the bakery on a trailer,” said Toole. “So, it had been drydocked at the airport, then hauled from the airport on a trailer and they dug a trench and backed it

cont’d on page 14

Leighann

This series is provided by the Government of Yukon Historic Sites unit. It highlights the people, places and things that contribute to the Yukon’s rich and vibrant heritage.

Jamie Toole with the Sibilla in Carcross, in September 2022

PHOTO: Leighann Chalykoff

For the past decade, he has also been working on fixing up the Caribou Hotel and its surrounding properties. Both the restoration of the boat and the hotel were supported, in part, through the Yukon Historic Resources Fund. “Well, I always just liked the history,” said Toole. “So, I take on these projects and everybody really appreciates it because a lot of people don’t really know how to do it, but they don’t want to lose it. “So, if I can do my part by saving a little bit of that history, then I’m happy.” n

The Carcross pleasure boat fleet: Turtle (Canadian Army), Dorothy (Cameron family), and Sibilla (George and Emily Simmons)

in there and then backfilled it.”

It stayed buried for decades until Toole recognized the boat’s heritage value, dug it out of its hiding spot and moved it onto a concrete pad to be rebuilt.

“Well, the Sibilla is quite important because it’s one of the very last remaining boats,” said Toole. “I think there’s only four left in the Yukon that belonged to the BYN, so it’s an important piece of history.” His goal is to “get it fixed up and beautiful.” The job involves replacing rotten planking, installing new windows, painting and refinishing the outside and adding a new flagstaff. Toole uses old photos and documentation to piece together what the boat looked like in its heyday.

“I don’t think there’s a person on the planet that knows how to build a boat like that anymore,” he said. “Back in the day, 80 to 100 years ago or longer, it was a common practice to build boats like this using all hand tools, but that common practice is long lost.”

After 45 years working as a building contractor and carpenter, Toole has the skills and experience to take on the work. He also has the drive to preserve the original piece of history before it’s too late.

“It all takes time and you have to have a passion for it,” he said. “Oftentimes, people don’t realize how important things are … like the historic buildings in Dawson. Once you lose history like that, you can never get it back.”

When Toole started fixing up the boat, he found a surprise artifact— a small connection to a boat builder that would have been working on the vessel nearly a century ago. Between the galley’s ceiling sheeting and the top decking,

he found half a tapered candle.

“We didn’t expect that candle and so it was kind of cool,” said Toole. “Was somebody working a little later in the evening and they broke the candle in half and stuck it there to do some more painting or something like that? Or did they just put it in there for safekeeping? It’s hard to say.”

For Toole, the Sibilla is another piece of the story of Carcross.

The Sibilla, 1958

PHOTO: Bob Cameron

PHOTO: Bob Cameron

Y

The Best Things in Life are… Rescued!

Meet JAX!

FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED

Klondike Institute of Art and Culture Dawson City, YT

CLAIRE NESS FOR KIDS

Fri May 5, 2pm THE RUBIES

LASER

NorthLight Innovation Building 2180 2nd Ave May 3 NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Jax is a 3-year-old Male husky/Australian cattle dog mix.

Jax is a cuddly happy boy, he loves to relax with his person and is quite content for a lazy day at home. He’s a bit of a contradiction though, despite his love of lazing around, he has boundless amounts of energy.

If you are interested in adopting Jax please fill out an online application at humanesocietyyukon.ca. If you already have a pre-approved application with us within the last year, call 633-6019 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 humanesocietyyukon.ca

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.

Old time fiddle, folk, & blues

Fri May 5, 7:30pm

YUKON RIVERSIDE ARTS FESTIVAL

June 1 - 4, 2023

Tel: (867) 993-5005

Email: kiac@kiac.ca

Do you have a fear of PUBLIC SPEAKING?

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

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

Les réalités du au Yukon PLEIN AIR

Les réalités du au Yukon PLEIN AIR ÉDITION ÉTÉ

11 mai — 18 h à 19 h 30

Centre de la francophonie

Youth Drop-In Centre

Recreational program for teen-years youth

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

Ages: 12-18 years old

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

AllStars After School Program

An affordable, quality after school program

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

Ages: Ages 6-11 years old

Cost: Tuition fees as follows: $315/month allstars@bgcyukon.com for inquiries

Location: Downtown/Takhini Elementary

Learning Tree Early Years Centre

An affordable, quality, licensed childcare program

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

Ages: 18 months - 5 years of age

Cost: Tuition fees as follows:

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

Location: Riverdale

pleinair.afy.ca

PORCUPINE SQUAD

MORNING PROGRAMS 10-11am

Monday: Baby Sign 0-24 months

Tuesday: Power of Painting All Ages

Wednesday: Construction Zone All Ages

Thursday: Reserved for group use Closed to the public

Friday: Hooked on Stories All Ages

AFTERNOONS & SATURDAYS

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

The FLC will be closed Dec 24 – Jan 3.

