What's Up Yukon, February 7, 2024 by What's Up Yukon

Yukon’s Events Magazine Since 2005

2024 YUKON RENDEZVOUS FOLDOUT

February 7, 2024 Issue 798

The Guild presents MUSTARD ... page 17

W a s t ’ c y h d i n o g b e Y m ou o

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PHOTO: ANNIE LEHNART

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Heather LeDuc

Heather has been writing for What’s Up Yukon since the early days of the pandemic. She enjoys sharing stories about Yukoners with a passion for what they do, whether it’s making artwork, producing a play or running a business. In her free time, there’s nothing she loves more than hitting the trails with her bike and her human and canine buddies.

MUSTARD IS A MUST-SEE!

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Greg Murdoch as Mustard, and Brenna Symanski as Thai— rehearsing Mustard

It’s going to be a roller coaster; it’s going to be a really good time.

rian Fidler, artistic director for the Guild Hall Theatre, has a knack for choosing plays that everybody wants to be part of. Take, for instance, the play called Mustard, which opens February 21. Written by Canadian playwright Kat Sandler, it’s described as “very funny, very sweet and extremely dark” by the production’s director, Reid Vanier. Greg Murdoch, the actor who plays the title character, promises “[It] will make you laugh, it will make you cry.” One of the elements that drew Fidler to the play is the premise. The title character, Mustard, has been the imaginary friend of Thai since she was a baby. However, Thai is now 16, and Mustard continues to live under her bed. But he has to face the music when two “goons” from another world are

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enlisted to convince him to leave. Vanier had seen the original production of Mustard, in Ontario, and yearned to direct it someday. “It’s hard to resist the urge— when you see someone else do a thing—getting excited about how you would do a thing,” Vanier explained. “It’s not about criticism or trying to do it better or even different or whatever. It’s more the excitement of Oh my God, I’m jealous they’re doing “the thing”… I would love to do this! When he learned that the Guild would be staging Mustard for their 2023–24 season, Vanier leapt at the opportunity to direct it. “I made my case to Brian that I should be the director because I felt really strongly about how I wanted to tackle the play.” Whatever his method in tackling the play, the cast is unanimous in their enthusiasm for Vanier’s approach. “Reid is just phenomenal,” Murdoch said. “He’s just an amazing director, so far, giving us lots of room to play; and also, he knows exactly what he wants and he tells you exactly what he

wants, but you can play and explore a lot of the roles yourself.” Murdoch is part of a stellar cast of actors who, under Vanier’s leadership, are encouraged to collaborate and bring their ideas to rehearsals. “The biggest highlight for me is I love being in a room where people feel comfortable to take big swings, to try something crazy that might work or might not work, and then we can work it out later,” Vanier said. “I think we’ve got good energy, and no idea is too crazy until we look at it, so everyone’s been really great about contributing.” The actors bring a range of experience to the production. Murdoch, for example, got his start in the Frantic Follies, which was founded by his father, Lyle. Murdoch was also a student in the Music, Arts and Drama (MAD) program at Wood Street Centre. “This is the ﬁrst scripted play [with the Guild] that I’ve had a chance to do and I’m super excited because I’ve seen a good number of Guild cont’d on page 3

February 7, 2024

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Mustard is a must-see! ... cont’d from page 2 shows before and they’re always top-notch,” Murdoch said. Carolyn Westberg, who plays Sadie (Thai’s mom), also has MAD connections as both a student and now a teacher. For her, Mustard is a chance to immerse herself in theatre while on maternity leave. “Mustard is a very unusual and zany play,” she said. “I enjoyed the writing; the characters have real substance. I thought maybe this would be an opportunity for me to get back onstage and experience that wonderful side of theatre again.” Josh Schroeder, who plays a goon named Bug, has very little theatre experience and came to the audition with his daughter, Fidler told me. Bug’s goon boss, Leslie, is played by Lucy Charlton O’Connor. The cast is rounded out with Brenna Symanski, as Thai; and Max McLarnon as her boyfriend,

On the Cover A Coyote keeps a watchful eye on any passersby in the woods along Fish Lake Road.

Jay. “I’ve really enjoyed working with our cast [and] crew and seeing their characters come to life,” Westberg said. “Everyone is so funny and creative! Some of these wacky scenes are hard to get through without laughing.” And as if an outstanding director and cast weren’t enough, Mustard sports a top-notch crew to help

PHOTO: Annie Lehnart

What’s Inside Mustard Is A Must See ......................2 Meet Our New Story Laureate ....... 4 Blue Collar North: Barf Bag Ballad ................................. 6 OMG! Baracoa ...................................10 In Stock, Out Of Season .................. 11 Seasonal Recipes ............................. 12 Postcards: A Walk A Day Keeps The Blues Away ................................ 13 Spirit Riders ......................................14 The Trapper’s Life: Skulls And Beetles ........................... 16 Grey Matters..................................... 24 Didee Didoo ..................................... 26

Events Director Reid Vanier (right) rehearsing with Greg Murdoch, Brenna Symanski, Maximillian McLarnon (seated, L-R) and Carolyn Westberg (standing)

(L-R): Josh Schroeder (Bug), Lucy Charlton O’Connor (Leslie) and Greg Murdoch (Mustard)

bring the zany world of Mustard to life. “The design team [and] the set are full of all sorts of surprises that people are going to like,” said Vanier. “The costumes are going to be really, really fun. Like, everyone is kind of throwing their boldest ideas out there and, you know, it’s my job to ﬁt them together into one thing that makes sense.” Since everyone involved in the production raves about Mustard, there’s a pretty good chance that the audience will love it too. And who is the play for? It’s pretty broad in its appeal, said Vanier. “The good plays—the best ones— are the ones that are universal. The ones that are too speciﬁc,

even if they’re great, they don’t have the traction or the universality that makes them kind of classics, and [Mustard] is already on its way to being a Canadian classic in terms of the theatrical canon.” “Everybody should get a ticket,” Vanier said. “More than any other show I’ve ever worked on, this feels like everyone is bringing their biggest, boldest ideas. It’s going to be a very, very exciting, fun, touching, disturbing play. “It’s going to be a roller coaster; it’s going to be a really good time.” Mustard runs from February 21 to March 9. Get your tickets at Yukontickets.com. ■

Highlights .......................................... 7 Community Events ..................... 8, 9 Active Events ............................ 20, 21 Whitehorse Events ................. 22, 23 WITH SUPPORT FROM:

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February 7, 2024 column with

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John Firth has been announced as the Yukon’s new Story Laureate by Commissioner Anne Webber

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he Yukon’s new Story Laureate is John Firth, as announced in January by Commissioner Anne Webber. Over the next two years, Firth will act as a representative for the territory’s literary arts, storytelling and literacy, focusing on the past, present and future. “I was quite thrilled and quite pleased,” Firth said of hearing the news himself. “And, of course, you’re always surprised when something like that happens. I think every writer hopes to achieve something in their lifetime and to become a Laureate. You have to have a long history of working in that ﬁeld, as much as you have a product to show for it.” Firth is a lifelong Yukoner and is known as a writer for many contributions to the community. Among his published works are The Caribou Hotel: Hauntings, hospitality, a hunter and the parrot; One Mush: Jamaica’s Dogsled Team; Yukon Sport: An Illustrated Encyclopedia; River Time: Racing the Ghosts of the Klondike Rush; Better Than A Cure: One Man’s Journey to Free the World of Polio (Ramesh Ferris with John Firth); and Yukon Quest: The 1000-mile Dog Sled Race Through the Yukon and Alaska. “I think it’s possibly the angle I took on writing about Yukon history,” Firth said, discussing why he thinks he was selected as Story

PHOTO: Courtesy of John Firth

John Firth is the Yukon’s new Story Laureate Laureate. “Rather than relying on research and that I picked events I had some personal involvement in. There was a lot of personal experience: that was the direction I took in writing Yukon history, and it’s a little different than a lot of the other Yukon history writers.” As for what ﬁrst sparked his interest in writing about Yukon history, Firth said it’s in his genes. “There’s no single incident or anything that gets you interested in something like history,” Firth explained. “I learned how to become a reader from a very young age and I found history was interesting to read about; and so, when I started to write, it just seemed to make sense to me that history was part of what I wanted to do. It just so happened I was fortunate enough to sometimes be in the position where I could be on the ground to see history being made.” Firth was chosen as Story Laureate by an independent selection jury consisting of members of the

literary arts community. The position of Story Laureate of Yukon was first established in 2021 and is a two-year commitment. As Story Laureate, Firth will attend Yukon events to publicly share works while also creating work focused on cultural, historical and heritage themes relevant to Yukoners. “The whole thing about being a Story Laureate, in my mind, is that it’s not only the specific events and duties that come with the position, but, to me, being a Story Laureate bears with it the responsibility to tell the story of the importance of literacy,” Firth said. “It’s not just storytelling; literacy is also a part of the job description, to be an ambassador or an advocate for it. It’s a responsibility to tell the story of the literary arts, and that’s not just writing books. Anybody that writes, like songwriters, poets, fiction writers—all of those people that write in those different genres are part of the literary arts.” ■

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BLUE COLLAR NORTH

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

BARF BAG BALLAD

PHOTO: Pixabay

or the past 20 years or so, I have made it a habit to try to ﬁnd out the details about where certain songwriters get their initial idea for a tune. I discovered that, in most cases, songwriting isn’t an orderly process. The eureka moment doesn’t keep a nine-to-ﬁve schedule. On other occasions, circumstances can put the songwriter in the right place at the right time, which will tweak the creative process. A chaotic event in 1968 triggered one of those times. It accidentally created the perfect opportunity for a songwriter to cross paths with a stranger and to sow the seeds that would create a hit record some time later. The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago turned into a full-blown disaster. It had become the focal point for protests on the streets, which had gotten out of hand. Violence erupted when groups of radical protesters started clashing with police, which led to several deaths. It had been an embarrassing debacle for the party. A new plan of action would be required for their next convention in 1972. The Miami Beach Convention Center hosted the 1972 nominating convention. Part of the party’s strategy was to divert public attention away from the convention centre by holding a music festival across the street in Flamingo Park. The festival entertainers were George Jones and Tammy Wynette, along with a young balladeer who had topped the music charts a couple of times.The Democrat’s festival strategy was a complete success. Everybody knows that long-winded politicians are not in the same league as George Jones. After the show, the balladeer went back to his hotel to have a nightcap in the lounge. The lounge was quiet and he soon struck up a conversation with an old gentleman who was

cleaning up the place. Uninvited, the old fella sat down and started sharing his unique philosophy on life—so the young man sat back and let him open up his mind. He soon perked up when the oldtimer used a colourful line to describe the few simple things that really mattered in life. He knew he had just heard an extraordinary line from the old-timer that could be turned into something special. Clutching a folded napkin containing those precious words, he headed up to his room hoping for a peaceful night’s sleep. A few years earlier he had experienced a similar incident that had sparked his creative juices. He had noticed a sign on the

front of a school, when he was driving by, that sent him on a writing spree. The sign had triggered a childhood memory, which kicked his pen into high gear. The record company loved the tune and recruited an unknown Jeannie to belt out his saucy lyrics. That tune gave her the opportunity to become the ﬁrst woman to be propelled to the top of both the country and pop charts. Rummaging through his pockets the next day, he found the napkin while winging his way north. The adjoining lyrics started to ﬂow from his mind as he looked at the scribbled words. His eureka moment had arrived! Desperate, he was looking for some paper to

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start scribbling the lyrics before they melted away into the aether. The back of a barf bag was his only salvation. When the ﬂight landed, the lyrics were complete. The following day, the recording studio had the ballad ready for the record press. I was in my natural prime when the ballad hit the airwaves. Those slow, soft lyrics had the ability to melt any cold, cold heart. It resembled a close friend yakking to you over coffee, and he made all those catchy lines look as easy as if he had scrawled them out during lunch break. The song has taken on a new meaning for me in the last decade

or so. You ﬁnally realize that the struggles in the early part of life were necessary, but in the end there will be only a handful of things that really, really matter. I’ve also wondered, from time to time, if anyone involved in the 1968 riots have ever realized or cared that they created the circumstances for young and old to cross paths. The slightest deviation would have deprived us of that old, grey-haired Black gentleman’s precious wisdom. Thankfully, Tom T. Hall copied down that line, while drinking blended whiskey, and later wrote his famous song: “(Old Dogs, Children and) Watermelon Wine.” ■

