Whitehorse got the blues. But nobody gonna throw themselves in the river; it’s frozen.
And you may have a coldhearted woman, but the thrill ain’t gone, in the Yukon
Whitehorse got the blues all right. Given its size and location, it attracts an astounding array of accomplished artists, all arriving with an awesome assortment of awards and achievements. In fact, snooze and you lose, because Yukoners get a who’s who of the blues.
But none bring the pedigree of Jimmy D. Lane.
His father is an almost mythical figure in blues lore. Jimmy Rogers was instrumental (as it were) in the creation of the Chicago Sound; widely hailed for bringing the blues from the backwaters of the South to chronicle the Black experience of American cities.
It was a movement that changed music forever and produced legends the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Albert King. And that’s who was in the house while Lane was growing up.
“I’d come home from school, they’d be hanging out in the living room; playing music, drinking and lying. I’m standing shyly in the hallway, I got a little plastic guitar, trying to get in on it.”
Learning at the feet of the masters was an honour, he says, even when the lessons were hard.
“Louis Myers (of the Four Aces) was a big influence on me, I played a lot with him. But way before that, again me with the plastic guitar, he said to me: ‘Boy, put that thing down, you’re hurting my ears!’”
Lane drifted away from music in his teens, picking up the gui-
tar again in his early twenties. He then honed his skills in front of the toughest crowds and the meanest critics; on the hard-jamming stages in the basement blues bars found on the south side of Chicago.
“These days are soft, they let anybody play. Those days you had to have your stuff. If you weren’t any good they’d kick you off the stage. They were true and raw. They’d throw you off the stage in a New York second.”
Lane had the stuff. It wasn’t long before he was playing and touring with blues royalty, which began a rich and diverse musical journey. During his 34 years as a musician, he has played with … well, everybody.
He’s worked with Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Robert Plant, Taj Mahal and everybody else you can think of. He’s toured through Europe and across North America, and played for thenpresident Clinton in 1998. Although still very much active, he joined his father in the Blues Hall
Easy entertaining starts with our unique selection of fresh and delicious platters. O ering a wide variety of your favourite
and an
of Fame in 2013.
In Lane’s hands an electric guitar becomes a transformative instrument. He’s a rocker who can rip the strings with such intensity they scream into the night; he’s a bluesman who can coax and coerce those same strings to weep and moan to the lyrics of heartbreak. His playing is reminiscent of Hendrix; he takes the guitar to the outermost limits of its capabilities.
He is influenced by a constellation of stars, including, but not confined to, “all those old cats who were there.” But whatever musical spheres he explores, one can always find the glowing embers of the blues within his work.
“If you really listen, he does these solos, you can pick out Stevie Ray Vaughan, Chuck Berry, B.B.
cont’d on page 6 ...
Mike Linder is a writer whose heart remains in the Yukon, while his feet continually carry him to places unknown.
Freelance with Mike Linder
Jimmy D. at the Chicago Blues Fest
PHOTO: Dianne Bruce Dunklau
THE NEWS DESK
WHO KNEW WATSON LAKE WAS A SKIER’S PARADISE?
Well, the folks at Jackpot City knew!
The online gambling platform did a simple study of 173 ski resorts across Canada, looked at places with lower visitor ratings but with high customer-satisfaction ratings and— voila! Mt. Maichen Ski Hill & Chalet, in Watson Lake, has emerged as Canada’s top hidden-gem resort in 2024, with a rating of 4.9 stars out of 5.
That’s pretty good news for the resort, which is volunteer-run and is already considered a hidden gem by many locals.
Jenny Skelton, secretary for the volunteer-run Watson Lake Ski Club and training officer for the hill’s ski patrol, said that being named the top hill in the country was a great honour. She also pointed out that Mt. Maichen is part of an ever-shrinking group of small hills in the country.
“The little hills like ours are becoming a rarity in Canada.” She attributed that to skyrocketing insurance costs combined with the expense of the sport itself, adding that in some places skiing has become a hobby of the elite.
But Mt. Maichen marches on with the support of commun-
ity members, who get involved in fundraising initiatives; with the town of Watson Lake, which owns the chalet; and with the Daylu Dena Council, who have supplied fuel to the hill’s machinery.
Throughout much of the hill’s history, it has been the place for schools to send students to learn to ski, Skelton said. Now in its 35th year, the school program is for grades 4 to 7 who head for the hill four times a year. The program is run by the ski patrol and has seen a lot of young skiers hit the slopes.
“Basically, every child has learned to ski through this program,” Skelton added. Located on the Robert Campbell Highway, the hill caters to all levels of skiers. Its elevation sits at 500 feet, and those looking for the most time possible on the hill can enjoy a thrilling mile-long run to the bottom. In addition, Mt. Maichen boasts two T-bars, nine groomed runs, programs for both schools and racing, ski rentals, a concession with a licensed lounge, and tons of cross-country-ski and hiking trails. The chalet can ac-
commodate up to 100 people for private functions.
Skelton said they hope to have a December opening, weather permitting, and have snow through to the end of the season (typically April).
This year will be particularly
exciting for the volunteers, as the ski club recently secured a grant to buy a new snow-grooming machine that will help keep the runs looking good and operating at their peak.
Menihek Nordic Ski Club, in Labrador City (Newfoundland and Labrador), follows close behind in second place, also with 4.9 stars out of 5. Nestled among birch and spruce trees, with skiing allowed into the evening, the resort is a hit with cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Ranking in third as a top hidden-gem resort is the Thunderhill Ski Area, in the Swan River Valley, Manitoba, with a rating of 4.9 stars out of 5 from 29 Google reviews. Lying inbetween the Duck Mountains and the Porcupine Provincial Forest, the resort has over 24 perfectly groomed ski runs, 2.2 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, and cozy chalets where you can enjoy a warm drink after a busy day. For more information on Mt. Maichen, check out facebook. com/MountMaichen. n
Marilyn Valen
PHOTO: Jenny Skelton: WLSC
THUMBING IT DOWN UNDER
I love Tasmania
It reminds me of the Yukon because of its remoteness and laid back, resourceful people. It is also similar to New Zealand because it is on an island, so the distances aren’t far between places and the locals love picking up hitchhikers.
At least they did in 1987 when I was on a year’s trip around Australasia. I had just finished working at a lodge in the outback for six weeks and had got a ride all the way to Melbourne with a youth hosteller and then flew to Devonport, Tasmania.
When I got to the youth hostel I discovered that I couldn’t check in until 5 p.m. when their reception opened. So I left my backpack on their porch and went for a walkabout. I was sitting on a picnic table in a park by the river when a bearded old hippy stopped and complimented me on my jeans (that were partially covered with leather patches). I told him that I liked his willow walking stick and we got to talking.
When I told him that my nickname was Bella, he said that everyone calls him Hagar because he is the cartoonist for Hagar the Horrible.
“No way! That’s my favourite comic strip,” I said.
Part Six
I had an entertaining afternoon with this Tasmanian character who claimed to be the cartoonist of Hagar the Horrible
around together for a few hours, bought another bottle of port and some sausages and walked up to the bluff where we cooked them on one of the gas barbecues that most Australian parks have.
Before we parted we asked someone to take a picture of us.
“Most people think I’m bullshitting,” he said, as he took a drink out of a bottle in a paper bag. “Look, I’ll prove it,” and he pulled out a little drawing pad and drew me a cartoon of Hagar’s head with a big speech bubble and signed it Dik Browne. I had my doubts, but why couldn’t a cartoonist be a drunk recluse living in Tasmania?
Either way, it was fun to listen to all his stories, including being on the Merv Griffin show. We hung
Then I gave Hagar $10 and got myself a room in a B&B to sleep off the port because it was still too early to book into the youth hostel.
I have never been able to find anything written about Dik Browne
ever living in Tasmania so I’m quite sure that I was duped. But they do bear a resemblance, his signature looks authentic and it made for an interesting afternoon.
I hitchhiked down one side of Tasmania and up the other covering 1673 km in 19 days and 37 rides. One afternoon, I was trying to hitch out of Sheffield, which is off the main highway, when the school bus dropped off a bunch of kids. They all stared at me and a
PHOTO: Donna Lawther
Freelance with Donna Lawther
Donna Lawther is a long-time Yukoner, pour-painting artist and author of Harry the Hug Monster.
THE SANTA TRAIN
By the late Jared Story
In days past when mining and the military were still a presence in Whitehorse, the local children had not one, but two, December dates etched indelibly as Coming Events.
On a pre-ordained Saturday, usually accompanied by a spine-twisting cold snap, the first event would arrive. The excitement, the chaos of preparation, then the thumpity, square-tired ride downtown with all the moving parts and all the passengers in the car squealing in seven octaves.
We would assemble around the White Pass building at the end of Main Street, a collection of miniature multi-coloured Michelin tire logos joining a similarly-dressed hoard. Most of the adults gravitated to the ice of the building to chat and relax, knowing the river was frozen and that the kids’ winter costumes restricted mobility on par with a ball and chain.
