What's Up Yukon

PHOTO: Bruce Barrett Photography

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TA GRANDMASTER COMES TO TOWN

his tai chi Grandmaster visited once before, about 21 years ago, and I hear a karate Grandmaster visited about 37 years ago. Fifty of us lucky locals and visitors from elsewhere in North America got to experience what that means over the first weekend in October.

Here’s what I knew before Master Yang Jun arrived. He’s the fifth generational teacher in his family. He started learning tai chi chuan from his grandfather when he was just five years old. The two of them started teaching internationally, as a team, when Yang Jun was a young man. In 1999, his grandfather encouraged him to move to North America to continue the promotion of the Yang form of tai chi in the West. In 2009, the mantle of Grandmaster was passed from grandfather to grandson, when Yang Jun was in his 30s.

I was curious about this upcoming seminar. After taking tai chi classes off and on for a few years, what would be different about taking classes from the Grandmaster himself? And after practising tai chi with my classmates and local teachers, for one or two hours a week, what could we possibly do for five hours a day, three days in a row?

I knew there would be some culture shock for me. We students were given a list of protocols and procedures, which involved how to address the Grandmaster, how to ask questions and how to stand. I squirmed. But it turned out that Master Yang projects calm, good humour and flexibility. I stood in the right spot and babbled my required four words of Chinese, and it was fine.

The first morning, he spoke

about so many big ideas—that tai chi is the philosophy; and tai chi chuan, the movement practice … and that it’s all about yin and yang, soft and hard, technique and strategy, understanding self and understanding other, about physical balance and energy balance. He used the image of water and I thought of how soothing water can be, yet how easily a wave can knock you down.

I loved watching him demonstrate. He embodied control and power, and clarity and groundedness. And when he showed a “normal” or “pedestrian” way of moving, we all laughed at the con-

Jun leading the

trast. I guess we were laughing at ourselves.

That’s when I knew this wasn’t going to be just a movement class. This was going to go deeper into an invisible layer, to a place where mind and body and spirit work together.

Over the three days, we did work on the 103 movements of the long form. Having learned them in

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Dianne Homan is a retired dancer, teacher, and long-distance walker who loves to write, grow veggies, and live a simple off-grid life.

Freelance with Dianne Homan

Master Yang

seminar

PHOTO: Bruce Barrett Photography

A Grandmaster comes to town cont’d

playfully change to “snake creaks down,” to describe how some of us older students do it.

So besides refining my technique and expanding my awareness

art, I experienced a pleasant culture-shock-worthy Aha! I saw that learning, rather than always going into new territory, can go over the same territory in a deeper way. It’s like peeling an orange to get to the juicy parts.

I appreciate Grandmaster Yang Jun and his work, around the world, to share the Yang family form and to collaborate with practitioners of other forms, for wider learning for all. Thanks to the folks who came from all over North America to join us in Whitehorse for a great weekend.

Much appreciation to Pam Boyde, Yukon’s chief instructor who is also a director of the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association. And we are fortunate to have a bunch of really good local instructors and a great group of volunteers who helped make this event happen.

I am tired, mind-blown, and grateful. n

my local classes, I knew that they would take a presence of mind and concentration to perform.

Feet positions, shifts of weight, rotations of the body, pathways that arms travel, and placement of hands, are very exact.

And each movement has a name. I love the animal ones: “white crane spreads its wings,” “repulse the monkey,” “embrace tiger, return to mountain,” “high pat on horse,” “part wild horse’s mane,” “golden rooster stands on one leg,” “white snake spits out tongue” and “snake creeps down,” which some teachers

Other movement names let you know that this is indeed a martial art: “parry, block and punch,” “twin fists strike opponent’s ears,” “turn body and chop with fist,” “right heel kick,” “left heel kick” and “punch to groin.” When Master Yang demonstrated (with a willing volunteer) ways that all of the movements might translate into serious and effective fighting techniques, we saw how the details of stance, body position, arm angle and hand shape make for powerful weapons. The teacher seemed to barely move; and the student, unhurt but surprised, was on the floor.

Born in Victoria, British Columbia, and raised in Sidney, Sherry married Ross Lindley in 1980. Together, they moved north to Dawson City, where Sherry worked at the Dawson City General Store and quickly became known for her warm smile and friendly spirit. Though Sherry and Ross later went their separate ways, they remained connected through their children, Brandon and Emily

In the years that followed, Sherry met her life partner and later husband, Chris Sorg. Together they built a beautiful life rich with love and adventure. In Dawson City, they operated Maximillian’s Gold Rush Emporium, and after moving to Whitehorse in 1995, they owned

Sherry Ann Sorg

June 2, 1959 – October 15, 2025

With immense heartbreak, we announce the passing of Sherry Ann Sorg Sherry was predeceased by her beloved husband, Chris Sorg (Sept. 2022), and leaves behind her loving children Brandon (Christine) and Emily (Leo); cherished grandchildren Vada, Crosby, Edison, Tavia, and Keenan; stepchildren Sean (Carly) and Kynna (Brad); sisters Kathy (Steve) and Karen (John); nieces Melissa and Paige, nephew Colton, and many extended family members and dear friends.

and ran several beloved downtown shops, including Murdoch’s Gem Shop and Mac’s Fireweed Books on Main, as well as Maximillian’s Gold Rush Emporium in Porter Creek which was a community favorite during its time. Sherry was the friendly face and heart of each business— always welcoming customers with warmth, laughter, and a genuine interest in their stories. She took great pride in her work and had an incredible eye for curating treasures that brought joy to others. Sherry’s passions ran deep and true. She was an enthusiastic gardener who could transform any patch of ground into a lush oasis of flowers and vegetables. She loved to cook and experiment with new recipes,

often “dehydrating everything under the sun.” Sherry also adored traveling the world with Chris, collecting seashells on the beaches of Sanibel Island in Florida, and sharing countless adventures together.

Most of all, Sherry’s greatest joy was found in her family—especially in being “Grandma.” She treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren, filling their lives with laughter, love, and homemade treats, and always making sure they knew how deeply they were loved.

Sherry’s heart, kindness, and generosity will be remembered and missed beyond measure by all who knew her.

Myleen

Chris Gherine

of tai chi chuan as a martial

Master Yang Jun demonstrates with a student volunteer

Movement, yin and yang, balance

PHOTOS: Bruce Barrett Photography

205A Main Street Whitehorse

Mon / Sat 9am - 6pm Sunday’s 11am - 5pm Formally Rambles

Playing With Words

I made a “Good Buy” (good deal)!

I‛m going to the “Wreck Department” (scrap metal yard)!

I‛m going to the “Barking Lot” (dog yard)!

I have lots of “Common Cents” (pennies)!”

I‛m going to visit the “Conversation Officer” (Storyteller)!

I‛m going to use the “Pee Lodge” (outhouse)!

I‛m going to the “Wealth Centre” (bank)!

I‛m going to make a “Skinoe” (skin canoe)!

I think that‛s a “Mousekrat” (small muskrat)! Where‛s “My Skin Snips” (leather scissors)?

This is a “Watching Machine” (TV)! I applied for “Band-Aid” (assistance

from your Band).

I‛m going to the “Pray Ground” (church yard).

I‛m going to the “Caribou Meating” (caribou meeting).

Where‛s Didoo‛s “Meat Grinder” (false teeth)?

I need your “Sign Language” (signature). Where‛s my “Bunny Boots” (rabbit-skin boots)?

Is this “Old Made” (made the old way)? Look at the big “Seagle” (seagull)! Is that food “Eatable” (edible)?

That dog is “In Heat” (in hot weather). I “Owe Henry” (Oh Henry)!

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

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

Thursday, November 6th, 2025 8:00am – 4:30pm

A MODERN DAY KLONDIKE KATE

FISHING IN PINK

A reminder to always dress your best, even when fishing

It was a beautiful 30 C midsummer day and the mountain creeks were calling to me, begging to have a fly line serpentine through the humid air and be gently laid on the bubbling, crystal lake.

I grabbed my fishing gear and was off. Some of my fishing escapades have seen me in some pretty precarious situations including climbing rock walls above whitewater rapids and being washed downriver and out to the ocean. This particular spot included a rock-cliff descent and a few deep creek crossings accompanied by a bear den within 100 feet of the fishing site.

Half an hour later, I arrived at my destination. I locked up my truck and started the dangerous trek, hyperventilating from the anticipation of surfacing big silver-bluish lake graylings that were hungry for my fly. I managed down the rock cliff, as I have hundreds of times before, and as I approached the first creek crossing, it was evident from the high water levels that I was going to get a bit wet. Normally I would never get

my feet wet in the wilderness, but I wasn’t far from my truck, so I slogged through the creek with my hikers and sweatpants, waterlogging them. I couldn’t care less as it was extremely hot that day and I needed to cool off anyway. It was soon evident that wet sweatpants were a huge pain to hike in as they got heavier and kept slipping down over my hips, no matter how tight I tied them.

As I approached the rocky point where the bubbling creek poured into the shimmering lake, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It was like the clouds of heaven had parted, with cascading mountains in every direction. I took in every site, smell and sound and just immersed myself in the moment. It’s always the most amazing, humble experience when you have been granted this gift of being the only soul around for miles.

I quickly assembled my fly rod, picked the sassiest-looking black gnat in the fly box and realized I was going to have to do something about these 50-pound sweatpants that were falling to my ankles.

Most who know me well will tell you how much I despise pink. I am not talking about those pretty pale-pastel pinks. I am talking about that hot-Barbie pink that has haunted me since I was a little girl (and was my only option growing up as a tomboy). Whether it was a hard hat, a sweater, women’s work gloves, dirtbike gear or a fishing rod, Barbie pink and baby blue were the options back then. Not a happy camper.