Family Free Play Drop-In: All Ages Enjoy crafts, play dough, painting, reading and more. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:

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

It’s Free. It’s Fast. It’s Easy.

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Wed May 3 Next Level ‘Carb Counting’ for Diabetes Management Chronic Conditions Support Program (CCSP) 6:00 PM Identify and balance your carbohydrate intake to improve your blood sugar control with our registered dietitian. To register, call 667-8733 or email ccsp@ yukon.ca. https://yukon.ca/healthiertomorrow#programs-and-services

Wed May 3 Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Register online

Wed May 3 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 May 3 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 May 3 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 May 3 Guided Tour of Whitehorse

Copper Belt 6:30 PM Whitehorse Meeting at the H.S Bostock Core Library parking lot 91807 Alaska HWY. To register email leyla. weton@yukon.ca

Wed May 3 Badminton Adult Drop-in Takhini Elementary 7:30 PM Open to everyone 18 years old and older and all skill levels

Wed May 3 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 May 4 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 May 4 Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio

A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves.

Register online

Thu May 4 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

Thu May 4 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 May 5 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 May 5 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 May 5 Badminton Adult Drop-in

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

Fri May 5 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

Fri May 5 Paddle Canada Waterfront Instructor Course Schwatka Lake Day Use Area 2:00 PM Paddle Canada Waterfront Instructor course is the minimum required course by Department of Education for taking youth canoeing. Held in the Whitehorse area. Register online. https://bit.ly/408u5zn

Sun May 7 Yukon Pickleball Day 9:00 AM Canada Games Centre Learn all about the awesome sport of pickleball, fun for the whole family and all levels!

Sun May 7 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 May 7 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 May 7 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 8 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 8 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 8 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.

Mon May 8 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 9 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 9 Kids BJJ 4:45 & 6:00 PM

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

Tue May 9 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 9 Introduction to Bicycle Maintenance 2023 6:30 PM Icycle Sport Keep your bicycle at its best this season. Topics covered include changing tires, cleaning + lubrication, making the most of your setup.

Tue May 9 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.

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 11am - 3pm. Call 668-6429 for more info.

Wed May 3 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

Wed May 3 FASD Informed Support Yukon University 9:00 AM Presentations

and discussion in a short course that answers some common questions about FASD. Register online. https://bit. ly/41Mdse6.

Wed May 3 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/yogaclasses

Wed May 3 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 May 3 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 3360795 or email ante.tokic@yukon.ca

Wed May 3 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 May 3 Overeaters Anonymous

Meeting 7:30 PM Overeaters Anonymous

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

Wed May 3 No Puffin Group (CM) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Wed May 3 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 May 3 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 May 4 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 May 4 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 May 4 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 May 4 KDCC Walking with Our Sisters Sewing Group 5:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.

Thu May 4 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 May 4 Pine Tree Quilters Meeting

7:00 PM Whitehorse United Church A group quilters of all levels get together to

Annual General Meeting

talk, laugh, share, and learn!

Thu May 4 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 May 4 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 May 4 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 May 4 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 May 5 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 May 5 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 May 5 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 May 5 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

Fri May 5 Sacred Breathwork with Derek Endress Alpine Bakery & Upstairs 7:00 PM Rejuvenate body/mind/heart, reveal limiting views that exist in body, mind and improve capacity to release fear, anxiety, anger, sadness, grief and other charged or blocked emotions. Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com https://www. yogayukon.ca/yogayukon/Schedule.html

Sat May 6 AA Hospital Meeting 7:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Sat May 6 Sound Journey 7th Ray Studio 7:00 PM Sound healing can help you clear energetic blockages and thus facilitate healing on a physical and mental level. Register online. https://bit.ly/3oLT9z7

Sat May 6 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

Mon May 8 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 8 Smart Recovery Addictions

Support 6:45 PM Sarah Steele Building.

Mon May 8 Absolute Beginners –Intro 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery - Upstairs

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

Mon May 8 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 8 Hips, Hams Core – All Levels

7:30 PM Alpine Bakery - Upstairs Fairly vigorous classes with emphasis on breath and slower is stronger. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

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

Mon May 8 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/867-332-0465.

Tue May 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 YEU Community Laundry Night 6:00 PM Family Hotel Bring your laundry hamper, we will provide laundry tokens, and laundry soap along with dryer sheets. Enjoy a snack and let the kids enjoy a few quiet activities while you take care of the washing.