Clumps of youngsters wandered about through a haze of pre-dawn ice fog, car exhaust and human breath, speculating on when the crashing noises from the rail yard would materialize as The Santa Train
Then it would arrive! A designated official would bellow something sounding like instructions but these were hammered to oblivion by the diesels and washed away by a sea of child cheers. A scramble for window seats and general pandemonium, an expectant hush, then – next stop –
The North Pole
The few surviving adults hunched around a tiny corner stove that radiated less heat than a cup of coffee and tried to ignore the bedlam. Kids rolling down the aisles. Kids climbing the walls. Kids turning purple trying to expel enough breath to melt a peephole through the window. Kids awestruck numb on their first-ever train ride.
McCrae was a more than credible North Pole with its barren scape and wind-sculpted drifts. We’d come to a metal-tortured screeching stop and pick up Santa.
Even the scrawniest St. Nick dressed for this temperature took on the required rotund proportions, and whatever that beard
“The excitement, the chaos of preparation, then the thumpity, square-tired ride downtown with all the moving parts and all the passengers in the car squealing in seven octaves.”
- Jared Storey
was made of it was always covered with real frost. He would “Ho Ho Ho” through a mini riot in each car somehow managing to present each child with their own little gift. The ride back was always shorter. Before we could get those peepholes rethawed the train stopped at Main Street. Santa marched up to Hougen’s with most of us in his wake. We would find parents, get photos taken, accept bribes to go to the movie matinee, shop or just wander. After all, there was still the real Christmas.
Is it only a locomotive and a couple of green and gold cars that we’re missing? A free trip of a lifetime for every kid that showed up. A child-free Saturday with your partner before the holiday rush. Or is this just one little tradition of many that we’ve let slip away?
Isn’t it time we put a metalscreeching stop to our own spiritual backslide? Isn’t it time to start singing carols; lifting our eyes high enough to see the sun on Grey Mountain – wave at our neighbours, dive into a snowbank and leave an angel imprint?
Isn’t the Real Christmas what our hearts are reaching for? So next season, hold all that is dear and those little traditions closer and climb aboard your Santa Train. n
Clayton’s CAR CARE Tips
BRAKE FLUID
Regular brake fluid changes ensure that a car’s braking system operates safely and effectively. Modern braking systems use brake fluid to transfer the application of the brake pedal down to the front and rear brakes, to bring the vehicle to a stop. The fluid is usually silicone based, which does not compress, giving a solid pedal feel and an increased temperature rating. The downside to using this style of fluid is that it absorbs moisture from the air. Constant braking causes massive amounts of heat to be generated by the braking components, which is then transferred into the fluid. If there is moisture in the fluid, this will decrease the temperature rating of the fluid, and can result in a soft brake pedal and increased stopping distance. Most manufacturers recommend brake fluid changes every 2 years, regardless of kilometres travelled, but it may need to be changed more frequently if the vehicle is operated under abnormal conditions.
Macrae in the 1950s
PHOTO: Supplied by Sam Holloway
Sam Holloway is a widower who alternates between his cabins at Marsh Lake and Ross River. He formerly edited and published both The Yukon Reader and The Yukoner Magazine
Freelance with Sam Holloway
King. He weaves blues legends into his solos, he captures bits and pieces of them and brings them together into one powerful sound,” says Yukon musician Patrick Singh.
Singh was instrumental in bringing the son of Chicago to the cold of the Yukon. Lane was already north of the border, having met and married a Canadian woman while on tour. Singh says the rest was serendipity.
“I was in a band, Sasquatch Prom Date, and we were hired to
go to some ritzy event in Edmonton. After, they took us to a disco place, so we split. Barnacle Bob was with us and Ryan McNally, and we wound up in Blues on White. Jimmy D. Lane was playing and someone yelled ‘do you know who that is?’”
Of course they did. They were blues artists, and they were blown away. Introductions, reminisces, likely some hero worship and a few brown bottles later, a bond had been formed.
A short time later, Lane found himself bringing the authentic Chicago sound, in its original form, the style that revolutionized music, to its farthest northern reach. Singh remembers those first
performances as spell-binding.
“When we played in Dawson, we played at the Snake Pit. Afternoon shows. The music was incredible. We’d finish a song, and this thing just went through the audience: “What just happened?” It’s like time stopped. It was magical. In Dawson, there were magical musical moments.”
Lane was also impressed, and
not only by the music; he found the venue equally remarkable.
“That old hotel that can’t close, because they would never get it open again. Man that was a fun experience. If you weren’t drunk when you walked in there, you would think you were, the floors were slanted, the walls, everything. We had a great time.”
Lane’s own encounter with the supernatural came later, and brought a lifetime connection to the Yukon.
“We had a gig up there one winter. I went outside to have a smoke, and I have this experience, an amazing experience. The Northern Lights. The most beautiful thing I have seen in my life.”
Lane has been coming to the Yukon for the past dozen years, missing only when Covid barred the gate. It is not only the lights in the sky, but the spotlights in some places that helped foster his affection for the territory.
“The first time I went into the 98, the connection just hit me. Where the stage was, where the bar was, the atmosphere; It reminds me of a club in Chicago
called ‘Blues’. It was one of the first places I tried to learn and hone my guitar playing. That night we were grooving, and they were a very, very warm audience. They were rocking away. It was a blast.”
Which is why he’s pumped about the upcoming gig; he’ll hook up with Singh on drums and Adam Cripps on bass to once again rock the 98, on December 20 and 21. As for Singh, he’s still amazed that Lane comes to the Yukon.
“He’s one of the best blues players in the world. Having a guy of that calibre, in a place like the 98 is mind boggling.”
Lane says he loves the territory, and his northern sojourns help him decompress and recharge his batteries.
“It’s a whole different mindset up there – very cool, very relaxing. It’s a stress relief, takes the edge off living. I enjoy every time I come up and I’ve met some very interesting people. You never know who you’re going to run into up there.”
It is true, you really don’t know who you might see in the Yukon. Hey! Do you know who that is?! n
Happy Holidays!
This time of year is all about gathering with family and friends, spreading kindness to others, and enjoying the many different ways to celebrate the holiday season together.
Whether you’re gathered around the Christmas tree, lighting the Hanukkah menorah, celebrating the winter solstice, or appreciating all the Yukon has to offer, on behalf of the Yukon government, I want to wish you a safe and happy holiday season, and best wishes for the New Year!
Warm regards, Premier Ranj Pillai and Team
Patrick, Jimmy & Gary at the Pit in Dawson
PHOTO: Patrick Singh
Adam, Jimmy & Patrick
Chicago Blues Fest - 2
PHOTO: Pam Atkins
PHOTO: Ms. Danika
Toews
Freelance with Dianne Homan
Dianne Homan is a retired school teacher, dancer, and long-distance walker. She is the author of Walk Your Own Camino, Mother Earth Legends, and two children’s books. She lives an oh-so-simple off-grid lifestyle.
A YUKON CABIN CHRISTMAS
By Dianne Homan
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the cabin
we all were done eatin’, we all were done gabbin’.
My partner, the dog, and the cat, and yours truly sat cozy and warm in our practical woolies. The wood stove was glowing, the teapot kept hot. That last cup of chamomile sure hit the spot. We listened again to our Christmas CD and sometimes joined in, only slightly off-key. Our few decorations framed the view to outside where fluffy white inches of snow sure did hide all the raw and rough edges of our complex world. It drifted, it danced, and it floated and twirled. Now we didn’t buy presents. We have quite enough. We gave to the food bank and donated some stuff. Sure, Christmas is different now that I’m older. For one thing, my bones feel a little bit colder. But I’ve always loved Christmas. When I was a kid I poked and I peeked to find out what was hid. I made miles and miles of looped paper chains.
I hung silver tinsel. I hung candy canes.
I hung up my stocking, kept an eye on the sky, so sure I’d see Santa and reindeer soar by. Those times were so special – the thought keeps me warm.
But now Christmas joy has a whole different form.
It’s quiet like northern lights arcing above.
It’s cozy like partner and dog and cat love.
It’s tasty like holiday turkey pot pie.
It’s soft like a satisfied yawn or a sigh.
It’s magic like ice candles lining the trail.
It’s thoughtful like Christmas cards sent through the mail.
It’s friendly like shovelling snow for a neighbour, enjoyed as good exercise rather than labour.
The holiday madness can stay at the stores, and I’ll stay at home, where the spirit is more like “Joy to the World” and, for sure, “Silent Night.”
May your holiday heart fill with peace and delight.
PHOTO:DianneHoman
ART SHOWS
Until Jan 17 Pixel Perfect: A Journey Drawing Outside the Lines by Riley Cyre YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery Showcasing the vibrant and evolving artistry of 14-year-old Riley Cyre, whose digital creations reflect themes of empowerment, emotion, and selfexpression.
Until Jan 17 Threads of Change: 50 Years of Northern Fibres Guild YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery
Until Feb 2 Celestial by Yukon Art Society Members Arts Underground
Until Feb 20 The Land Speaks to Me by Jackie Olson YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery A rare glimpse at her collected works-in-process: Olson makes works that want to be returned to the land, and many of her works have already been curated back.
Until Feb 20 Land Mass by David Curtis YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery Dawson Citybased artist David Curtis presents a compelling series of film and multimedia sculpture installations in his latest solo exhibition.