As I kicked off the heavy wet sweatpants, I threw my head back in disbelief and yelled “Seriously?!” To my disgust, on the day I wanted to stay camouflaged, which was the majority of my wardrobe, I had worn the hotBarbie-pink panties that day. I knew the only reason I would have bought them is because they were the last colour on the shelf (and for good reason). I brushed off my

BLUES VIBES with Brandon Isaak Trio

November 1

2 Shows: 6:30 & 8:30

Chair Seat: $30 Cabaret Seat: $35

hurt dignity and slipped into my hip waiters, knowing that my only witnesses that day were some laughing wildlife.

There I was, about 200 feet from the treeline on the rocky point, casting away and landing a few nice lake-grayling dandies. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply with every cast, letting the current take my fly while listening to nothing but gurgling creek water.

I cocked an eyebrow as my peace and tranquillity was disrupted by a low drone in the distance. It sounded quite far away and possibly like a plane, which obviously was of no concern to me. As the noise grew louder, I started looking around and trying to figure out the noise that was bouncing off of mountains in every direction. Another two minutes went by, with the low drone

growing, and I almost pissed my panties when a 20-foot Thunder Jet boat came roaring around the corner, taking the corner wide right around me, about 200 feet away. I was a far distance from the treeline and I couldn’t squat, as I would fill my waders with water. I decided to grin and “bare” it, hoping they wouldn’t see me. Thanks to Barbie pink, that was not the case.

Just at that moment, the boat did an abrupt U-turn and headed right towards me. My peaceful tranquility was disrupted by my profanity. I could hear the catcalling of a few fishermen on board, with music playing in the background, and it seemed they were there to troll in that bay.

(The younger generation today will never know a day where you didn’t have to worry about snapshots with phones. They did not exist back then, but you did have to worry about binoculars and the likely fact that you knew each other.)

The worry of being a victim

rarely crosses my mind. As my older brother used to say, “I feel bad for the guy that ever tries to kidnap you.” This came from years of growing up together and being involved in karate, boxing, wrestling, judo, taekwondo, and using each other as sparring partners. And I normally have an arsenal of weapons with me, ranging from two- to six-inch blades, to shotguns; and yes, I know how to use them all, so it’s best to stay on the water and leave the “honey badger” alone.

Rest assured, my peace had been disrupted … so I packed up my gear, slapped my wet sweatpants back on and decided next time to maybe pack some shorts. Lesson learned. Screw you, Barbie.

I was pretty certain I heard the grayling laughing at me as they were spared for another day. Knowing my luck, after this story is published, Mattel will get wind of it and there will be a Barbie Goes Fishing edition on the shelf. n

Cascading mountains in every direction

PHOTOS: Rita Smith

Column with Rita Smith

Rita Smith, born and raised here, started working on light-duty vehicles right out of high school and is service manager at a heavy-equipment shop. At night she operates her horse farm, Goldsmith Morgans.

The ones that didn’t get away

WAS IT FLUKE OR FATE?

Bringing Pam up to the Yukon and, ultimately, to our new home

Back in 2009, Pam and I had been living together in Black Diamond/Turner Valley, Alberta (now known as Diamond Valley). A really close friend of ours who owned a horse ranch, just south of Pincher Creek, Alberta, was in a bad car accident, ending up in a Halo to support his neck and head for about six months.

Of course, we offered to come down and stay with them to help around the ranch. We parked our little 14-foot camper in their yard and spent the winter there. We helped out with all sorts of things, like taking care of the horses, doing snow removal and sometimes even cooking, cleaning and shopping.

Once our friend got better, it was time to move along, although we had nowhere to “go back to.” We talked a lot about moving somewhere to get a fresh

hat, as we’d spent decades there already. Vancouver was way too expensive. The prospects of both finding new jobs and somewhere to live were daunting, to say the least.

Then one day I said, “What about the Yukon? Our résumés will be on a pile of less than one hundred, instead of thousands in the bigger centres, the scenery is spectacular and the people are amazing!” (Pam had never been there.)

I made her a promise. “We’ll move up in the spring, and if you don’t like it, we’ll move back down south by Labour Day.” Done deal!

We knew that Pam’s Grand Caravan wouldn’t pull our trailer up the Alcan safely and we lucked out finding a ‘78 “dentsides” halfton F-150 pickup for $500. It had the built-in tool box in the side of the box—and two large fuel tanks, which we would need coming up the Alcan. We nicknamed the truck “Kermit,” in reference to it being green, and started making preparations to head north. That trip is one we will never forget. Kermit was an old workhorse from a farm. He ran great!

Helping Heather with the horses

Part 1 of 3

plugs, new coolant, -40 windshield washer fluid, and we were off. We left Pincher Creek and made it as far as Cochrane (about 150 miles) before we saw our first issue. Coming out of Cochrane, going up a big hill, the truck started coughing and spluttering

fuel pump. Fixed! (Or seemed to be.) We made it all the way to Sundre (another 50 miles) before it started doing the exact same thing again. The guy at NAPA was quick to point out how the new fuel pumps were prone to failure, so I replaced it again. Fixed again

until just outside of town and the “gremlin” was back again. In Red Deer, in our friend’s driveway, I replaced the fuel pump for a third time; also the fuel filter, and, on the advice of our friend, bought a spare fuel filter and fuel line for the rear tank.

Monday, November 3 is Election Day!

You will vote at your riding’s Election Day Poll location, which you can find at electionsyukon.ca

If you need assistance or a ride to your Election Day Poll, please call the Yukon Party Campaign Office at 867.668.6505.

Together, let’s vote for realistic, achievable change in the Yukon.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025 | FROM 8:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

PHOTO: Pam Atkins

ART SHOWS

Until Nov 2 Mammoth Dreaming by Joyce Majiski Arts Underground https://www.artsunderground.ca/

Until Nov 14 Yukon Prize 2025 Finalists YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery This exhibition brings together the work of 6 contemporary artists shortlisted for the 2025 Yukon Prize for Visual Arts. Experience the vision and creativity of the finalists, each offering a powerful lens on the world around us. https://yukonartscentre. com/

Until Nov 14 Held in Motion - New Acquisitions to the YPAC YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery An exhibition for the 2024- 2025 Yukon Permanent Art Collection acquisitions https://yukonartscentre.com/

Until Nov 30 2025 Longlist Yukon Prize for Visual Arts Arts Underground View work from artists Michel Gignac, Megan Guná Jensen, Jeffrey Langille, Matthew Lien, Joyce Majiski, Helen O’Conner, and Omar Reyna. https://www.artsunderground. ca/

LIVE MUSIC

Fri Oct 31 Halloween Night 8:00 PM

Lefty’s Well Featuring The Pissfits, Sanktuary doing Metallica and Badger Legion doing Bad Religion. Come down for a frightful night of live covers, spooky drinks and a costume contest!

Fri Oct 31 Halloween DJ Show

- Terror at the ‘98 8:30 PM 98 Hotel House, Disco, Indie DanceCostumes welcome, prizes!

Sat Nov 1 Blues Happy Hour with David Vincent and The Invaders 3:00 PM 98 Hotel

Sat Nov 1 Coffeehouse featuring - Flicks & Groove and the Open Stage 6:30 PM Whitehorse United

Church An all ages event that provides a venue for audiences to enjoy emerging local performers, this month featuring Flicks & Groove!

Sat Nov 1 Blues Vibes with Brandon Isaak Trio 6:30 PM Old Fire Hall

The Brandon Isaak Trio live. A night of Blues and fundraising hosted by Ukrainian Canadian Association of the Yukon (UCAY) https:// yukonukrainians.ca

Sat Nov 1 Dark 80’s - Antifrank 8:00

PM Lefty’s Well A full night of true-blue eighties covers featuring your favorite brit-pop, new-wave, dark-wave, and synth-goth tunes. Don your best goth and dark-eighties garb for a chance to win prizes.

Sun Nov 2 Craig Cardiff 2:00 & 6:00 PM Old Fire Hall Craig Cardiff in concert. Come ready to sing, dance, and become part of the show. Everyone comes as strangers and leaves as a group. https://linktr.ee/ craigcardiff

Fri Nov 7 & Sat Nov 8 Blue Feather Music Festival 7:00 PM YAC

Yukon Arts Centre 25th anniversary - musical acts, Wide Mouth Mason, Digging Roots, Sue Foley, Eagle Eyes and many more local musicians and performances. https:// yukonartscentre.com/

Wed Nov 12 The Barra MacNeils –An East Coast Christmas 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre A musical potpourri of traditional MacNeil family favourites gleaned from Christmas ceilidhs, midnight masses and the general festive frolic that accompanies each holiday season. https:// yukonartscentre.com/

Thu Nov 13 Whitehorse Chamber Orchestra Concert 7:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre The Whitehorse Chamber Orchestra present Beethoven and Grieg performed by local talent at Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.

MONTHLY

First Saturday Folk Society Coffeehouse 7:30 PM Whitehorse United Church. an all ages event that provides a venue for audiences to enjoy emerging local performers. Bring cash to buy coffee, tea, and tasty treats!

WEEKLY

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

Whitewater Wednesday 7:00 PM 98 Hotel

Karaoke 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well Thursdays

Muster Point 6:30 PM Baked Cafe

Muster Point live and featuring a rotating lineup of local guest artists.

Ginger Jam 7:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Fiddle Night 8:00 PM 98 Hotel

Fridays

Live Music 6:00 PM Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House

Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Live Music 8:00 PM 98 Hotel

Saturdays

Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Sundays

Open Jam 8:00 PM 98 Hotel

GENERAL EVENTS

Mon Oct 27 The 98th Crafty Monday 9:00 AM 98 Hotel All Crafters

Welcome! Bring your project, get social, share ideas, meet friends! Come celebrate our 98th Monday of joy and crafts! Wear your ‘98 pin/badge of honour and show us what you got! DIY kits available for purchase!

Tue Oct 28 2025 Volunteer

Management Hybrid Conference 9:00 AM Yukon Learn Participants will

learn practical tools and approaches to make stronger cases for budget protection, program growth, and greater organizational recognition.