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or email events@whatsupyukon.com ATLIN Sundays St. Martins Anglican Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM St. Martins Anglican Church 10:00 AM Everyone is welcome. Atlin Christian Assembly 11:00 AM St. Atlin Christian Centre 10:00 AM Everyone is welcome.Mondays Caregiver & Tot Drop-in 10:00 AM Atlin Recreation Centre This is an unstructured hour for You and your Littles to get social and run wild. This IS NOT a drop off, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Call or email 993-4102 atlinarc.coordinator@gmail. com for more info. Fri Feb 23 Atlin Ladies Bonspiel 5:00 AM Atlin The 34th Atlin Ladies Bonspiel

Help Shape Yukon’s Future

Get on Board! Consider serving on one of the following boards and committees: ■ ■

Bid Challenge Committee National Safety Code Review Board

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Driver Control Board

Deadline: March 22, 2024 ■

Yukon Aviation Advisory Committee Deadline: February 29, 2024 Contact: 867-332-7352 Keoshia.Philbert-Blake@yukon.ca

■ ■

Yukon Cannabis Licencing Board Yukon Liquor Board

Deadline: February 29, 2024 Contact: aidan.madley@yukon.ca ■

Yukon Lottery Commission

Deadline: February 29, 2024 Contact: matt.ordish@yukon.ca ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Physiotherapists Advisory Committee LPN Advisory Committee Licensed Practical Nurses Discipline Panel Registered Psychiatric Nurses Advisory Committee Midwifery Advisory Committee Pharmacy Advisory Committee Building Standards Board Municipal Board Whitehorse Public Library Board

Deadline: Ongoing until ﬁlled Contact: Kimberly Widdis, 867-332-6019, boards.cs@yukon.ca ■

Social Assistance Review Committee

Deadline: Until Filled Contact: 867-332-9214, vickie.cameron@yukon.ca For application forms and more information visit yukon.ca/en/ﬁnd-board-committee or call toll-free 1-800-661-0408. Application packages can be emailed to boards.committees@yukon.ca

Yukon Communities: Wednesdays AA Yukon Unity (OM) 3:00 PM Online Yukon Health Centers, Live Video Meeting Beaver Creek, Carcross, Carmacks, Dawson City, Destruction Bay, Faro, Haines Junction, Mayo, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing, Ross River, Teslin, Watson Lake. Online users’ sign in info: yukonbcdistrict52@gmail. com CARCROSS Second Sunday of Every Month St. Saviour’s Church Services 2:00 pm St. Saviour Church 867-668-3129 First Friday of the month Mother Goose Group 11:00 AM Haa Shagóon Hídi (Our Ancestors House) Carcross/Tagish Learning Centre Learn stories, songs, and rhymes, lunch provided. Suitable for babies and children 5 and under. Please bring along a water bottle and blanket to sit on. To register, call 332-2389. https://whatsupyukon.events/ jwf Thursdays Yoga with Jess Ghùch Tlâ Community School Beginners welcome, all equipment provided. Dropin, Free admission! For more info email yogajessyukon@gmail.com. CARMACKS First & Third Tuesdays of Every Month Carmacks Regular Council Meeting 7:00 PM Carmacks Municipal Building DAWSON CITY Wed Feb 14 Ash Wednesday Service St Paul’s Anglican Church 7:00 PM Ash Wednesday Service marking the beginning of Lent. Traditional imposition of ashes. All are welcome. Rev. Jeffrey 689-9473 https:// whatsupyukon.events/r6w Fri Feb 16 Youth Musical Theatre Workshop Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) 6:00 PM A free workshop for youth interested in learning about musical theatre and live performance! To register email to info@ytyp.ca with “Dawson Workshop” in the subject line. https:// whatsupyukon.events/82r MONTHLY 1st Saturday of every month Coffee House & Open Mic Night Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) 7:00 PM family-friendly open mic night at KIAC. Admission by donation with all funds raised donated to a different community group each month. Weekly 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. Ecumenical Mothers’ prayers gathering 7pm St Paul’s Anglican Church Tuesdays 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. Hand-Building Pottery Drop-In 6:30 PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Self-guided group studio time for those with some experience with pottery. Newcomers are welcome, little instruction is provided. Wednesdays QYS Drop-in 1:00 PM DCMF Office 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. Screen Printing Drop-in 6:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art & Culture KIAC Classroom (enter via backdoor) Self-guided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with screen printing. CFYT Trivia Night The Drunken Goat Fun filled night of Trivia. Every other Wednesday. A variety of trivia categories! Come with your team or join a team when you arrive! Thursdays CDC Toddler Program 10:00 AM Klondike Institute of Arts & Culture KIAC Free drop-In for kids 5 & under with parent/guardian Story time & free play! 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. Fridays Cards & Conversation 1:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1 Dawson City Free! Drop-In! No registration necessary. whatsupyukon.events/dawson-legion-8336c3 Open Studio Drop-in 1:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Enjoy KIAC’s bright, air-conditioned space to create and focus on your artistic practice. Even better- we’ve waived the drop-in fee this day. Saturdays Open Studio – Drop In 1:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art & Culture KIAC Classroom (enter via backdoor) Space to create and focus on your artistic practice. AA North Star Group Dawson City 7:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion In person or Videoconference option available Call 867-993-5095 or 867-993-3734 for more information Sundays Anglican Church Service 10:30 Anglican Church Service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Dawson City. Corner of Front and Church Streets at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Dawson City FARO First and Third Tuesday of every month Faro Council Meeting 7:00 PM Town of Faro Tuesdays Parent & Tot 10:00 AM Faro Recreation Centre Open Gym 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Kids Club Faro Recreation Centre Adult Floor Hockey 7:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Wednesdays Seniors Games & Walks 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre The gym is open for seniors who would like to improve their fitness goals. Fitness Fun for Seniors 2:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Pickleball 2:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Volleyball 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Thursdays Parent & Tot 10:00 AM Faro Recreation Centre Open Gym 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Kids Club 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Fridays Pickleball 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Seniors Yoga 2:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Open Gym 2:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Chair Yoga & Deep Relaxation for Seniors

Basketball 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Saturdays Pickleball 2:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Open Court Basketball 3:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Open Gym 4:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Sundays Open Court Basketball 3:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre HAINES JUNCTION Second and fourth Wednesday of every month 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] Mondays Fun with Food 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School Learn new skills, share recipes and take food home! Drop-In Basketball 6:00 PM St. Elias Community School Meet in the school gym Tuesdays Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster Arena Drop in. Programming is for kids 4 and under and their parents/caregivers. Tea & Bannock – Haines Junction 1:00 PM https://whatsupyukon.events/tea-bannock68ab07 Men’s and women’s sewing group 1:00 PM Mun kų BGC Game Night 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School Play, have fun, build skills and challenge your friends Wednesdays Seniors and Elders Refreshments and Games 2:00 PM Haines Junction Seniors Residence Girls Club 3:20 PM St. Elias Community School Held in the art room, open to Girls and identifying as Girls from Grade 8 to 12. AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 3:00 PM Haines Junction Health Centre BGC Rec in the Gym 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School Art Journaling Group 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School Bring your own creative supplies that you like to use. This can be scraps of paper, magazines, glue, paint, pen, markers, stamps, ink etc. and a book or journal to create Thursdays Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster Arena Drop in. Programming is for kids 4 and under and their parents/caregivers. Seniors Activities 2:00 PM St. Elias Community Centre Floor curling, carpet bowling and indoor walking group. Haines Junction Thrift Shop 2:00 PM St. St. Christopher’s Thrift Shop is a great place to pick up items. Prices are low and numerous adult items are available for $2, and most items for children are $1. Adult Volleyball 7:00 PM St. Elias Community School Meet in the school gym Fridays Stories and STEM Activities 10:00 AM Haines Junction Library AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 1:30 PM Haines Junction Health Centre Saturdays AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 1:00 PM Haines Junction Health Centre Sundays Anglican Church Service St. Christopher’s Church 10:30 AM Anglican Church Service at St. Christophers Anglican Church in Haines Junction https://anglican.yukon.net/services. html AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 1:00 PM Haines Junction Health Centre MARSH LAKE Last Wednesday of every month MLCS board meeting 7:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre Wednesdays

February 7, 2024

whatsupyukon.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS ... ... cont’d South of 6 10:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre 10:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre Thursdays Shuffleboard Marsh Lake Community Centre 6:00 PM Fridays Beginner Yoga Marsh Lake Community Centre 10:00 AM Youth Gym Drop-In Marsh Lake Community Centre 6:00 PM Saturdays Pickleball Outside Marsh Lake Community Centre 11:00 AM Sundays Pickleball Outside Marsh Lake Community Centre 11:00 AM Tuesdays Play Bridge 1:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre North of 60 Seniors Coffee and Chat 2:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre MAYO Mondays Morning Video Workout 6:15 AM Mayo Recreation Centre Mayo Mornings Parent and Tot Time 10:00 AM Mayo Recreation Centre Teen Workout 12:00 PM J.V Clark School Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre Art/Entrepreneur Club 3:30 J.V Clark School Held in the Lunchroom Dinner and Movie Night 5:00 PM Mayo Community Hall And Recreation Centre 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 Tuesdays Morning Video Workout 6:15 AM Mayo Recreation Centre Mayo Mornings Parent and Tot Time 10:00 AM Mayo Recreation Centre Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre Youth Archery 3:30 PM Mayo Community Hall And Recreation Centre Tabata Training 5:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre Disc Golf 7:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre And Recreation Centre Curling 7:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre And Recreation Centre 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 Morning Video Workout 6:15 AM Mayo Recreation Centre Mayo Mornings Parent and Tot Time 10:00 AM Mayo Recreation Centre Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre Teen Workout 12:00 PM J.V Clark School Pottery Class 3:30 PM J.V Clark School Rec Volleyball 7:00 PM Village of Mayo Pool Thursdays Morning Video Workout 6:15 AM Mayo Recreation Centre Mayo Mornings Parent and Tot Time 10:00 AM Mayo Recreation Centre Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre Elementary Soccer 3:30 PM J.V Clark School Tabata Training 5:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre Teen/Adult Floor Hockey 7:30 PM J.V Clark School Fridays Morning Video Workout 6:15 AM Mayo Recreation Centre Mayo Mornings Parent and Tot Time 10:00 AM Mayo Recreation Centre Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre Teen Workout 12:00 PM J.V Clark School Sundays St. Mary’s Church Service 11:00 AM St Mary’s Church (867)667-7746 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 Sat Feb 24 Tour de Lorne 11:00 AM Mount Lorne Community Centre DPSAY Tour de Lorne in Mt. Lorne. Classes: Mush, kicksled, bikejor, canicross, kids Approximate Distances: 10 miles, 6 miles, 1 mile 1st Tuesday Monthly LAC Meeting Lorne Mountain Community Centre

Mondays Run Club 6:00 PM Lorne Mountain Community Centre Drop-In Yoga 7:00 PM Lorne Mountain Community Centre By donation all levels welcome Yoga with Jess 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Beginners welcome, all equipment provided. To register or for more info email yogajessyukon@gmail.com. Tuesdays Active Fun Fitness Class - Drop In 6:30 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Improve your balance, ﬂexibility, strength and endurance in this indoor class led by Colleen Ennis. Drop in, admission by donation. Suitable for mature youth & adults. https:// whatsupyukon.events/fhm Thursdays Community Drop In 11:00 AM Mount Lorne Community Centre Drop-In Skating Lessons – Kids 5:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Learn to skate and improve your skills. Coached by Lyndi Proudfoot - Free to Members. Must bring your own skates & helmet. Run Club 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Drop-In Skating Lessons – Adults 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Learn to skate and improve your skills. Coached by Lyndi Proudfoot - Free to Members. Must bring your own skates & helmet. OLD CROW Mondays Men’s Night At The Rec Centre 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre Tuesdays Kids Gym 3:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre Adult Sewing 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre Youth Gym 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre Wednesdays Stroller Walks 10:00 AM Kih Tsal Parent and Tots 4:00 PM Old Crow Community Center Call 966-3015 for more info. Adult Card Game Night 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Sundays St. Luke’s Church Service 11:00 AM St. Luke’s Church 867-993-5381 ROSS RIVER Tuesdays Sewing Night 7:00 PM The Hope Centre Wednesdays Family Bible Study 8:00 PM The Hope Centre Fridays Family Game Night- Coffee House 9:00 PM The Hope Centre Sundays Church Service 12:00 PM The Hope Centre SKAGWAY Alaska Mondays Live Music Red Onion Saloon 6:30 PM Live music every Monday 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. 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 Worship 10:00 AM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway\ Sunday School 4:00 PM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway TAGISH First Monday of every month Carcross Tagish Renewable Resources Council 1:00 PM Tagish Community Centre First Monday of every month Tagish Advisory Council 8:00 AM Tagish Community Centre First Tuesday of every month Tagish Community Association 7:00 PM Tagish Community Centre Second Thursday of every month Tagish Local Advisory Council 7:00 PM Tagish Community Centre

