What's Up Yukon, April 8, 2026 by What's Up Yukon

AWAKEN FESTIVAL AT GWAANDAK THEATRE

Yukon’s only professional Indigenous theatre society. In 2019, Colin Wolf came on board just in time for the ﬁrst edition of Awaken Festival. He now serves as the company’s artistic director.

“It was a very low-key, oneweekend, online festival the ﬁrst year we did it,” Wolf says. “It was very last-minute, put together in about a week.”

The Gwaandak Theatre will host the seventh annual edition of its Awaken Festival this April, with programming in Whitehorse and Dawson City.

The Indigenous arts and culture festival, which will take place from April 12 to 26, this year, was ﬁrst presented digitally during the pandemic in 2020. Over the years, it’s grown from a small local event to a destination festival, bringing performers from across the country to Whitehorse.

Gwaandak Theatre was founded in 1999 by Leonard Linklater and Patti Flather and remains the

In 2023, the Gwaandak Theatre started receiving presentation funding, meaning they were able to bring travelling shows to Awaken Festival. “That became a really core part of what we do,” Wolf says.

This year, the festival’s main events are three Canadian plays, which will be presented at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. The plays are who will save the night sky? by Philip Jonah Logan Geller, Miss Carcass Caresse: Soft Waters by Erica Wilson, and Climate Play by Yvette Nolan and Joel Bernbaum.

“A cool part of my job is getting to go to festivals and see plays,” says Wolf. “I get to pick which ones I think would be a good ﬁt for coming up to [the] Awaken Festival.”

As Awaken Festival continues to grow, Wolf has big plans for future programming. One year, he was able to bring an international show in from Greenland and wants to see the festival continue to reach beyond Canada in future years.

“We’re looking at, in the future, building a bit more of an international presenting capacity for First Nations shows from Australia and New Zealand, as well as from the Nordic Circle and Green-

cont’d on page 3 ...

Manus Hopkins is a journalist and musician who grew up in Whitehorse.

Freelance with Manus Hopkins

PHOTO: Colbourne Creative

Brefny Caribou in Savage is a Word in the English Dictionary, Awaken Festival 2025

land,” he says. “There’s none of that this year, unfortunately, but we’re building up to that.”

There is no shortage of programming this year, however. In addition to the three shows travelling from other parts of Canada, the artists will deliver workshops and do artist talks about their shows. The festival will also feature a schedule of local programming and social mixers.

“There’s also a lot of local workshops and local presentations from folks like the Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle,” says

Wolf. “We have a Hand Games demonstration this year, as well as a Drumming demonstration on our cultural day, so we have a lot going on that’s local as well as national.”

Wolf likes to use the term “cross-pollination” when he talks about the beneﬁts of people being able to experience events like Awaken Festival and their importance to northern communities.

“I think cross-pollinating in the arts is really good,” he says. “We have folks come in and experience local presentations by local artists, as well as sharing their work. We have that happening with audience members who come see the shows, and artists who participate in the workshops. That’s a really

core tenet of it.”

Wolf says another goal for the festival is to bridge gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through education and connection. With programming from the festival travelling to Dawson City, as well, Wolf is excited to reach farther parts of the territory.

“Going somewhere in person is the best way to make those connections, obviously,” Wolf says. “And bringing shows and art is a really important way.”

Visit gwaandaktheatre.ca to learn more about Gwaandak Theatre, as well as to see the programming schedule and ﬁnd tickets for Awaken Festival’s main performances. Admission to most of the events is free or by donation. ■

Brefny Caribou in Savage is a Word in the English Dictionary, Awaken Festival 2025

• Client-focused guidance

• Personalized support to ﬁnd the right

PHOTOS: Colbourne Creative

Mitchell Saddleback & Sheldon Stockdale in Talk Treaty To Me, Awaken Festival 2025

Fiddle Tunes

MY STOVEPIPE IS CROOKED. I HAD WHISKY BEFORE BREAKFAST. MY MULE HAS FLOPPED EARS.

I‛M GOING TO BOIL THEM CABBAGE. THE DEVIL HAD A DREAM. I HAD DROPS OF BRANDY. THE DUCKS ARE DANCING. I HAVE A SECOND FIDDLE.

I‛M GOING TO THE SATURDAY NITE HOEDOWN.

I HAD SOME MAPLE SUGAR. I WONDER, WHERE‛S OLD JOE CLARK?

I PLAYED A REEL FOR SAINT ANNE. I SAW A TRAVELLER IN ARKANSAS. SHE DANCED LIKE A RUBBER DOLLY. I PLAYED A WALTZ IN TENNESSEE. THE ORANGE BLOSSOM WAS SPECIAL.

THE FISHER PLAYED THE HORNPIPE. SHE WAS THE SOLDIER‛S JOY. WE WALTZED ACROSS TEXAS. ANNIE HAD A RAGTIME. THE TURKEY IS IN THE STRAW. THE SUN FADED OUR LOVE. A CAJUN PLAYED THE FIDDLE.

THE BIRD HAS A RED WING. I WAS JIGGIN‛ ON THE RED RIVER. I PLAYED A RAG ON THE BLACK MOUNTAIN.

PLAYED A REEL FOR THE CHICKENS. THE MULE SKINNER HAD THE BLUES. SHE DANCED WITH GOLDEN SLIPPERS.

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.

Carrie McClelland is the lead education and outreach biologist at the Yukon government’s Department of Environment. She still squints through her binoculars at a group of ducks and gestures vaguely, saying “goldeneyes,” hoping no one asks for more details.

THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE … POTAMOGETON

A male common goldeneye as light brilliantly illuminates his green head. Notice the dot on his cheek, rather than a crescent

Waterbirds arrive in stages to southern Yukon

The ﬁrst birds have arrived at Marsh Lake and other areas of open water in southern Yukon. They are here to feast on aquatic plants such as potamogeton that grow in the shallow waters of the bay. Places like McClintock Bay, Tagish Narrows, Nares Lake, Johnson’s Crossing and Shallow Bay (Lake Laberge) are staging grounds where migrating waterbirds can rest and feed on their migration journey north. This is not their ﬁnal stop; they’re just refuelling.

In April in the Yukon, places for waterbirds to rest and feed are quite limited. Most of our lakes and rivers are still frozen, so they are forced to congregate in these speciﬁc locations to be able to reach food underwater. Fortunately, this presents some great viewing opportunities for us, and their gradual arrival allows beginner birders to become familiar with them before a greater diversity arrives.

The ﬁrst ducks to arrive are often mallards and goldeneyes. As one of the most common ducks to see on ponds and lakes, mallards are easily recognizable. Males have a brilliant-green head while females are a speckled brown, to help them camouﬂage when they

are sitting on their nests and protecting their ducklings.

Swan Haven hosts both common and Barrow’s goldeneyes and identifying the difference is easy, but difﬁcult to see from a distance. For males, both species have dark-green ‘iridescent’ heads (that essentially look black except in perfect light) and black and white bodies. But common goldeneyes have a white dot on their cheeks while Barrow’s goldeneyes have a white crescent on their cheeks. It’s very difﬁcult to see without good binoculars so we often just say “goldeneyes” and gesture vaguely to the group of ducks.

Get to know the goldeneyes ﬁrst, because the bufﬂeheads,

A pair of Mallards. The male has a green head and the female is brown

Another black-and-white duck, the little bufflehead, has a bigger white patch at the back of the head

which are also black and white, are not far behind. With similar colouring, they might be mistaken for goldeneyes, but they are much smaller and have a large white patch at the back of the head.