Tue Oct 28 Social Hour - Pumpkin Carving 4:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Bring your own pumpkin and let your creativity run wild. Connect with fellow community members, enjoy snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and ever-refreshing Yukon Brewing beverages! Open to all!

Tue Oct 28 Resin Jewelry - Design Experience 6:00 PM Ricky’s All Day Grill Whitehorse Create 2–3 custom resin jewelry pieces (pendants, earrings, or keychains) Learn beginner-friendly resin tips + tricks (no experience needed!) https:// majesticvp.wixsite.com/majesticvp

Tue Oct 28 Pumpkin Painting Workshop 6:30 PM Decora Escape into creativity and fall inspirationchoose up to 3 of our hand-picked pumpkins—funny, funky, and full of personality—and bring them to life with paint, laughter, and a delicious beverage. https://decoragrown.ca/

Wed Oct 29 Safe Tool Use 101 6:00 PM Raven ReCentre This workshop is designed for women and genderdiverse people, but everyone is welcome to attend. Learn to use a variety of power and hand tools in a supportive environment

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Wed Oct 29 thru Sat Nov 1 The Weir by Conor McPherson 8:00 PM The Guild Hall Acclaimed as one of the top 100 plays of all time - brilliant Irish ghost story - The Weir is a tightly woven modern classic! https:// yukonartscentre.com/

Thu Oct 30 Owners Wanted

Workshop 5:00 PM NorthLight Innovation A dinner & conversation around buying/selling businesses in the north and how we can work together to achieve success. https:// futurpreneur.ca/en/

Thu Oct 30 Make Your Own

Halloween Terrarium 6:00 PM

Ricky’s All Day Grill Whitehorse Make spooky mini terrariums for your home! Guided instruction, all supplies and one drink included. https://majesticvp. wixsite.com/majesticvp

Thu Oct 30 Carnage for Christmas 6:00 PM Yukon Theatre It’s Christmas in October, and Santa brought murder. Trans podcaster Lola returns home, and so does a ghost with a grudge. DIY, punk, and campier than your cousin’s drag brunch. More laughs than screams, more fake blood than budget.

Fri Oct 31 Skeleton Parade 7:00

PM Whitehorse Downtown Locations Dust off your old bones and join in our macabre procession...This is a free, volunteer run event - get creative with costumes, contribute skeleton puppets and lanterns and join in the music!

Fri Oct 31 Halloween Karaoke & Costume Party 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Annual Halloween Karaoke and costume party - Sing your favorite songs - Enter the costume challenge - Try the specialty drinks and mocktails!

Fri Oct 31 Babes in the Bush Boolesque 8:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Yukon’s finest Burlesque, Drag and Circus Performers with Special Guests: Bettie Bombshell from Australia, Scarlett Delirium from Vancouver, hosted by Yukon’s sweetheart, Claire Ness!

Fri Oct 31 The Ridge Halloween Party 10:30 PM The Ridge Pub Hit the dance floor and party with us until the witching hour! Drink Specials all night long, Open LATE! A spooky night full of chills and thrills! Sat Nov 1 Christmas Market 10:00 AM Best Western Gold Rush Inn

Sat Nov 1 Water in the LandscapeIntermediate Painting with Acrylics 11:00 AM Arts Underground Join accomplished artist Virginia Wilson in an intermediate-level acrylic painting workshop, review existing painting techniques and assist with methodologies. https://www. artsunderground.ca/

Sat Nov 1 Yukon Baby and Maternity Fair 12:00 PM CSSC

Mercier & Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon Featuring vendors showcasing amazing products and services offered by our wonderful community, a workshop series from experts in intimacy, pelvic floor, child development, snacks, a breastfeeding nook, silent auction and much more!

Sat Nov 1 iF3 Big Mountain

Sessions 6:00 PM Yukon Beringia

Interpretive Centre Join us for a chill night of watching epic ski movies at ACC Ski Movie Night and get your winter STOKE! Everyone WelcomeAll ages!

Sat Nov 1 Glaze Refresher

Workshop with Lisa Moore 6:00

PM Arts Underground Review all the steps needed to prepare your bisqueware and finish it with glaze. We will learn how to dip, brush, paint, pour and layer glazes and explore underglazes and glaze resists. https:// whatsupyukon.events/a48ac5

Mon Nov 3 2025 Territorial Election

Whitehorse Various Locations The 2025 Territorial Election has been called! Polling Day is Monday, November 3, 2025.

Tue Nov 4 Make a Holiday Centrepiece 6:00 PM Rickys All Day Grill Whitehorse Design a beautiful Holiday centerpiece for your home! We provide all supplies and instruction. Tickets include one beverage. https://majesticvp.wixsite. com/majesticvp

Tue Nov 4 YSPOR Health Summit 2025 Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre

Our theme this year is Collaborating in a Good Way, and we have another wonderful lineup of speakers and wellness activities programmed for you this year.

Wed Nov 5 Coordinator Essentials for SMEs - Organize - Communicate - Deliver 9:00 AM NorthLight Innovation An interactive one-day course outlines the core responsibilities and skills involved in coordination roles across a variety of settings and offers practical tools and strategies. https:// whitehorsechamber.ca/

Wed Nov 5 thru Sat Nov 8 The Weir by Conor McPherson 8:00 PM The Guild Hall Acclaimed as one of the top 100 plays of all time - brilliant Irish ghost story - The Weir is a tightly woven modern classic! https:// yukonartscentre.com/

Thu Nov 6 Make Your Own Felted Poppies 6:00 PM Rickys All Day Grill Whitehorse Design a beautiful broach or make a heartfelt card. A night making felted poppies is just what you need, and just in time for Remembrance day.

Fri Nov 7 Yukon Screen Media Industry Conference and Awards Gala SPYA Studio Get ready for the Yukon Screen Media Industry Conference and Awards Gala showcasing key voices in film and television production.

Sat Nov 8 Pint Night 7:30 PM Winterlong Brewing Co. Guest speaker and discussion on wild sheep conservation. Bring in your sheep heads to be scored by an office B&C scorer - Door prizes!Info: yukonwsf@gmail.com

Sat Nov 8 Spruce Bog Craft Sale

10:00 AM Canada Games Centre

Yukon Doors open at 9:30 to seniors and persons with mobility challenges. Celebrate 50 years of Spruce Bog with local craftsmanship and wear your best country attire!

Sun Nov 9 Veterans Affairs

Canada in Whitehorse 9:00 AM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Book an appointment with Veterans Affairs

Canada

Fri Nov 14 - Sun Nov 17 Heart

to Home Christmas Market The Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre Whitehorse Bursting with beautiful and unique handcrafted gifts and goods from your favorite local vendors.

MONTHLY

First Thursdays Pinetree Quilters

7:00 PM Whitehorse United Church.

2nd Monday Ukulele Group 6:00

PM Golden Age Society salvin@ northwestel.net

2nd Monday Whitehorse Slow Jam

7:00 PM Golden Age Society

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

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

Mtg: Competitive Commander 6:00

PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles 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. Ukulele Group 6:00 PM Golden Age Society

Euchre - For Members and Signed in Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Euchre a tricktaking card game for four players, two on each team, As a member you Beginner ASL Class & Social Hang 6:15 Queer Yukon Society - The Cache

Drawing Club 6:30 PM Arts

Underground Join like minded artists in the studio for a free drawing club. Bring your own supplies and be creative in a group environment. https://www.artsunderground.ca/ events

Tuesdays

Common Threads Prayer Shawl Ministry 9:30 AM Church of the Northern Apostles. 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

Keep Fit 10:30 AM Church of the Northern Apostles.Come stretch and breathe with us!

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 3336081 for more info.

Sew & Tell All – Elders Hangout 1:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Facilitated by Kwanlin Dün Elder-inResidence 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 Drop-in Sewing 4:00 PM Skookum Jim Friendship Centre Facilitated by Donna Norman, bring your own projects, connect with others, and finish those works-in-progress. Open, welcoming space to sew, share, and create together.

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Texas Hold’ Em 6:00 PM Whitehorse

Legion Branch 254 For sign 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

QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon

Society The Cache

Pathfinder Role-Playing Game for Youth 3:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Find out what role playing games are all about! Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are always welcome.

Mtg: casual Commander, Warhammer 40k & Kill Team 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Mountainview Church Community Group 7:00 PM 16 years or older?

Mountainview Church Community Group! We’ll share some snacks and talk about what the bible has to say about discipleship.

Fridays

Coffee & Chat 11:00 AM Golden Age

Society Coffee and chat is a way to connect with your community, develop friendships, and have fun.

QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon

Society The Cache

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.

Pokemon, Mtg: Youth Magic, Lorcana 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Sundays

Mountainview Church Sunday Service 9:30 AM Church In The Building 9:30 AM, 11AM or Church At Home 7 AM, 9:30 AM, 11 AM

Mountainviewwhitehorse.ca/Watch

Anglican Worship Service 10:00 AM

Christ Church Cathedral.

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 The Gathering (Anglican Indigenous Service) 5:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral A celebration of faith, reconciliation, and hospitality.

KIDS & FAMILIES

Mon Oct 27 The Haunted Halls of Boo-ringia 12:00 PM Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre Everyone is invited to join in on the family-friendly funwith a haunted house and movie - The Witches.Come in costume and receive free admission and Halloween treats!

Tue Oct 28 Territorial ElectionYouth Forum 6:00 PM Boys & Girls Club Yukon Your voice matters. Connect with local candidates, share what matters most, and grab some free dinner while you’re at it!

Wed Oct 29 Sip n’ Study 5:00 PM Baked Cafe Hang out, get help with homework, study with friends, drink free coffee! Ideal for students grades 10-12

Wed Oct 29 MAD Haunted House ‘Toxicity City’ 5:00 PM Wood Street School Experience the MAD Halloween toxicity City event! Enjoy the best of music, art, and drama at Wood Street School.