Tue May 9 Yoga by Amber 7:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A yoga class that is for all levels and abilities, register online.

Tue May 9 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 9 AA UglyDuckling Group (C/M, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral New members always welcome, this is a non smoking group.

Monday June 19, 2023 3-5pm Multi Purpose Room, Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre Election of New Officers –various positions R.S.V.P

/ 867-668-3555

This sheep hunt was now a moose hunt.

We prepared our bodies by carb loading on extra rations while we discussed how we would stalk the moose. Once we were satisfied with our plan, we crawled into our sleeping bags to enjoy one last comfortable night before it was time to go to work.

The next morning, the animals were still bedded down and we were betting on them staying that way or at least not moving too far in the time that it took us to close the gap. While our plan was solid, there were still several variables that we needed to mitigate in order to pull off the approach.

The bull was almost exactly 5.5 kilometres away from where we had stashed the canoe, and we decided this would be the absolute maximum packable distance. Because of this, it was imperative that we avoided spooking him any farther up the mountain, forcing us to be completely stealthy on our approach.

Second, we would need to make a perfect shot. Anything less than a heart shot could give the bull a chance to run farther up the mountain, which, again, could put him outside of a packable range. Even tagging him in the lungs, an otherwise desirable kill shot, would not be enough to guarantee that we dropped him where he stood. To mitigate this risk, we decided we would need to exercise extreme patience and only pull the trigger if we had a comfortable shooting position and a perfect broadside view.

Our approach had us going up the mountain and side-hilling across the scree, way above the two moose. They were bedded down and facing the creek, which allowed us to sneak in behind them, out of sight. With

PACK-OUT PART 2

perfectly still winds, we slowly worked our way up, over, and down the mountain, using extreme caution not to dislodge any rocks and give away our position.

It took us over two hours to reach the shooting vantage that we had scoped out earlier that morning. As we peeked down below, we were thrilled to see that both moose were still there, and even closer to us than we expected. With Steve as my spotter, we laid down on the rocks and got set up comfortably in a prone shooting position. A quick yardage check determined that the bigger bull was 187 yards downhill from us, a perfectly comfortable distance for the shot we needed. Because the younger moose was lying close to the larger bull, we needed him to get out of the way before we had a clear shooting lane. We would also need the bull we were targeting to stand up, turn broadside and offer up an opportunity for me to zero in on his heart with my crosshairs.

Rather than letting emotions get the best of us, we resisted the urge to try to stand the two bulls up by letting out a few grunts. Instead, we opted to wait patiently for them to stand up on their own, to reduce the risk of spooking them. We had already waited several days to be in this seat, so waiting a few more hours wasn’t a big deal.

After a little over an hour, our patience was finally rewarded. The younger bull stood up and began to feed, eventually moving out of the way. He offered us a clear shot as he stood broadside for several minutes, but our hearts were set on harvesting the older animal. Twenty minutes later, the bigger bull stood and slowly turned. With my crosshairs placed directly on his armpit, he stepped forward and exposed his vitals. I steadied

my breathing and slowly applied pressure to the trigger. Bang!

The shot was clean, and the bull didn’t take more than two steps before he swayed and then collapsed in the willow. It was over in seconds. We gathered our knives and kill kits and waited the standard 15 minutes before approaching the downed animal and going to work.

With ultralight sheep-hunting tools at our disposal, it took us over five hours to do the butchering.

Once the animal was processed, we built a meat rack (for the quarters) on a pile of rocks, a little ways away from the kill site. We then covered the quarters with tarps, to ensure they would remain cool and dry in our absence. Once this was done, we loaded our hunting packs with 100 pounds of prime and off cuts, each, turned on our headlamps and began the first of the three

journeys down to the creek and off the mountain.

After a few hard kilometres, we reached a densely treed area just below our alpine camp. We hung the meat there and hiked up the mountain to spend one last night on the ridge. The next morning we packed up our tents and hiked down to set up a new base in the trees. Once gear was stashed, we grabbed the meat from the night before and finished carrying out the first load.

While it felt good to get the off cuts secured at the lake, our victory was short-lived. Spirits remained high as we laughed and joked while we hiked our way up the mountain to grab the four quarters.

I still remember the feeling of taking those first few steps, with the moose hind on my back. Even with limited supplies, it felt as though I was carrying out a person rather than a quarter. I

looked around at the guys as they adjusted the straps on their packs and grabbed their hiking poles. The expressions on their faces told me that I wasn’t the only one that was feeling the weight. The next thing I remember hearing was Rory breaking the tense silence with some words of encouragement, “Let’s go, boys!”