Northern pintails are an exciting addition to the ﬂock as they are not black and white, and they have a distinctive long, pointy tail that makes them easier to pick out of the lineup. This is a great bird for beginners to look for—an easy win when learning to identify waterbirds.

These ducks are soon joined by common mergansers, American widgeons and Canada geese. Smaller birds often hang around their larger cousins (swans) who can reach the plants on the bot-

tom with their long necks. Look for dabbling ducks, following swans around and picking up the leftovers stirred up by the massive swans.

The arrival of different species of ducks to the Yukon may vary, with a few strays sneaking in with other ﬂocks. However, the ﬁrst to arrive are always the trumpeter swans. They can be seen as early as mid-March in the small patch of open water at Marsh Lake, letting us know that spring and more waterbirds are on their way.

Stop by Swan Haven from April 1 to 30, weekdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from noon to 7 p.m. to see these early birds before it gets really confusing when more species arrive. ■

PHOTOS: Pixabay

Column with Carrie McClelland

ENTER YOUR EVENTS ON-LINE

ART SHOWS

Until April 25 Serenity A solo show by Doug Rutherford YAAW YUkon Artist at Work.Public reception: April 10th ~ 5-7 pm

Until May 22 Inner Space – Outer Space: The Fabric of the Universe YAC Yukon Arts Centre Explores the interconnectedness between humans, the cosmos, and the earth on macro and micro scales through paintings, installations, and soundscapes.

Until May 22 The Caribou Art Project YAC Yukon Arts Centre Featuring 30 life-sized caribou and an immersive soundscape of stories and experiences, the installation invites visitors to walk among the herd.

LIVE MUSIC

Fri Apr 10 Sharing the Light 7:00 PM Whitehorse United Church Musical performances that blend creativity and passion with the realities of our northern environment.

Fri Apr 17 Franklin - Decay Album Release Party 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well A sludgy, heavy night with stage lights by Ptarmigan Creative, “decay” played in its entirety, and incredible local guests on every. single. track.

Sat Apr 18 Honky Tonk Night with the Klondike County Dance Band 7:00 PM MacBride Museum Join Sarah Hamilton, Ryan McNally, Lina Halimi, Jimmy Salt and Rob Bergman for a night of honky tonk music and dancing. https:// macbridemuseum.com/

Sat Apr 18 Bria Rose N’ Thorns

- Rainbow Release Celebration 7:00 PM Decora Release their debut full-length album BloomDress up to add to the experience! Colourful, Vibrant, Glow. OR come as you are!

Sun Apr 26 Aurum Ensemble 2:00 PM Whitehorse United Church The Aurum Ensemble (Latin for “Gold”) is a local foursome of friends and formally-trained Classical musicians who love playing together. https:// whitehorseconcerts.com

Mon Apr 27 Snotty Nose Rez Kids 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre SNRK dominate Hip-Hop music, blazing their own path, weaving together a musical fabric of hardhitting lyricism, revealing stories about the struggles they and their people have encountered. https:// www.yukonartscentre.com

Monthly

First Saturday Folk Society

Coffeehouse 6:30 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

Music Jam 6:00 PM Northlight

Foursquare Church

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

Tue Apr 7 Content Creation Made Easier 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace In this hands-on workshop learn the keys to creating engaging content with Simon Kishchuk.

Tue Apr 7 Spring birds of Swan Haven 7:00 PM Yukon University Jukka Jantunen will share identification and viewing tips for common spring birds seen at Swan Haven and around the Southern Lakes.

Wed Apr 8 – Sat Apr 11 Little Shop of Horrors 7:00 PM The Guild Hall Nerdy floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names ‘Audrey II’ — after his coworker crush. https:// guildhall.ca/2026/little-shop-ofhorrors

Thu Apr 9 How to Get a Contract with the Yukon Government 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace

An evening of learning where the money flows, how to use available resources to your advantage, and some tips and tricks for how to get more contracts for your business.

Fri Apr 10 - Sat Apr 11 Paddling Film Festival World Tour 2026 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre

Showcasing the very best in paddling films - be inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, and appreciate wild places as we head into the summer paddling season. https:// yukonartscentre.com/whats-on/ paddling-film-festival-worldtour-2026/

Fri Apr 10 Live Comedy - Julie Kim ft Brad Semotiuk 7:00 + 9:30 PM Boiler Room Lounge Don’t miss headliner, Julie Kim, who will be joined by feature act Brad Semotiuk! https://www.jumpcomedy. com/e/julie-kim-ft-brad-semotiuklive-at-the-boiler-room

Sat Apr 11 Exploring Glazing Techniques 9:00 AM Arts Underground If you would like more confidence when glazing, this two half-day workshop is for you. https:// www.artsunderground.ca/ Sat Apr 11 The Honourable Bob Rae - The World Turned Upside Down 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre The Honourable Bob Rae examines the seismic forces reshaping global politics: the crisis of democracy, the weaponization of misinformation, the disruptive power of social media, the emergence of new global power centers, and more. https://yukonartscentre.com/

Sat Apr 11 SAY Members Meeting 1:30 PM Golden Age Society Seniors Action Yukon members meeting, featuring guest speaker(s) and Q&A. Let your voice be heard! Sat Apr 11 Live Comedy - Julie Kim ft Brad Semotiuk 7:00 PM Boiler Room Lounge Don’t miss headliner, Julie Kim, who will be joined by feature act Brad Semotiuk! https://www.jumpcomedy.com/e/ julie-kim-ft-brad-semotiuk-live-atthe-boiler-room

Sun Apr 12 - Mon Apr 27 Awaken Festival 2026 Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Featuring inperson and digital workshops, cultural presentations, performance showcases, and more - all in an effort to celebrate the different ways we can gather and connect! www.gwaandaktheatre.ca/awakenfestival-2026-welcome Sun Apr 12 Festival WelcomeAwaken Festival 2026 4:30 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre We unveil the 7th Annual Awaken Festival - opening prayer and smudge, welcome from EAD Colin Wolf, a live art performance piece by Jesse Fulcher Gagnon as well as special music by Bria Rose! https:// www.gwaandaktheatre.ca/ Sun Apr 12 Lecture - Cape Parry Thick-billed Murres: Solving an Arctic Seabird Mystery 7:00 PM Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre A joint presentation of the Yukon Science Institute and the Yukon Bird Club about thick-billed murres. https://www.yukonscienceinstitute. org/

How To Get A Contract With Yukon Government 6PM - 7:30 PM

Cospace is a bright and vibrant shared workspace offering hotdesking, dedicated desks, and offices where Wi-Fi, coffee, and break-time conversations are always flowing.

scratches at her sanity. Playing April 10 & 11!

WHITEHORSE EVENTS

Tue Apr 14 Introduction to Wood Carving 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace A unique wood carving workshop hosted by experienced carver Gary Tautenhahn. Learn to use a range of carving tools, both hand-held and mechanical. https:// yukonstruct.com/event/introductionto-wood-carving/

Wed Apr 15 - Sun Apr 19 Out North - Queer North Film Festival Whitehorse Various Locations Films, performances, music, a dance party, art workshops, and more!!! https:// www.yukonqueerfilmalliance.com/

Wed Apr 15 - Sat Apr 18 Little Shop of Horrors 7:00 PM The Guild Hall Nerdy floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names ‘Audrey II’ — after his coworker crush. https://guildhall.ca/2026/littleshop-of-horrors

Wed Apr 15 In the Pit with Peter Johnston 12:00 PM Yukon University Join Peter Johnston and special guests for engaging discussion and explore the history of Yukon land claims, selfgovernment agreements, and current opportunities and challenges facing Northern and Indigenous communities.