Until March 1 Growing Up
With the Yukon - The Van Bibber family Arts Underground Showcases selections from almost two thousand photographs taken by the Van Bibber family between 1919 and 1965
LIVE MUSIC
Mon Dec 16 & Tue Dec 17 Matt
Sat Dec 21 Holiday Karaoke Party 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well Hosted by John Watersproceeds go to the Band Fund
Fri Dec 27 Country Josh –Compassion Pills – KABN 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well An evening of original music by local bands.
Monthly
Mondays
Gray Jay Café 6:00 PM Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House.
Tuesdays
Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Wednesdays
Intermediate Jam - Bluegrass & Old Time 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion bi-weekly Hosted by the Yukon Bluegrass Society Karaoke 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Whitewater Wednesday 8:00 PM 98 Hotel
Thursdays
Ginger Jam 7:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Fridays
Live Music 6:00 PM Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House.
Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Saturdays
Live Music at Whiskey Jacks 7:00 PM Whiskey Jacks Pub & Grill. whiskeyjacks.ca/
Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Sundays
Open Jam 8:00 PM 98 Hotel
GENERAL EVENTS
Mon Dec 16 Beginner
Blacksmithing - Forge a Christmas Ornament 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Learn how to use the induction forge to make a holiday ornament. Mon Dec 16 Lighting Design 101 with Norah Paton 7:00 PM Guild Hall In this hands-on, 2 hr workshop learn to operate the lighting board and to build several lighting ‘looks’ together. Email ytguildhall@gmail.com for more info.
Tue Dec 17 Beginner Woodworking – Make a Trivet 5:30 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Learn how to reclaim cedar wood and create a personalized trivet (pot holder) with laser engraving. Tue Dec 17 Illuminating Worldviews Dialogue Series: The Willow Basket Project 6:30 PM MacBride Museum of Yukon History An evening of light fare and dialogue about The Willow Basket Project: Practices of Community Resilience at the Yukon School of Visual Arts
Wed Dec 18 55+ SocialChristmas Sing-A-Long! 10:00 AM Canada Games Centre Our 55+ Socials are Back!! Join us for a Christmas Sing-A-Long! Coffee & Tea provided, meet on the first floor concourse - by the Flexihall. Wed Dec 18 Holiday Lunch 11:30 PM Victoria Faulkners Centre
Andersen - Put The Jolly In Your Holly! 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Join Matt Andersen for his special Christmas concert - holiday songs infused with raw blues-rock, rollicking Americana, thoughtful folk, and ecstatic gospel.
Fri Dec 20 & Sat Dec 21 Sing
Until Sat Dec 21 Spruce Bog Boutique 10 AM - 8 PM The Old Firehall. The longest Christmas craft store pop-up, presented by the Yukon Craft Society, Est. 1975, including new artisans, and old favourites!
Wed Dec 18 Create Cards & Decorations 6:00 PM Raven ReCentre Learn from Whitehorse artist Nicole Bauberger as she explores ways to make decorations, cards, and gifts using the household waste stream! https://linktr.ee/ yukonconservationsociety
Wed Dec 18 Words Out Loud
– December 2024 6:45 PM Arts
Underground A monthly open mic event for writers and readers, featuring Telek Rogan & Linda Leon.
Along with the Problematic Orchestra 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Come ready for a unique experience; this isn’t your average caroling! Bring your voices to join in the singing. Co-directed by Daniel Janke and Hannah Mazurek. https:// yukonartscentre.com/whats-on/ sing-along-with-the-problematicorchestra/
Fri Dec 20 & Sat Dec 21 Jimmy
D Lane & Mo’ Trouble 8:00 PM 98 Hotel Fri Dec 20 A Hip-Hop Holiday Throwdown 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Until Dec 22 12 Days of Christmas Market 10:00 AM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Explore a wide variety of local crafts, artisanal foods, and unique gifts. It’s the perfect opportunity to find special presents for your loved ones and enjoy the festivities! https://fireweedmarket.ca/
Until Dec 26 Gladiator II Nightly & Weekend Matinees Yukon Theatre Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. https://yukonfilmsociety. com/schedule/gladiator-ii
Wed Dec 18 December Craft Party 7:00 PM Mini Makerspace Make tacky sweater ornaments, wreaths and other fun projects.
Fri Dec 20 Pushpa - The Rule - Part 2 5:00 PM Yukon Theatre The clash is on as Pushpa and Bhanwar Singh continue their rivalry in this epic conclusion to the two-part action drama. https:// yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/ pushpa-the-rule-part-2
cont’d on page 9 ...
Sat Dec 21 2024 Polar Plunge
11:00 AM Whitehorse Elks Lodge ALL plungers (frosty first timers, plunge pros and bounties) will receive the 2024 edition Polar Plunge Towel for their plunge participation. https://soy. crowdchange.ca/90747
Sun Dec 22 Beyond Borders Youth Network - Holiday Celebration 5:00 PM Yukonstruct
Makespace An evening filled with joy, connection, and celebration. It’s a wonderful chance to meet new people and learn more about Beyond Borders Youth Network! Fri Dec 27 Stand Up Comedy by Musicians Pushing their Envelopes 7:00 PM 98 Hotel An evening of stand up comedy, scheduled open mic style. Tue Dec 31 Snow Sculpture Workshop 12:00 PM Shipyards Park Learn how to design and carve a snow sculpture.
Monthly
2nd Monday Ukulele Group 6:00 PM Golden Age Society salvin@ northwestel.net
2nd Monday Whitehorse Slow Jam 7:00 PM Golden Age Society
2nd & 4th Mondays Service Officer 7:00 AM Royal Canadian Legion Whitehorse An invite to all Veterans, Police and First responders for the service hour at the Legion, socialise and find out what is going on. https://bit. ly/3Lm40ZG
2nd & 4th Wednesdays
Whitehorse Photography Club - Meetup 7:00 PM Yukon University - Whitehorse Campus Held in Rm A2204. Discuss photography, share your work, learn new tips and tricks. http:// whitehorsephotoclub.ca/
First Thursdays QYS Craft Night
7:00 PM Queer Yukon Society
The Cache This is a great place to gather and meet other queer crafters. And there will be tea of course. Regular drop-in is still available.
2nd Thursday QYS Movie Nights
5:00 PM Queer Yukon Society
The Cache Last Thursdays Repair Cafe 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Bring it in and see if it is fixable using soldering irons, multimeters, and other tools. This easy introduction to electronics and small home appliance repair is a useful evening of DIY learning that you can take home.
2nd Thursday Music Trivia 7:00
PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Come on out and test your music knowledge! Teams of no more than 6 people.
Last Friday Pioneer Women of Yukon 12:00 PM Golden Age Society
3rd Sundays Messy Church
3:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral church for children and adults that involves creativity, celebration and hospitality. Crafts, singing and food will be the focus.
2nd & 4th Sundays Grade 8 –
12 High School Youth Group
6:00 PM Mountainview Church
A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith. https://mountainview.church/ connect/youth Monthly
Weekly Mondays
Women’s Bible Study 6:00
PM Women’s Bible Study. Refreshments are served followed by the study. For more info check out www.mountainview.church or email rachel@mountainview. church.
Mtg: Competitive Commander
6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
Ukulele Group 6:00 PM Golden Age Society
Euchre - For Members and Signed in Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254
Euchre a trick-taking card game for four players, two on each team, As a member you
Tuesdays
Bridge 12:00 PM Golden Age Society
Café de l’amitié 2:00 PM Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY) Le Café de l’amitié est un rendez-vous hebdomadaire et une occasion de rassemblement pour les francophones de 50 ans et plus.
QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer
Yukon Society The Cache Language Skills for Ukrainians 5:15 PM Yukon Learn A discussion group workshop provides a relaxed and friendly environment where learners can practise and learn English conversation skills.
Weekly Shuffleboard
Tournament 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For members and signed in guests. A double knockout style competition and games are limited to 6 ends or 15 minutes
Chess Club 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us!
SuperSmash Bros, Mtg: Commander 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
10 Card Crib - Members & Signed In Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Whether you are a seasoned crib player or a beginner, come play! Learn tips and tricks and have some fun! https://bit.ly/3KP0B5s
Wednesdays
Multicultural Connection Group 11:00 AM Multicultural Centre of the Yukon – MCY Connect with other parents and caregivers, learn about parenting in different cultures. A free lunch program for immigrants and refugee families. Lunch and transportation provided. Call 332-1803 for more info.
Spanish Conversation 12:00 PM Whitehorse United Church Call 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
Sew & Tell All – Elders Hangout 1:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Facilitated by Kwanlin Dün Elder-in-Residence Shirley Smith, everyone welcome. Feel free to join and start a beading project or work on something that you’ve already started! For more info email culturalprograms@kdcc.ca
QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache
Texas Hold’ Em 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For signed in members and guests. Bragging rights!
Mtg: Modern, Warhammer Age of Sigmar 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
Thursdays
Public Speaking TrainingToastmasters 12:00 PM Decora Guests are always welcome. There are many roles to learn at Toastmasters. Practice 2 minute table topics
Anglican Thursday at the Cathedral 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral Bring a lunch (Book of Alternative Services) Pathfinder Role-Playing Game for Youth 3:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Find out what role playing games are all about! Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are always welcome.