We began marching down to the creek, one laboured step at a time.

Our two biggest concerns, with this phase of the pack-out, were either bumping into a grizzly bear, or one of us rolling an ankle. With a fresh gut pile, not far away, and plenty of bear signs in the valley, we knew that running into a bear in less-than-ideal circumstances was a real possibility.

Fatigued from the weight of our packs, our reaction time would be slowed in the event of a charge. To mitigate this risk, we made sure to have both our rifles and our bear spray accessible and strapped to our chest.

Anecdotal reports say you usually have three seconds or less to react when charged by a grizz, so having our guns and spray on our packs simply wouldn’t do us any good. We were fortunate enough to have learned this lesson before (the hard way) and were lucky to have gotten away with a hit. If you’re a hunter and haven’t already switched to a chest-mount system for your rifle and spray, we highly recommend it.

To reduce the risk of rolling an ankle, we defaulted back to our mantra: Slow is steady, steady is safe, safe is fast. We took breaks, when we needed to, and used what battery was left in our cellphones to play music, keeping us motivated. Our legs

Casey Donovan

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

PHOTO: Casey Donovan

Harvesting a mature bull moose

Not Your Average Pack-Out Part

screamed under the weight, but we stayed together and kept one another in good spirits.

For the first few kilometres, everything went smoothly.

In the final two kilometres, we had to pass through some lowlying, swampy habitat, and that’s when I felt the mood begin to change. Under the weight of our packs, our feet sank deeply into the spongy ground, with each step we took forward. While we were at less risk of rolling our ankles than on the sketchy hillside, this post-holing effect nearly doubled our efforts. Coincidentally, it was at this time when the last of our phones died, leaving us without music to distract us. There were no more jokes … no more laughter.

For the next two hours, none of us said a word.

Half-way through the swamp, I could feel my legs cramping up, and every muscle in my body was telling me to quit. Refusing to be the first one in the group to throw in the towel, I fought with everything I had to ignore these feelings, and I forced my mind to travel deeper into the pain zone. It wasn’t until later that night, back at camp, when everyone admitted fighting this exact same battle at this stage of the pack-out. We got a kick out of each other’s stubbornness and exchanged stories of what we were going through mentally, earlier on that day. All in all, it took us six hours to get the quarters to the lake. We hung them up by the canoe and hiked back up the hill, in the dark, to find our camp. We were exhausted.

The next morning was the third and final day of the pack-out. We woke up at sunrise and split up so that we could cover more ground. Sean and Steve carried camp down to the lake and began ferrying meat with the canoe to our pickup point. Rory and I laced up our boots and began the final journey up the mountain, to grab the head and the hide.

The last trip up the hill went smoothly. Just before reaching the kill site, we stopped and glassed

the gut pile, to make sure it hadn’t attracted any predators overnight. The coast was clear. After putting the binos away, we nearly tripped over a big moose shed that was lying in the alders along the creek. We figured that it might have been from the bull that we harvested just a few seasons ago.

We used paracord to tie up the hide, and we managed to stuff it into Rory’s large mountaineering pack. I used the meat shelf on my Mystery Ranch bag to secure the moose head and antlers to my back, and without wasting any time, we set off for the lake. While my load was significantly lighter than it was the day before, hauling the giant moose rack through dense willows wasn’t easy. The antlers seemed to grab on to every bit of brush and alders that we passed, adding significant resistance. Once we reached the treeline, I had to be strategic about how I weaved through the timber. I remember empathizing with these ungulates and thinking about how hard it must be for the big bulls that have to spend most of the year walking around with all that head gear.

We were beyond relieved when we finally passed the swamp and got eyes on the lake. While descending the steep embankment to the water, I quickly realized that the moose rack projected too far off my back for me to walk forward down the steep hill. Instead, I was forced to descend backwards for the last 600 metres of the journey. Using the thick alders and trees, as holds, I did my best to repel down the 45-degree slope. Halfway down the descent, we spotted Steve and Sean paddling by in the yellow canoe. We roared at the top of our lungs, and after a few minutes we managed to get their attention. Twenty minutes later, we punched through the alders to the fringe of the lake. We made it! I’ll never forget the look on Sean and Steve’s face as Rory and I emerged from the trees. We

helped the guys do the last meat run and then paddled back to set up camp at our pickup point. At the back of the lake, we cut more poles and got the meat hung up, tarping it off for one last time. We set up our more-robust Tipitent that we had stashed at the lake on day 1, and then rewarded our efforts with a round of fresh backstrap steaks. Despite our plans to stay up late and celebrate, the fatigue had finally caught up to us. Within minutes of finishing off the last steaks, we found ourselves crawling into our sleeping bags to enjoy an early night’s rest. The next morning, we woke up fresh, made a few casts and waited for pickup from our pals at Alkan Air. Once back in Whitehorse, there was still plenty of work to do. We spent the next two days butchering the moose and getting him packed away in our freezers.