Wed Apr 15 Popular Culture, Claims and Confusion in “America’s” Yukon 12:00 PM Yukon University YU’s Drew Lynes for a fascinating exploration of the competing claims to both the land and the Yukon’s cultural expression

Thu Apr 16 Meadowlarks + Hunting in the Dehcho 6:30 PM Yukon Theatre An emotional journey handled with care, respect, and beauty. https://yukonfilmsociety. com/

Thu Apr 16 Skills Canada Yukon - Territorial Competition Yukon

University An exciting one-day event that brings together skilled trades and technology students from across the Yukon to showcase their abilities in a variety of competitions. https://www.skillsyukon.com/ territorials

Sun Apr 19 Otter and Beaver workshop 10:00 AM Yukon Trappers Association Otter and beaver skinning workshop with President Robert Stitt. Call 6685648 - open to all. https://yukonfur. wordpress.com/

Mon Apr 20 Learn French Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY) Say “bonjour” to new adventures! French as a second language classes are back this spring! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to practice your French. https://www.afy.ca/standalone/learn-french-with-a-yukontwist

Tue Apr 21 who will save the night sky? By Philip Jonah Logan Geller 7:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre An interactive solo performance blending bouffon, clown, storytelling, and spectacle, reminding us of the importance of our relationship to the stars and sky world. https:// www.gwaandaktheatre.ca/awakenfestival-2026-welcome

Tue Apr 21 Maximizing Social Media for Marketing 9:00 AM NorthLight Innovation Learn how to plan and structure content with purpose, leverage analytics to make data-driven decisions, and schedule posts for maximum reach and consistency. https://www. whitehorsechamber.ca/

Tue Apr 21 Square and Contra Dance 3:00 PM The Guild Hall Featuring a live band-Megan MacLeod, Rick Avery and Scott Wilson. This dance will include a variety of square and contra dances. www.relativeharmony.com

Wed Apr 22 Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again 5:00 PM Yukon Theatre Nechako is a crucial documentary from Lyana Patrick that follows two Indigenous Nations fighting for our collective future. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/ schedule/nechako-it-will-be-a-bigriver-again_Gwaandak

lovers of Indigenous theatre and art.

https://www.gwaandaktheatre.ca/

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 3rd Sundays Square and Contra Dance Dance Series 7:00 PM The Other Room” at the Guild Hall no experience necessary - a caller walks through all you need to know

Weekly

Mondays

Mtg: Competitive Commander 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Fri Apr 17 To the Moon 6:30 PM Yukon Theatre A heartwarming, offbeat comedy about love, selfdiscovery, and the beautiful mess of growing up—at any age.

Fri Apr 17 Pillion 9:00 PM Yukon Theatre A Queer romance and comedy, set in contemporary BDSM culture. The plot involves Biker Ray (Alexander Skarsgard) initiating Colin (Harry Melling), a meek nebbish, into the world of BDSM.

Fri Apr 17 Indigenous Storytelling 6:30 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre An evening of traditional storytelling, history, language and music. Everyone is welcome, refreshments provided.

Fri Apr 17 + Sat Apr 18 Audition

Call for The Hobbit Old Fire Hall

The Yukon Arts Centre has an audition call for its production of The Hobbit, which is hitting our Mainstage this October. For ages 19+ https://yukonartscentre.com/ whats-on/audition-call-for-the-hobbit Sat Apr 18 2026 Special Olympics

Festival Dinner Auction 5:00 PM

Takhini Arena Enjoy an exciting evening featuring over 100 live and silent auction items, with a delicious prime rib dinner prepared by KITS Kitchen. https://specialolympics.ca/ yukon

Sat Apr 18 Dreams in Nightmares

Wed Apr 22 - Sat Apr 15 Little Shop of Horrors 7:00 PM The Guild Hall Nerdy floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names ‘Audrey II’ — after his coworker crush. https://guildhall.ca/2026/littleshop-of-horrors

Wed Apr 22 Miss Carcass Caresse: Soft Waters By Erica Wilson 7:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Winnipeg-born Indigenous theatre artist who moves beyond the constraints of traditional “Main Stage” storytelling, she channels her creativity through her persona, Miss Carcass Caresse. https://www.gwaandaktheatre.ca/ awaken-festival-2026-welcome

Thu Apr 23 Startup Tech Bootcamp Pitch Showcase 5:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace An exciting evening where innovation takes the spotlight. A chance to connect with founders, creatives, and community members who are all building something exciting.

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 trick-taking card game for four players, two on each team, As a member you

Beginner ASL Class & Social Hang 6:15 Queer Yukon SocietyThe 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 Trinity Lutheran Church 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

5:00 PM Yukon Theatre Three friends in their mid-thirties as they road trip across the Midwestern United States in search of their friend who has seemingly disappeared off the grid. https:// mubi.com/en/films/dreams-innightmares

Sat Apr 18 Ponyboi 8:15 PM Yukon

Theatre On Valentine’s Day, in New Jersey, a young intersex sex worker is working at a Laundromat with their pregnant best friend, Angel. Followed by dance party with DJ SHE/THEY

Sun Apr 19 Jimpa 6:00 PM Yukon

Theatre Hannah and her non-binary teenager Frances visit her gay grandfather Jimpa at Amsterdam. Preceded by Ivan Coyote

Thu Apr 23 Climate Play By Yvette Nolan and Joel Bernbaum & Climate Play Artists 7:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre A mid-show facilitated audience discussion; original music inspired by the transcripts of the interviews, including a new song generated from the end Act I discussion and performed for the first time. https:// www.gwaandaktheatre.ca/awakenfestival-2026-welcome

Sun Apr 26 Awaken Theatre Gathering - 2026 Awaken Festival 10:00 AM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre New and established theatre artists, educators, and more to connect with Indigenous creatives in both the Yukon and beyond. Featuring a Keynote Presentation by Michelle Olson! https://www. gwaandaktheatre.ca/

Sun Apr 26 Fire Pit & Tea - Closing Event for Awaken Festival 2026 4:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Meet new people and build on existing relationships, discuss the workshops and shows, as well as share in mutual experiences as

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 Trinity Lutheran Church.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 3321803 for more info.

In the Pit with Peter Johnston 12:00 Yukon University Explore the history of Yukon land claims, self-government agreements, and current opportunities and challenges facing communities.

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-in-Residence Shirley Smith, everyone welcome. Feel free to join and start a beading project or work on something that you’ve already started! For more info email culturalprograms@kdcc.ca

QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache

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.

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

Coffee Discussion

Association

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.

Church Service 5:30 PM Northlight Foursquare Church

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.

School-age Discovery Zone 2:00

PM The Northern Collective Church

KIDS & FAMILIES

Wed Apr 15 Music in Motion with Babies 10:00 AM YAC Yukon Arts Centre A free, drop-in 30 minute session of music and movement designed for parents and babies led by Lianne Cranfield. https:// yukonartscentre.com/whats-on/ music-in-motion-with-babies-12/ Fri Apr 17 Youth & Women

Exploring Trades Conference 9:00

AM Whitehorse A free fun event for girls and gender-diverse youth ages 13-17 from across the Yukon! A morning snack and lunch will be provided. https://www.yukonwitt.org/ all-events/ywet2026

Tue Apr 21 Swan Story Time 10:30 Whitehorse Public Library A swan themed story time, toddlers and children up to age 5. Enjoy stories, rhymes and movement!