Mtg: casual Commander, Warhammer 40k & Kill Team 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
Mountainview Church Community Group 7:00 PM 16 years or older? Mountainview Church Community Group! We’ll share some snacks and talk about what the bible has to say about discipleship.
Fridays
Coffee & Chat 11:00 AM Golden Age Society Coffee and chat is a way to connect with your community, develop friendships, and have fun.
Mtg: Pioneer, YuGiOh Casual 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
Saturdays
Yukon Amateur Radio Association Coffee Discussion Group 8:45 AM A&W Restaurant Hams from outside the Yukon and those interested are welcome to join us in this casual event.
Cribbage - Members and Signed in Guests 2:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Masks are mandatory. Members must have a valid 2021 membership and they may sign in 2 guests MAX.
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
Thur Dec 17 Family Christmas Party 4:30 PM Yukon Family Literacy Centre Christmas stories with Marry Poppins, and photos with a surprise visitor!
Until Dec 24 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Nightly Yukon Theatre Nobody is ready for the mayhem and surprises that ensue when six of the worst youngsters disrupt the town’s yearly Christmas performance. https:// yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/ the-best-christmas-pageant-ever Sat Dec 21 Kids Night Out 5:30
PM Polarettes Gymnastics Club Prepare for a fun-filled evening with pizza, games, gymnastics, and a movie!
Fri Dec 27 Opening Night – Sonic The Headgehog 3 Nightly & weekend matinees Yukon Theatre Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary! https:// yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/ sonic-the-hedgehog-3
Monthly
1st & 3rd Saturdays Grades 5 - 7
Junior Youth Group 7:00 PM Mountainview Church Passionate about giving kids opportunities to have fun & make new friends, while teaching them about Jesus & His great love for our world https://mountainview.church/ connect/youth
2nd and 4th Saturdays Grade 8 - 12 High School Youth Group 7:00 PM Mountainview Church
A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith. https://mountainview.church/ connect/youth
Weekly
Tuesdays
Story Time 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Join us for stories, songs & rhymes! A free drop-in program for children ages 0-5 and caregivers at Whitehorse Public Library
Parent-Child Mother Goose 10:30 AM The Child Development Centre Celebrates the power and pleasure of songs, rhymes and oral stories. Bonding time with your little one or to learn for later.
Wednesdays
Community Connections 1:30
PM Yukon Family Literacy Centre An intergenerational story time and craft program. Meet local elders, have a coffee, do some crafts, and make a friend!
Thursdays
Pathfinder Role-Playing Game for Youth 3:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Youth 11-17 are invited to join, no experience necessary.
Transformations Along The Chu Nikwän 1:30 PM Yukon Visitor Information Centre
Join Amber for a free walking tour every Thursday along the Whitehorse waterfront to learn about the Yukon First Nations people and the history of the Yukon.
MEETINGS
Thu Dec 19 Longest Night Society AGM 6:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre
Weekly
Tuesdays
Rendezvous Rotary 6:30 PM Tony’s Pasta and Seafood House Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at Tony’s Pasta and Seafood. Come and join us for fun, and fellowship.
Thursdays
Toastmasters Decora 12:00 PM Sundogs Toastmasters Club. Club is open to all interested parties and we provide constructive feedback to help develop public speaking skills.
Monthly
First Monday Klondike Snowmobile Association Board Meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon https://ksa.yk.ca/coming-events/ First Monday Yukon Amateur Radio Association Monthly Meeting 7:00 PM EMO Building Discussion of club business. Prospective hams are welcome. Third Thursday Yukon AntiPoverty 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-monthly-meetings
Third Thursday ASAY board monthly meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon
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 3347693.
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.
Until Dec 19 Moana 2 Nightly Yukon Theatre After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana journeys to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced. https://yukonfilmsociety. com/schedule/moana-2
Wed Dec 18 – Fri Dec 20 Happy Holidays from the Groobers 6:00 PM Wood Street Centre This family friendly show was written for kids Kindergarten to grade 3 but we think all ages will enjoy it.
Heather LeDuc 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.
IN REVERENCE TO NATURE
Two Dawson artists explore resilience and adaptation in the natural world
It was a spark of curatorial genius when Yukon Arts Centre gallery director Mary Bradshaw decided to program exhibitions by Dawson City artists Jackie Olson and David Curtis in the main gallery. The two like-minded artists both produce work that conveys a reverence for the natural world, and hope for its ability to adapt to the impacts it endures from humankind. They also share a penchant for collecting.
“They’re so different in many, many ways, but then you see the materials,” Bradshaw says of the pairing. “Willows showing up, [and] pieces from the dump, very much permeate in both spaces,
but [are] used in different ways. It just felt right.
“You can look at David’s work and go ‘Woah! That’s from Dawson,’” she continues. “There’s that collecting. I remember from living there, there’s like ‘I’m keeping everything. I don’t know when my stove is going to go out.’”
Jackie Olson agrees.
“It’s really that ‘still in the bush’ mentality,” she says. “You can’t throw anything out because you might need it for something.
“And then you start to look at things and then you see the beauty in it.”
In Olson’s exhibition, The Land Speaks to Me, the beauty comes from combining the natural fibres of hand-made paper with salvaged remnants of metal. Olson uses eco-printing processes to coax the patterns from rusted metal and imprint them into the paper.
In an 8-mm film called Working Hands which accompanies the exhibition, Olson’s hands are engaged in her practice – preparing willow, sewing hide. Her work is informed by Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in traditions as well as by contemporary materials and methods. She likens the way that her grandmother, Annie Henry, prepared hides – the scraping, the amount of water involved – with her own paper-making practice.
For the pieces in The Land Speaks to Me, Olson had originally planned to exhibit the metal pieces themselves, but was dissuaded by the logistics of handling them.
“My initial vision was to have a lot of metal in [the gallery], but then the more I started working with the metal it was like, ‘No, the metal is present, but I don’t need to worry about lugging these big monsters around.’”
Olson did include one metal work in the show – a long, latticed, rusted piece that she was drawn to in the Dawson dump.
“It was all kind of mangled up together, but what I saw was all this laciness in it and it was just so beautiful to me.”
When it was still at the dump a week later, Olson brought it home.
“So my friends and I, we stretched it, we pulled it out, we did the dance on it and flattened it out.”
Olson wrapped the metal piece in a light linen canvas and spritzed it repeatedly with potato water. She used salt and vinegar to “pull out the rust.”
The final printed canvas work is mounted on the wall opposite the original metal piece. Other pieces in the exhibition show evidence of the metals Olson has joined with the paper – the corrugated tin so ubiquitous in early Dawson buildings; and patterned tiles retrieved from the Midnight Sun Hotel fire.
Olson’s work suggests stories
revealed by the ghostly traces of metal left in paper. Repurposed, flattened oil tins hold memories of the people who used them to clad their modest Dawson dwellings. Those stories form part of the Dawson collective memory: “That’s a part of us,” Olson says.
The works also speak to the artist’s interest in the tension between the natural and the industrial, but also her belief that, in the end, nature will endure and adapt no matter what humankind throws at it.
“Our land is so giving and forgiving. It just covers everything up and keeps going.”
In his exhibition, Land Mass,
cont’d on page 11 ...
gift of quality time together in nature & create unique, lasting memories. Annual memberships are all about access, discounts including equipment rentals, and caring for the wild world around us!
daily 11:00am-5:00pm. yukonwildlife.ca
PHOTOS: Heather LeDuc.
David Curtis and Jackie Olson
Freelance with Heather LeDuc
The Land Speaks to Me
of films shot by Curtis.
The chapel refers to the Mass in the exhibition title, as Curtis was raised Catholic until he was about six. But Curtis’s father abandoned the Catholic church when it was modernized in the 1960s and lost its elements of mystery and its mystique – “the Latin Mass, the use of incense, all the formal things about it, that would take you into another world.
“My father said ‘we’re not going to church anymore,’” Curtis said. “‘We’re going to go to the mountains instead.’”
are enshrined under Plexiglas cases. Bird houses shaped as cakes with goopy icing hang on the walls and spin on plinths. Inanimate objects – a milk jug, a banana box – have camouflaged themselves in attempts to survive in the bizarre world where they find themselves. They’re humourous but also unsettling.
nature, and Olson’s rustic, earthy impressions on paper, the artists strike a reassuring balance.
“I feel really honoured to be showing with Jackie, and I think it was a really great thought on Mary’s part, to pair us for this exhibition,” Curtis observes. “Because the resonance between the two things was like yeah, [we] did a good job. And what we’re dealing with, too, coming from very different worlds but looking at similar things.”
Curtis also explores the idea of the non-human world adapting to the onslaught of human activity. The exhibition is the fifth of a series of sculptural installations and films called Search Though We Might, We May Never See Beyond the Horizons of Our Imagination Each installation is sitespecific, with Curtis reusing elements from previous versions but also introducing new pieces and themes. This is the first time he has presented the work in a large
gallery setting.
“Wrapping my head around this big space was something I was conceptualizing for months beforehand,” Curtis says. “But I had no idea; I couldn’t possibly conceive of it.”