There are moments from this trip that will follow me forever. Eating fresh moose backstrap with a few of my best buddies, after a rigorous three-day pack-out, in full view of the mountain that we carried it down from, was a powerful experience. When I’m lucky enough to share these moments with friends, the feeling of camaraderie, as well as the deep satisfaction that I get from being connected to my food, delivers far more than what I could get from any restaurant.

It is this feeling of a deeper, more meaningful connection to the land, as well as to the food we eat, that I believe transcends not only who we are as hunters, but as humans.

Moose are an incredible species and an important food source for people who live in the North. Having the opportunity to hunt moose in the Yukon, with an over-the-counter tag, is a privilege, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to do so. Sharing the land with, and having the opportunity to get close to, these giants is a humbling and rewarding experience. It is one that I will

never get tired of.

Killing an animal is never easy. I think the more time a person spends on the land, observing and interacting with nature, the better they come to understand its complexities—the daily hardships these animals face, the intricacies of dynamic predator-prey interactions, and their struggles against the elements, which so many people are so far removed from and only ever get to witness through their bigscreen TVs, from the comfort of their living rooms.

We watched this beautiful velvet bull for three days before we went after him, observing where he slept, where and what he ate, his interactions with other moose in the valley … everything he did. Taking this magnificent bull out of the valley he called home did not come without emotional cost, and it is something I still think about today.

It is only when we eat those first few steaks and get home to process over 500 pounds of fresh, organic meat, that the means become justified. The meat from this hunt continues to feed us and our loved ones nearly two years after the harvest. While the last packages of meat will soon be gone from the freezer, and the last steaks cleaned off of our plates, the memory

of this beautiful August bull will live on forever in the minds of the four of us who laboured to get him off the mountain.

If there was one thing I learned on this hunt that I could pass along to anyone hunting moose for the first time, it would be to do it under controlled circumstances. Hunting moose from boats or canoes can be a great way to get in a little deeper and away from the roads, and can make getting the meat home, safe, a lot more manageable. Even if you’re lucky enough to drop a bull right on shore, it’s still a ton of work to get them properly field dressed, into the boat and then hung up properly back at camp. Despite the fact that I have no regrets from this outing and will cherish the memories of this trip forever, it’s not the type of physical undertaking that I will go out of my way to attempt again, any time soon.

The story of this hunt will be the subject of our first film project, which we plan on airing later this year. Check us out on instagram at @YukonUnguided for updates on the launch date of our website and for more news about our upcoming video debut. Thanks for reading, and … Happy hunting! n

PHOTO: Casey Donovan

Packing the harvest via canoe

ART SHOWS

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 May 3 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 May 3 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 May 4 Live Music Thursdays 7:00 PM 98 Hotel

Thu May 4 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 May 4 Café des Voix: Makin’ May Marvellous The Guild Hall 7:30 PM Enjoy a spring evening with the melodies, harmonies and improvisations of some fine jazz tunes presented by Café des Voix. Tickets online. https://bit.ly/44gvgAn

Thu May 4 Live DJs - Thursday Throwdown 9:00 PM The Local Bar.

Sat May 6 Spring Fling – Dance & Fundraiser 7:00PM Mt Sima Dance to an amazing DJ, snack, BBQ hot dogs and a cash bar. Tickets at the door. https://bit.ly/3zE6prU

Sat May 6 Yukon Jack Leftys Well

8:00 PM Yukon Jack Playing all your rock and country favorites all night long. Doors 8pm · Music

930pm - Cover Charge. https://bit. ly/3oyODEe

Sun May 7 Jam Session with Country Josh 6:00 PM 98 Hotel

Mon May 8 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 8 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.

Mon May 8 Industry Night Leftys Well 8:00 PM Industry discount, music, hot dogs, games, fun all night long!

GENERAL EVENT

Until May 11 Air Yukon Theatre Nightly AIR reveals the unbelievable game-changing partnership between then rookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division. Tickets online or at the door. https:// bit.ly/3oI6DMx

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

Until May 25 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 Nightly Yukon Theatre

A band of misfits must band together to save the galaxy! Tickets online or at the door. https://bit.ly/3ANafQh

Wed May 3 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 332-1803 or email yoko.oda@ yukon.ca for more info.