Wednesdays Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon Yukon Learn at Tagish Library 2:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Targeted literacy programming by Yukon Learn at the Tagish Library. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon. Coffee And Chat 2:00 PM Tagish Community Centre Thursdays Carpet Bowling 10:00 AM Tagish Community Centre 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 Tagish Local Advisory Council Meeting 7:00 PM Tagish Community Centre . 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 TESLIN Mondays AA: Teslin Group (O) 7:00 PM Catholic Church Rectory Tuesdays The ‘Big 4-6’ Sports 4:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Group Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex Outdoor 3D Archery 7:00 PM Sambow Archery Course – Meet at the ball diamond Wednesdays Dominos 1:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Drop in seniors Pickleball 6:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex Thursdays Group Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex Girls Volleyball 3:15 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex Fridays Public Skating 4:00 PMTeslin Lake Recreation Complex

Basketball Drop-in 7:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex Saturdays Parent & Tots 12:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex Sundays Ball Hockey 7:00 PM Khàtìnas.àxh Community School 12+ Drop in WATSON LAKE Daily Northern Lights Space & Science Centre Shows 11:00 AM The spectacular dancing Northern Lights are showcased, a video that is broadcast in the NLC’s domed 100-seat theatre daily throughout the summer season. Plays daily on the hour starting at 11:00 AM Second Saturday of the month Watson Lake Direct Aid 2:00 PM Northern Lights Centre Tuesdays Smart Recovery Meetings 3:00 PM Wye Lake Cabin Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services For more information, email joey.mitchell@yukon.ca or call 332-3187 Pickleball & Badminton Watson Lake Secondary School 7:00 PM 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 Disc Golf 6:00 PM Raven Pines Rent discs at the Rec Centre or bring your fave. All welcome from expert level to beginner. Baptiste Power Yoga 7:00 PM Fees apply. A muscle-shaping and mind-sculpting workout, work at your own level and ability, set to electronic music. Sundays St. John’s Church Service 10:00 AM St. John’s Church Service (867) 536-2932 Sunday Nite Volleyball 11:00 AM Watson Lake Secondary School

whatsupyukon.com

February 7, 2024 column with

Carl Maguire

OMG!

Old guy best remembered for taking a school bus through the McDonald’s Drive Thru, in about 1987, and ordering 52 chocolate shakes.

WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? (Well, I was going to change some money, actually.)

that if we walked n spite of the fact that it was thized and spoke to by ourselves or as a after dark in Baracoa, Cuba, I Gerael, the guide, couple, people tended suppose it wasn’t that urgent. about it. to respect our space. I got the I just felt like going for a walk in I forget the name the soft Cuban night … and we jumpseat in the of the hurricane that stairwell! Right were running out of cash. beat the hell out of It was January 2018 BC (that’d up front. Inches in the seaside area the be “Before Covid”). We’d bought front of the picture previous season, but and a tour from G Adventures, with a window—me it left a right-of-way specific itinerary, so I could ex- Raciel, the driver! a hundred yards wide. perience La Farola to Baracoa. (Up yours, prinIt’s an incredibly twisty highway cess!) As an ex-bus PHOTO: Lillian Nakamura-Maguire I’m really not sure how that donkey cart lost ranking as an engineering marvel driver, I can’t tell The next-best seat in the wheel that man(check out Google Earth). It’s like you how much this the house! aged to smack Raciel’s the highway’s tied in knots. Start- meant to me. That bus right between the ed by Batista but abandoned—ap- became my seat for headlights. We were offered the parently because he wouldn’t the rest of our tour. Aside: I can’t help remembering option of observing the police in pay a fair wage to workers—and that, years ago, I action or going on a walking tour finished under the Cashad been invited for a while. I thought of sticking tro regime. Accessible to the jumpseat in by Raciel, but I really hadn’t noonly by boat, until La a 737 on the way ticed anything until the bang (too Farola, Baracoa may back to Whitehorse busy rubbernecking). Best not have been the place … about 1976 or complicate things, I thought, so I where Columbus “dis’77 (CP Air em- went on a walking tour. covered” America. Raciel had the body damage ployee of relatively I was becoming ingood character; fixed by the next morning and off creasingly bothered crowded airplane). we went to the cacao plantation. about sitting midway We gathered around a table I’ve been so privildown the bus. I’d that showed the steps in making eged! been talked out of a But, back to the cocoa, accompanied by an intercar rental and really, preter/biologist and a woman who story … really really wanted PHOTO: Carl Maguire Baracoa was a did the necessary demonstrations. a front-row seat, but, peaceful town in Step1: Hold the cacao pod vertias there is on many See … she still has all 2018, the treat- cally in the left hand and whack tours, there was a of her fingers ment of tourists it with a machete while turning it “princess” occupying being of a more three or four times (she still had the right-front seat, with her purse permanently resid- gentle nature and mostly in the all her fingers … we checked). town square where genuine crafts Lifting off the top half revealed ing in the seat beside her. Damn. The wife of one of the two were offered (as opposed to being something like an oversized cob Irish couples on the tour sympa- thrust upon you). And I noticed of corn with white niblets the

size of plums. They had kind of a clear, slimy coating that looked disgusting but was really sweet. She urged us to slurp it off. Some of us did. Then some of us pocketed some niblets and smuggled them home in our luggage. (Hey, it’s not as if cacao is ever going to be an invasive species in the Yukon, is it?) Well my niblets sprouted! They got to be about a foot tall when I remembered the interpreter/biologist saying that cacao and banana were symbiotic. So off I went to Cliffside and bought a banana plant. Turns out that cacao is anything but invasive. They all died. My banana plants are doing well though. All right, let’s get back to what I was thinking later that day. Hmmm … need cash. Beautiful evening. Ask the host at our B&B: “Is there a bank open right now? I need to change some money.” He made a call and, yes, the bank was open. So off I went into the warm, dark Cuban night, six or eight blocks to ﬁnd the bank. Lots of people out and about, but not at all busy or crowded. Holas were exchanged every once in a while.

PHOTO: Carl Maguire

La Farola Peaceful. Then, into the bank where I encountered the ﬁrst and only Cuban people that did not smile at me. I don’t know if that’s because they were bankers and not predisposed to smiling or if they were worried about security, or if I’d kept them beyond their regular workday. Whatever. I bought a thousand bucks worth of pesos and stuffed them in my shirt, my pockets and my wallet. In retrospect, I bet they were thinking: What is that crazy tourist thinking? (I bet that’s what you’re thinking, too.) The walk back was just like the walk there—comfortable, not busy, peaceful, with “Hola!” being heard every once in a while ... This is what I was thinking: I love this place! ■

February 7, 2024

whatsupyukon.com

column with

Aila Massie

FREELANCE

Aila Massie is a high-school student in Whitehorse, Yukon. She enjoys expressing herself through many different forms, be it paint on canvas, pen on paper, or onstage with her fellow NLSD dancers. She aspires to be a book editor someday.

IN STOCK, OUT OF SEASON A

lthough an item is out of season, does that mean it shouldn’t be in stock? I was wandering through the grocery store the other day, doing the weekly shopping with my mom. But as I meandered past the clothing section, something caught my eye. At first, I couldn’t believe it. Was it a trick of the light? A figment of my imagination? But after a second casual glance, my sight was confirmed. Although my feet carried me on past, my mind was stuck like the people in the Starbucks drive-through. Already? I thought, confusion swirling around with the threads of disbelief that unravelled following my revelation. But I quickly shook off the thought, moving on to find the remaining groceries on my mental list, of which there were few. For a few days, I didn’t give any thought to that disturbing discovery—until, of course, I began thinking about the curious weather lately. This past winter has been, to say the least, mild. Of course, we’ve had many frigid days where the wind almost blows the skin off your face, but we’ve also had days where you could go outside without a hat and mitts (and not freeze your ears off!). As someone who grew up in Whitehorse, I found this erratic weather increasingly bizarre. I can’t say I was really complaining, though. It is concerning, but I also appreciated not having to freeze while waiting for the bus in the

mornings. Now, back to the grocery store. I think grocery stores are sort of like school. They have so many necessities: math, social studies, chicken broth … but there are also things you don’t need. Both places are ﬁlled to the brim with so many different options for you to choose from, all constantly pining for your attention. Just like how people often get distracted from polynomials, it’s easy to get distracted by something in a grocery store. For example, bathing suits. “But bathing suits are a completely normal thing to see!” you may exclaim, thinking of the clothing aisles stocked with this season’s latest fashion picks. But that’s just the thing. Bathing suits are deﬁnitely not in season in Whitehorse right now. I understand that they may be in other places, but I hope you can understand why the thought of going for a quick dip in Long Lake in January or February may be concerning to me. I shiver at just the thought, although I’m warm inside my house. Even with the warmer temperatures, January is too soon to head down to the water for a beach day. I would argue that even March is too early. So, as I wandered through the grocery store, it was no surprise that my eye caught on the monochrome bathing suits. Before you stop and ask me about indoor swimming, I assure you I’ve thought about that as well. It’s a very plausible excuse to say that the swimsuits were in

Pack it in before you go too far. DON’T DRIVE IMPAIRED.

PHOTO: Pixabay

Swimming suits are a welcome symbol of summer — in any season stock for indoor swimming. But again (in my experience at least), I don’t think looking for bathing suits is a priority for many people in mid-January, and people who do competitive swimming probably aren’t all buying their swimsuits from Walmart or Superstore. Maybe some, but most likely not everyone. Even when I buy swimsuits, I don’t always get them from grocery stores. Also, I don’t swim professionally, so I don’t replace my suits on a regular basis. But, in a way, it was somewhat reassuring to see the bathing suits

as I walked by that day. That symbol of summer, just sitting there. Steadfast. Stable. The winters in the Yukon can sometimes seem endless, and they take up more than their fair share of the year. Sometimes it feels like I’ve forgotten what summer feels like. But those swimsuits were a pleasant reminder of the months that are certain to come. It may seem as though I am completely against the idea of swimsuits being in stores during the winter, but I’m not. Actually, the whole point of this story is that

the bathing suits were something out of the ordinary that caught my attention. Something interesting I wanted to share my opinion on. Not that it should be outlawed for stores to carry bathing suits outside of the spring and summertime. It doesn’t hurt anyone for them to be there, displayed in all their nylon-polyester glory. In fact, I’m glad they were there, silent promises of summer, as they inspired me to write this piece in the ﬁrst place! ■

CAUCUS

YUKONERS! It’s time to shake off that cabin fever! Whether you are taking in Rendezvous in Whitehorse, or Thaw di Gras in Dawson City, and all the festivals in the communities, the Yukon Party Caucus hopes you have fun and stay safe.

SPRING IS AROUND THE CORNER!

whatsupyukon.com

February 7, 2024 column with

SEASONAL RECIPES

Sydney Keddy

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

PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

PHOTOS: Sydney Keddy

our ingredients: onepot peanut butter fudge (chances are you’ve got everything you need to make this already in your cupboards)— and so easy to make that you can pull this together after a trip to the grocers.

INGREDIENTS ❑ 1/2 lb butter, plus more for greasing the pan ❑ 1 cup peanut butter ❑ 1 tsp vanilla extract ❑ 3 cups icing sugar, sifted

METHOD 1. Grease an 8-inch-square baking sheet, then line the bottom with parchment paper and grease the paper.

1. Peanut butter and butter

2. Melt butter and peanut butter together

3. Soften icing sugar

4. Incorporate all of the icing sugar

2. In a pot, combine butter, peanut butter and vanilla and place over medium-low heat. Stir constantly while heating, until everything is combined, then remove the pot from heat. 3. Add sifted icing sugar to the peanut mixture, working in batches by making sure all of the sugar is incorporated before adding more sugar. When all of the sugar is incorporated, spoon the mixture into the greased pan and place in the fridge for at least two hours before cutting.