Thu Oct 30 MAD Haunted House ‘Toxicity City’ 5:00 PM Wood Street School Experience the MAD Halloween toxicity City event! Enjoy the best of music, art, and drama at Wood Street School.

Fri Oct 31 Trick or Treat - Haunted Hallway 5:30 PM Heart of Riverdale Hot chocolate by donation, a spooky haunted hallway and tonnes of CANDY!!!

Fri Oct 31 Pumpkin Palooza 6:30 PM Bethany Church CANDY, PRIZES, Bouncy Castle, Arcade style Basketball, face painting, crafts, balloon darts, plinko, and so much more!admission is free for everyone all children receive one free activity! Families with children ages 0-12.

Sun Nov 2 Kids Kreate 1:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Get messy, have fun, and learn about art at our free monthly Kids Kreate art classesRegistration is not required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. We supply all the materials. Your children supply the imagination. Good for ages 4-11 https://yukonartscentre.com/ Sat Nov 8 Special Guest Story Time - Earl Darbyshire 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Enjoy tea and entertainment with Southern Tutchone Elder, language warrior, knowledge keeper and master storyteller.

Mon Nov 10 Vocal Masterclass with Ron Long 10:00 AM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Join us for this fun Masterclass with the incredible Ron Long! All masterclass participants will perform a piece of their choosing (preferably the one worked on in the masterclass). Email info@ytyp.ca.

Sat Dec 15 Yukon Geoscience Family Day Canada Games Centre Yukon Everyone is welcome to attend

this free, fun and family-friendly event for all ages showcasing how and why mining matters. Enjoy lots of hands-on activities and prizes, connect with the people behind industry’s progress.

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

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.

Thursdays

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.

Pathfinder Role-Playing Game for Youth 3:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Youth 11-17 are invited to join, no experience necessary.

Saturdays

Science Saturdays 11:00 AM Whitehorse Public Library Free DropIn Science and STEM Activities - no need to register - For children to compete with a parent or guardian!

MEETINGS

Mon Oct 27 BGC Yukon AGM 6:00

PM Boys & Girls Club Yukon Come see the impact of our programs, meet the Board and engage with our team. RSVP to od@bgcyukon.com

Thu Oct 30 Big Brothers Big Sisters AGM 5:00 PM Captain Martin House 305 Wood Street

Sun Nov 2 Yukon Breeze Sailing Society AGM 7:00 PM Sport Yukon A great opportunity to connect with fellow sailing enthusiasts, and get involved in the club’s direction. Everyone is welcome.

Mon Nov 3 K.S.A Annual General Meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon All are welcome to attend so please come out and join us as we review the past year, offer a brief presentation on how we’re doing currently, elect our 2025/2026 Board of Directors, and discuss the upcoming snowmobile season. https://ksa.yk.ca/comingevents

Wed Nov 5 Yukon River Marathon Paddlers Association AGM 5:30 PM Sport Yukon For more information email secretary@yukonriverquest.com

Thu Nov 13 Yukon River Trail Marathon AGM 6:00 PM Sport Yukon YRTM fans!! See how all the magic is

created - if you have had the urge to give back to this event, or just come meet the awesome folks who are behind the scenes. Info: register@ yukonmarathon.com

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. The 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/comingevents/

First Monday Yukon Amateur Radio Association Monthly Meeting 7:00 PM EMO Building Discussion of club business. Prospective hams are welcome.

Third Thursday Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition Monthly Meeting 5:00 PM Lewis Hall (Whitehorse United Church). For more information: 3349317 or info@yapc.ca. Everyone is welcome.

Third Thursday ASAY board monthly meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon

ONLINE EVENTS

Tuesdays

Anglican Men’s Remote Chat 10:00 AM Zoom don_cheeseman@msn.com for the link. Regular churchgoer or just curious, this is a welcoming, nopressure time for conversation

AA Juste Pour Aujourd’hui (C) 5:00 PM, Zoom ID 833 9614 4061 mot de passe 0 ou telephone 1-587-328-1099

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.

Thursdays

AA Yukon Unity Group (O) 1:30 PM Online Zoom ID 868 3045 2752 pc 6y2K8a or phone 1-587-328-1099

Fridays

AA Yukon Unity Group @ 1:30 pm (O) Zoom ID 868 3045 2752 passcode 6y2K8a or phone 1-587-328-1099

Saturdays

LTHE CONTRIBUTIONS OF YUKON FRANCOPHONE WOMEN

2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Les Essentielles. For this occasion, short biographies of Yukon francophone women will be presented throughout the year in the pages of our paper. Thank you to l’Association francoyukonnaise, l’émission Rencontres, and l’Aurore boréale for their collaboration in this project.

Lucie Desaulniers

ucie Desaulniers was born in 1964 in Morris, Manitoba.

Lucie came to the Yukon in 1985. She actively took part in the artistic scene as soon as she arrived. She was involved in the Frantic Follies, in a musical play, and in the group Route Jazz Ensemble. She founded the musical group Inconnu in 1990. They won the Aurora Prize for Yukon Group of the Year in 1994.

Lucie sat on the cultural committee of the Association franco-yukonnaise, then on the board of directors of the Western Francophone Artists Group (RADO), the French-Canadian Cultural Federation (FCCF) and the Recording Arts Industry— Yukon Association (RAYIA). She was one of the founding members of the Yukon Women in Music (YWIM) and organized the first tour of women musicians in Yukon and Alaska communities.

Lucie sang during several Dec. 6 ceremonies as part of the activities surrounding the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Lucie also performed several jazz shows under the name Lucie D and was nominated for a Trille Or award in 2019 for her jazz album Les thèmes de la vie Lucie has been recognized for her community work, including the Grand Cœur Award from Air Canada, two Aurora prizes as a Yukon artist, two other awards for her work in the cultural sector during the Gala de la francophonie, the Yukon Teacher of the Year Award in 1999 and the Woman of the Year Award from the group Les Essentielles in 2000.

Marguerite Tölgyesi

Marguerite Tölgyesi was born in 1997 in Val-d’Or, Quebec.

When Marguerite was 13 years old, her family moved to Baker Lake, Nunavut. As there was no dance school, she decided to teach dance to the youth in the community. She was accepted into an international student exchange and went to a school in southern Spain for grade 10, while the rest of her family moved to the Yukon because of her dad’s work. She arrived in Whitehorse in 2012 and graduated from Académie Parhélie high school in 2015.

She was president of the Jeunesse Franco-Yukon (JeFY) youth committee, for several years, and got involved in advocating for a new high school. She sat on the board of directors of the Canadian francophone youth Federation and was elected vicepresident in 2018, and president in 2021.

In 2022, she was elected administrator of the Federation of francophone and acadian communities and, in 2025, was elected administrator under 35 at the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques.

Marguerite earned a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree from the University of Moncton; and a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree, with a certificate in political science, geography and northern studies from Université Laval.

Since 2023, she has been working at the Association franco-yukonnaise as a youth manager.

In the Yukon, Marguerite found her voice as an advocate, highlighting the importance and influence of the francophone presence in Canada’s territories. She continues to pursue her mission to raise awareness of the issues faced by francophones living in the North.

Stéphanie  Chevalier

Stéphanie Chevalier was born in 1976 in Orléans, France.

From 1981 to 1984, her family went to live in the United States. After studies in France, she travelled with her sister to New York, to show her where she was born.

She explored Canada with a backpack and a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). After a short stay in Montreal, Golden and Victoria Island, Stéphanie set foot in the Yukon in 2007.

The Association franco-yukonnaise was her beacon as soon as she arrived in the territory. After working for the organization, she became a contract worker. She was also vice-president and president of the Frostbite Music Festival, and then the executive director of the Yukon Film Society.

In 2013, she went bicycle touring for six months in South America. She went back to Chile in 2016 and met her partner, Ricky. Their daughter Lila was born in 2019.

In 2022, Stéphanie, Ricky and Lila visited friends in the Yukon and ended up settling in the territory. Stéphanie felt extremely relieved when she arrived at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport, as she was coming home!

In 2023, Stéphanie started working at the City of Whitehorse as an economic development coordinator, and she joined the board of directors of the Association franco-yukonnaise in 2024.

In the Yukon, Stéphanie found a supportive community, respectful working conditions and a harmonious environment in which to raise her daughter. Her partner recognizes that few places hold as many favourable conditions for family life as the Yukon.

Sylvie Léonard

Sylvie Léonard was born in 1957 in Montreal, Quebec.

In 1980, Sylvie and her husband decided to settle permanently in the Yukon. When they arrived, they immediately felt at home. They spent their first winter in a log cabin.

She worked at the government of Yukon in 1987, taught computers and programming to adults at Yukon College, worked at NorthwesTel, worked as a parttime travel agent specializing in cruises and had her own business for a few years. She retired in 2019.

Sylvie volunteered for her francophone community: did the layout of the Aurore boréale, sat on the board of directors of the Association franco-yukonnaise and was one of the persons to organize the first sugar shack as part of the Rendezvous Winter Festival. She was part of a group of parents that advocated for a francophone school, was involved in the establishment of La Garderie du petit cheval blanc and was a trustee of the Yukon francophone School Board. In 2005, she received the Remarkable Woman Award, recognizing her participation and contribution to the Yukon francophone community.

Sylvie is an enthusiastic cook, trying new recipes and ingredients that she has discovered during her many travels.

For Sylvie, the Yukon is a land of opportunities. She is still amazed by the mountains, big valleys, immense lakes, the river that flows in front of her house, the midnight sun and the northern lights. She is immensely grateful to be able to live here, on the territory of the First Nations.

Angélique Bernard is a translator, communications specialist, radio host, writer and community volunteer. She was the Commissioner of Yukon from 2018 to 2023.