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 Drop-In Science and STEM Activities - no need to register - For children to compete with a parent or guardian!

MEETINGS

Thu Apr 16 Softball Yukon 2026

AGM 5:00 PM Sport Yukon Email sarah@softballyukon.com for more info.

Tue Apr 28 Yukon Residential Landlord Association AGM 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Topics of discussion will include various matters of concern submitted by YRLA members attending the meeting. Email yukonRLA@gmail. com for more info.

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

Third Thursday Yukon AntiPoverty Coalition Monthly Meeting 5:00 PM Lewis Hall (Whitehorse United Church). For more information: 334-9317 or info@yapc.ca. Everyone is welcome.

Third Thursday Alpine Yukon Board meetings 7:00 PM Sport Yukon

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

ONLINE EVENTS

Thu Apr 9 Supporting Children with Big Feelings 12:00 PM Online

Anyone with a child involved with the CDC or on a wait list is welcome to join. For more info email jennifer. freeman@cdcyukon.ca

Mon Apr 13 Supporting the Grieving Child 5:00 PM Online Learn more about how kids grieve differently than adults, and simple welcoming ways to help kids. https://hospiceyukon.net/

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, no-pressure 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 1-587328-1099

Saturdays

AA Detox Meeting (OM, NS) 1:00 PM Online For Zoom Room address call 334-7693.

AA Yukon Unity Group (O) 1:00 PM Online Zoom ID 868 3045 2752 pc 6y2K8a or phone 1-587-3281099

Sundays

AA Yukon Unity Group 1:00 PM Online By zoom – Zoom ID 868 3045 2752 pc 6y2K8a or by phone Phone 1-587-238-1099

Want to be on this page? Enter your event HERE:

BANDAGING PEARL

Pearl is quite the character—smart, loyal, trustworthy and funny

She is a purebred border collie, without sheep or a speciﬁc job. True to her breed, she is a problem solver and seems to have found a solution to her canine unemployment: she has created daily tasks for herself, despite her current urban home. Humans are her ﬂock, and Pearl is not shy about herding them and their detritus.

Pearl’s human, Erin, is busy with hiking, running and, occasionally, skiing. These activities allow Pearl to indiscriminately herd. Herding hierarchy, according to Pearl, in descending order: ﬁrst Erin, followed by strange humans and dogs, friends’ indoor cats, squirrels and, ﬁnally, crockery at the end of a meal. Seen through Pearl’s lens, everything has a proper place in the world and it is her mission to ensure that placement.

Pearl sings an “awooo” sound more commonly heard in huskies, which is especially apparent when she is excited or attempting to chivvy her human out the door for

an adventure. She explores the world with enthusiasm and joie de vivre, positively impacting all who experience her cheerful demeanour. (Strangers seem happy to be herded into proper order according to border collie protocols).

During at-home downtime, she enjoys squeaky toys to the extreme, routinely destroying the squeaker device itself (Is that not the game? her face seems to ask).

When those squeaky toys evade her by rolling under a couch or behind a door, Pearl prefers not to ask two-thumbed humans for assistance, instead contorting herself into a multitude of shapes to regain their possession as independently as possible.

With Pearl’s level of activity and work ethic, it may come as no surprise to hear that she injured herself during an outdoor adventure. A laceration split the skin of her paw pad and required attention: Erin’s vet clinic provided care the day of the injury.

After Pearl’s veterinarian thoroughly inspected the laceration for foreign material and cleaned and ﬂushed the injury, they advised against placing sutures (stitches) due to the tough skin on a dog’s paw pad. Instead, Pearl’s treatment plan consisted of main-

chew at either her new bandage or her injured foot, while she recuperated.

When a wound is closed by sutures, the edges of the wound are stitched together and healing happens by “primary intention.” When a wound is not closed by sutures, whatever the reason for that may be, healing occurs by “secondary intention.” The latter typically takes longer and requires granulation tissue to form, ﬁlling in the wound over time.

Using bandaging to manage a wound that is healing by second intention serves multiple purposes. In Pearl’s case, those purposes were to keep the area clean from debris and bacteria, followed by adding cushioning to reduce discomfort.

taining cleanliness and bandaging the foot for the next two weeks, with bandage changes recommended once every day.

With an injury to the underside of the foot, walking would provoke it constantly, so additional considerations for healing consisted of activity restriction along with medications for pain control. Last but not least, Pearl went home wearing a cone-collar to ensure she was not able to lick or

Pearl’s injury coincided with Erin’s need to travel for work, with no opportunity for this unfortunate timing to be rescheduled. As indicated earlier, Pearl is intelligent, and she is known to attempt to “herd” humans to follow her lead (for example, to not reapply bandages and to allow her to run like the wind). Erin did not want to unduly burden Pearl’s housesitter and she reached out for assistance with the daily bandage changes, during the week she would be away.

I coordinated a bandaging schedule with the housesitter and we found that Pearl’s cheerful demeanour served her well. Her squeaky toy provided distraction and she tolerated gentle restraint to help her remain still. For a foot injury such as Pearl’s, the entire foot is bandaged, including the toes and typically up to the ankle. Removing the bandages during daily changes allowed me to assess the area and take photos to send to both Erin and Pearl’s veterinarian, to keep them abreast of the healing progress. What a pleasure to work with Pearl during this time, getting to know her personality and assisting with her healing. Every day, once her bandage change was complete, Pearl “sang” her expressive “awooo” song.

It is not easy for an active dog like Pearl to rest an injury. Nonetheless, with her compliance, human dedication, distractions and an application of time, it will not be long before Pearl returns to her adventures with Erin, keeping the world herded into its proper places.

Author’s Note: The names of both animals and people have been changed to protect privacy. ■

Pearl is a cheerful, smart and funny border collie

PHOTOS: Julie Kerr

Column with Julie Kerr

Photo credit: Bruce Barrett

Nicole Bauberger is a multi-disciplinary visual artist, writer and performer of settler heritage who makes her home in Whitehorse. She has contributed to What’s Up Yukon since our ﬁrst issue on Feb. 9, 2005.

DRAWING TOWARDS HEALING — IN THE COSMOS AND UP CLOSE

Getting close to what you can’t get close to in Hinton’s winsome polaroid of a black hole in Black Hole Rendering

For Basia Barb Hinton, peace is fractal

In Outer Space — Inner Space:

The Fabric of the Universe, Dawson-based artist Basia Barb Hinton turns her attention to cells and galaxies, to constellations and plant species. She holds the large and small beside each other with a healing intention.

This gesture reminds me of the idea of the fractal in shaping societal change, spelled out by Adrienne Maree Brown—the widely-read social-justice facilitator, healer and doula—in her book called Emergent Strategy

The idea of fractals is that patterns repeat at the smallest and largest scales—cells and galaxies are similar. In this context, Brown applies this observation to the idea that “what we practise at a small scale can reverberate to the largest scale.”

I don’t know whether Hinton has read Brown, but this is an idea that has some currency among people who work towards a society that is more kind and just. It helps validate small or symbolic steps along the road from here to a better world.