5. Cool in fridge

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Serves 12 ■

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February 7, 2024

whatsupyukon.com

column with

Jessica Surber

POSTCARDS

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

A WALK A DAY KEEPS THE BLUES (AND SO MUCH MORE) AWAY!

he darkest days of the win- transformative power of walking; ter months are behind us, it’s the act of committing to it and yet spring can still feel every day that truly leads to posiso far away some days. Whether tive changes in your you suffer from seasonal affective disorder or struggle with other mood disorders and mental health issues, winter in the North can be an especially hard time to get through. It can be difficult to get motivated to go outside, to get up in the morning or to not feel more irritated or bored than usual. Sometimes it can feel easier to just avoid people, stay at home and indulge in comfort foods. Fortunately, science and personal experience have both found that there exists a simple way to relieve stress, boost your energy and increase your mental and physical resilience, and it exists just outside your front door: walking. The health benefits of walking Libby DeLana’s film is an inspiring are countless. Studies have found walking to lower the risk of dying invitation to step outside each day from cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and cancer. It life. And walking in nature is even activates the lymphatic system, more beneficial in improving our eliminates toxins, fights infec- psychological well-being, which tion and strengthens immunity makes us, here in the Yukon, very (bluezones.com/2018/07/re- fortunate to have so many beautiful trails close to search-says-walkour communities. ing-this-muchThis month, the p e r- w e e k - e x Trans Canada tends-your-life). Trail launched And according its fourth-annual to Harvard MedBlahs to Ahhhs winical School, walkter wellness caming about 10,000 paign (tctrail.ca/ steps per day can blahs2ahhhs). The cut your risk of Trans Canada Trail dementia by 50 is the world’s longper cent (health. est trail network, harvard.edu/ stretching over mind-and-mood/ 28,000 kilometres walking-linkedto-lower-demen(Source: 500daysinthewild.com) from the Atlantic to the Arctic, to tia-risk). It also Dianne Whelan’s documentary the Pacific Ocean. leads to stronger about her time on the Trans Canada Construction began bones and imTrail is part of the Available Light in 1992 and was proved balance, as finished in 2017. It well as increased Film Festival this year wasn’t until 2021, muscle strength and endurance (betterhealth. however, that someone managed vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/ to complete the trail in its entirewalking-for-good-health#health- ty. Over the course of six years, b e n e f i t s - o f - w a l k i n g ) . Canadian filmmaker and author But, arguably, even more astound- Dianne Whelan travelled the trail ing than the physical health bene- by land and water (hiking, biking, fits of walking are the improve- paddling, snowshoeing and skiments to mental health that it can ing). Along the way she learned trigger. Even a short daily walk can from Elders in Indigenous comenhance mood and focus, combat munities, shared stories, made art depression and improve sleep. and filmed over 470 hours of footConsistency is key to enjoying the age for her recently completed

documentary, 500 Days In The Wild. Her work, every day, was to walk (or bike, paddle, ski, etc.). “Walking is not just the best exercise for our bodies, but is free medicine for our minds, too,” Whelan wrote in a recent Facebook post. I’ve often dreamt about going on a pilgrimage like that. Walking the timeless Camino de Santiago or hiking the Pacific Crest PHOTO: Jessica Surber Trail (like Cheryl Walking is not only good for your health and mental well-being, but it is also a great social activity Strayed writes about in her wildly popular memoir as meditation, as exercise and Chilkoot Trail, or doing another Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail) even as an act of self-discipline Yukon multi-day hike, this upcomhas crossed my mind often over and self-love. Whether your goal ing summer, consider making a the years, but carving out a chunk is better physical health this year, daily walk a new part of your life. of time from your life where you unlocking your creativity and Call up a friend or head out alone can just go away for weeks on end improving your mental well-being and settle into the ancient rhythm is daunting and not really feas- or maybe completing a bigger of what for the better part of huible for most of us. Going on a dream like following the histor- man history was our main mode of daily walk is achievable however. ical steps of First Nations traders transportation. ■ Libby DeLana, an award-winning and Gold Rush stampeders on the executive creative director and designer/art director from New Inspiration and Resources England, decided one November day, in 2011, to go on a morning • Check out Dianne Whelan’s documentary 500 Days In The Wild at this year’s Available Light Film Festival. Two screenings will be held at the Yukon Arts Centre in Whitehorse, one on Febru“I knew a daily ritual had ary 11 and 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at yukonfilmsocithe potential to be a tool ety.com/alff.

to engage my mind, a way to clear the trash out of my head, a daily dose of beauty and physical satisfaction, an ongoing source of humility and a generous wellspring of contentment in the certainty of it.”

walk every day for a month in an attempt to slow down and reconnect with herself and the natural world around her. That one month turned into years and she hasn’t missed a day since. In her book Do Walk: Navigate Earth, Mind and Body. Step by Step, she wrote, Walking can be used as therapy,

• If you’re interested in finding out more about the Trans Canada Trail and where it passes through the Yukon, go to tctrail.ca. • For more information about the Trans Canada Trail’s winter wellness campaign and nation-wide initiative to encourage winter trail use and how to turn your “Blahs into Ahhhs,” go to tctrail.ca/blahs2ahhhs (“Getting outside is good for your inside”). • Plan to hike the Chilkoot Trail by going to parks.canada.ca/ lhn-nhs/yt/chilkoot. Reservations for the Canadian side of the Chilkoot Trail will open this spring. • If you’re looking for something new to listen to on your daily walks, check out “This Morning Walk” podcast (thismorningwalk.com) hosted by Alex Elle and Libby DeLana, or get a free audio download filled with affirmations, mantras and music from mind-body wellness and fitness expert Erin Stutland (erinstutland.com/free-soul-stroll): “Movement in your body creates movement in your life.” • Pick up a copy of the book Do Walk: Navigate earth, mind and body. Step by step, by Libby DeLana, and follow along on her journey on Instagram at instagram.com/parkhere and instagram.com/thismorningwalk.

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February 7, 2024

column with

Taya Ember Holmes

4-H CLUB

Taya Holmes is a Spirit Riders 4-H Club member, as well as being the club’s reporter for 2023.

SPIRIT RIDERS

Young riders who serve the Yukon with their hearts and their hands

ello, everyone. My name is Taya Holmes and this is my first year in Spirit Riders 4-H, and I am the club reporter! I am thankful that my friend Lukiah introduced me to riding and to the club. What is 4-H? It’s a non-profit organization that kids ages 9–18 get to be a part of, to learn how to care for their animals (such as sheep, horses, cattle and goats) and how to become more comfortable and confident in handling them. It guides youth and provides resources to help them develop leadership and responsibility through projects. The club has been around for over 100 years and is Canada-wide. It has helped young people to develop and learn incredible life skills, such as public speaking and financial responsibility, and has given them confidence to step up and lead—even though they are young.

CANADIAN 4-H MOTTO “Learn to do by doing.”

PHOTO: Courtesy of Spirit Riders 4-H Club

The Spirit Riders horse club is the only active club right now with 4-H Yukon Spirit Riders is a horse club and is the only active club right now with 4-H Yukon. As a club, events. We were part of Animal step out of our comfort zones. we strongly believe that 4-H is Day at the Yukon Fireweed Com- Our meetings are even run as offiimportant in supporting our community Market where we brought cial business meetings, so we have munity and we believe it’s import- a few horses and a Bethlehem had opportunities to learn the ant to support Yukon agriculture donkey (Clipper) to introduce to roles and responsibilities of such and to volunteer in our commun- people. Each of them had a sign positions as president and viceity. This year, we have supported on their enclosure that gave their president, treasurer, safety offithe hardworking people that sup- name, breed, weight and any cer, club reporter and secretary. ply the food we eat in Canada. other extra-fun and quirky things Spirit Riders recently did some fundraising by selling raffle tickThat’s why, as a club, we’ve had about them. ets. When we do fundraisers, we the privilege of working with the get to tell others about 4-H while Yukon Grain Farm and the Refundraising for equipment search Forest Farm—to help that we might need (such with harvesting and sortas jumps and barrels), ing carrots, grain, pota“I pledge my head to clearer as well as fundraising toes and beets. Both thinking, for travel. farms were extremeThe Spirit Ridly grateful for our my heart to greater loyalty, ers 4-H Horse Club help and even gifthas been fundraised each of us with my hands to larger service, and ing to purchase some of the food equipment and for that we helped harmy health to better living travelling in 2024. vest. Not only did we for my club, my community, To learn more about get to help at the farms, Spirit Riders 4-H, visit our but we also got to volunmy country and my world.” Facebook page, Spirit Ridteer with Share the Spirit, to ers 4-H Club Yukon, at facebook. partner with local businesses and com/groups/3539272962993076. to serve at banquets and events at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre— The club has been an amazing A note of thanks … and even at a local wedding. experience for us all, this year, Special thanks to the 4-H leadAside from serving, we also and has taught us how to work participate in other community together as a team and how to ers who have guided us on this

incredible journey, to our parents who have helped make this possible and to our club members who made this past year such an enjoyable and rewarding experience. ■

4-H PLEDGE

FUN FACTS ABOUT ICELANDIC HORSES • Don’t let their size fool you: they are horses (not ponies)! • Icelandic horses have a unique four-beat lateral gait that no other breed has. It’s called the Tölt (check

PHOTO: Courtesy of Owen Holmes

it out on YouTube).

Taya Holmes—author and Spirit Riders member—on Logi, an Icelandic horse

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February 7, 2024 column with

Sonja Seeber

THE TRAPPER’S LIFE

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

SKULLS & BEETLES SKULLS As per the Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Eugene, Oregon, the skull is “a framework of bone or cartilage enclosing the brain of a vertebrate” and is “part of the skeleton of a person or animal.” Now, say you ﬁnd a skull already nearly stripped of ﬂesh and you want to try to identify what animal it was. A key feature is the number and description of teeth. Long, dagger-like canine teeth will conclude that it is a predator

dible (the upper from the lower part of the skull), and that’s why they can take a grizzly’s moose kill and can crack the moose’s leg bones quite easily. Moose, beaver and muskrat, all have totally different teeth in the back as they eat plants and the upper and lower part of their skull needs space to chew from side to side. If you know what to look for, then you’ll be able to guess what an animal ate and if it used smell or sight or hearing in order to ﬁnd food or to avoid being eaten. Mice,

PHOTO: Sonja Seeber

category as piraňhas, so they will not eat living ﬂesh. Dermestid beetles won’t even bite you; they’re helping nature to recycle any dead and decaying animals. So if you feel your offspring might develop into an anthropologist, buy your little one a few hundred “pet” beetles and watch as they become fascinated by those critters and, at the same time, see the transformation of your moose head from a crawling beetle infestation to a clean and white skull. To clean a deer skull in a few days, you’ll need an established colony of about 1,000 or more beetles. But make sure they can’t escape from their cage, because then, if hungry enough, they will not say “no” to your carpets, rugs, wool, cotton, furs, feathers or paper. Your beetles won’t take kindly to freezing, so make sure they’re always warm. They’re most active at 80 F (26.6 C). If you can’t offer them meat for a few days, that’ll be okay; they’ll eat dry dog food. Who else uses Dermestid beetles? Museums, anthropologists and teachers will happily employ their beetles’ eagerness to clean any type of skull or bone. Forensics in law enforcement and crime investigations have started using them

(Back, L-R): beaver, porcupine; (Front, L-R): squirrel, muskrat and snowshoe hare like a wolf, so it can catch, hold and puncture an animal. A wolf is classiﬁed as a carnivore, but like the grizzly, I know they will also eat berries, so they are also omnivores. Predator skulls are connected tightly, with big strong muscles, in order to bite and hold. We have caught a few wolverines that had porcupine quills in their noses, mouths and under their hides. An amazing feature of the wolverine is that often I am not able to separate the cranium from the man-

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for instance, have eyes on opposite sides of the skull: this gives them a wider view of the ﬁeld and much more time for scurrying away when a hawk shoots down from out of the sky. Owls, then, as predators, have big eye sockets and overlapping sight (creating a 3-D effect) so that they can hunt at night and perceive depth and distances better. BEETLES How would you go about cleaning a skull? Enter the Dermestid beetles. They’re not in the same

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The Dermestid beetle

PHOTO: Sonja Seeber

(L-R): fox, wolf, grizzly, marten, ermine, wolverine and lynx as well. Most taxidermists will rely on the little buggers, as those insects will go into the tiniest crevasses and won’t break anything inside a skull—not even the smallest bone structures (imagine trying to clean a squirrel, ermine or even a fragile bird skull!). Go to the University of Arizona, Cooperative Extension webpage (extension.arizona.edu), to read up on how to properly and safely clean a skull by hand. Q&A (Environment Yukon): Q1: I know that I have to bring in my grizzly skull. Which tooth are you pulling, and can I get the skull back? When a grizzly or black bear skull from a harvested bear is brought into Department of Environment ofﬁces, a tooth is pulled so we can learn more about the age structure of harvested bears in the Yukon. • We also look at PHOTO: Wikipedia ages of bears that are killed in defence

of life and property or submitted for some other reason, such as an unknown cause of death. Usually, one of the premolars is pulled from the skull for aging. • The premolars to collect are located just behind the canines on the upper jaw. • These types of teeth are the most useful for getting an accurate age. The tooth taken for aging is destroyed in the process, but the remaining skull is intact and can be returned to the submitter. Q2: If I find a dead animal on the road or in the bush, what do I do in order to be able to keep it? According to Linea Volkering, the Communications Analyst at Environment Yukon, Communications, if you find a dead wild animal in the Yukon, please report it to conservation officers. To possess any part of a wildlife carcass that you’ve found in the field, you must first bring it to a Department of Environment office and ask for a permit to possess wildlife found cont’d on page 18

February 7, 2024

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February 7, 2024

Skulls & Beetles ... cont’d from page 16 dead birds are submitted, we collect samples to test for avian inﬂuenza. We may collect samples from other species, such as bears and wolverines, to look for parasites. In the case of foxes and bats, we may use samples from these species for rabies virus surveillance. If dead wildlife are submitted with an unknown cause of death, we perform a post-mortem examination on the animal, and the carcass is not suitable to be returned to the submitter.