PHOTO: Mike Thomas

PHOTO: Nicolas Nadon

PHOTO: Submitted by Stéphanie Chevalier

PHOTO: Jean-François Des Lauriers

Housing and affordability

How will your government ensure that housing in Yukon becomes more affordable for residents while avoiding speculative development and inflated land and housing prices that disadvantage local families?

THE YUKON FEDERATION OF LABOUR

YUKON NDP

We have been working closely with contractors, builders, First Nations development corporations, and housing advocacy groups to understand the barriers and pressures that exist. Our platform addresses housing needs on multiple levels, from affordable to supportive to private market to rentals. We have developed a financing plan to help first time home buyers get into the market, using the successful BC model that offers 40% financing on the purchase price of units. We are also working with builders to get homes built faster by fixing the delays in lot developments and creating a Yukon Building Code; and we commit to making the rental market fairer for both renters and landlords by keeping rents tied to inflation and by creating a Tenant-Landlord Relations Board. We will also build 100 new Yukon Housing units, focusing on building in communities.

Environmental accountability

What specific measures will you put in place to guarantee environmental accountability in mining exploration and development, ensuring that projects meet strong sustainability and reclamation standards?

Healthcare and community access

What actions will you take to strengthen healthcare across Yukon communities, including keeping local healthcare centres open and increasing local capacity for healthcare treatments?

The Yukon NDP has repeatedly backed calls by Yukon First Nations and environmental organizations to have a public inquiry into the Eagle Gold mine disaster. We believe that this is the only way to move forward on reforming the mining industry to be sustainable and for government processes to be accountable and transparent. We know that both Yukoners and industry want stability and sustainability in the industry, and it is the government’s job to ensure that. We have several specific initiatives for this, including developing new Minerals Legislation that actually works for Yukoners, a new Miner’s Lien Act that will protect Yukon businesses, and completing long-overdue land use planning.

The Yukon NDP plan is based on listening- to healthcare providers, to First Nation governments, to patients and to organizations that represent them. When we promise to bring more healthcare workers to communities and to keep more of them there, we are basing our plan on what they have asked us for- more support, more engagement, and responsiveness to community needs. Our Community Nurse Support program will cover relocation costs and provide housing, social, and cultural support to help nurses build strong roots in their communities. We will attract ten new nurse practitioners to the territory to work across the Yukon, expanding the scope of practice for Nurse Practitioners and ensuring they receive fair and competitive pay. We will give nurses and nurse practitioners the support and respect they deserve by listening to the solutions they have been bringing forward for years. We will get thousands of Yukoners off the waitlist with more doctors and primary care providers using the Williams Lake model to recruit and retain healthcare workers in the territory. With these actions and more, the Yukon NDP will bring more nurses to communities and keep community health centres open.

Wildland Firefighter Protections

How will your government support presumptive cancer coverage and occupational protections for Yukon’s wildland firefighters, ensuring parity with municipal firefighters and alignment with national and international best practices?

For years, the Yukon NDP has publicly called for presumptive cancer coverage and occupational protections for wildland firefighters. In government, we will commit to instituting these protections. Wildland firefighters, who often risk their lives and face incredibly demanding conditions, deserve our respect and support- and they certainly deserve the basic occupational protections of up-to-date gear, full health coverage, and public recognition of their service to the Yukon. We will increase the number of wildland fire crews by 25%, upgrade wildland fire bases, and provide comprehensive presumptive cancer coverage.

The Yukon Party has released address housing affordability

• modernizing the National

• removing all fees associated

• working with the City of

• collaborating with the City

• updating the Municipal

• reforming the land lotter

• creating a rural land development

• cutting red tape in the lot

The Yukon Party commits to governments and the mining for, develop, and operate mines government departments meet with Canada, First Nations, and Finally, we will implement changes and in a way that ensures that

The Yukon Party has made

• continuing to build team-based recognizing this model offers

• working with the Yukon Medical for administration and clinic

• ensuring that clinics owned multidisciplinary groups

• cutting red tape from the accurately;

• increasing support for recruiting health professionals to move

• working with the Yukon Medical recognizing foreign-trained

• working with Nurses to create regulatory body;

• adopt a competitive pay

• developing more opportunities gram, expanding nursing

• work with health professi

Worker Safety & Compensation Reform

How will you strengthen the integrity and transparency of Yukon’s Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board to ensure it operates in the best interest of injured workers—particularly by improving claim approval processes, accountability mechanisms, and worker-centered outcomes?

We will work with all stakeholders to make sure that injured workers in the Yukon are supported and protected. That means assessing how transparency, accountability, and integrity are working in the Yukon, and where they need to be improved. We will specifically assess the identified areas, including the claim approval process, accountability mechanisms, and worker-centred outcomes. Collaborating with unions, workers, and businesses coming together is the best way to introduce reforms that truly work for Yukoners.

The Yukon Party commits Compensation Board is operating approval processes, accountability

The Yukon Party commits unions including the Whitehorse coverage.

the 3 parties some of our Biggest Questions from Yukonworkers

YUKON PARTY

released several platform commitments around housing and land development to help affordability issues, including:

National Building Code Adoption Process associated with land transfers to reduce the cost of homes Whitehorse to waive all development cost charges and permit fees for four years of Whitehorse to cut the average housing construction application timeline by 50% Act lotter y system development strategy lot sale process

complete the Modernization of Mining Legislation by working with First Nations industry to create a legislative framework for our largest private sector industry to explore mines while respecting and engaging First Nations. We will establish policies to ensure that meet legislated timelines, restore confidence with predictable, fair processes in collaboration and industry.

changes to the Inspections and Compliance Regime to ensure that mines are operating safely that future generations are left with strong economic legacies, not environmental liabilities.

made a number of commitments that will help to stabilize primary health care by: team-based care models in collaboration with front-line health care professionals, offers Yukoners the right care at the right time; Medical Association to ensure family practice clinics are viable by providing support clinic space, and by cutting red tape; owned by health care professionals are a viable option and encouraging to open clinics together; the current physician payment model to ensure doctors are paid promptly and recruiting health professionals, including a marketing campaign encouraging U.S. move to the Yukon;

Medical Association and the Yukon Medical Council to streamline the process of foreign-trained doctors with similar standards, including the U.S., U.K., and New Zealand; create a new regulatory model for nursing, including an arms-length nursing scale for Nurse Practitioners; opportunities for pathways to health education, including a family medicine residency pronursing education, and making new training options available for EMS staff and volunteers; professionals to develop a Surgery Wait Time Action Plan that includes wait-time standards.

to expand Presumptive Cancer coverage to Wildland Fire and work with affected Whitehorse Firefighters Association to review the listed cancers and the parameters of

to working with affected stakeholders to ensure the Yukon’s Workers’ Safety and operating in the best interest of injured workers and to consider improving claim accountability mechanisms, and worker-centered outcomes.

YUKON LIBERALS

We have met our goal of releasing 1,000 lots since 2021 and will commit to releasing 1,000 more over the next four years. We will work with municipalities on projects such as an incentive program to redevelop brownfield and abandoned lots and will seek private-sector partnerships to speed up development and reduce costs. To make building homes easier, we’ll introduce a commercial lottery for land access, and explore partnerships and identify, then remove, barriers to residential development. We also support nonprofit housing initiatives, maintain the Housing Initiatives Fund for long-term affordability, explore partnerships with Development Corporations, and promote modular housing to increase density affordably. Public housing projects across Yukon communities, including Dawson, Teslin, Ross River, Burwash, Carcross, and Mayo, will continue to be developed to meet growing needs.

We have been working for a number of years with First Nations and industry to modernize Yukon’s mining legislation and oversight to prevent incidents like the Eagle project. Our government also has a plan to increase the independence and capacity of inspections, monitoring, and enforcement, including exploring moving oversight to the Yukon Water Board.

Our government recently completed initial steps towards opening a medical travel lodge in Whitehorse to assist Yukoners from outside the city who need to travel for medical purposes. Now, we will work to establish a similar residence in Vancouver. We also established a bridging program with the University of New Brunswick to help LPNs become RNs while staying in Yukon; 17 LPNs in the first cohort, up to 20 in the second starting in Fall 2025.

We have also reduced primary health care nurse vacancy rates from 47% in October 2022 to 19% in December 2024. We also introduced the first resident orthopedic surgeon program in 2017 at WGH, allowing more Yukoners to get the care they need, closer to home. Our 2025-2029 plan will continue to increase access to primary care across the territory, including more family-physician-led, team-based clinics that fully integrate nurse practitioners working to their full scope of practice, working closely with the Whitehorse General Hospital to expand services and beds, and building a new surgical tower.

We plan to investigate the feasibility of an urgent care centre in Whitehorse and to increase the capacity of the Whitehorse Walk-In Clinic, allowing Yukoners who do have doctors to access walk-in care, starting with residents from communities outside Whitehorse. We will ensure that abortion services are confidential, accessible, and sustainable within our healthcare system and increase support and resources for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

Finally, we will ensure that working healthcare professionals are well supported through increasing training opportunities and focusing on preventing staff burnout.

Our party recognizes the invaluable contribution of every Yukoner who fights fires, whether full or part-time, urban or wildland, professionally or as a volunteer. Applying precautionary principles and taking measures to reduce harmful exposures for all firefighters is a prudent approach to prevent injury. A McGill University study confirmed that different fires in different areas produce different potential exposure risks. Furthermore, a recent article published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene found that the majority of studies show exposure to carcinogens for wildland firefighters did not exceed the occupational exposure limits. Yukon Wildland Firefighters are not trained, equipped, or permitted to enter or apply water to structures once they are on fire; they may instead assist in applying structure protection such as sprinklers or pumps on buildings,assisting with evacuation, establishing fuel breaks and extinguishing organic materials near buildings. Given the importance of prevention in preventing worker injuries, our government reviewed the possibility of implementing regulations that would set limits as a means to reduce on-the-job exposure to known harmful materials for wildland firefighters.