Fortunately, he had an “anchor point” for the show – a chapel –which is composed of a darkened space with two benches, or pews, and a hunter’s blind hovering above the floor. The front of the chapel is a screen showing a series
His father’s radical decision was a turning-point because it freed Curtis from the oppression of the church and opened him up to the awe of natural realms, and to spirituality outside of organized religion.
“This is so much of my Catholicism, the conceiving of this space, but with my love of nature and my connection to all things natural,” Curtis says. “And the spirituality as well that I wanted to imbue it with, hence the levitating hunting blind, with the camera pointing out.”
Curtis sees himself as a hunter with his camera, taking care to blend with his surroundings so he can capture his subjects. With extreme close-ups, he presents the struggles of insects as worthy of our wonder and sympathy. His camera lingers on a napping cat’s whiskers and a dog’s nose, so that we appreciate that the nonhuman critters we live with are small miracles.
“I find these lives as important as ours, and the dramas they’re going through,” Curtis says of the animals he films. “That helps me to deal with my life, to go ‘I’m part of this and I’m no more important than this.’”
“Exactly,” says Olson, whose film, Working Hands, includes animals in its soundtrack – barking dogs, purring cats, and cackling ravens. “I think nature really helps keep me grounded especially in these crazy times of, you know, ‘the world’s ending.’”
In contrast, on the other side of Curtis’s chapel wall is “the real world” – a chaotic assembly of objects that suggests a museum conceived by a mad collector. Strange, unidentifiable objects
“It’s some of that adaptation of things,” Curtis says. “And it’s a little bit like Jackie’s taking that detritus and transforming it, so that it’s a metamorphosis to a certain extent. I think it’s a natural process and an adaptation and some of these pieces kind of speak to that as well.”
On its surface, Curtis’s camouflaged banana box is very different from Olson’s paper pieces, and yet they all arise from the artists’ shared belief in the resilience and renewal of nature. Somewhere between Curtis’s fantastic museum, his chapel steeped in
“I was really happy that David was going to be here,” Olson affirms. “I think that the whole space works well together.”
The Land Speaks to Me and Land Mass will be on exhibition at the Yukon Arts Centre until February 20, 2025. n
PHOTOS: Heather LeDuc.
Jackie Olson’s eco-print of metal piece on canvas
David Curtis’s birdhouse cake
David Curtis’s camo banana box
David Curtis’s camo milk jug
Jackie Olson’s metal piece
Jackie Olson’s paper works –Midnight Sun Hotel tiles (top) and flattened oil tins (bottom)
PEARLS OF WINTER WISDOM
How to shorten winter from six months to six weeks
The plaintive, probing question bordering on a whine of seasonal desperation arrived via text from 13-F, my only granddaughter, who asked: “Grandpa, do you have any of your famous pearls of wisdom that can shorten winter or make it go away entirely? It’s not even Christmas yet and I’m already sick of it.”
Of course I have a “winter pearl” for my favourite girl, and it’s a lot older than I am, because I learned it from the ancient Aztecs of central Mexico who were sun and moon worshippers before the Spanish arrived in 1519 and dumped a load of Christianity on them.
They called the moon Mama Quilla and didn’t even have names for the two moons in the dead of winter when Mama went to sleep and Huitzilopochtli, the sun god, slowly lost his power like an old Yukon car battery until the arrival of the winter solstice on December 20 or 21 revived him and slowly woke up his wife.
Those six weeks, three before and three after, were called the “Black Hole of Winter,” which ran from roughly December 1 to January 10, on our bogus Roman calendars, when the Aztecs fasted until the Solstice then mated with reck-
less abandon afterwards because children born during the autumn harvest were said to be blessed by the gods.
The Aztec way of getting past the solstice and New Year struck me as far more intelligent and sensible than our European custom of eating and drinking until we bloat and implode, so I adopted it as my own. But I gave up on the fasting and mating rituals after years of trying. I also never sacrificed any of my enemies, although I considered it on occasion.
I tried many years in Whistler to fast from December 1 to the 21st but never made it, or even came close. The best I ever did was a week of no solid foods before a wayward pizza derailed me and my good intentions.
And my “winter” ends every year on January 10, which is when the sun powers up and begins galloping towards spring.
This year the solstice is on December 21 at 1:20 am in our hemisphere, which is the actual start of the solar new year and mid-winter on my shortened holiday itinerary.
And if you point out all I’m really doing with this six weeks of winter stuff is playing head games with the calendar, I will agree and plead guilty with this proviso: Yukon winters are as much mental as physical and if I want my winter to be over on January 10th, who’s to say I can’t do that?
The Aztecs were a bit more scientific than we are. When the head shaman determined the days were indeed getting longer, he lit
a bonfire on top of the Teotihuacan Pyramid of the Sun which spread the word all across the empire that the long fast was over and the party could begin with lots of feasting first.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve didn’t exist yet in the Americas and the solstice itself was what the celebration was all about. It meant that Mama Quilla was pleased with her people and life could go on for at least another year.
If it worked for the Aztecs and works for me, it can work for you too, teenager.
The only other viable options in western Canada are hibernating like our ursine cousins or being a ski bum at Whistler. Nobody in Canada has faster winters than skiers and snowboarders who curse the very thought of melting snow in spring. It’s Un-Canadian, much like being a snowbird. n
Doug Sack is a former sports editor of the Yukon News and the Whistler Question, and a longtime columnist for Ski Canada magazine. Freelance with Doug Sack
Huitzilopochtli
PHOTO: Javier Torres Madrigal - via Pixabay
Teotihuacan, Aztec Pyramid
ILLUSTRATION: Dik Browne
I have never found proof that Dik Browne lived in Tasmania, so I am quite sure that the man I met was an imposter, but this is the cartoon he drew for me
few stopped to chat and ask questions.
“Do you have food in there? Where do you sleep? Did you walk here? Don’t you have any friends? How come they’re not with you?”
I’m sure they went home and told their parents that they met a swagman who was a lady!
I guess I did look like a bit of a hobo in my leather patched jeans and floppy leather hat and big backpack covered with embroidered patches from places I had been. Not to mention my old van’s NWT licence plate sewn on the back!
I stayed at the Sheffield youth hostel that night and hitched to Stanley the next day. It is a
beautiful little historic town set on a skinny peninsula with a big rock at the end called The Nut. It took me six rides to get there. My favourite was two young blokes from Launceston - Peter and Rob.
They gave me a great tour of the highway and told me lots of interesting things about Tasmania. It was with them that I first noticed what appears to be the trendy spider web on the dash of old trucks – authentic and all.
Peter gave me his number and told me to look him up when I was in Launceston so he could show me his house that he built out of an old water silo.
ITW_SlayAd_WhatsUp.pdf 1 2024-11-12 4:28 PM
At the Stanley turnoff, two girls and a guy (Richard) picked
me up, gave me an excellent tour of Stanley, took me to the girls’ place for coffee, dropped me at the caravan park (where I rented a trailer for $15) and picked me up that night to take me for dinner to Richard’s place in Smithton. As I wrote in my journal: “Gotta love those locals!”
Two days later I hitched to Strahan, a small town on the west coast of the island. As soon as I walked into the youth hostel I heard someone call out, “Hey, Canada!”
“Hi,” I called back, as I stepped into the communal room where four or five other backpackers were sitting around.
“You’re the chick with the polar bear licence plate sewn on your pack. I’ve seen you on the side of the road and was hoping our paths would cross one day. I love your jeans.”
I looked down at my jeans, partially covered in leather patches that I had sewn on over the last three years, and laughed. “I can’t believe I brought them on this trip,” I said. “They are so heavy that I have to wear them whenever I am hitchhiking because they are too bulky and heavy to carry in my pack. They are perfect for Tasmania but get awfully hot on the mainland.”
“They make you stand out,”she said, “which is what you want to do when you’re hitchhiking. People will want to pick you up just because you look like an interesting character. I’m from Ontario, how about you?”
“I was born and raised in Cal-
gary but lived up North for the last five years. I’m moving back to Whitehorse when I get back.
“The Yukon! I’ve always wanted to go there. I should move there with you.” We laughed.“Which way are you heading? Wanna hitch together?”
And that is how I met Char-
lotte, the third soulmate I met on my travels. We not only influenced each other’s immediate travel plans but our future ones too. n
I eventually finished patching my jeans and still have them
PHOTO: Donna Lawther
CHRISTMAS TURKEY (WITH
Some days I do like to spend all day cooking: New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas!
You didn’t really think I’d let Christmas go by without a fantastic roast turkey recipe, did you?
For me, Christmas is about spending quality time with family and friends, enjoying the love of the season and eating great food. Whether you’ve got a big gathering for dinner or a small intimate one, it’s just such a special day and deserving of some time and attention in the kitchen.
Obviously, you’re going to pick the size of your bird based on how many people will be attending. Preparation for a meal of this magnitude takes some time. The sharpest culinary minds tell us that the best, easiest and safest way to thaw your turkey is in the fridge. It takes a while! Generally one day for every 4-5 pounds. I’ve found that one day for every 4 pounds is better so as not to be dealing with frozen giblets after opening my prezzies!
I use a bread stuffing adapted from the Joy Of Cooking: Irma S Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker. (Seriously, if you do not have a copy of this ancient and fantastic book, you should! First copyright in 1931, 11th printing in 1978).