PHOTOS: Sonja Seeber

Wolverine skull by chance. • Environment ofﬁcials are interested in determining the cause of the mortality. • A conservation ofﬁcer will ask you a few questions and may issue a permit depending on the circumstances and if possession of the wildlife is permitted under the Wildlife Act. • However, they cannot issue permits for certain species protected by federal legislation.

You’ll be royalty in your friends’ eyes. DON’T DRIVE IMPAIRED.

You don’t need a permit to keep a naturally shed moose, caribou, elk or deer antler, as long as the burr at its base is intact. In some cases, when you bring in the carcass, you may not be able to keep it because of concern for disease or if the carcass is needed for other projects. However, depending on the animal species and the part of the carcass you are interested in having (such as the skull or hide), we can sometimes arrange to collect necessary samples and return the carcass to you. There are some samples that

are required for licensed hunters to submit from harvested species, such as heads from grizzly and black bears, and these can be returned to the submitter. In other cases, such as projects we have with wolverines and lynx, trappers

Beaver skull can bring in carcasses of these species from their trapline so that we can use samples from them for a variety of projects. When found, dead wildlife are submitted and we may use them for a range of projects, depending on the species. For example, when

Author’s Note: Make sure you wear rubber gloves or another proper barrier when handling found animals. For information about reporting harvest results, including biological submissions, visit yukon.ca/en/ report-harvest-results. If you notice abnormalities in harvested animals or ﬁnd dead wildlife, you can submit samples to the Animal Health Unit. Contact the wildlife veterinarian to let us know what you found (email animalhealth@yukon.ca or call 867-667-5600) or bring the sample or carcass to a Department of Environment ofﬁce. Where in Whitehorse can I see skulls on display? Just last spring (2023), the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre remodelled their front hall; they now have a skull wall. McBride Museum has a few skulls and furs on display and, of course, many taxidermied animals. Yukon University has a skull display in their Science Hallway in A-Wing. ■

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Your Guide To Living Yukon Life a Little Better

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February 7, 2024

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ACTIVE AND WELLNESS EVENTS

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ACTIVE LISTINGS Sat Feb 17 Annual Take a Friend Snowmobiling Ride 10:00 AM Copper Haul Staging Area Join us during international take a friend snowmobiling week for our annual take a friend group snowmobile ride. Sat Feb 17 Guns N’ Hoses Charity Game Takhini Arena 12:30 PM The RCMP ‘M’ Division face-off against the Whitehorse Firefighters Charitable Society in a friendly charitable hockey game titled Guns Vs. Hoses. Entry by donation. Sun Feb 18 Yukon Climbing Championships - Bouldering Competition Porter Creek Secondary School 11:00 AM Modified scramble, Youth & adult categories - win prizes - have fun competing or watching! Register online or email climbyukoncoach@gmail.com for more info. https://www.climbyukon.com/ Every 2nd Sunday Snowsliding Meet-ups! 2:00 PM Mt Sima Bi-weekly snow sliding events for BIPOC, gender-divers and queer folx. Lessons for beginners and intermediate snowboarders. Mondays Judo For Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM Morning Strength and Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy Functional fitness training to be stronger and injury-resistant. All levels are welcome. Train ‘functionally’ with NSA Co-owner Jeremy McCulloch. https://northernstrength.ca/ Move & Meditate - Slow Vinyasa Yoga 8:30 AM Avalanche Athletics Immerse yourself in a tranquil journey of movement and mindfulness with our Moving Meditation - Slow Vinyasa

Yoga. http://amitieyoga.c Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00 AM Canada Games Centre Yukon Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged Elderactive Pilates level 1/2 9:30 AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement! Register online. Babynastics with Coach Stephanie 9:30 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club A semi-structured parent and tot class for new movers, all the way to age 5. Immerse your little one in song, socialization and a very colorful and stimulating environment. Free with membership. https://www.polarettes.org/babynastics Tai Chi for Seniors 10:00 AM Golden Age Society Come early, bring water, and wear comfortable, smooth soled indoor shoes. Call 668-5538 for more info. Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40 AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement! Register online. http:// cuts2.com/jiacg Noon Strength and Conditioning 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy Functional strength class teaches compound multi-joint lifts that improve athleticism, strength, coordination, power and more. https://northernstrength.ca/ Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions. Kids Muay Thai 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts KIDS MUAY THAI a dynamic and engaging martial art that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. Open to ages

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8 - 12. Zumba with Bonita 5:45 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Register online 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. Move & Meditate - Slow Vinyasa Yoga 6:45 PM Avalanche Athletics Immerse yourself in a tranquil journey of movement and mindfulness with our Moving Meditation - Slow Vinyasa Yoga. http://amitieyoga.ca Spirit Bear Karate 7:30 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre http://spiritbearkaratekobudo.ca Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 7:30 PM Rest & Restore-Meditative Yin 8:30 PM Avalanche Athletics Suitable for all levels, offering variations and props to support individual needs. Bringing a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, water bottle and block are recommended. Tuesdays Strength for the Endurance Athlete 6:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM Séances de yoga 8:00 AM Flow and Fly – Vinyasa Yoga 8:30 AM Grace Space This dynamic and invigorating practice is designed to awaken your inner strength and leave you feeling revitalized and empowered.

February 7, 2024

Elderactive Yoga with Richard until Oct 24 9:30 AM Northern Lights School of Dance explore the great variety the IYENGAR Yoga method has to offer Yoga with Barbara until Feb 20 10:00 AM Whitehorse United Church Use side door All Levels Yoga. Email bfraingower@gmail.com Babynastics with Coach Naomi 10:15 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club A semi-structured parent and tot class for new movers, all the way to age 5. Immerse your little one in song, socialization and a very colorful and stimulating environment. Free with membership. https://www.polarettes.org/babynastics Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - drilling Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 AM Yoga-Yoga Nidra 5:45 PM 7th Ray Studio Awaken and then release as we delve into a one hour yoga class that will prepare us to melt into the 30 minute Yoga Nidra experience. Register online. Strength for the Endurance Athlete 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels. Lunchtime Fitness Classes 12:15 PM Northern Strength Academy Tuesdays classes are more resistance and strength focused and Thursday classes more HIIT cardio. Drop in & passes are available. Elderactive Nordic Walking 12:30 PM ElderActive Recreation Association he use of poles provides a full-body workout as well as stability over uneven terrain. Elderactive Leisure Walking 12:30 PM ElderActive Recreation Association Leisure Walking is similar to Nordic walking but is suitable for those who prefer a slower, more relaxed pace Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 4:45 PM Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy Exercise to suit your fitness level and Strength & Conditioning Goals. Learn to Squat, Deadlift, Bench Press, Row and Olympic Lift https://northernstrength.ca/ Midnight Sun Fencing Club: Learn to Fence 6:00 PM Grey Mountain Primary School This class introduces the fundamentals of fencing to kids who have never tried fencing. All classes are at Grey Mountain Primary. Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM Whitehorse Archery Takhini Elementary 6:30 PM Whitehorse Archery is a non-profit club for the recreational shooter, hunters, and those who just want to work on their skills. https:// www.whitehorsearchery.com/schedule Spirit Bear Kobudo (Weapons) Karate 7:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre http://spiritbearkaratekobudo.ca Midnight Sun Fencing Club: Intermediate 7:30 PM Grey Mountain Primary School This class picks up from where Learn to Fence ends. In this class students are taught fencing technique, strategy, and fitness. No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 7:30 PM

Stretch and Stabilize – Functional Conditioning 7:45 PM Grace Space Purposeful movement with our Functional Conditioning non-yoga movement class. Wednesdays Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout. Morning Strength and Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy https://northernstrength.ca/ Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00 AM Canada Games Centre Yukon Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged Elderactive Pilates level 1/2 9:30 AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement! Register online. Zumba with Bonita 10:00 AM 7th Ray Studio Zumba routines incorporate interval training — alternating fast and slow rhythms — to help improve cardiovascular fitness. Register online. Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40 AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement! Register online. http:// cuts2.com/jiacg Ladies Kickboxing 12:05 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout. NSA Spin Classes 4:15 PM Northern Strength Academy NSA offers Indoor Cycling classes with certified instructors Adrienne Marsh and Maria Wise. Improve your conditioning and strength on the bike! https://northernstrength.ca/ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM Spirit Bear Karate 6:25 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre http://spiritbearkaratekobudo.ca Muay Thai Kickboxing 7:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions. Stretch & Stabilize - Functional Conditioning 8:15 PM Avalanche Athletics Purposeful movement with our Functional Conditioning non-yoga movement class. Stretch & Stabilize - Functional Conditioning http://amitieyoga.ca Thursdays Insanity Live! Get Fit For Winter – 6 Week Winter Series 5:30 AM Riverdale Subdivision – Whitehorse Incinerate fat and calories in 50 minutes with the ultimate cardio-conditioning program that is tailored to ALL fitness levels. Register online. https://whatsupyukon.events/ b7o Strength for the Endurance Athlete 6:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM Tai Chi for Seniors 10:00 AM Golden Age

February 7, 2024

whatsupyukon.com

ACTIVE AND WELLNESS EVENTS ... cont’d Society Come early, bring water, and wear comfortable, smooth soled indoor shoes. 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 Strength for the Endurance Athlete 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels Noon Hatha Yoga until Dec 7 12:00 PM Grace Space Relax, energize and leave with more mental and physical space and capacity! Register online. http://cuts2.com/gmGhI No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM Babynastics with Coach Ewan 1:00 PM Polarettes Gymnastics Club A semi-structured parent and tot class for new movers, all the way to age 5. Immerse your little one in song, socialization and a very colorful and stimulating environment. Free with membership. https://www.polarettes.org/babynastics Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Eight Days Martial Arts 4:45 PM Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM Midnight Sun Fencing Club: Adult Beginner 7:00 PM Grey Mountain Primary School If you are looking to learn fencing as an adult. In this class students are taught fencing technique, strategy, and fitness. Fridays Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM NSA Spin Classes 6:30 AM Northern Strength Academy NSA offers Indoor Cycling classes with certified instructors Adrienne Marsh and Maria Wise. Improve your conditioning and strength on the bike! https://northernstrength.ca/ Yoga Classes at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs 10:15 AM Yoga mats are provided. Booking options that include yoga classes alone and yoga with discounted entrance to Eclipse are available. eclipsenordichotsprings. ca/yoga-classes Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight & Mondays Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions. Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 4:45 PM Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - teen classes Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM Muay Thai Kickboxing 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout. Saturdays Flow & Fly – Vinyasa Yoga 8:30 AM Avalanche Athletics A dynamic and invigorating practice is designed to awaken your inner strength and leave you feeling revitalized and empowered. All levels, Bring yoga mat, comfortable clothing, water bottle and block are recommended. http://amitieyoga.ca Saturday Morning Strength and Conditioning 10:15 AM Northern Strength Academy Full-body movements to improve functional strength. Suitable for all levels and aligns with NSA’s strength programming. https://northernstrength.ca/ Yoga Classes at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs 10:15 AM Yoga mats are provided. Booking options that include yoga classes alone and yoga with discounted entrance to Eclipse are available. eclipsenordichotsprings. ca/yoga-classes No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM Open Mat Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM Sundays Circus Sundays 10:00 AM Avalanche Athletics We will have equipment for people to try out, including stilts, juggling stuff, aerial silks, aerial hoop, static trapeze, spinny things, balance things… NSA Spin Classes 10:00 AM Northern Strength Academy NSA offers Indoor Cycling classes with certified instructors Adrienne Marsh and Maria Wise. Improve your conditioning and strength on the bike! https://northernstrength.ca/ Yoga Classes at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs 10:15 AM Yoga mats are provided. Booking options that include yoga classes alone and yoga with discounted entrance to