Hinton seems to embody this idea in Rest as Revolution: Wild

Hinton played both with themes of microcosm/macrocosm and healing as she pursued a practice of making one small drawing, every morning, with her coffee for a year, often inspired by cellular structures

Sage & Cygnus/The Swan. Hinton created this piece in 2024–2026. She used acrylic, Japanese ink, fabric paint and spray paint on African bark cloth. All of the bark cloth pieces combine a silhouetted image of a human body, which I read as a representation of Hinton’s body, with a healing plant and a constellation.

The idea that burnout (that exploiting yourself) perpetuates violence and that rest is revolution, comes from the same circles of conversation as Brown’s work. Healing yourself can be part of healing the world.

This idea also resonates with Hinton’s wall piece entitled 365: Macro-Micro Daily Ritual, January–December 2025. Every morning of 2025, with her coffee, and in the winter, with her SAD light on, Hinton made a small drawing thinking about the structures of cells. She adapted the practice from a writing exercise whose purpose was healing. The small drawings on cards take up the whole wall, arranged in blocks by month. If we do small things every day, the practice takes up real space.

Another composite of small works that depict enormous things, echoes this idea. Hinton took screenshots of recent pictures from the James Webb Space Telescope, as well as from other NASA sources. She printed them on

The

a printer that uses mini-polaroids, hand-labelled them with a marker and hung them in a diamond shape.

In Cosmic Forces, 2025, Hinton brings a handmade, funky feel to these objects that are vast beyond imagining and invisible to the naked eye. She makes them into a shot of your bestie that could hang in your locker.

The sounds we make while speaking are closer to our bodies, but also invisible. Hinton has used images of the waves generated by pronouncing the letters of the English alphabet, cutting them out of wood with a laser cutter. Like her depiction of all the months of the year, the grid of these sculptural objects in wood follows the structure of the alphabet. You can identify the letters on the title card beside them.

In addition to these experiments, Hinton has painted largescale works onto large, irregular rectangles of gorgeous russet bark cloth. Hinton ﬁrst encountered this bark cloth when she was working and visiting family in Kenya and Uganda. It’s sustainably harvested from ﬁg trees near the Nile River.

Craftspeople peel the bark from the tree, then soak it and beat it with mallets for weeks. Hinton bought six blankets and started to paint on them, but then stopped when she learned the cloth was used for shrouds and other cere-

Japanese ink, paint and chrysanthemum imagery come together in Dimensions of Connection: Chrysanthemum & The Big Dipper/The Bear, 2025-2026

monial purposes. She held onto them, ﬁguring she would gift them back eventually. But reaching out to do this, she encountered Elders who encouraged her to paint on them. They want to get youth interested in this process. Ugandans want international artists to paint on the fabric to create a market for the product. Hinton encourages people to reach out to her who might be interested in purchasing some for their own artwork.

Onto these cloths Hinton works with her Ukrainian heritage, which includes painting and embroidering on cloth. She looks back to about 5000 BCE, when a matriarchal culture, in what is now known as Ukraine, maintained a period of peace for over 2,000 years. She told me that the Tree of Life pattern, often found in traditional Ukrainian arts and crafts, dates back to this period. Not being an embroiderer herself, Hinton cut printing blocks in the geometric versions of the Tree of Life pattern, and printed them into her paintings.

A plinth in the middle of the space supports headphones where you can listen to a soothing soundscape that complements the artwork. Jon Deline has input Hinton’s works into a computer program to generate sound. Nate

Wood improvises harmonica over these sounds in a call-and-response style. The headphones rest on some of the bark cloth, so you are able to touch this interesting substance when you pick them up. The overall effect is profoundly peaceful.

At the exhibit opening, Hinton acknowledged the community who supported her in making these large works. Peter Menzies, at the Robert Service School in Dawson, allowed her to access the school woodshop, as a workspace, and taught her how to use the laser cutter. Colin Dorward and Victoria Parker, at The Warehouse, let her set up and work there in Whitehorse. She worked in the ODD Gallery between exhibitions. She organized a residency in Peter Heebink’s hobo cabin and large woodshop, as a working space out near Swan Haven.

Hinton’s solo show grows out of the web of Yukon art relationships, where she ﬂourishes.

If you visit the Yukon Arts Centre, I recommend that you also set aside time to experience the Caribou Project, envisioned by Lianne Marie Leda Charlie, on display for the same time period.

Outer Space — Inner Space: The Fabric of the Universe continues until May 22. The Yukon Arts Centre Gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ■

PHOTOS: Nicole Bauberger

Bauberger

letter H from Hinton’s Sound Wave Alphabet, 2025

CARCROSS

Second Sunday of Every Month

St. Saviour’s Church Services

2:00 pm St. Saviour Church 867668-3129

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

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

• Dawson City General Store

Fri Apr 17 Who will Save the Night Sky? 7:30 PM Dënäkär Zho

KIAC Ballroom An interactive solo performance, blending bouffon, clown, storytelling, and spectacle, who will save the night sky?

Wed Apr 29 Snotty Nose Rez Kids 7:30 PM Dënäkär Zho

KIAC Ballroom SNRK dominate in Hip-Hop music, blazing their own path, weaving together a musical fabric of hard-hitting lyricism, revealing stories about the struggles they and their people have encountered. https://kiac.ca/ calendar-of-events/

Weekly

Mondays

Handbuilding Pottery Drop-in

6:30-9 PM Self-guided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with pottery. Newcomers are welcome, though little instruction is provided. KIAC Classroom, back door

Drop-In Pickleball 5:30 PM Robert Service School

Adult Drop-In Basketball 7:45 PM Robert Service School Ages 16+ -Free Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info.

Tuesdays

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)

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.

Weekly

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. Drop-in, Free admission! For more info email yogajessyukon@gmail. com.

Sundays

Sunday Mass 3:00 PM St. John the Baptist Church

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

Weekly

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

Open Court 1:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

After School Club 3:30 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Open Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Adult Social 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

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

Open 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

Teen Night 6:00 PM Carmacks Rec

FARO

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)

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) Self-guided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with screen printing.

Drop-in Bouldering 7:30 PM

Robert Service School Free - dropin - all ages

Dawson City Disc Golf League

8:00 PM Crocus Bluff Disc Golf Course simple, welcoming league for all skill levels

Thursdays

CDC Toddler Program 10:00 AM

Klondike Institute of Arts & Culture

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

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! DropIn! No registration necessary. whatsupyukon.events/dawsonlegion-8336c3

Open Studio Drop-in 1:00 PM

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

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 4:30 PM Saint Mary Church

Drop-in Bouldering 6:00 PM

Robert Service School Free - dropin - all ages

Saturdays

Youth Parkour Tumbling 12:30

PM Robert Service School

All Ages - Free – Drop-In. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Open Studio – Drop In 1:00

PM Klondike Institute of Art & Culture KIAC Classroom (enter via backdoor) Space to create and focus on your artistic practice.

Saturday Mass 5:00 PM Saint

Mary Church

AA North Star Group (O, A)

Dawson City 7:00 PM Royal

Canadian Legion

Sundays

Anglican Church Service 10:30

AM Anglican Church Service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Dawson City. Corner of Front and Church Streets at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Dawson City

Sunday Mass 10:30 AM Saint

Mary Church

Adult Drop-In Basketball 6:00

PM Robert Service School Ages 16+ - Free - Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info.