Wed May 3 Anglican Holy Communion – Whitehorse 12:10

PM Christ the Church Cathedral

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

Wed May 3 Spanish Conversation Group 12:00 PM Whitehorse United Church For more info Louise 867687-7238 or Michele 867-333-6081

Wed May 3 Human Flow 5:30 Yukon Theatre Over the course of an eventful year in 23 countries, the film follows a chain of urgent human stories that stretches across the globe. Tickets online or at the door. https://bit.ly/40EpWUf

Wed May 3 Texas Hold’ Em 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For signed in members and guests. Bragging rights!

Wed May 3 Yukon Writers Festival

Opening Reception Whitehorse Public Library 6:30 PM The Yukon Writers’ Festival welcomes Kevin Chong, Paige Galette, Michael Gates, Rhiannon Russell & Joshua Whitehead

Thu May 4 Emotional Intelligence for Business Leaders and Employees Workshop NorthLight Innovation 9:00 AM A proven and practical approach to enhancing their own emotional intelligence, to improve self-awareness,

increases accountability, fosters communication, and builds trusting relationships. Register online. https://bit.ly/3m2gZpB

Thu May 4 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 May 4 Anglican Thursday at the Cathedral 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral Bring a lunch (Book of Alternative Services)

Thu May 4 Alpine Club of Canada

- Yukon AGM Winterlong Brewing Co. 7:00 PM Meet up, elect for the Chair position, eat some food in good company, and door prizes to be won. Discuss the past year and make plans for the next! Email accyukon@gmail.com if interested. https://bit.ly/41bpei4

Thu May 4 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

Thu May 4 Showing Up 8:00 PM Yukon Theatre A sculptor preparing to open a new show must balance her creative life with the daily dramas of family and friends. Tickets online or at the door. https://bit. ly/3LvZJD6

Fri May 5 Tourism Reconnects

2023 MacBride Museum 5:30 PM

Join Tourism Yukon for an evening of networking and informationsharing for tourism professionals! Contact destinationmanagement@ yukon.ca or call 333-6923 for more info. Register online. https://bit. ly/3AruzX9

Fri May 5 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!

Sat May 6 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 May 6 Small Business Fair 9:00 PM Yukon Small businesses unite to bring you a fun fair, browse from over 14 different vendors and support local. For more info email carolinederkatch@gmail.com.

Sat May 6 Maker MeetupsCommunity Maintenance Day

Yukonstruct Makespace 1:00 PM

For Yukonstruct members only, help us keep Makespace working well for all our members. Pitch in and meet the other members who are making this space great! https://bit. ly/3V4nULR

Sat May 6 Cribbage - Members and Signed in Guests 2:00 PM

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

Sat May 6 Small Business

Fair Yukon Inn 9:00 AM Small businesses unite to bring you a fun fair, browse from over 14 different vendors and support local. For more info email carolinederkatch@gmail. com. https://bit.ly/3A2BENE

Sat May 6 Seniors Tea Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre 10:00 AM

Whitehorse seniors are invited for tea with Whitehorse city council, choose from a morning or afternoon sitting. Register online. whitehorse. ca/play

Sat May 6 Raven - Contemporary Circus/Theatre YAC Yukon Arts Centre 4:00 PM In this thrilling and humorous blend of circus and theatre, Berlin’s all-female collective Still Hungry honestly confronts the challenges of modern motherhood. Tickets online. https://bit.ly/42tZ4bG

Sun May 7 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 May 7 Clothing Room 10:00

AM Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone

Sun May 7 Welcome Dr. Vincent Fenga 10:00 AM Church of the Northern Apostles The Diocese of Yukon will be installing our new priest, The Rev. Dr. Vincent Fenga, to his new position as Anglican Priest of Whitehorse and Carcross. All are welcome to attend so come and welcome this new family from Zimbabwe!

Sun May 7 Whitehorse United Church Worship Service 10:30 AM a caring community of faith, based on a foundation of Biblical teaching and spiritual truth

Sun May 7 Secondhand Clothing

Bizarre 2:00 PM Whitehorse

Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Clean clothes needed and donations accepted if in good condition. Please call before dropping clothes off and for more info 633-3463.

Sun May 7 Sunday Gatherings

3:00 PM The Northern Collective Church

Mon May 8 Service Officer Meeting

Royal Canadian Legion Whitehorse 7:00 AM An invite to all Veterans, Police and First responders for the service hour at the Legion, socialise and find out what is going on for events. Call 667-2800 for more info.

https://bit.ly/3Lm40ZG

Mon May 8 Canada Day Meeting

Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 6:00 PM Learn all about organising the events of Canada Day, volunteer your time to help set up/tear down, or let us put your talents to use, contact by phone for more info.

https://bit.ly/443YxOf

Mon May 8 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 8 Managed Alcohol

Program Film Screening & Panel

Discussion The Guild Hall 6:30

PM Learn what Managed Alcohol Programs (MAPs) are all about and hear from a panel of Blood Ties’ Lived Experience Advisory Group on how MAPs could benefit our community. Call 687-4548 to reserve your spot. https://bit.ly/3L0m3TN

Tues May 9 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 9 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 9 Chess Club 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us!