Eclipse are available. eclipsenordichotsprings. ca/yoga-classes 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. Mon Feb 12 Grief Walking Group - Indoor 12:00 PM Canada Games Centre Yukon Walking with others can be a great way to give yourself some much-needed care when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Thu Feb 15 Getting Started - What is Prediabetes Chronic Conditions Support Program (CCSP) 12:00 PM An introduction to what is pre-diabetes and how to manage the risk factors by incorporating healthy strategies for change such as dietary or physical activity changes. to register, please call 667-8733 or email ccsp@yukon.ca Monthly 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month 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. Call 332-5054 or 332-6476 for more info. 1st and 3rd Wednesday QYS Peer Support Nights 5:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache We want to provide a space where parents and guardians of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth can find connection and support from their peers. 2nd Wednesday and last Friday Blood Collection and Lab Work 9:00 AM Queer Yukon Society The Cache Blood Work and Lab Collection Clinic! We will provide regular clinics for blood collection & lab requisitions 1st Thursday of every month Men’s Gathering 5:00 PM A safe place for men to connect with each other and learn traditional teachings. For more info contact Rob at 332-5708 or Rob.McLean@kdfn.net Every other Tuesday Sharing Circle 12:00 PM Old Justice Building KDFN Every other Tuesday for recovery focused sharing circles. Connect, share challenges and gains, and access support and wisdom. Snacks and refreshments served. https://whatsupyukon. events/4en Mondays Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM Whitehorse United Church A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal. AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House Infant Feeding Mondays 1:00 PM Yukon Midwifery Program Yukoners who are pregnant or have a baby under 12 months are invited to learn about feeding their infants and get support with challenges. Call 393-7120 to book a private appointment or drop-in. AA Life Ahead (O, A) 7:00 PM 509 Hanson St. Held in person or by zoom – ID 251-3635766, call 778-907-2701 for more info. AA New Beginnings Group (O, A) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral (Hellaby Hall) AA New Beginnings Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Tuesdays Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM Whitehorse United Church A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal. Healthy Babies Healthy Futures 12:00 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre An inclusive Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program for parental & infant support. Enjoy a Drop-In lunch and connect with other families. https:// whatsupyukon.events/8kd AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House ARKA Brotherhood Men’s Circle: Porcupine Squad 6:30 PM Whitehorse A confidential, structured space that empowers men to transform themselves into self-aware, self-disciplined, empowered and trustworthy leaders. Email mjvernon@gmail.com for more info. http://www.arkabrotherhood.com AA UglyDuckling Group (C/M, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral New members always welcome, this is a non smoking group. Ugly Ducklings Group (O,A) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Held in person or by zoom – ID 251-363-5766, call 778-907-2701 for more info.

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 8:00 PM 100 25 Firth Rd Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Join us! Every Wednesday morning. Call or text 867-334-1725 for more details Wednesdays TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 8:00 AM Closeleigh Manor Common Room Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Call or text 867-334-1725 for more details Community Kitchen 11:30 AM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House Al-Anon 12:00 PM Sport Yukon Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Narcotics Anonymous Meetings 7:00 PM Inclusion Yukon Art Therapy for Grief 5:30 PM Hospice Yukon Learn more about living with grief and self-compassion in a supportive space with others who are grieving the death of a loved one Overeaters Anonymous Meeting 7:30 PM Overeaters Anonymous For more information contact oayukon@gmail.com for more information AA No Puffin Big Book Study (C, A) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral (Hellaby Hall) Porter Creek Step Meeting (C) 8:00 PM Our Lady of Victory Thursdays Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM Whitehorse United Church A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal. Healthy Babies Healthy Futures 12:00 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre An inclusive Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program for parental & infant support. Enjoy a Drop-In lunch and connect with other families. https:// whatsupyukon.events/8kd AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House Connect to Culture - Drop-In 1:00 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In, Open to ALL! Weekly cultural activities from beading to sewing, healing camp trips, elder visits and more. For more info call 667-2093 or email info@vfwomenscentre.com https://vfwomenscentre.com/events Polar Group (O, A) 7:30 PM 311 Elliott St. & 4th Ave. Held in person or on zoom, Zoom ID 251-363-5766, call 778-907-2701 for more info. Fridays AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House AA Yukon Unity Group (O) 1:30 PM Online Zoom ID 482-518-9588 PC 334796 call 778907-2971 for more info. Community Kitchen 4:00 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 6672693 for more info. Narcotics Anonymous Meetings 7:00 PM Yukon Employees Union Al-Anon 7:00 PM Trinity Lutheran Church Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. AA Whitehorse Group (C, A) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Saturdays AA Detox Meeting (O, A) 1:00 PM 609 Steele St.1:00 PM AA Yukon Unity Group (O) 1:00 PM Online Zoom ID 482-518-9588 PC 334796 call 778907-2971 for more info. AA Hospital Meeting 7:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Sundays AA Detox Meeting (O, A)1:00 PM 609 Steele St. AA Yukon Unity Group 1:00 PM Online By zoom – Zoom ID 482-518-9588 PC 334796 For more info call 778-907-2971 Narcotics Anonymous Meetings 7:00 PM Inclusion Yukon AAHospital Meeting (O, A) 7:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral (Hellaby Hall)

335-6705

Inside Yukon Inn Mall on Fourth (Beside Dollar Store)

To keep loved ones safe this Rendezvous. DON’T DRIVE IMPAIRED.

whatsupyukon.com

WHITEHORSE EVENTS

Director in attendance. Tickets online. Fri Feb 09 ALFF - Silvicola + Losing Blue / Subterranean + The Pass 3:45 PM / Short Films - Yukon Light 6:00 PM. / Raging Grace 7:00 PM / American Fiction 9:00 PM see pg19 for details Fri Feb 09 Yukon Beer Festival 7:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Dive into a World of Craft Beer: Taste your way through an array of craft beers, discovering unique and exciting flavors Want to be on this page? that’ll tantalise your taste buds. Tickets Enter your event HERE: online. Sat Feb 10 ALFF - Sweetland 12:00 PM / A Boy Called Piano + Park Ex 12:00 PM / WaaPaKe 3:00 PM / Fitting In 3:00 PM / I’m Just Here For The Riot 5:30 PM / La Chimera 6:00 PM / Cold Road 8:00 PM see pg19 for details Sat Feb 10 Yukon Rendezvous Queen Fashion Show Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre 12:30 PM Come out to Please visit whatsupyukon.com for up to date event details. the Queen Fashion Show, as the 2024 Some events may be postponed or cancelled after we print. Queen Candidates go down the runway whatsupyukon.events/entryto showcase the styles of 1898, as well ART SHOWS mastery of pop music anchors it in BRNT is fundraising money to help us as fashions inspired by this years theme psychedelic synths, wiry guitar licks and finish our EP/music video and donating Fri Feb 09 Exhibition Opening: “Rendezvous Throughout the Ages” bass lines, and of course, a chorus of some of the proceeds to the Victoria It’s Easy. It’s Fast. It’s Free!www.yukonrendezvous.comSat Feb 10 ‘Connexion et Convergence’ by inviting voices. Faulkner Women’s Centre Abundance of Association franco-yukonnaise 5:00 Ivan Decker ft. Dan Duvall 7:00 & 9:30 Feb Thu 08 Muster Point Baked Cafe love, dancing, and prizes in store! PM Arts Underground Exhibit on view in PM Boiler Room Lounge The first Boiler 6:30 PM Muster Point with trumpeter Sat Feb 17 Whitehorse Concerts both the Focus and Edge galleries. All Room Comedy shows of 2024 are going and composer Olivier Clements, whose Sords, Duvall, Johnson 7:30 PM are welcome to attend this free event. to be bangers with two killer comics: Ivan music conjures unique soundscapes that Whitehorse United Church Andrew Food and drinks will be provided. https:// Decker and Dan Duvall! Tickets online! defy category. https://www.instagram. Sords ravishing tone. Cheryl Duvall www.artsunderground.ca/exhibitionSat Feb 10 Midnight Series - Bocce com/musterpoint_band/ contemporary music interpreter. Joseph archive/connexion-et-convergence Edition Yukon Brewing 7:00 PM A Johnson principal cellist Toronto Fri Feb 09 Country Josh & The NoUntil Feb 23 Connexion et friendly tournament, grab a friend and Symphony Orchestra, Gooduns - The Screendoors Leftys Convergence by Association francocome compete in Yukon Brewing’s firstWell 8:00 PM Doors 8pm · Music 930pm yukonnaise Arts Underground Exhibit ever bocce tournament! Register online. · pay what you can at the door. Country on view in both the Focus and Edge Monthly https://whatsupyukon.events/yxu Josh and the No-Gooduns and The galleries. https://www.artsunderground. 1st Saturday Folk Society Sat Feb 10 Yukon Rendezvous - A Screendoors (debut show!) ca/exhibition-archive/connexion-etCoffeehouse 6:00 PM Whitehorse Klondike Dance Hall 7:30 PM Kwanlin convergence Fri Feb 09 Light Up the North Ft Shiny United Church All ages featuring local Dun Cultural Centre Enjoy the music Things The Local Bar 9:00 PM Get Until Feb 24 This Wild Country: emerging and established musicians. stylings of The Lucky Family while ready to set the night on fire with Shiny Postcards from the Yukon Archives Bring cash to buy coffee, tea, and tasty partying the night away with your Things and local DJs Mega Krahn, Collection Arts Underground On display treats! favourite Rendezvous characters. Get PurpleTeeth, RedEye, AlpenFlow. in the Hougen Heritage Gallery your fortune read by the infamous Every Other Wednesday Bluegrass Jam Cover charge at the door. https:// Captain Sam Sparrow, or make Until Mar 10 This Must be the Place – 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 whatsupyukon.events/s42 memories with our Klondike photo booth! An Exhibit by Tara Kolla Tara Kolla’s Sat Feb 10 John from Dawson - Hot in Tickets online. This Must be The Place! fantastical, Mondays the Ensuite Leftys Well 8:00 PM John joyful works that transport the viewer to Sun Feb 11 Valentine’s Mini Sessions Live Music Mondays at Whiskey From Dawson, with Case 235, Hot in the another world. commemorates Yukon 11:00 AM Whitehorse Motors Each Jacks 7:00 PM Whiskey Jacks Pub & Ensuite and DJ She/They - cover charge Archives’ 50th session is 10 minutes long and you Grill Patrick Jacobson at Whiskey Jack’s at the door. receive 3 edited images from our time Until Spring 2024 Out in the Open – every Monday with a weekly “feature Sat Feb 10 All-City Band’s Annual together. A total of 4 adults or kids are En Plein Art The Jim Smith Building performer” for the last set. Dessert and Dance 7:00 PM Elks welcome at each booking. Book session An exhibition celebrating the 2023 whiskeyjacks.ca/ Lodge 306 The Big Band and All-City online. acquisitions of the Yukon Permanent Art Jazz Band. Not only having fun, you’ll be Wednesdays Collection. Sun Feb 11 ALFF - Black Life supporting All-City Band Society’s Trip to Whitewater Wednesday Night Jam Untold Stories + Aftercare 12:00 The Nationals in Toronto! 7:00 PM The Local Bar An open mic PM / Butterfly Tale 12:00 PM / 500 LIVE MUSIC Sat Feb 10 Bria Rose N’ Thorns kinda show and all you have to do is Days in the Wild 3:00 PM / We Are Wed Feb 07 Yukon Blonde 7:00 PM Pleasurecraft - Dentdelion 9:00 PM bring in your instrument, find Jack and/ Guardians 3:00 PM / Hey Viktor! 6:00 YAC Yukon Arts Centre Promoting their The Local Bar Single release party! or Peggy and we’ll set you up! No need PM / Humanist Vampire Seeking new albumn Shuggie, Yukon Blonde’s to be shy. Consenting Suicidal Person 6:00 PM / Richelieu 8:30 PM / Nigiqtuq ᓂᒋᖅᑐᖅ + Ginger Jam 7:00 PM Lefty’s Well Double M Country + The Home Team Live DJs - Thursday Throwdown 9:00 8:30 PM see pg19 for details PM The Local Bar. Mon Feb 12 Project Management Saturdays Essentials Part 1 9:00 AM Yukon Live Music at Whiskey Jacks 7:00 PM University Gain a comprehensive Whiskey Jacks Pub & Grill At Whiskey overview of project management Jack’s every Saturday. whiskeyjacks.ca/ techniques so that you can effectively plan, manage and control projects GENERAL EVENTS Mon Feb 12 ALFF - A Quiet Girl 12:00 Wed Feb 07 First Nation and Tech PM / A Bullet Pulling Thread 4:00 Conference 8:30 AM Kwanlin Dun PM / Smoke Sauna Sisterhood 6:00 Cultural Centre Explore Artificial / Physician, Heal Thyself 6:30 PM/ Intelligence (AI), technology and Short Films - We Are All Different connectivity: what this means and 8:30 PM / Short Films - Indigenous what are the impacts and benefits for Languages and Culture 12:00 PM / Indigenous groups in the North. To Four Daughters 6:00 PM / 20 Days in register email registration@irpotential. Mariupol 6:00 PM see pg19 for details com Tue Feb 13 Small Mammals on the Wed Feb 07 Yukon First Nations and Big Stage Yukon Beringia Interpretive Tech: Reclaiming Technology 8:30 AM Centre 7:30 PM Ground squirrels, Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Furthering muskrat, pika and bats may not steal the Yukon First Nations tech conversations. spotlight like “charismatic megafauna,” Learn and adapt the ways it can serve but they are nonetheless important and our communities, our needs and selfintriguing animals. https://yukon.ca/wilddetermination. discoveries Wed Feb 07 Introduction to Tue Feb 13 ALFF Short Films Facilitation Course 9:00 AM Yukon Finding Place 8:30 PM / Mighty University cultivate, and refine your Jerome 12:00 PM / Suze 6:00 PM see If you sense your car drifts or pulls to one side, facilitation abilities. In small groups pg19 for details or large gatherings, the fundamental Wed Feb 14 Valentine’s Date Night you could have a wheel alignment problem. principles of facilitation apply Paint Like Ted with Rhoda Merkel 6:30 Thu Feb 8-18 Available Light Film PM MacBride Museum An evening of The alignment of your vehicle’s wheels can affect the Festival 2024 5:00 AM Yukon Theatre painting and cocktails under the northern ALFF featuring 100+ films including 50 lights. Artist Rhoda Merkel will guide you way it handles. Your car may drive fine, but when feature films. 60+ screenings, ALFF through understanding and recreating you look at your tires, you may notice that they are Live concerts, ALFF Creator talks at Ted Harrison’s work. Tickets online. the Yukon Arts Centre and the Yukon Wed Feb 14 ALFF - The Taste of wearing. Your steering wheel could also feel not centred. Theatre. Things 7:00 PM / Mighty Jerome YAC Thu Feb 08 Project Management Yukon Arts Centre 12:00 PM see pg19 Our team of professionals can align your wheels by placing Essentials - Pt 2 9:00 AM Yukon for details University A continuation of Project your vehicle on a wheel alignment machine. This machine Wed Feb 14 Sweetheart Soiree Decora Management Essentials: Part 1 with 7:00 PM An elegant and romantic uses laser guided measurements to allow our mechanic to set more advanced skill development based evening in celebration of love and on the Project Management Institute community. Enjoy a warm welcome and adjust the suspension components back to the factory (PMI) framework. Register online. drink, aphrodisiac food stations for a specifications. You can prevent the impact of wear and tear Thu Feb 08 The King Tide - ALFF culinary journey, live music, and be gifted Opening Film 7:00 PM YAC Yukon a red red rose on departure. https:// on your tires, reduce pulling and feel confident in a safer drive. Arts Centre After a child with mysterious whatsupyukon.events/acb6c5 powers washes ashore their idyllic island Wed Feb 14 Wild Hearts Trivia Baked village, the once peaceful community Cafe 7:30 PM Grab a friend or three 867-667-6102 Tire Shop: MON-SAT 7:30-5:30 devolves into civil war, torn over the (or come solo) for a cheeky evening belief that the child is the next saviour. of wildlife trivia where we delve into 107 INDUSTRIAL ROAD Mechanical Shop: MON-FRI 8-5