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

SERVICES WE OFFER: ► Trafﬁc Control ► Pilot Car

► Trafﬁc Lights ► Message Boards

► Light Towers with Generator

► Solar Speed Signs

► Delineators and Barricades

4601 55 Street, Fort Nelson, BC

fortnelson@safeguardtrafﬁc.ca sgtrafﬁc.ca • 877-403-8179

First and Third Tuesday of every month

Faro Council Meeting 7:00 PM Town of Faro

Weekly Tuesdays

Parent & Tot 10:00 AM Faro Recreation Centre Open Gym 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Kids Club 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Drop-in Archery 6:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre Free, drop-in, equipment provided, call 994-2375 for more info.

Adult Floor Hockey 7:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Wednesdays

Seniors Games & Walks 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre. The gym is open for seniors who would like to improve their fitness goals.

Fitness Fun for Seniors 2:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre Pickleball 2:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Volleyball 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Basketball 7:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Thursdays

Parent & Tot 10:00 AM Faro Recreation Centre Kids Club 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Youth Group 7:00 PM Faro Recreation

Centre

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

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

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

Basketball 3:30 PM Faro Recreation

Centre

Saturdays

Pickleball 2:30 PM Faro Recreation

Centre

Open Court Basketball 3:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Open Gym 4:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Sundays

Open Court Basketball 3:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Sunday Mass 11:00 AM or 2:30 PM Catholic Church of the Apostles

HAINES

JUNCTION

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

• Little Green Apple

Thu Apr 23 Paddling Film Festival

World Tour 2026 6:30 PM St. Elias Convention Centre Showcases the very best in paddling films. Be inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, and appreciate wild places as we head into the summer paddling season. For more info email hjpaddlingfestival@gmail.com.

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]

Weekly

Mondays

Fun with Food 3:30 PM St. Elias

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

Pickleball 5:00 PM St. Elias

Community School Meet in the school

gym

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-bannock-68ab07

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

Fit with Nick 6:00 PM The Mezzanine

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

Drop-In Basketball 6:00 PM St. Elias

Community School Meet in the school gym

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

Pickleball 5:00 PM St. Elias

Community School Meet in the school gym

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

Sunday Mass 10:30 AM Our Lady of the Way Church

AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 1:00

PM Haines Junction Health Centre

MARSH LAKE

Until Thu Apr 30 Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Open https:// yukon.ca/en/outdoor-recreation-andwildlife/wildlife-viewing/celebrationswans

Wed Apr 8 Sunset Swan Walk 7:30

PM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Join Wildlife Viewing staff for an interpretive walk along the shore in the gloaming.

Sat Apr 11 New Yukoner Day 12:00

PM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre A guided walk along the shoreline trail to learn why so many birds gather in this spectacular place or explore on your own.

Sun Apr 12 Bird Origami 1:00 PM PM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Join the Japanese-Canadian Association of Yukon in celebrating wildlife the traditional way: folding origami.

Sun Apr 12 Swan Haven Silent Disco 3:00 PM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Come out on (bird costumes welcome) and bring your best bird dance. 2x channels on the headsets! All are welcome!

Tue Apr 14 Not-quite-sunset swan walk 7:30 PM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Join Wildlife Viewing staff for an interpretive walk along the shore in the gloaming.

Wed Apr 15 Nia Dance Swan Haven Interpretive Centre 7:00 PM Nia dance brings body, mind and spirit together through dance and meditation. Sat Apr 18 + Sun Apr 19 Family Weekend – Swan Games 11:00 AM The whole family is welcome to attend a day of fun, self-guided activities. Learn about swans and enjoy games, crafts, button-making and more.

Wed Apr 22 Seniors Tea 11:00 AM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Coffee - tea - sandwiches - sweets and live music by Rick Sward.

Fri Apr 24 Swan Haven Sing-a-long 6:00 PM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Bring a camp chair and a cozy blanket for a musical evening with the swans. If conditions allow, we’ll have a campfire so you can roast marshmallows.

Sat Apr 25 Nature sketching Workshop 1:00 PM share We will share some strategies for making quick sketches, keeping field journals, and what to look for when watching wildlife. Sun Apr 26 Qi-Gong with the Swans 2:00 PM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Observe swans in nature and learn a few swan-inspired poses as part of a Qi-Gong routine.

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

Weekly

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

Sat Apr 11 Art Gallery Exhibition by Mayo Art Night Artists 8:00 AM Mayo

Recreation Centre Some great artists here in Mayo that come to Drop in Art Nights, showing off their hard work and commitment to making Art Nights a success!

MOUNT LORNE

Sat Apr 25 Breathwork for Inner + Outer Connection Retreat 9:00 AM

Mount Lorne Community Centre A full day retreat at Mount Lorne Community Centre, Derek Endress and Juliette Angleheart Zedda facilitating. https:// www.gracespaceyukon.com/

Lorne Mountain Community Centre

Weekly

Mondays

Run Club 6:00 PM Lorne Mountain

Community Centre

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

Tuesdays

Active Fun Fitness Class - Drop In 6:30 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Improve your balance, flexibility, strength and endurance in this indoor class led by Colleen Ennis. Drop

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.

ESince the war in Iran started, there have been eloquent pleas on social media for the rest of the world to remember the people of Iran who have suffered under successive, brutal regimes and are now being bombed out of their homes

specially during war, we need to tap into our common humanity. Always, a direct way to connect with people is by exploring their cuisine. To read through a recipe, ﬁnd and assemble ingredients, go through all the steps in our kitchens and enjoy ﬂavours new to us—is a remarkable experience, bringing a people into our own hearts, minds and homes.

The act of preparing such a dish evokes the marketplaces, the farms and the customs of our fellow cooks in those countries, the families around the table, the feast days and celebrations—the love.

Despite best intentions, my ﬁrst foray into Persian cooking was a fail, as I discovered when I asked an Iranian-Canadian friend to review my recipe for the traditional dish, Fesanjoon. This rich and fragrant stew, based on pomegranate and walnuts, is normally made with chicken. I used lentils and eggplant, prompted by recipes I found online.

My friend got back to me. She and her mom had conferred and agreed: this was not a Persian dish. Lentils, never. Ditto egg-

plant. As for the saffron-lime butter rice, a favourite recipe remembered from my days at the Chocolate Claim, forget the lime. Fesanjoon is already tart enough with the pomegranate. Saffron rice, with the butter, but without the lime, would be okay. She kindly sent me the Fesanjoon recipe she uses (from thecaspianchef.com). I tried it, in combination with another recipe from American-Persian chef, Samrin Nosrat. The result is fabulous. The walnuts become almost chocolate-y during the long, slow cooking; the chicken falls off the bone and the bright pomegranate is a perfect foil for the deep, rich ﬂavours.

My friend also sent me a recipe for Tahdig, the traditional Persian dish of saffron-ﬂavoured rice with a crispy crust and a soft and ﬂuffy interior. But I am, as yet, too intimidated to try, as Samin Nosrat notes in her cookbook, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat (traditional Persian rice can take years to perfect). I opted for the simpler saffron rice instead. There is a treasure trove of Persian cookbooks available in North America: visit persiancookbook. com to see a comprehensive list

and, if you’re on Instagram, do a search for “Persian cooking.” You’ll ﬁnd Persian home cooks and chefs sharing stunning recipes. If you like to cook to a soundtrack, try anything by IranianCanadian musician, Googoosh. Or for a different kind of inspiration, watch Patti Smith, Michael Stipes and Bruce Springsteen singing “People Have the Power” at a Democracy Now gathering (youtube. com/watch?v=b8g5QX5b7JQ).