Tues May 9 10 Card Crib 6:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 https://bit.ly/3oWjB5W

Tue May 9 Laser Cutter BasicsWooden Earrings Yukonstruct Makespace 6:00 PM Create your own custom wood earrings! In this beginner laser cutting and jewelrymaking workshop you will design, cut, and assemble at least 2 pairs of wood earrings. https://bit.ly/446VlBN

Tues May 9 Woodshop Orientation for Members 6:30 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Get started in the Wood 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.

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

Thursdays Kill Team Thursdays

5:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe 6685750 Units can be drawn from both the core book, elite book, Kill team annual and white dwarf.

Fridays 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.

Thu May 4 Job Search 101

4:00 PM Skookum Jim - Youth Employment Centre Workshops will guide you through building resumes and cover letters, searching for jobs, and preparing for interviews.

Sat May 6 Free Comic Book Day 2023! Titan Gaming and Collectibles

11:00 AM Choose up to 3 comics per person from a great selection of titles! Get your picture with Super Heroes between noon and 2pm!

https://bit.ly/41YHLyb

Sun May 7 Floral Shadow Box

Making The Mini Makerspace 4:00 PM Learn some new skills, and create a beautiful unique paper flower shadow box to give your Mother for Mother’s Day! Register online. https://bit.ly/3UYpUFA

Mon May 8 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

Tue May 9 Resume & Cover Letter

101 4:00 PM Employment Central Workshops will guide you through building resumes and cover letters, searching for jobs, and preparing for interviews.

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/bookonline.

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/tZIpdmvrTwpHNUG1Hqq0c V87HVTRByHff5U

Wed May 3 Managing Conflict

After Separation or Divorce Workshop Online 5:30 PM Learn how to renegotiate personal boundaries and develop parenting strategies. Understand the process of separation. Pre-registration is required for this workshop. To register call 456-6721 https:// yukon.ca/en/arts-and-culture/ events?page=3

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 May 6 Whitehorse Community Choir

Presents – Stay With Me 7:30 PM Atlin

BC Globe Theatre Accompanied by Barry

Kitchen & Cheryl Wishart on piano, Dave Haddock on Bass, Lonnie Powell on Drums & Toby Moisey on flute. This year they are conducted by Loréne Charmetant, and C.D Saint https://bit.ly/3KPSnIO

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.

Fri May 5 Michael Gates Reading in Carcross 4:30 PM Isabelle Pringle Library

Meet Michael Gates is a writer of non-fiction with a focus on the Yukon. Books available for sale cash only. Free to attend.

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

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 May 3 Queer Yukon – Drop-In

11:00 AM Queer Yukon – Dawson City

Wednesday drop-in offers Direct Aid and Harm Reduction services.

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

Thu May 4 Hatha Yoga with Blackbird 5:45 PM Minto Park Register online.

Thu May 4 Multi-Sport Drop In 6:00 PM Robert Service School Free program, all children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

Thu May 4 Drop In Volleyball 7:30 PM Robert Service School

Fri May 5 Queer Yukon – Drop-In 11:00 AM Queer Yukon – Dawson City Open Community Engagement hours.

Fri May 5 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 May 5 Kids Show with Claire Ness 5:00 PM Dënäkär Zho – KIAC Ballroom Claire plays fresh original tunes from her awardwinning kids album “Broccoli Farm”, as well as old-time family favorites in English and French to deliver a rousing round of laughter and dance party madness.

Sat May 6 Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00 AM Robert Service School

Sat May 6 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 May 6 All Ages Amateur Parkour 12:00 PM Robert Service School Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info.

Sat May 6 Coffee House & Open Mic Night 7:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art & Culture (KIAC) A family friendly event, Admission by donation with all funds raised donated to a community group. Everyone is welcome to perform or simply enjoy.

Sat May 6 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 May 7 Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00 AM Robert Service School

Mon May 8 55+ Stretch & Strong Fitness Class 1:30 PM Minto Park A 6-week strength class for Dawsonites Call 993-7400 ext 299

Mon May 8 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 8 Badminton & Pickleball 6:00 PM Robert Service School Open to all ages (children under 10 must be supervised).