A regulation covering presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters under the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act came into force on July 1, 2022. There are now 19 cancers included under the presumption, including pancreatic and thyroid, alongside three cancers that primarily affect women. This latter addition recognizes the increasing role that women are taking on in fighting fires.

Any worker not covered under the presumption who contracts cancer as a result of their employment can still apply for compensation. These claims will be adjudicated by qualified and competent staff members of the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board.

An October 2024 paper noted the dynamic nature of wildland firefighting and suggested that in order to implement the most effective mitigation strategies, more research was necessary. We agree that more research is needed, and WSCB is continuing to monitor that work.

In December, 2021 our Liberal government passed a new Workers Safety and Compensation Act, demonstrating our commitment to workers’ rights. It was a complete rewrite of the previous legislation, which hadn’t been reviewed in more than a decade. The new law passed unanimously through the Yukon Legislature in 2021 and came into force on July 1, 2022. The president and CEO of the Yukon Workers Compensation Health and Safety Board, said at the time the first indication the act will be more modern was its goals: preventing workplace injury and caring for injured workers.

place in “Edmonchuck”—Kielbasa City, my old stomping grounds. Guess what? Same thing as we got close to their house …

haps the tank had sediment and it was the rear tank causing the problems. Off again!

Kermit’s gremlin was back by the time we hit the Wetaskiwin turnoff (about halfway to Edmonton), and I spent a “most enjoyable” [/s] hour under the truck, changing the filter and fuel line on the side of the highway. (Seemed to do the trick.) Off to our friend’s

We spent five or six days in Edmonton. I did a bunch of research: removed the EGR plate, changed the filter again, torqued down the “battleship” (the intake manifold) and pulled the new spark plugs to check for fouling. Everything seemed great … again. We made it to just about Grande Prairie before the gremlin reappeared.

I went to the local NAPA for advice and, well, they had nothing to offer other than what we had already tried.

The next morning, the truck was running great again and we made it almost to Fort Nelson before the gremlin was back. By this time, I’d had enough. Emboldened by the fact that we now seemed to be getting five or six hours hasslefree, when the truck started as normal in the morning, we headed for Watson Lake. That day, the day that we needed it the most, the truck ran fantastically.

We camped in the local campground, and Archie Lang, who ran it, stopped in for a beer with us as he was picking up the camping fees. He listened to the story and welcomed Pam to the Yukon.

The final push into Whitehorse was amazing … until Marsh Lake, where the gremlin surfaced once more. We hobbled into Whitehorse doing about 10 miles per hour and set up camp at the Mountain Ridge Motel & RV Park—the only place open at the time. We were here! I made Pam some dinner and called Woody to take us out in his limo on a pub crawl. We had a blast!

We had arrived in Whitehorse in mid-March and I immediately got hired as a line cook at Lil’s Place— 50’s Diner. After a few months there, I was hired back into my old job, the one that I had quit a few years prior to my move south with my then girlfriend. Pam got a job working as a prep lab supervisor, which turned into being promoted to the branch manager and a long tenure in the business before she retired.

Ironically, we went out to visit some friends in Hidden Valley and, on the way back to the camper, the truck absolutely died on Couch Road. I was done with this crap! It wouldn’t even turn over

this time … I just left the hood up, after trying to fix things, and got back in the truck.

A guy, who lived just around the corner, pulled up in his Jeep and asked if we needed a boost. I told him the Gremlin Saga and he said, “I know what your problem is … Hold on, I’ll be right back!”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I joked. He returned about 10 minutes later with an ignition control module from one of the old trucks in his yard. We installed it and Kermit fired right up. Sounded like a brand-new truck!

Giving (and getting) some love

I asked him how much he wanted for it. His reply was, “This is my address, right around the corner. Go order a new one from NAPA and, after you install it, bring mine back with a case of Budweiser.” I was floored. Pam cried! She couldn’t believe it. I told her “Like I said, baby … the people up here are amazing!”

To be continued … n

Pam saw most of the trip through her viewfinder

Getting Kermit ready for the trip

PHOTOS: Pam Atkins

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.

We are a non-profit initiative celebrating creative talent in Yukon, NWT and Nunavut. Shifting Ice Yukon Shop is dedicated to supporting northern makers, come and find a unique piece of art! Support local: ykshop.shiftingice.ca @ shifting_ice_shop 1-867-668-6535 info@shiftingice.ca

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Sat Nov 1 Lyrical Jazz Technique for Burlesque 2:00 PM YAC Yukon

Arts Centre Poetry in Motion: Lyrical Jazz Technique for Burlesque with Babes in the Bush Boolesque

Special Guest Halena Lou!

Sat Nov 1 - 3 The Haunted Houses - Mixed Bonspiel Whitehorse

Curling Club Mixed fun bonspiel, Saturday banquet, prizes for each team! Alternate scoring, 5 games, 6 end games!

Sun Nov 2 Floor Flow Burlesque Workshop 2:00 PM YAC Yukon

Arts Centre Floor Flow – Beginner to intermediate with Bettie Bombshell - Headliner of Babes in the Bush Boolesque. Learn some dynamic choreography, crowd connection & beautiful lines to kill it on the floor!

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

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 Northern Lights School of 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

Elderactive Pilates level 1 12:00

PM Northern Lights School of Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement

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

Broga - Yoga for Men 5:30 PM

Centred - Yoga Breath Sound

Chant Drum Dance Breathing, stretching, moving, strengthening, decompressing, inverting, balance work, manly self-care at its finest. Email malbacph@hotmail.com for more info.

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 lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Lifting for Longevity 10:00

AM Northern Strength Academy Specifically designed for the retired population, but open to anyone.

Yoga with Barbara 10:00 AM Whitehorse United Church Drop-in, no registration required, everyone is welcome. Call 335-1996 for more info.

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/

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. whitehorsearchery.com/ schedule

Yoga with Jess 7:00 PM Golden Horn Elementary School Yoga is for everyone, join a community class, beginners welcome and all equipment provided. Drop in by donation. Email yoga.jessyukon@ gmail.com

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/

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 Northern Lights School of Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement Keep Fit 10:00 AM Church of the Northern Apostles Come stretch and breathe with us - only $5.00 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. 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

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

Indoor Range Night 7:00 PM Whitehorse Rifle and Pistol Club

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 cont’d on page 17 ...

and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels

Winter Power Hour Series 6:00

AM BrittyFit 95 Lewes Blvd Ignite your fitness regime in 50 minutes with Brittyfit

No-Gi 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.

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.

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

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

No-GiJiu Jitsu 7:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

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

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 Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.

Saturdays

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

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling 11:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts

Open Mat 12:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

WELLNESS LISTINGS

Fri Nov 7 Loss in the Workplace

8:30 AM Location TBA After PreRegistration A morning workshop to support teams experiencing grief and loss at work. Learn new skills to build a compassionate workplace. https://hospiceyukon.net/ en/2021/06/20/loss-and-grief-in-theworkplace/

Sat Nov 8 Ecstatic Dance 7:00

PM Centred & Yoga Breath Sound Chant Drum Dance Experience Ecstatic Dance: a unique dance practice focusing on emotions and connection in a safe and supportive environment.

Thu Nov 13 Living with Loss workshop 6:00 PM Online A free workshop to learn about the nature of grief and tips for coping. You’re not alone. https://hospiceyukon.net/ en/2022/04/05/livingwithloss/

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

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

Mondays

Sally and Sisters 11:00 AM Salvation Army 311 Black St 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

Infant Feeding Mondays 1:00 PM Yukon Midwifery Program - Yukon Health and Social Services

AA Life Ahead (O, A) 7:00 PM 509 Hanson St. Held in person or by zoom – ID 251-363-5766, call 778907-2701 for more info.

AA New Beginnings Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Sacred Heart - Rear Entrance - basement

Tuesdays

Sally and Sisters 11:00 AM

Salvation Army 311 Black St Yukon

Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.

VFWC - Drop-In 11:00 AM Victoria

Faulkner Women’s Centre Drop-In includes Laundry and Shower.

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

AA Happy Hour Ladies Group (W, A) 6:15 PM Inclusion Yukon

Ugly Ducklings Group (O,A) 8:00

PM Christ Church Cathedral Held in person or Zoom ID 251 363 5766 no passcode or by phone 1-778-9072071

Wednesdays

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly)

8:00 AM Closeleigh Manor Common Room Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Call or text 867334-1725 for more details

VFWC - Drop-In 11:00 AM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Drop-In includes Laundry and Shower.

Community Kitchen 11:30 AM

Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O)

12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House (Back Entrance)

Al-Anon 12:00 PM 407 Black Street, downstairs Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.

AA No Puffin (C, A) 7:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral (Hellaby Hall)

AA Porter Creek Step Meeting (C) 8:00 PM Our Lady of Victory Thursdays

Sally and Sisters 11:00 AM Salvation Army 311 Black St Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.

Everyone

VFWC - Drop-In 11:00 AM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Drop-In includes Laundry and Shower.

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House (Back Entrance)

Polar Group (O, A) 7:30 PM 311 Elliott St. & 4th Ave. Held in person or Zoom ID 251 363 5766 no passcode or by phone 1-778-9072071

Fridays

Moth & Flame - Bright Light

Morning Meditation Series 9:00

AM Queer Yukon Society - The Cache

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House (Back Entrance)

VFWC – Drop-In 1:30 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In. A safe welcoming space. Drop-in includes laundry and shower access.

Community Kitchen 5:00 PM

Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.

AA Whitehorse Group (C, A) 7:00 PM 407 B Ogilvie Street

Saturdays

AA Morning Joe Group (C, A)

11:00 AM Inclusion Yukon

AA Detox Meeting (O, A) 1:00 PM 609 Steele St

VFWC – Drop-In 1:30 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In. A safe welcoming space. Drop-in includes laundry and showers.

Community Kitchen 5:00 PM

Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.