Don’t follow my advice on cranberry sauce, as I just buy a can. Be sure to check out our friend Michele Genest’s recipes for homemade cranberry sauce here in the What’s Up Yukon web site archives!
And if you can, use a locallygrown turkey from one of our many local producers. You will notice a massive difference! The meat is always leaner, the texture is to die for and the colour is yellowish – the actual colour of a turkey before the commercial meat producers do their ‘thing’ to preserve and create a longer shelf life and bottom line profit.
INGREDIENTS:
• A turkey
• Potatoes
• Vegetables: carrots, peas, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts
• Onions
• Celery
• Bread
• Butter
• Milk
• Cranberry sauce
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sage
• Nutmeg
• Bisto chicken gravy mix
• Flour
• White wine METHOD:
Turkey:
1. Remove the giblets and wash your turkey with cold water. Put the giblets in a saucepan and cover with water, set them to a very slow boil. You’ll want to use this water for your gravy.
2. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and stuff with dressing. If you have a rack inside your roasting pan to place the turkey on, that’s great, if not, no big deal.
3. Baste the turkey with melted butter. Add about 1/2 cup of both water and white wine to the pan. Cover with lid. If the lid won’t fit, use aluminium foil.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 15 minutes per pound. 30 minutes before the bird will be fully done, remove the lid, baste and finish it off uncovered. If you are using a large enough roasting pan with a lid, you can baste more often but if not, don’t worrythe steam will stay under the foil and keep the bird nice and moist.
Stuffing:
1. Dice about 3 1/2 to 4 cups of dried bread into 1/2 inch cubes. To dry the bread just leave it out, exposed, for a day or two on the counter. I like to use 2 - 3 slices each of white, whole wheat and rye
bread. Sourdough is a very nice addition if you have some.
2. Finely dice about a cup each of celery and white onion. Mix this with the bread in a large bowl and add salt, pepper and a healthy amount of ground sage.
3. Melt about a cup of butter in a measuring cup. Put the stuffing into the bird but don’t pack it densely. When it’s about 1/2 way full, pour in about a 1/3 of the butter then continue filling, adding more butter as you go. Don’t forget to stuff the other end of the turkey as well and add some butter. Use the leftover butter to lightly brush on the breast of the turkey to baste. Any leftover stuffing can be wrapped in tin foil with some butter and put into the oven about 45 minutes before the turkey will be ready.
When you remove the lid on your turkey, 30 minutes before it’s ready, you’ll want to get started on your potatoes and veggies. I like
to do whipped potatoes with butter, sour cream, milk and nutmeg plus carrots with peas for veggies, both from my Prime Rib recipe.
(Issue 829, Dec 4, 2024 – on the WUY website). You can make what you like for vegetables. Generally I boil carrots, peas, brussels sprouts and green beans, while I prefer to steam broccoli and cauliflower.
Once the turkey is ready, take it out of the oven to rest, reduce the heat to 190F, prepare your potatoes and veggies, then put them in the oven to stay warm.
In the bottom of the roasting pan add some of the potato, veggie and giblets water and whisk in your gravy mix. I use about 3 cups of water with 2 tablespoons each of flour and Bisto chicken gravy mix, thoroughly whisked and then added. Salt and pepper to taste and keep whisking the gravy until you get a nice texture. When you do, take it off the heat.
I do like to keep things trad-
itional, so for me it’s always: tablecloth, place mats, candles, our finest china and crystal, gravy boat and utensils. And I carve at the table. Potatoes, veggies and cranberry sauce in nice serving dishes, dinner buns (warmed in the microwave) and usually a very fine glass of nice wine.
When I was a kid, my Mum always made a trifle for dessert, but that’s for a different column. I would highly suggest Michelle’s Spruce Tip Beer Spice Cake with Caramel Sauce, (Issue 830, Dec 11, 2024 - also on the WUY website).
Merry Christmas! And remember that when Grandpa and Dad start to snore on the couch shortly after dinner, it’s the tryptophan, not your company! n
ACTIVE LISTINGS
Sat Dec 21 Winter Solstice Run 10:00 AM Grey Mountain – Upper Parking lot Please wear your most festive gear. Run or walk up to the towers on Grey Mountain Road approx. 12 km return. Must be a Athletics Yukon member to participate.
Sat Dec 21 Special Olympics
Polar Plunge 11:00 AM Elks Lodge
Whitehorse Take the Polar Plunge, as it challenges people to bravely jump into an icy bin filled with water from the mighty Yukon river all for a good cause. https://soy.crowdchange. ca/90747
Sat Dec 21 5+ Hours of Light Fat
Bike Festival 11:00 AM Wolf Creek Campground Come out for all or part of the day. Participate solo, or as a team (8 people on a team, maximum).
https://yukoncycling.com/
Sun Dec 22 DPSAY Ibex Excursion
1 race 11:00 AM Ibex Valley https:// dpsay.org/race-schedule-2024-2025/
Mon Dec 30 Canada Summer Games Rugby ID Camp - Mens 4:00
PM Canada Games Centre
Mondays
Judo For Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight
Days Martial Arts
Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM
Northern Strength Academy
Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00
AM Canada Games Centre Yukon
lift, improve performance, and build strength.
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.
Lifting for Longevity 10:00
AM Northern Strength Academy Specifically designed for the retired population, but open to anyone.
Fall/Winter Yoga with Barbara 10:00
AM Whitehorse United Church Yoga for all levels, everyone welcome, dropin, for more info call 335-1996.
Babynastics with Coach Libby 11:15 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club
A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www.polarettes.org/babynastics
Strength for Endurance 12:00 PM
Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05
PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Strength & Conditioning 1:00PM
Northern Strength Academy
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Indoor Cycling 5:00 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength. ca/
Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM
Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!
Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40
AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!. http://cuts2.com/jiacg Noon Strength & Conditioning 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/
Elderactive Pilates level 1 12:00
PM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!
Ladies Kickboxing 12:05 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout. Move & Meditate - Slow Vinyasa Yoga 12:10 PM Grace Space Movement and mindfulness with our Moving Meditation - Slow Vinyasa Yoga. http://amitieyoga.ca
Line Dancing - Beginners 1:00 PM Golden Age Society
Elderactive Intermediate Hiking 1:00 PM ElderActive Recreation Association Leisure Walking is similar to Nordic walking but is suitable for those who prefer a slower, more relaxed pace
Line Dancing - Experienced 2:00 PM Golden Age Society
Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged
Babynastics with Coach Libby 10:30 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club
A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www.polarettes.org/babynastics
Noon Strength & Conditioning
12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy
Indoor Cycling 12:05 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength. ca/
Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days
Martial Arts 12:05 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Kids Muay Thai 4:45 PM Eight Days
Martial Arts KIDS MUAY THAI a dynamic and engaging martial art that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. Open to ages 8 - 12.
Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM
Northern Strength Academy
Ladies Kickboxing 6:00 PM Eight
Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Tuesdays
Strength for Endurance 6:00 AM
Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts
Ladies Lift 7:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to
Northern Strength Academy
Ladies Lift 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Whitehorse Archery 6:30 PM Takhini
Elementary Whitehorse Archery is a non-profit club for the recreational shooter, hunters, and those who just want to work on their skills. www. whitehorsearchery.com/schedule
Stretch & Stabilize - Functional Conditioning 7:00 PM Grace Space
Purposeful movement with our Functional Conditioning non-yoga movement class. http://amitieyoga.ca
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Wednesdays
Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00 AM
Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.
Indoor Cycling 6:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength. ca/
Morning Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/
Midweek Morning Warm-ups 9:00
AM The Guild Hall Start your day with gentle, and energizing warm up. Led by Jacob Zimmer and guests. Drop in, by donation. Sign Up Appreciated - Upstairs at the Guild Hall https:// whatsupyukon.events/51584e
Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00
AM Canada Games Centre Yukon
Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged
Elderactive Pilates level 1 9:30 AM
Indoor Cycling 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! northernstrength. ca/
Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy Functional strength class teaches compound multi-joint lifts that improve athleticism, strength, coordination, power and more.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing 7:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Thursdays
Strength for Endurance 6:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts
Ladies Lift 7:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Tai Chi for Seniors 10:00 AM Golden Age Society Come early, bring water, and wear comfortable, smooth soled indoor shoes.
Lifting for Longevity 10:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.
Lunchtime Fitness Classes 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy cont’d on page 17 ...
Tuesdays classes are more resistance and strength focused and Thursday classes more HIIT cardio. Drop in & passes are available. bit.ly/3oiTBVz
Strength for Endurance 12:00 PM
Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach.
Inclusive for all levels
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05 PM
Eight Days Martial Arts
Strength & Conditioning 1:00 PM
Northern Strength Academy
Babynastics with Coach Naomi 3:30 PM Polarettes Gymnastics Club
A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www.polarettes.org/babynastics
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM
Eight Days Martial Arts
Ladies Lift 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Whitehorse Archery 6:30 PM Takhini
Elementary Whitehorse Archery is a non-profit club for the recreational shooter, hunters, and those who just want to work on their skills. www. whitehorsearchery.com/schedule
Fridays
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts
Indoor Cycling 6:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength. ca/
Morning Strength & Conditioning
7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/
Strength & Conditioning 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy
Thursdays Noon Hatha Yoga 12:00 PM Grace Space Energizing blend of Hatha and Kundalini with Pranayama (breathwork), Friendly and Community oriented space! http:// www.gracespaceyukon.com
Muay Thai Kickboxing 12:05 PM
Eight Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM
Eight Days Martial Arts
Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - teen classes 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Muay Thai Kickboxing 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.