KHORESH FESENJOON

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups walnuts

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 6 chicken thighs, bone in, skin optional

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

• 1/2 tsp freshly-ground black pepper

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1/2 cup pomegranate molasses*

• 1/2 cup water or pomegranate juice

• 2 pinches saffron

• 2 to 4 tsp sugar (optional)

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice (optional)

• Pomegranate arils (seeds) for garnish.

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 8 to 10 minutes, until goldenbrown and aromatic. Remove from oven and let cool. Once cool, grind in a food processor to a coarse texture; stop before walnuts become butter. Set aside.

2. Season chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a casserole over mediumhigh heat. Once shimmering, cook chicken thighs, in batches if necessary, until goldenbrown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the pan.

3. Add onion to the pan, lower heat to medium and cook until soft and golden-brown, about 18 to 20 minutes.

4. Stir in pomegranate molasses, walnuts and half-cup water or pomegranate juice. Add the chicken to the pan, making sure it’s fully immersed in the sauce.

5. Cover, bring to a simmer and, once simmering, turn heat to medium-low and prop the cover partially open. Cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom.

6. Place the saffron in a small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of hot water. Allow to bloom for a couple of minutes, then stir into the stew.

7. Taste, and if the ﬂavour is too acidic, add a bit of sugar to tone it down (I added 2 teaspoons). Add lemon juice if the sauce needs more bite.

8. Transfer to a serving dish and scatter pomegranate arils overtop. Serve with saffron rice and the traditional Shirazi salad of tomato, cucumbers and onion tossed with chopped mint, lemon and olive oil.

Makes 6 servings.

*Pomegranate molasses can be hard to ﬁnd. To make your own, boil 2 cups of pomegranate juice over medium-high heat until reduced to 1/2-cup of syrupy liquid.

SAFFRON RICE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup white basmati rice

• 1 3/4 cups water

• 1 tsp Kosher salt

• 2 Tbsp butter

• 2 pinches saffron threads

METHOD

1. Pour rice into a medium-sized pot and cover with cold water. Swish to remove starch and pour off water. Strain through a sieve.

2. Combine washed rice, water and salt in the same pot, bring to a boil over high heat, cover and reduce heat to mediumlow. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender. Let rest for 5 minutes, covered. Fluff rice with a fork before adding saffron-lime butter.

3. Combine saffron with one tablespoon of water in a small bowl, to allow saffron to bloom. Melt butter in a small pot or a measuring cup in the microwave; and once melted, add saffron.

4. Stir into the rice to evenly combine, and ﬂuff rice once more before serving.

Makes about 3 cups.

Khoresh Fesenjoon with Saffron Rice

PHOTO: Miche Genest

in, admission by donation. Suitable for mature youth & adults. https:// whatsupyukon.events/fhm

Thursdays

Community Drop In 11:00 AM Mount

Lorne Community Centre

Run Club 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre

LMCA Tennis Drop-In 7:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre All equipment provided, all ages and abilities welcome!

OLD CROW

Mondays Men’s Night At The Rec Centre 6:00

PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Tuesdays

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

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

Wednesdays

Stroller Walks 10:00 AM Kih Tsal Parent and Tots 4:00 PM Old Crow Community Center Call 966-3015 for more info.

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

Sundays

St. Luke’s Church Service 11:00 AM

St. Luke’s Church 867-993-5381

ROSS RIVER

Weekly

Mondays Adult Softball 7:00 PM Baseball Field Ages 16+ Bring your glove, and friends - no experience needed.

Tuesdays

Sewing Night 7:00 PM The Hope

Centre

Street Hockey 7:00 PM Ross River

School Open to all ages and skill levels

Wednesdays

Family Bible Study 8:00 PM The Hope Centre

Thursdays

Community Softball Nights 7:00 PM

Baseball Field Come out and have some fun, fitness and community spirit! All ages welcome.

Fridays

Family Game Night- Coffee House 9:00 PM The Hope Centre

Sundays

Church Service 12:00 PM The Hope Centre

Sunday Mass 2:30 PM or 6:00 PM

Saint Michael Church

TAGISH

First Monday of every month Carcross

Tagish Renewable Resources

Council 1:00 PM Tagish Fire Hall

First Monday of every month Tagish

Advisory Council 8:00 AM Tagish Fire

Hall

Third Wednesday of every month

Tagish Community Association 7:00

PM Tagish Fire Hall

Second Thursday of every month

Tagish Local Advisory Council 7:00 PM

Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday

Tagish Wheely Great Community

Library 12:00 PM Tagish Community Centre Site

Weekly

Thursdays

Tagish Local Advisory Council

Meeting 7:00 PM Tagish Fire Hall

TESLIN

Tue Apr 7 Paddling Film Festival

World Tour 2026 6:30 PM Teslin

Recreation CentreShowcases the very best in paddling films. Be inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, and appreciate wild places as we head into the summer paddling season. For more info email hjpaddlingfestival@gmail.com.

Weekly

Mondays

Teslin Tigers Cross Country Ski

Club 3:15 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Co-Ed Curling League 6:30 & 8:00

PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

AA: Teslin Group (O) 7:00 PM

Catholic Church Rectory (Basement)

Tuesdays

Rookie League 3:15 PM Teslin

Recreation Complex

Open Gym 7:00 PM Teslin Arena

Come hang out or play some sports during our open gym times!

Wednesdays

Pickleball 12:00 PM & 7:00 PM Teslin

Lake Recreation Complex

Youth Pickleball 3:15 PM Teslin Lake

Recreation Complex

Thursdays

Dominos 1:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Drop in seniors

Fridays

Open Arena 7:00 PM Teslin Lake

Recreation Complex

Saturdays

Parent & Tots 2:00 PM Teslin Lake

Recreation Complex

Sundays

Sunday Mass 20:30 Immaculate Heart of Mary Church

Adult Volleyball 4:00 PM School Gym

WATSON LAKE

Crib Tournament 11:00

Sat Apr 11

AM Signpost Seniors Hall Everyone welcome, monetary prizes for 1st, 2nd, last place + best hand over 24.

Sat Apr 18 Play Café 9:00 AM Watson

Lake Recreation Centre A fun-filled on the farm themed play cafe! Farm themed play stations, live chickens, sensory bins and animal fun, crafts, snacks and refreshments.

Daily Northern Lights Space & Science Centre Shows 11:00 AM

The spectacular dancing Northern Lights are showcased, a video that is broadcast in the NLC’s domed 100-seat theatre daily throughout the summer season. Plays daily on the hour starting at 11:00 AM

Second Saturday of the month Watson Lake Direct Aid 2:00 PM Northern Lights Centre

Weekly

Mondays

Badminton Night 7:00 PM Watson Lake Secondary School No skill or equipment required - just come out and have fun.

Tuesdays

Smart Recovery Meetings 3:00 PM Wye Lake Cabin Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services For more information, email joey.mitchell@ yukon.ca or call 332-3187

Pickleball & Badminton 7:00 PM

Watson Lake Secondary School

Watson Lake Drop-in 6:00 PM Queer Yukon

Thursdays

Watson Lake Drop-in 6:00 PM Queer Yukon

Wednesdays

Drop-In Ninja Tumbling 5:30 PM

Watson Lake Secondary School All ages welcome. Adults are welcome too, come to do some stretching or try some handstands etc.