AA Hospital Meeting 7:00 PM #5 Hospital Rd. Room 1212

Sundays

AA Detox Meeting (O, A)1:00 PM 609 Steele St.

AA Hospital Meeting (O, A) 7:00 PM #5 Hospital Rd. Room 1212

Saturday, Nov 22 11 am-4 pm

Freelance with Manus Hopkins

DIGGING ROOTS

The Ontario-based folk rock duo, Digging Roots, is returning to the Blue Feather Music Festival

Raven Kanatakta and ShoShona Kish make up the musical duo Digging Roots, a group known as much for working to create equity in the music industry as for its music. Kanatakta is from the Winneway, a settlement of the Anishinaabe band government, in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region of Quebec, home to the Long Point First Nation; and Kish is Anishinaabekwe, with family from Batchewana and part of the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge. Now based in Ontario, the two have been touring internationally for the better part of the past 20 years.

“We’ve travelled all over the world from South Africa to Europe, to Scandinavia, to South America, to the States, to Australia and New Zealand and, recently, Japan,” says Kanatakta. “We write music that’s based on who we are and what we see and where we come from.”

Kanatakta’s life in music started with his grandfather. In the small community where Kanatakta grew up, he was surrounded by families dealing with issues stemming from residential schools. Not wanting to see his grandson start down a harmful path, Kanatakta’s grandfather encouraged him to explore their shared love of music.

“He was a guitar player and he would bring his guitar over to the house and play some songs and I’d watch him,” remembers

Kanatakta. “And then he started doing this thing where he left the guitar in different places. I would wake up to get ready to go to school and take a shower, and the guitar would be in the shower. Or he’d come and visit and play some songs and then leave the guitar on top of the fridge.”

This unorthodox method sparked a desire in Kanatakta to pick up the guitar for himself and even go looking for it when it

to Boston to study at the Berklee College of Music. His parents had moved to Ottawa during this time, and Kanatakta met his now wife and musical partner during a trip there to visit his parents.

“We just really clicked,” he says. “I think we clicked because we are both Indigenous people and we come from families that have attended residential schools, and there’s an area there where everyone is learning how to speak their

been playing music ever since.”

Digging Roots’ music is a reflection of humanity, as Kanatakta describes it. For a long time, he would play the songs loudly and intensely, seeing the songs as a way to fight against oppression, with elements of blues, hip hop and reggae finding their place in the sound.

“I would just rip into the guitar,” he says. “I started off playing an acoustic and I would run my acoustic guitar through my ampli-

wasn’t in plain sight. Eventually, Kanatakta’s grandfather told him he needed to sing, as well, if he was going to make his own music.

The first song Kanatakta learned to play and sing together was Johnny Cash’s “A Boy Named Sue.”

Fast-forwarding some years, Kanatakta would eventually move

language again and there’s a reclamation back to the land, in a certain respect, and bringing back our songs and our music. That’s where we really bonded … We just had all of these connections with each other and were just able to naturally talk about them. We ended up getting a gig together and we’ve

getting from living in Canada.

“It was a way for me to fight back without having to be negative with people or negative with colonialism. It was fighting back in this peaceful, empowered way.”

These days, Kanatakta finds himself delving into other lighter themes, as well, even writing the occasional love song. The roots of his music will always derive from his culture and ancestral history, but part of his healing journey has involved becoming open to a softer side of music.

Digging Roots’ worldly travels have included several trips to the Yukon, over the years, in Whitehorse, Dawson City, Teslin and other communities. However many times it’s been, it will always be a treat to get back up, though.

“I love it, and it’s beautiful and gorgeous there,” Kanatakta says. “And I hope that there’s an early winter.”

The Yukon always reminds Kanatakta of his own community in the wintertime, so much so that he says visiting the North feels like visiting a second home. He also raves about the scenery, wildlife and the dogsledding and helicopter expeditions that Blue Feather Music Festival organizer Gary Bailie has taken the band on in years past.

“It’s not just the beauty of the land, but there’s a cool sense of community that happens when you get up north … kind of like my res,” Kanatakta says. “You get to these places and people are very social and friendly.”

fier, with some Tube Screamer pedals and delays and stuff like that, and I’d be playing these sizetwelve strings on an acoustic and just bending the crap out of them, and then breaking strings and really playing an acoustic really hard. I realized it was my way of dealing with all the racism I’d had and was

To keep up with Digging Roots and check out their music, tour dates and more, visit diggingrootsmusic.com. Visit bluefeathermusic.ca to learn more about the Blue Feather Music Festival, which takes place at the Yukon Arts Centre from Nov. 7 and 8. n

Raven Kanatakta and ShoShona Kish are Digging Roots

PHOTO: Supplied by Digging Roots

Manus Hopkins is a journalist and musician from Whitehorse.

The Whitehorse Chamber Orchestra, along with the Intermediate Strings and small ensembles, will perform varied selections of beautiful and exciting classical music, including Beethoven’s 1st Symphony and selections from Grieg’s PeerGynt, all performed by talented local musicians. Two concerts will be offered with identical programs, on November 13 and 15: a Thursday concert in KDCC in Whitehorse and a Saturday concert at Haa Shagoon Hidi, Carcross. All musicians involved look forward to sharing their joy of making music with you, the audience. Come to support local musicians and enjoy the exciting live music.

ATLIN

Fri Oct 31 Halloween Party - Family and 19+ 5:00 PM Atlin Recreation Centre Show off your costumes and trick r’ treat! Music, food and fun! Entry by donation.

Sundays

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

Atlin Christian Assembly 11:00 AM St. Atlin Christian Centre Everyone is welcome.

St. Joseph Catholic Mission Holy Mass

3:00 PM St. St. Joseph Catholic Mission.

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

Wednesdays Yoga with Richard Mueller

12:00 PM Carcross Firehall Free for everyone some fitness required.

Thursdays Yoga with Jess Ghùch

Tlâ Community School Beginners welcome, all equipment provided. Dropin, Free admission! For more info email yogajessyukon@gmail.com.

CARMACKS

Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon

at:

• Sunshine Restaurant

• Carmacks Rec Centre

• CDC / CIBC Bank

• Tatchun Center General Store

First & Third Tuesdays of Every Month

Carmacks Regular Council Meeting 7:00

PM Carmacks Municipal Building

Mondays Carmacks Library 1:00 PM

After School Club 3:30 PM Carmacks

Recreation Centre

Open Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Floor Hockey 5:30 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Bakers & Makers 6:00 PM Carmacks School 14+ Floor Hockey 7:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Tuesdays Carmacks Library 1:00 PM

Court 1:00 PM Carmacks Rec

3:30 PM Carmacks

Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec

Social 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec

Carmacks Minor Hockey Association 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Drop-in Basketball 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Volleyball 7:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre Wednesdays Family Play Group (Ages 0-5) 10:00 AM Carmacks Rec Centre Carmacks Library 1:00 PM After School Club 3:30 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Archery 6:00 PM Carmacks School

Shinny Night 14+ 7:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre Thursdays

Carmacks Library 1:00 PM After School Club 3:30 PM Carmacks

Recreation Centre Open Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Carmacks Minor Hockey Association 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Pickleball 6:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Badminton 6:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Basketball 7:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Fridays

After School Club 3:30 PM Carmacks

Recreation Centre

Open Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec

Centre

Teen Night 6:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Volleyball 6:30 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Ping Pong + Foosball Night Carmacks

Recreation Centre

Saturdays

Tiny Toes Tea Time 1:00 PM Carmacks

Rec Centre

Open Court 3:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

FARO

Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at:

• Campbell Region Interpretive Centre

• Liquor Store

• Van Gorda

Mon Oct 27 Drop-In Pickleball 7:00

PM Faro Recreation Centre Equipment provided, open to all ages and skill levels.

Wed Oct 29 Mindful Movement for Seniors 2:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Gentle flowing movements to balance and strengthen the body, followed by guided relaxation. Sat Nov 29 Faro Christmas Market 11:00 AM Faro Recreation Centre

First and Third Tuesday of every month Faro Council Meeting 7:00 PM Town of Faro Tuesdays Parent &

Floor Hockey 7:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre Wednesdays

Seniors Games & Walks 1:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre. The gym is open for seniors who would like to improve their fitness goals.

Fitness Fun for Seniors 2:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre Pickleball 2:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Volleyball 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Basketball 7:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Second and fourth Wednesday of every month Village Council meetings 7:00 PM

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

Mondays

Fun with Food 3:30 PM St. Elias

Community School Learn new skills, share recipes and take food home!

Drop-In Basketball 6:00 PM St. Elias

Community School Meet in the school gym

Tuesdays

Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster Arena

Drop in. Programming is for kids 4 and under and their parents/caregivers.

Tea & Bannock – Haines Junction 1:00 PM https://whatsupyukon.events/tea-bannock68ab07

Men’s and women’s sewing group 1:00 PM Mun kų

BGC Game Night 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School Play, have fun, build skills and challenge your friends

Wednesdays

Seniors and Elders Refreshments and

Games 2:00 PM Haines Junction Seniors

Residence

AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 3:00 PM

Haines Junction Health Centre

Girls Club 3:20 PM St. Elias Community School Held in the art room, open to Girls and identifying as Girls from Grade 8 to 12.

BGC Rec in the Gym 3:30 PM St. Elias

Community School

Haines Junction Hoobeedoo 6:30 PM The Mezzanine

Thursdays

Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster Arena

Drop in. Programming is for kids 4 and under and their parents/caregivers.

Seniors Activities 2:00 PM St. Elias

Community Centre Floor curling, carpet bowling and indoor walking group.