Saturdays
Flow & Fly – Vinyasa Yoga 8:30
AM Grace Space A dynamic and invigorating practice to awaken your inner strength. http://amitieyoga.ca
Ladies Lift 9:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Strength & Conditioning 10:00 AM Northern Strength Academy
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. northernstrength.ca/
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05 PM
Eight Days Martial Arts
Open Mat 12:05 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
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! northernstrength.ca/
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.
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 3326476 for more info.
1st Wednesday QYS 2SLGBTQIA+
Parent & Guardian Peer Support
Nights 6:00 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 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. whatsupyukon.events/4en
Last Monday 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
Last Sunday Spoonie Support Circle 2:30 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache A low-key community hangs, engaging in peer support in facilitated conversations on topics brought forth by participants, and meet other spoonies! For details and to register islairhysrathlin@gmail.com
Mondays
Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM Yukon
Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.
AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House
AA Life Ahead (O, A) 7:00 PM 509 Hanson St. Held in person or by zoom – ID 251-363-5766, call 778-907-2701 for more info.
AA New Beginnings Group (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 Yukon
Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.
AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00
PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House
TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 6:00 PM 100 25 Firth Rd Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Join us! Every Wednesday morning. Call or text 867-334-1725 for more details
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.
Wednesdays
TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly)
8:00 AM Closeleigh Manor Common Room Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Call or text 867-3341725 for more details
Community Kitchen 11:30 AM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, lowbarrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 6672693 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. Cancelled Dec 25/Jan 1.
Narcotics Anonymous Meetings
7:00 PM Inclusion Yukon
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 Yukon
Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.
AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House
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 778-907-2971 for more info.
VFWC – Drop-In 1:30 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In. A safe welcoming space. Drop-in includes laundry and shower.
Community Kitchen 5:00 PM
Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre
Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, lowbarrier, 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 778-907-2971 for more info.
VFWC – Drop-In 1:30 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In. A safe welcoming space. Drop-in includes laundry and shower.
Community Kitchen 5:00 PM
Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre
Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, lowbarrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 6672693 for more info.
AA Hospital Meeting 7:00 PM #5 Hospital Rd. Room 1212
Sundays
AA Detox Meeting (O, A)1:00 PM 609 Steele St.
AA Yukon Unity Group 1:00 PM Online By zoom – Zoom ID 482-5189588 PC 334796 For more info call 778-907-2971
As I settled into my gig at the 202 I decided to stay in the Yukon
Two weeks into our monthlong gig I called my (now ex-) wife and told her that “I live in Whitehorse now. Do you want to move up or are we done?”. We’d been having some ‘issues’ and she was living with our two very young girls at her parents’ place in Golden, B.C. She was all for the idea of moving to Whitehorse.
By the end of my 202 gig, I’d been offered a full-time, sixnights-a-week house gig at the Roadhouse, plus staff accommodations for myself and family. I finished up at the 202 and went south to move my young family up to stay.
Our friends and family were skeptical. Y2K was imminent and computers would crash, plunging the world into darkness and chaos. What would we do then? I told them that from what I’ve seen of Whitehorse and Yukoners, we’d probably just build a big bonfire at 2nd and Main, roast weenies and marshmallows, sing songs and dance!
Our families and friends were not amused. Some even suggested that I’d ‘lost my marbles’, so to speak.
The 44-hour Greyhound bus ride from Golden, B.C. was gruelling, especially for our little girls, who were three years old and eight months old at the time. The last sit-down meal we’d had was in Dawson Creek and when we got to some old, abandoned place called Fireside the bus driver needed a smoke so we stopped for ten minutes.
p Rayne, Me & Kassie (standing) in Dawson
I explained to him that our cooler was empty, that the girls were hungry, and asked when might we see another town? He grinned, took a puff off his smoke and said, “Watson’s not far. Haven’t you heard the Greyhound motto? Coast to Coast on a piece of toast!”.
We arrived in town less than a week before Christmas at 4:20 in the morning (not going into how fitting that might have been!) and got a cab to the Roadhouse where our room out back was waiting for us. The next morning, the manager moved us up to a more secure room upstairs and we started settling in.
This is where the real magic started!
After a few days there was a polite knock on our hotel room door and I opened it to see an amazingly well-dressed lady. She told me that she owned the Hobah Apartments in Riverdale and had heard that there was a young family with very young kids staying at the Roadhouse.
“I will not let a young family
:
Part Two
p The Highway
spend Christmas in the Roadhouse!” she exclaimed. “I will give you a free apartment. If you choose to continue staying, you can start paying rent as of February 1st.” She took us all over to the apartment, showed us around, gave us the keys and a ride back to the hotel. We got started packing.
WOW!
A few hours later there was another knock on the door. It was Johanna from the Salvation Army. She had also heard the story. She used her van to help us move our stuff to the new, empty, apartment and then took us over to the second-hand store.
She opened it up and proceeded to give us furniture, kitchen supplies, presents for us and the girls and a little tree to put them under. Then she gave us some food, including a Christmas turkey and all of the fixings, and helped us get it all into the new apartment.
We were dumbfounded, humbled and blessed. In less than 48 hours we went from staying
in a hotel room at the Roadhouse to a lightlyfurnished apartment through nothing less than the incredible kindness and generosity of perfect strangers in our new home – The Yukon. We were home and went on to have one of the best Christmases ever!
To say the least, my stories about how awesome Yukoners are had been verified! Over the years, I think that I have learned first-hand from some very solid people how to extend that generosity, kindness and love. I will continue to behave in the way that I was originally shown as what it is to be a Yukoner.
I’ve been a proud Yukoner ever since. The rest, as they say, is history, which, alas, is for other stories! n
PHOTOS: Gary Atkins
with Gary Atkins
Gary Atkins is the editor of What’s Up Yukon, and is proud to promote, feature and support All Things Yukon.
Heading into my 25th Yukon Christmas q
SILENT AUCTION DONORS:
Acacia Vintage
All West Glass
Alpine Aviation (Yukon) Ltd.
Aroma Borealis
ATCO Electric Yukon
Ava P Christl
Balsam Fir Creations
Behind the Barn
Big Bear Eatery and Taphouse
Bill Curtis
bluEnvy Boutique
Brooke Martel Photography
Bullet Hole Bagels
Cadence Cycle
Capital Helicopters
Claire Strauss
Verma
Hill
Coast Mountain Sports/Sports Experts
Cultured Fine Cheese
Carlie Beads
Casino Mining Corp.
Cathers Wilderness Adventures
Ceci Twigge
Coates Services Yukon Ltd.
Colin Alexander Fine Art
Commissionaires Yukon
Dr. Himmelsbach
Dr. Ken Quong
Eldorado Skate & Snow
Equinox Ice Tours
Erika Scheffen
Gather Café & Taphouse
Heritage Funeral Home
Holland America
Icycle Sports
In Memory of Edith MacAdam
Inn on the Lake
Hon. Jeanie McLean
JJ Designs
K. Rumley/M. Bennett/R. Bradford
Klondike Office Systems
La Cara Tacos
Lavish Beauty Bar
Lee Pugh
Lumel Studios
Mamayo’s Cuisine
Midnight Sun Emporium
Muktuk Adventures
Murdoch’s Gem Shop
Myra Iles
North End Gallery
Northern Lights Optometry
Northwestel
Paradise Alley Gifts
Philippa McNeil
Ricky’s Whitehorse
Sanchez Cantina
Shoppers Drug Mart
Sky High Wilderness Ranch
Southern Lakes Resort
Sportees Activewear
The Franchise
The Fruit Stand
The Gourmet
Triniti Technology
Tatshenshini Expediting
Pettitt Benja Brauen
Cathers
Pepper
Bryanna Ingram Carolyne Thompson
Cheri McCarthy Christine Rivero
Klock
Darlene Balfour
Doris Aubin
Douglas Pedersen
Glenda Koh
Greg Shaw
Hannah Snow
Heather Balfour
Heather Villeneuve
Jean Plenderleith
JoAnn Coates
John Angelo Petines
Judy Shannon
Karianne Howarth
Keltie Hollingdale
Kerry Foster
Kim Dodds
Koree Ensor
Lisa Franics
Lisa Boyd
Lisa De Panfilis
Madison Jensen Michelle Edwards Michelle Kelly Miranda Amos
Mitch Camp
Natal Samuelson
Nesty Paron
Nicole Myke Pat Webber
Penny Rawlings
Rebecca Hansen
Ryan Wickenheiser
Selene Vakharia
Sharlene Clarke
Sharon Bertomo
Shelly Bradley
Stacey Ashley
Stacy Ashley Thais Galinski
Veronica Usher
TREE DECORATORS
Bonnie Dixon
Charlene Morgan
Douma Alwarid
Everly Adams
Helen Smith
Jennifer De Hart
Karen Forward
Karin Steele
Kateryna Osypova
Kelsey Gammel
Marsh Lake Tents and Events
Megan Tubman
Michelle Kelly
Peggy and Lily
Shayla Bierlmeier
Tara Kolla
The Air North Team
The NVD Team
The Wildstone Team
The Yukon Agricultural Association
Yukon University Staff and Community Members
YUKON HOSPITAL FOUNDATION BOARD
Tammy April, Chair – Northwestel
Joe Iles, Director – Challenger Geomatics Ltd.