Mon May 8 Adult Drop-In Basketball 7:30 PM Robert Service School Gym – Free Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info

Mon May 9 Young Peoples Talking Circle 7:00 PM Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Youth Centre

Tues May 9 Romp & Run 10:30 AM YOOP Hall Email Jen.Suttis@cdcyukon.ca for more info.

Tues May 9 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 9 Hatha Yoga 5:30 PM Minto Park Improve your posture flexibility and strength. Email recreation@cityofdawson.ca

Tues May 9 English Conversation Club 7:00 PM YukonU A weekly English Conversation Club for immigrants in Dawson City.

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

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 9942375 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 May 5 – 7 Crane & Sheep Festival Town of Faro Annual festival with family friendly activities, workshops, artists markets, wildlife watching. http://faro.ca/p/crane-sheepfestival

Sat May 6 Sheep & Crane Silent Auction & Arts Market 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Unique artwork, paintings, jewelry, crafts and more.

Until May 10 Crane & Sheep Festival

Photo Contest Online Upload your photo to the Town of Faro FB and Judges will decide the winners.

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 634-2012 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 May 6 Art in the Junction 1:00PM Haines Junction Local artisans open their studios and art spaces for drop-in visitors. Explore this creative art in the beautiful Village of Haines Junction.

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

PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Weekdays Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM

Mayo Recreation Centre

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

Sun May 7 Emergency Preparedness & Fire Smart Drop-In 12:00 PM Lorne Mountain Community Centre We will be serving hot dogs and drinks, so bring your family to the Community Center and learn about prevention and preparedness.

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

Tue May 9 Tagish Fire Department Meeting 7:00 PM Tagish Community Centre

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

Young Explorers 3:15 PM Teslin

Centre For those who like outdoor adventure.

Public Skate 5:00 PM Teslin Lake

Parent & Tots

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

Thu May 4 Michael Gates Reading in Watson Lake 7:00 PM Watson Lake Library Meet Michael Gates is a writer of non-fiction with a focus on the Yukon. Books available for sale cash only. Free to attend.

FREE STORE

There’snosecurityguards

There’snofittingrooms

There’snostoremanager

Youdon’tneedmoney

There’s no “ shoplifters

willbeprosecuted”sign

There’snolockonthedoor

There’snoreturnpolicy

Evenifyoudon’thaveenough

Youcanstillgetlotsofstuff

Youcanpretendtosteal

Andgetanawesomedeal

Itseemskindoffunny

Butyoudon’tneedmoney

Youdon’tneedacreditcard

Andthere’snosecurityguard

Everythingisreallycheap

Andit’syourstokeep

Theydon’thaveatill

Andyouwon’tgetabill

Whenyoushopat the free store

Youcanfindtreasuresgalore

Youdon’tneedamoneytree

Becauseeverythingisfree.

There’snostorehoursposted

There’snowarranty

There’snostoreflyers

Theydon’ttakeraincheques

There’snopricescanners

There’s no till

There’snocreditcardmachine

There’snosalesperson

There’snofinancing

There’snopricetags

There’snoBlackFridaysales

Theydon’thavea phonenumber

There’s no “Customer Service”department

There’s no GST

WhenIwasakid,thisEldergavemea Gwich’inname”CHIHAHAA”

Translated it means ”walkingahead.”AllanBenjamin CHIH AHAA

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

COMMUNITY  Cultural Inclusion Program

The Victoria Gold team is committed to helping facilitate the cultural awareness and inclusion of its employees and contractors at the Eagle Gold Mine site.

Earlier this year, Victoria Gold’s Community Liaison, in partnership with the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun (FNNND), produced a series of posters featuring environmental and social themes in the First Nation’s Northern Tutchone language, including a poster focused on Yukon wildlife. The posters are distributed electronically to employees through site-wide communications and posted around the mine’s facilities to help foster a greater understanding of FNNND’s traditional territory, way of life, culture and language.

“Victoria Gold is proud to partner with the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun on this cultural inclusion initiative to help re-awaken the promotion and use of the Northern Tutchone language,” says Victoria Gold President & CEO John McConnell. In addition to this Northern Tutchone language initiative, in early 2015, Victoria Gold created a cultural awareness presentation: Cultural Awareness When Working Within the Traditional Territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun. This presentation, the first of its kind in the Yukon, is delivered to all Company employees and contractors during their orientation at site. In 2020, the orientation presentation was updated to reflect the Eagle Gold Mine’s journey to operations.

“It is very important to Victoria Gold to help our valued employees and contractors understand that they are working within the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun’s traditional territory and to be respectful of the First Nation’s lands, culture and environmental values,” continues McConnell.

Victoria Gold has produced a series of posters featuring the Northern Tutchone culture and language, including Yukon wildlife.