Adult Volleyball 7:00 PM St. Elias

Community School Meet in the school gym

Fridays

Stories and STEM Activities 10:00 AM Haines Junction Library

AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 1:30 PM Haines Junction Health Centre

Saturdays

AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 1:00 PM Haines Junction Health Centre

Sundays

Anglican Church Service 10:30 AM St. Christopher’s Church Anglican Church Service at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church in Haines Junction https://anglican. yukon.net/services.html

AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 1:00 PM Haines Junction Health Centre

MARSH LAKE

7:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre For more info call 994-2375

Pickleball 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Seniors Yoga 2:00 PM Faro Recreation

Gym 2:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Chair Yoga & Deep Relaxation for Seniors Basketball 3:30 PM Faro

HAINES Alaska

Fri Nov 7-9 Alaska Bald Eagle Festival

Haines welcomes you to the Valley of Eagles, where Bald Eagles gather along the Chilkat River to feast on the late salmon run. Join our festival and experience this natural marvel right here in the breathtaking Chilkat Valley—just a short trip from the Yukon.

HAINES JUNCTION

Pick

mic showcase! Community set up, we all pitch in to set up and take down, chairs, tables, coffee, tea... Adults only 18+ - dry event, no alcohol, smoking or vaping!

MOUNT LORNE

Fri Oct 31 Halloween Party 5:00 PM Mount

Lorne

Last Wednesday of every month MLCS board meeting 7:00 PM Marsh Lake

Community Centre

Tuesdays

Play Bridge 1:00 PM Marsh Lake

Community Centre

North of 60 Seniors Coffee and Chat 2:00

PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Yoga with Richard Mueller 5:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre Free for everyone some fitness required.

Wednesdays

South of 6 10:00 AM Marsh Lake

Community Centre

Thursdays

Shuffleboard 6:00 PM Marsh Lake

Community Centre

Fridays

Beginner Yoga 10:00 AM Marsh Lake

Community Centre

Youth Gym Drop-In 6:00 PM Marsh Lake

Community Centre

Saturdays

Pickleball Outside 11:00 AM Marsh Lake

Community Centre

Sundays Pickleball Outside 11:00 AM Marsh Lake

Community Centre

MAYO

Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at: • Haldane Services

Fri Oct 31 Halloween Witches Walk 6:00 PM Village of Mayo Come out and have some fun, dance, laugh, win prizes! Info: 332-5282 Fri Oct 31 Spooky Night 6:00 PM Mayo Community Hall Pizza - games - A spooky movie - fireworks!

DAWSON CITY

Thursdays

CDC Toddler Program 10:00 AM Klondike Institute of Arts & Culture KIAC

church, or online (Facebook Live)

St Paul’s Anglican Church Evening

Prayer 5:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican

Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

Hand-Building Pottery Drop-In 6:30

PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Self-guided group studio time for those with some experience with pottery. Newcomers are welcome, little instruction is provided. Wednesdays

St Paul’s Anglican Church Morning Prayer 9:00 AM St Paul’s Anglican Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

St Paul’s Anglican Church Evening

Prayer 5:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican

Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

Welcome Wednesday Supper and Games 6:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican Church

QYS Drop-in 1:00 PM DCMF Office

Screen Printing Drop-in 6:00 PM

Klondike Institute of Art & Culture KIAC

Classroom (enter via backdoor) Selfguided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with screen printing.

Dawson City Disc Golf League 8:00 PM

Crocus Bluff Disc Golf Course simple, welcoming league for all skill levels

Free drop-In for kids 5 & under with parent/guardian Story time & free play!

Drop-in Volleyball 7:30 PM Robert Service School Ages 13+ - Free

Fridays

Cards & Conversation 1:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1 Dawson City Free! Drop-In! No registration necessary. whatsupyukon.events/dawson-legion8336c3

Open Studio Drop-in 1:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Enjoy KIAC’s bright, air-conditioned space to create and focus on your artistic practice. Even better- we’ve waived the drop-in fee this day.

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

where nightmares come true! Bring your courage (and maybe a friend to scream with!) Kids under 10 must enter with an adult!

Fri Oct 31 Halloween Costume Dance 9:30 PM Watson Lake Recreation Centre Grab your friends, your best (or scariest!) costume, and get ready to dance ‘til the witching hour! Get your spooky groove on — it’s going to be a scream!

Daily Northern Lights Space & Science Centre Shows 11:00 AM The spectacular dancing Northern Lights are showcased, a video that is broadcast in the NLC’s

LAKE

Tue Oct 28 Watson Lake Curling Bonspiel Club AGM 6:00 PM Watson Lake Recreation Centre Email tiff.lund@gmail. com for more info. Wed Oct 29 The Haunted Sign Post Forest 6:00 PM Signpost Forest Watson Lake The Haunted Sign Post Forest will come alive, enter if you dare… but beware,

I

THE UNKNOWN CHEF

The Unknown Chef has fed you at many local restaurants for years and has decided to share some recipes that he has developed, and others that he has “stolen” from other chefs.

HOMEMADE CHIPS — JUST LIKE GRANNY USED TO MAKE

do make the best chips this side of

the Atlantic

That is not a lie, as anyone who has had my chips will attest to. I make chips, not fries. I can’t replicate these in a restaurant kitchen, either. And for that, I apologize to all the folks to whom I have fed the typical, bland, pasty, boring restaurant-style fries.

You see, in a restaurant we are generally using frozen fries out of a plastic bag, deep-fried in some sort of oil that is usually changed out weekly—or more, depending on the volumes of the restaurant. In the kitchen, you try very hard never to cook meat in the deep fryer, as it breaks down the cooking oil but, in reality, sometimes you’re in a pinch and have to do up some bacon or chicken wings in a hurry. When that happens, your fries are compromised until you change out the oil.

At home, I have my chips pan. And I’ll take it over any air fryer or restaurant fries, every day.

I come from a very British family, and everyone we knew had a chips pan—my mom, my Nan and Granny, my aunties, all of my cousins—literally every house has or had a chips pan. When my wife and I moved in together, she took one look at mine and asked, “What is that disgusting thing?”

“It’s my chips pan! Wait and see.”

She was, needless to say, blown away and still enjoys my chips to this day, at least once or twice a week. The recipe’s not really difficult: it’s getting the pan seasoned that takes the time—literally years.

Start by using an enamel-coated saucepan. They work the best, and you’re going to invest quite a lot of time getting things right, so may as well start with the best.

Initially, you’re going to want to start with a 50:50 mixture of lard and shortening as your base. Don’t

use oil because it breaks down, as previously mentioned. Every meal that you make, you add the drippings to your chips pan: bacon, eggs, sausages, pork, lamb, chicken, etc. If you have drippings, add them to your pan. Over time, the pan will become seasoned and the chips will taste fantastic.

At first, you’ll just be getting your usual standard-fare, pasty, restaurant-style fries, but as time goes on, you’ll start to see a real change in both the taste and texture of your chips—in a very good way! As things progress, you’ll notice that the pan ends up with a burnt layer on the outside. This is a good thing. It prevents things from getting too hot. Don’t ever clean out or wash your chips pan.

A few tips here. I only use russet potatoes. They work best. Peel them first, then slice them into chips. Slicing sounds simple, right? Not at all. Depending on how you slice them will determine your outcome. Smaller chips will cook faster and become crunchier. Larger chips will take more time and come out softer and chewier. Pick your preference on your cutting board. These take about 15 minutes, start to finish, and make an awesome side for many pre-prepared meals such as M&M’s or frozen fish sticks. You can also make “chip butties” (butter two pieces of bread and fill with a layer of chips—heaven!).

SOME WORDS OF CAUTION

• Boiling a saucepan of lard and shortening can cause a fire if you do not fully pay attention to it. I have been doing this for decades but I still have a fire extinguisher in my kitchen. Do not leave your chips pan unattended, ever.

•Once the lard has fully melted, drop a chip in every minute or so to test the temperature. You’ll want to add all of the chips as soon as these “test” chips start to sizzle a little bit. It will bubble up a little at first, but as the chips cool the lard

down, it will turn into a nice low boil.

•Do not overfill your pan with lard and shortening. Ideally, you’ll want it to be about 1/3 to 1/2 full, once the mixture has melted. As it evaporates and boils off, over time, add more lard and shortening in equal amounts.

•Do not overfill your pan with chips. Initially, the safest way to go is to put in fewer chips and then add more, as long as it’s safe to do so.

•Do not ever get any amount of water in your chips pan! Make sure that your hands are dry when you add the chips. Even the smallest drip or two of water will make for a very scary situation.

INGREDIENTS

• Russet potatoes

• Chips pan

METHOD

1. Peel your potatoes. I suggest 1 medium-sized potato per serving. 2. Slice your potatoes into chips, remember that thinner is quicker and crunchier; thicker takes longer and is more chewy.

3. Remove the lid and heat your pan on the highest setting of a large burner Once the pan is sizzling some test chips, add the rest slowly, being careful to not overflow the pan.

4. Use a chopstick to stir the chips. It’s important to keep them wellstirred so that they don’t stick together while cooking. Separation is the key here to fantastic chips.

5. Once your desired done-ness is reached, use a metal slotted spoon to remove them from the pan and plate them.

6. Be sure to move the pan to a cool space on your stovetop and put the lid back on it (so it stays dust-free until next time).

In true British form, I always serve these with freshly-ground salt and malt vinegar—usually with a side of ketchup. n

PHOTOS: Unknown Chef

A steak sandwich with the best chips! Crispy, crunchy goodness!

Heat the pan

Slice the potatoes

Save The Dates

!

Saturday November 15 10am to 4pm

Canada Games Centre Whitehorse

GEOscience Family Day

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this free, fun and family-friendly event showcasing how and why mining matters. Enjoy a range of hands-on activities and prizes, connect with the people behind industry’s progress and be a part of CKRW, The Rush live on location!

Tuesday, November 18

3:00 to 6:00 pm Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre Whitehorse

GEOscience Open House

MINING IN THE YUKON: WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE IN OUR CHANGING WORLD?

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this free event (no Registration required) to learn more about Yukon exploration and mining. Take in talks and panels, explore the Trade Show, Poster display and more!