Dan Johnson, Director – Total North Communications
Ben Asquith, Director – Da Daghay Development Corporation
Tara Chmelyk, Director – Finning Canada
Jason Steele, Director – Pelly Construction Ltd.
Nicolas Leblanc, Director – Leblanc Wealth Management, CIBC Wood Gundy
Jennie Gjersen, Director – Newmont Corporation
FESTIVAL TEAM
Karen Forward, President, Yukon Hospital Foundation
Douma Alwarid, Unorthodox
Helen Smith, Ray Chaykowski, Megan Tubman
and the Marsh Lake Tents & Events team
Karen Tredger and the NVD team
Omni Productions team
Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre team
Arctic Star & Inkspirationz
Chera Hunchuk, Bird’s Eye Design
The Yukon Hospital Corporation Finance team
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.
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. Drop-in, Free admission! For more info email yogajessyukon@gmail.com.
CARMACKS
Pick up your
GREETINGS, GOODWILL & GRATITUDE
ROSS RIVER
DAWSON CITY 9 9
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 dropin fee this day. Drop-in Bouldering 6:00 PM Robert Service School Free - drop-in - all ages
Saturdays Youth Parkour Tumbling 12:30 PM Robert Service School All Ages - Free – Drop-In. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Open Studio – Drop In 1:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art
Thursdays
PM Robert Service School Ages 13+ - Free
6:00 PM John Tizya
Centre Wednesdays
& Old Crow
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
Fridays Family Game Night- Coffee House 9:00 PM The Hope Centre
Sundays Church Service 12:00 PM The Hope Centre SKAGWAY Alaska
Until Dec 31 Yuletide 2024 Skagway Celebrate the holidays in this quaint town, many events around town going on right up until New Years!
Mondays Live
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Jessica Engle, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist at Boreal Clinic in Whitehorse. Her expertise is in psychological treatments for sleep problems and trauma-related concerns. This is an unpaid reader submission written in
FINDING LIGHT IN THE DARK SEASON
How the science of sleep can help with seasonal mood challenges
“It’s not the temperature, it’s the darkness that’ll get to you.” Newcomers like myself often hear this warning. During each cold season, for much of the Northern population, the growing darkness shrouds outlooks, clouds the brain, and slows the body.
Many folks deploy a variety of strategies to prevent a downward spiral. Meditation, travel, bright indoor paint, household projects…. Despite all efforts, for many, the dark season is the perennial slump.
While seasonal mood and sleep issues happen farther south too, including where I come from, I’ve heard over and over that it can be uniquely intense here for some folks. It’s as though the price of partaking in Yukon’s pristine beauty and natural treasure is adopting a proportionate rival of psychological challenges.
As a psychologist, thanks to my professional training, I knew in advance of the potential psychological hazards of subarctic conditions as they relate to mood and sleep. I also knew of some simple ways to help prevent them, or to improve them should they occur.
In this piece I will share some lesser known – but no less important –strategies for preventing and managing the winter slump. They involve one of the Yukon’s greatest gifts: the view.
Many factors that influence how seasons interact with our bodies are quite common sense, though others are less intuitive. Let’s start with a commonsense one. Dark conditions increase the potential for sleep in humans.
This scientifically-demonstrated fact, also brought to you by Cap-
tain Obvious, is consistent with the common observation that more darkness in the winter can lead to longer periods of sleep.
Conversely, in conditions of bright light we are more alert, and this fact is more important to your sleep than it appears. When asked if folks know that bright light is important for sleep and mood, most will state their knowledge of the benefits of skin exposure to sunlight for vitamin D production.
more light entering through our eyes, the less melatonin we produce temporarily.
Importantly for the North, the opposite is true as well. Less daylight in the winter can lead to overproduction of melatonin because we produce more of it in the absence of light. Darker days lead to drowsiness in the daytime.
This intricate internal lightsensitive system is believed to have originated in our evolutionary
remotely resembles the conditions of ancient times. Artificial light is available around the clock. Cultural expectations of modern life set the business hours and days according to societal objectives, not our energy levels. This can all combine to make one tired human.
To add to the complexity of the picture, there are multiple systems within our bodies that need to align with melatonin release to regulate sleep and wake cycles. One is
Vitamin D is connected to serotonin production, a neurotransmitter linked with mood. That is all true, but there are two other important areas of your body that need light as well: your eyes.
Bright light, when passing through the eyes, suppresses melatonin production in the pineal gland. I’ll spare you further details of the physiological process. Just know this: melatonin is a hormone that is essential for sleep, and the
history when our ancestors spent daylight hours on the move and rested when it was dark. Avoiding the dangers lurking under the cover of night helped these ancestors survive to pass on their genes. As a result, cemented in our DNA today are the vestiges of these precious early lessons about survival.
Since our internal processes developed in ancient environments, they are typically quite outdated. Our current world only
called the homeostatic sleep drive. It boils down to this: the more you sleep, the less you need sleep. Your sleep drive is a lot like your hunger drive. After one big meal, it takes a while for you to build back enough hunger to eat another big meal. The same goes for sleep. To fall and stay asleep for longer than a few hours, you must build up a ‘hunger’ for sleep by staying awake and expending energy through activity.
For wellbeing, you want this sleep drive to time up well with your melatonin production. And for reasons mentioned already, this can be harder to do in the darker seasons.
Tying melatonin and sleep drive together, here is one illustration (of many possible) showing how these processes can look when misaligned. You just finished a long work week, and you allow yourself to sleep in on your day off – easy to do when the sky is a silky black at 10 a.m. on a Saturday. When you finally rise, you feel sluggish. You spend the day catching up on indoor chores.
With limited light exposure all day you fall asleep early, but because you overslept earlier, your sleep drive isn’t strong enough to keep you asleep for more than a couple of hours. You wake up at 3 a.m. too exhausted to get up, but not able to sleep either, so you browse your phone until your eyelids close two hours later.
You end up sleeping in again the next day. When you finally wake up, you’re tired and you decide to take it easy. You lie around in your dark living room watching movies, doze in the afternoon, and what the heck, you take another nap after dinner.
That night, you’re tired, having plenty of melatonin in your system, but the timing and length of your naps used up most of your sleep drive. You struggle to fall asleep, and the next morning you wake up an hour before your alarm.
Unfortunately, it’s Monday and though you feel sleep deprived, you have to get up for work soon. It’s okay, you tell yourself, you can nap later to make up for this. You’re tired all day. The cycle continues.
If you relate to this exhausting cycle, you are far from alone. And if you don’t relate, you undoubtedly know someone who does.
To be continued…. n
PHOTO: Ruslan Sikunov from Pixabay
Dawson City Holiday Gift Guide
Self Care!
Suppor t local businesses and give the gift of a Dawson City experience this holiday season. The perfect way to relax, recharge, and create lasting memories—all just a shor t trip away!
Keep it Cozy!
Harsh winters can be hard on your body and mood! The Beauty Stick f rom Rockpile Remedies helps reduce inflammation, heals scars and nourishes the skin. The Magnesium Body Butter f rom Lunar Lixirs helps tired muscles to rest and repair
From Ancient Voices Natural Products, The Spirit Lifter (Mood Enhancer Tonic), will help stabilize mood swings and enhance a positive outlook
Give the gift of coziness this winter! Threadsnorth creates hand embroidered pillows and is available at local stores like Dancing Moose Kith & Kin carries xurious cashmere socks. heck out Dawson City rading Post and This N That for hand-knitted hats, gloves and scarves f rom local artists.
Book Worms!
Maximilian’s Gold Rush Emporium is your destination for a diverse selection of books, including works f rom talented local authors! Explore Splinter & Shard by Lulu Keating, dive into The Pit by Tara Borin, and uncover the gripping tale of Bury Your Horses by Dan Dowhal. Whether you’re a fan of thrilling fiction or local talent, you’re sure to find your next great read here.
Inspired by Nature!
Hob Mons c lu T gl
For the nature lover in your life, many local artisans offer online purchases. Pictured here: Monstera pin f rom Jahier Studio, Flower bead print shoes f rom Klondike Hobby Crafts, Pansy earrings f rom Owl Eye Designs. Dancing Moose carries jewelry f rom Canadian made Ebony + Sparrow
Art Lovers! Staycation!
Discover unique, one-of-a-kind pieces at P.B.G Gallery! Featuring a curated collection of local artists, explore stunning jewelry, pottery, prints, and more. From the vibrant Pink Milk Drink to the captivating works of Bennie Allain, Philomene, and Dan Brown Hozjan, there's something special for every art lover.
Gift cards for Dawson City's best hotels, eateries, and our spa make the ideal present for anyone looking to unwind and explore our historic town. It's the gift of adventure, relaxation, and local charm all wrapped up in one!