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February 7, 2024 the secrets of “Love in the Wild.” No registration required but arrive early to secure your spot. https://yukon.ca/wilddiscoveries Thu Feb 15 ALFF - 500 Days in the Wild 3:00 PM / Someone Lives Here Yukon Theatre 6:00 / The Teachers Lounge YAC Yukon Arts Centre 6:00 PM / Zone of Interest YAC Yukon Arts Centre 8:30 PM / Tautuktavuk (What We See) Yukon Theatre 8:30 PM / My Place Ozerna + The Pros and Cons of Killing Yourself YAC Yukon Arts Centre 12:00 PM see pg19 for details Fri Feb 16 ALFF - Boil Alert Yukon Theatre 6:00 PM / How to Have Sex YAC Yukon Arts Centre 6:30 PM / The Promised Land YAC Yukon Arts Centre 9:00 PM / Sometimes I Think About Dying Yukon Theatre 9:00 PM see pg19 for details Fri Feb 16 Yukon Rendezvous Drag Extravaganza Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre 8:00 PM A Red Carpet event including Meet and Greet, VIP experience, Photo Booth and jaw dropping performances by amazing drag performers. Tickets online. https:// whatsupyukon.events/giu Sat Feb 17 Pink Party - Valentine’s Rebels and Revellers! Decora 7:00 PM Vibrant entertainment, live music, and a selection of fine wine, whiskey, and artisanal cheeses. Tickets online. https:// whatsupyukon.events/xbf Sat Feb 17 ALFF - Green Border YAC Yukon Arts Centre 12:00 PM / Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi - Before The Sun Yukon Theatre 12:00 PM / Monster YAC Yukon Arts Centre 3:00 PM / The Old Oak YAC Yukon Arts Centre 6:00 PM / Ireland Blue Book Yukon Theatre 6:00 PM / Feet in Water, Head on Fire Yukon Theatre 8:30 PM / The Animal Kingdom YAC Yukon Arts Centre 8:45 PM see pg19 for details Sat Feb 17 solstice haiku discussion group 2:00 PM Sat Feb 17 Yukon Rendezvous - Quest for the Crown Tea & Social Yukon Inn 2:00 PM Dress up in your favourite Rendezvous attire and celebrate as we mingle with the candidates and enjoy some tea. Tickets online. https://www. yukonrendezvous.com/2024-festival Sun Feb 18 ALFF - Robot Dreams YAC Yukon Arts Centre 12:00 PM / Y a Une Étoile Yukon Theatre 3:00 PM / The Monk and the Gun YAC Yukon Arts Centre 3:00 PM / The Queen of My Dreams Yukon Theatre 6:00 PM / Perfect Days YAC Yukon Arts Centre 6:00 PM see pg19 for details Mon Feb 19 When We Walked on Frozen Rivers Book Release Old Fire Hall 7:00 PM re-scheduled book presentation of:”When we walked on Frozen Rivers” Book 4 in Elisabeth Weigand’s YukonWild Series Monthly 2nd & 4th Mondays Service Officer 7:00 AM Royal Canadian Legion Whitehorse An invite to all Veterans, Police and First responders for the service hour at the Legion, socialise and find out what is going on. https://bit.ly/3Lm40ZG 2nd & 4th Wednesdays Whitehorse Photography Club - Meetup 7:00 PM Yukon University - Whitehorse Campus Held in Rm A2204. Discuss photography, share your work, learn new tips and tricks. http://whitehorsephotoclub.ca/ First Thursdays QYS Charmed Stitches 2:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache Fiber crafts night. Bring your knitting, crochet, beading, sewing, stitching, etc, to The Cache to sit and stitch with other queer crafters. Second Thursday QYS Movie Nights 5:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache Last Thursdays Repair Cafe 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Bring it in and see if it is fixable using soldering irons, multimeters, and other tools. This easy introduction to electronics and small home appliance repair is a useful evening of DIY learning that you can take home. 2nd Thursday Music Trivia 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Come on out and test your music knowledge! Teams of no more than 6 people. Last Friday Friday Night Karaoke 7:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 The last Friday of the month come practise your high and low notes or just watch! For members or signed in guests. https:// bit.ly/3XJbTw4 Every 2nd Friday TGIF Dinner 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Every 2nd Friday, tickets to be bought in person at legion throughout the week leading up to dinner. No tickets at the door day of. 3rd Sundays Messy Church 3:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral church

February 7, 2024

whatsupyukon.com

WHITEHORSE EVENTS ... cont’d for children and adults that involves creativity, celebration and hospitality. Crafts, singing and food will be the focus. 2nd & 4th Sundays Grade 8 – 12 High School Youth Group 6:00 PM Mountainview Church A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith. https:// mountainview.church/connect/youth Monthly Weekly Mondays Play Pool 1:00 PM Golden Age Society Becoming more limber and agile in your movements through playing billiards is a great benefit. Play Whist 1:30 PM Golden Age Society Classic English trick-taking card game which was widely played in the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the rules are simple, there is scope for strategic play Mtg: Competitive Commander 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Women’s Bible Study 6:00pm Women’s Bible Study. Refreshments are served followed by the study. For more info check out www.mountainview.church or email rachel@mountainview.church. 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 Industry Night Lefty’s Well 8:00 PM All are welcome - 20% off everything for our industry family - hot dogs, tunes, games and happy hour all night! https://bit. ly/3L0J3Ce Tuesdays Café de l’amitié 2:00 PM Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY) Le Café de l’amitié est un rendez-vous hebdomadaire et une occasion de rassemblement pour les francophones de 50 ans et plus. QYS Drop-in Queer Yukon Society The Cache 2:00 PM Language Skills for Ukrainians 5:15 PM Yukon Learn A discussion group workshop provides a relaxed and friendly environment where learners can practise and learn English conversation skills. Weekly Shuffleboard Tournament 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For members and signed in guests. A double knockout style competition and games are limited to 6 ends or 15 minutes Chess Club 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us! SuperSmash Bros, Mtg: Commander 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles 10 Card Crib - Members & Signed In Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Whether you are a seasoned crib player or a beginner, come play! Learn tips and tricks and have some fun! https://bit.ly/3KP0B5s Wednesdays Spanish Conversation Group 12:00 PM Whitehorse United Church Casual, no lessons, just conversations. Wednesdays noon, info Louise call 687-7238 or Michele 867-333-6081. QYS Drop-in Queer Yukon Society The Cache 2:00 PM Texas Hold’ Em 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For signed in members and guests. Bragging rights! Spanish Conversation 12:00 PM Whitehorse United Church Call 333-6081 for more info. Anglican Holy Communion – Whitehorse 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral The Book of Common Prayer, 2nd Wednesday of the month Mtg: Modern, Warhammer Age of Sigmar 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Thursdays Public Speaking Training Toastmasters 12:00 PM Decora Guests are always welcome. There are many roles to learn at Toastmasters. Practice 2 minute table topics Anglican Thursday at the Cathedral 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral Bring a lunch (Book of Alternative Services) QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon Society & The Cache Pathfinder Role-Playing Game for Youth 3:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Find out what role playing games are all about! Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are always welcome. Mtg: casual Commander, Warhammer 40k & Kill Team 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Mountainview Church Community Group 7:00 PM 16 years or older? Mountainview Church Community Group! We’ll share some snacks and talk

about what the bible has to say about discipleship. Fridays 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. Tarot Card Readings with Sari Horvath Baked Cafe 9:15 AM Sari uses her wisdom and guidance through tarot cards to help answer your life questions! Please use email to book appointments treasurebooksyxy@gmail.com Coffee & Chat 11:00 AM Golden Age Society Coffee and chat is a way to connect with your community, develop friendships, and have fun. Crib 1:00 PM Golden Age Society Cribbage is an easy game to learn but hard to master. For more info call 6685538. QYS Drop-in Queer Yukon Society The Cache 2:00 PM Mtg: Pioneer, YuGiOh Casual 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Saturdays Cribbage - Members and Signed in Guests 2:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Masks are mandatory. Members must have a valid 2021 membership and they may sign in 2 guests MAX. Pokemon, Mtg: Youth Magic, Lorcana 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Sundays Mountainview Church Sunday Service 9:30 AM Church In The Building 9:30 AM, 11AM or Church At Home 7 AM, 9:30 AM, 11 AM Mountainviewwhitehorse.ca/ Watch Clothing Room 10:00 AM Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone Whitehorse United Church Worship Service 10:30 AM a caring community of faith, based on a foundation of Biblical teaching and spiritual truth Secondhand Clothing Bizarre 2:00 PM Whitehorse Seventh-Day Adventist Church Clean clothes needed and donations accepted if in good condition. Please call before dropping clothes off and for more info 633-3463. Sunday Gatherings 3:00 PM The Northern Collective Church KIDS & FAMILIES Monthly 1st & 3rd Saturdays Grades 5 - 7 Junior Youth Group 7:00 PM Mountainview Church Passionate about giving kids opportunities to have fun & make new friends, while teaching them about Jesus & His great love for our world https:// mountainview.church/connect/youth 2nd and 4th Saturdays Grade 8 - 12 High School Youth Group 7:00 PM Mountainview Church A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith. https:// mountainview.church/connect/youth Weekly Mondays Drop-In 9:00 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Gym Open to all ages – Children, youth, and teens must be accompanied by an adult. Babynastics with Coach Stephanie 9:30 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club Babynastics is a semi-structured parent and tot class for new movers, all the way to age 5. Tuesdays Babynastics with Coach Naomi 10:15 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club Babynastics is a semi-structured parent and tot class for new movers, all the way to age 5. Story Time 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Join us for stories, songs & rhymes! A free drop-in program for children ages 0-5 and caregivers at Whitehorse Public Library Native Grad Regalia Sewing Program 4:00 PM Northern Cultural Expressions Free accredited program for indigenous high school graduates of 2024. Call 633-4186 or email executiveassistant@ northernculture.org to register. Wednesdays French Story Time 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Wednesdays French Story Time at Whitehorse Public Library. Songs, stories and rhymes, en français, for children under 5 and their parents. Thursdays Babynastics with Coach Ewan 1:00 PM Polarettes Gymnastics Club Babynastics is a semi-structured parent and tot class for new movers, all the way to age 5.

Pathfinder Role-Playing Game for Youth 3:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Youth 11-17 are invited to join, no experience necessary. Native Grad Regalia Sewing Program 4:00 PM Northern Cultural Expressions Free accredited program for indigenous high school graduates of 2024. Call 633-4186 or email executiveassistant@ northernculture.org to register. Saturdays 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 Sun Feb 18 Drag Story Time 8:00 AM The Guild Hall Reading from a selection of inclusive books curated by the Whitehorse Public Library families will enjoy stories, snacks and games with Jolene Queen Sloan. Admission by donation. https://whatsupyukon.events/ qo1 Meetings Mon Feb 05 Yukon Summer Music Camp AGM 5:30 PM Whitehorse Come find out what we have planned for music camp 2024, enjoy some snacks, and join our board of like minded music lovers! To RSVP email yukonsummermusiccamp@ gmail.com. Monthly First Monday Klondike Snowmobile Association Board Meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon https://ksa.yk.ca/comingevents/ Third Thursday ASAY board monthly meeting Sport Yukon 10:00 PM Third Thursday Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition Monthly Meeting 5:00 PM ZOOM Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition for regular meeting. Everyone is welcome. Call Kathy 334-9317 or info@yapc.ca for a zoom link or join us in person. https:// yapc.ca/actions/detail/yapcs-monthlymeetings Online Events 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. 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. Wed Feb 7 Writing An Artist Statement & Bio Through Doodling And Illustration 6:00 PM Online Learn how to use doodling and illustration to begin the writing process with Canadian artist Jaspal Birdi. Email chez_mh@yahoo.ca to register

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Conservation Science North of 60 In the North, For the North: Northern Environmental and Conservation Sciences Want to advance your education and contribute to the knowledge required for conservation and sustainability of northern resources and communities? In collaboration with the University of Alberta, Yukon University offers years 3 and 4 of a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Northern Environmental and Conservation Sciences (ENCS), with a major in Northern Systems. The program offers a variety of options and entry points, including either full time or part time study. Application deadline is March 1 for a Sept. 2024 start (late applications may be possible until May 31; contact us for information). For more information, email ualberta@yukonu.ca, visit yukonu.ca/encs, or come to a drop-in information session: • Thursday, February 1: 12-1 pm • Thursday, February 15: 12-1 pm A2101, at Ayamdigut Online via Zoom (Whitehorse) campus email ualberta@yukonu.ca for link • Tuesday, February 13: 5-6 pm A2101, at Ayamdigut (Whitehorse) campus

whatsupyukon.com

February 7, 2024 column with

Deborah McNevin

GREY MATTERS

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

MY ANTIDOTE TO THE WINTER BLUES

s we know in the Yukon, winter can be very hard. The weather can be horrid, as revealed during the small amount of daylight we get. January is the month for paying Christmas bills (for those who indulged), as well as trying to lose the weight that hours, days and weeks of eating tasty things bestowed upon some of us. January can also be the month for failing to keep resolutions that may be a bit too ambitious given the small store of will (or won’t) power that some of us can muster in the winter months. Over my many years, I’ve found that a sense of failure is not a good way to start out a new year. This year I’m going to forego resolutions in favour of a list of positive possibilities. At the top of my list is to avoid the January dumps by focusing on those things that give me joy, or at least make me grudgingly grateful. My personal, idiosyncratic list of things may include some items you agree with, and some that may have you wondering how to get me the help I so obviously need. In no particular order, here are a few that are relatively safe for me to share: • I’m grateful that there are only a few months to go before we can get back to the same time as B.C., instead of being adrift in Alberta, Saskatchewan or N.W.T. time. • I’m thankful that the lack of daylight during my most-productive hours will continue

throughout January, making it easy for me to provide a blanketed lap for my comfort-loving cat in the mornings. • I am in awe of the beauty of winter and appreciate those who make it possible to live here through their efforts, such as health care workers and educators, as well as the highway and street crews. I am also deeply grateful for the custodians of this land, who share it with us with grace and generosity. • The constant improvements in technology are welcome, but only when they make things easier instead of harder and more frustrating. I’m glad there are places like the European Union that force the tech giants to play nice. Companies that make computer cords that work for any device, and who ensure that software can work on different platforms, are so helpful (I wish more of that courage would ﬁnd its way to these shores). • I live in hope that this is the

PHOTO: Deborah McNevin

At the top of my list is to avoid the January dumps year that humanity will pull together to address the serious issues that face us all—issues such as poverty, war and climate change. • I also live in hope that this is the

year that the Yukon government will ﬁnally ﬁx its website, so information and assistance can be easily found. • I like being old enough to point out how things were so much

better in the old days. Right? • One beneﬁt of aging is that I have time to watch Canadian sports teams on the international stage. It’s great to cheer for Canada’s junior hockey team. It’s also great that I now have bloodpressure medications when the games are close. • The same bloodpressure medications are very welcome when listening to or reading the words of some politicians. I do think I may need something to help with my anxiety when observing some activities of our neighbouring country to the south (and west). • Mostly, I’m truly and humbly grateful for friends and family— near and far—for those still living and those beyond the veil who have shown me love (or at least tolerance) over the years.

So there’s part of my antidote to January (and all of winter really). I wish you all the best in 2024, as well as your own list to help counter the Winter Blues. ■

February 7, 2024

whatsupyukon.com

TELIYA International Society

TELIYA International Society Presents Presents

Yukon International Conference on Diversity and Inclusion 2024 Wednesday, February 14th 10 AM – 5 PM

Thursday, February 15th 9 AM – 5 PM

Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre (Westmark Hotel), 201 Wood St, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada Insightful discussions, presentations, workshops, knowledge sharing sessions, African Crafts & Exhibitions, Black History Month Displays and music performances! Speakers & Presenters

Gurdeep Pandher, MPA., Yukon, Canada

Dr. Ecuplancia Nyumbase, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

Black History Month 2024

Alex Kajumulo, Multiple Awards Winning Artist, Seatle, USA

W. Wilberforce Obwona Ogaba, MSc, Yukon Canada

Leonard Boniface, MSc, Yukon, Canada

Dr. Candis Driver Smith, Indiana, U.S.A.

Alex Kamweru, Kenya

Honourable Jessie Dawson, Yukon, Canada

Morgan Wienberg, M.S.C., Haiti / Yukon, Canada

Marius Curteanu, Director, Yukon Immigration, Yukon Government

Masozi Nyirenda, MA, Tanzania

Stephen Macharia, Kenya

Dr. Kaden Lebray North Carolina, USA

Music Performances - Performers:

Jessica Mbangeni, Grammy Ndidi Cascade, NigerianAward Winning Artist, Italian-Irish-Canadian South Africa Educator & Hip-hop Artist, Vancouver

Alpha Yaya Diallo, Juno Awards Winning Artist, Vancouver, Canada

Maju Maju Dladla, Grammy Award Winning Artist from Vancouver, Canada

Fiddleheads Yukon Group, Yukon

Tom Connor & the band, Yukon, Canada

The Yukon International Conference on Diversity and Inclusion 2024 will provide knowledge on building an inclusive culture in our societies. It will provide an understanding of the issues from different perspectives by delivering critical insights into the culture and systems that impact diversity, equality, and inclusion. These experiences will significantly enrich your professional growth and broaden your understanding of the essential need for uncompromised diversity and inclusion in societies. Free Entry and Registration - contact: TheTELIYA@gmail.com ICDI2024@yukonafrican.com www.theteliya.org www.yukonafrican.com Sponsors:

whatsupyukon.com

February 7, 2024

No Name Poem I‛m going to rewind my CDs I‛m going to engrave my clothes

I‛m going to water my artiﬁcial plants I bought a left-handed cup

I‛m going to wash my paper plates

What are you giving me for your birthday?

I‛m going to sharpen my pen

My tickle is broken

I‛m going to push with the rope

I‛m clapping with one hand

I‛m going to drink my bannock I‛m going to Old Crow yesterday The dentist gave me new glasses I used my snowshoes all summer I‛m going to draw my name The rock is ﬂoating My wheelbarrow can go in reverse I lost the keys to my combination lock Everything is 100% off at the free store There‛s fresh tracks on the mountain

There‛s no seatbelt on the plane toilet I‛m going to look for my plastic coins with my metal detector There‛s no urinal in the ladies washroom ■

When I was a kid, this Elder gave me a Gwich‛in name ”CHIH AHAA” Translated it means”walking ahead” Allan Benjamin 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.

February 7, 2024

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February 7, 2024

COMMUNITY

Yukon Rendezvous Gold Sponsorship The Victoria Gold team is pleased to be a Gold Level Sponsor of this year’s Yukon Rendezvous Festival in Whitehorse and the title sponsor of the 2024 Quest For the Crown. Established in 1964 and held each February with a goal to enrich the cultural, economic and social vitality of the territory and anticipate the arrival of Spring, Yukon Rendezvous 2024 will begin this evening and feature numerous events and family-friendly activities throughout the festival leading up to the Quest For the Crown Coronation on Saturday, February 24. A judged competition between seven candidates this year, the Quest For the Crown events include a Fashion Show tomorrow, Tea and Social on Saturday, February 17 and a Feast on Tuesday, February 20 culminating with the Coronation.

“Yukon Rendezvous reflects the essence of what it is to be a Yukoner. Someone who demonstrates acceptance and resilience and shares a strong sense of community,” says Victoria Gold President & CEO John McConnell. “We are excited to be involved this year through our support and encourage Yukoners to attend the many wonderful events. Congratulations to the festival organizers and especially the Crown candidates. We wish you every success.” Other events include snow carving, cultural craft fair, fiddle show, Can Can dancers and more.

PHOTO CREDIT: MANU KEGGENHOFF

According to Yukon Rendezvous, “long before the ﬁrst festival, before Whitehorse was the Yukon’s capital and before the population grew to what it is today, Yukoners came together at the darkest, coldest and loneliest time of the winter. Coming together was an opportunity for everyone in the community to get out of their cabins, have a few laughs and visit with others who were toughing out the cold, dark winter.”

Previous Yukon Rendezvous Quest For the Crown candidates. This year’s Quest For the Crown Coronation, sponsored by Victoria Gold, will take place on Saturday, February 24 in Whitehorse.

For tickets, where applicable, and for more information, visit yukonredezvous.com

The Eagle Gold Mine is situated within Victoria Gold’s 100 per cent-owned Dublin Gulch Property located approximately 375 kilometres north of Whitehorse and 85 kilometres north, northeast of the Village of Mayo, within the traditional territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun (FNNND). The company employs over 500 workers and contractors; half of which are Yukoners At Work and many are FNNND citizens. If you are a Yukoner with mining experience, Victoria Gold encourages you to become a Yukoner At Work. Visit the “Work For Us” page at vgcx.com/contact/work-for-us/ and send your resume to greatpeoplework@vgcx.com.