Rookie League 5:30 PM Watson Lake Ball Diamond

Watson Lake Drop-in 6:00 PM Queer Yukon

Fridays

Watson Lake Drop-in 6:00 PM Queer Yukon

Bowling League 7:00 PM Watson Lake Recreation Centre For more info Call 335-7979 or frontdesk@ watsonlake.ca

Saturdays

Drop-In & Direct Aid 12:00 NOON Queer Yukon

Saturday Mass 5:30 PM Saint Ann

Church

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

Sundays

St. John’s Church Service 10:00 AM

St. John’s Church Service (867) 5362932

Sunday Mass 10:00 AM Saint Ann Church

Sunday Nite Volleyball 11:00 AM Watson Lake Secondary School

B.C.

ATLIN

Weekly

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.

Carpet Bowling 1:00 PM Atlin Rec Centre

Tuesdays

Tuesday Lunches 11:00 AM Atlin

Recreation Centre Not A Set Menu, Every Tuesday Lunch Will Be Different. Fridays

Atlin Community Library 2:00 PM

Saturdays

Atlin Community Library 2:00 PM

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

ALASKA HAINES

Thu Apr 16 River Talk: Planes, Trains and Automobiles 7:00 PM Chilkat Center for the Arts Share your story or listen to mine as we feature seven captivating speakers, each with a unique tale to tell. https://www. visithaines.com/event/river-talk Sat Apr 18 Spring Fling 7:00 PM Harriet Hall BBQ, love music, carnival games, drinks and fun! https://seakfair. org/

First Friday of the month First Friday Event 5:00PM Join local residents, galleries, museums and artists for a walkabout to visit featured exhibits around town. visithaines.com/events

SKAGWAY

Fri Apr 17 - Sun Apr 19 2026 Skagway Spring Festival AB Hall 8th annual fun filled, family friendly festival - Your cabin fever reliever!

Fri Apr 17 Spring Show of Winter

Work 1:00 PM AB Hall Local artists, crafters, first time dabblers are welcome to show art they made the past year. https://www.skagway.com/ event/spring-show-of-winter-work/3600/ Sat Apr 25 2026 Earth Day Disc Golf Tournament 11:00 AM Skagway Cash & other prizes - CTP’s, Long Drive Contest, 19th Hole Ace Run, Ace Pot! https://www.skagway.com/event/2026earth-day-disc-golf-tournament/3812/

Monthly

First Wednesday of the month First Wednesday Community Dinner 5:30 PM First Presbyterian Church check in on your neighbors over a filling meal. If you have a dish you would like to share, you are welcome to bring it

Weekly

Wednesdays

Windy Valley Babies 10:30 AM Skagway Public Library Stories, Songs, and Fun with Ms. Anna! Designed for ages 0-3.

Thursdays

Morning Women’s Prayer 9:30 AM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway Saturdays Music Saturday 3:00 PM Skagway Public Library Music Saturday is open to all. Any instrument that is available, people are free to try.

Sundays

Sunday Worship 10:00 AM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway Sunday School 4:00 PM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway

It’s Easy. It’s Fast. It’s Free!

Want to be on this page? Enter your event HERE: whatsupyukon.events/entry whatsupyukon.com ENTER YOUR EVENTS ON-LINE or email events@whatsupyukon.com

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Fri Apr 10 Women’s Squash Tournament 2026 5:30 PM Better Bodies Wrap up the squash season with some fun with one of the year’s most prestigious tournaments! https://www. sportyhq.com/tournament/view/ Womens-Tourney-2026

Sat Apr 11 + Sun Apr 12

Simapalooza 2026 Mt Sima

Simapalooza end-of-year bash! Come celebrate the season in style... medieval style. https:// mountsima.com/activitiesevents/#events

Sat Apr 11 Snow Girls ride the Bonneville lakes loop 10:00 AM Fish Lake A scenic fat bike tour rather than a technical ride, with gradual ups and downs along the way.

Tue Apr 14 Yoga for the Backcountry 6:00 PM Decora 2-hour YIN & mobility class designed to help you reset and rebalance after a long winter season in the mountains.

Fri Apr 17 Yukon Open Squash Tournament 5:00 PM Better Bodies Draw for everyone - Guaranteed three matchesTournament t-shirt - Friday Pizza Supper, Saturday and Sunday Breakfast, wrap-up party - Draw Prizes, Raffle Prizes. Email coach@squashyukon.yk.ca for more info. https://www.sportyhq. com/tournament/view/YukonOpen-2026

Sun Apr 19 RBC Training Ground 10:00 AM Canada Games Centre

Yukon This program travels the country searching for athletes between the ages of 14 and 25 that will fuel the Canadian Olympic pipeline. https://rbctrainingground. ca/sign-up/

Wed Apr 22 - Sun Apr 26 2026

Western Canadian Artistic Gymnastics Championships

Yukon Gymnastics Centre https:// www.sportyukon.com/events/2026western-canadian-artisticgymnastics-championships

Mondays

No-Gi Jui Jitsu Takedowns 6:00

AM Eight Days Martial Arts

Judo For Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts

AM Spinning classes 6:15 AM

True North Spinning at Better Bodies

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.

PM Spinning classes 5:15 PM

True North Spinning at Better Bodies

Strength & Conditioning 5:30

PM Northern Strength Academy

Spring Fusion Yoga/Qigong 5:30

PM Centred - Yin yoga for deep connective tissue release. Suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners. karenbaxter@ hotmail.com

Ladies Kickboxing 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Tuesdays

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

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.

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 3351996 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 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05

PM Eight Days Martial Arts Leisure Hiking - ElderActive 1:00PM ElderActive Recreation Association

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. AM Spinning classes 6:15 AM

True North Spinning at Better Bodies

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

Fitness Hiking - ElderActive 12:30PM ElderActive Recreation Association

PM Spinning classes 5:15 PM

True North Spinning at Better Bodies

Strength & Conditioning 5:30

PM Northern Strength Academy Functional strength class teaches compound multi-joint lifts that improve athleticism, strength, coordination, power and more. cont’d on page 21 ...

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

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.

Yoga - ElderActive 10:00 AM

Northern Lights School of Dance

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

Sundays

AM Spinning classes 10:00 AM

True North Spinning at Better Bodies

WELLNESS LISTINGS

Sat Apr 25 World Tai Chi and Qigong Day 10:00 AM Kwanlin

Dun Cultural Centre Outdoors at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

Tent Area - 1 hour of guided Tai Chi and Qigong, then a tea social afterwards. All are welcome.

Sat Apr 25 Life Force Energy

Dance 7:00 PM Robert Service Campground Life Force, Chi, Kundalini, Prana, KI, Beltane vibes...Indoor/outdoor hybrid. Joyful, inclusive dancing for everyone, always with heart. https://events.humanitix.com/lifeforce-energy-dance

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 778-907-2701 for more info.

Smart Recovery 7:00 PM 509

Sarah Steele Building a supportive meeting with others seeking recovery help.

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 25 Firth Rd Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Call 867-6677002 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 1-778-907-2071

Wednesdays

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 8:00 AM Closeleigh Manor Common Room Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Call 867-334-1725 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 togo, 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.

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 1-778907-2071

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,

Heather enjoys sharing stories about Yukoners with a passion for what they do, whether it’s making art, producing a play or running a business. And there’s nothing she loves more than wandering the trails with her doodle-mix, Elvyn. Freelance with Heather LeDuc

OUT NORTH TURNS 11!

Queer film (and arts) festival

features a new venue and expanded programming

The 11th OUT North Queer Film and Arts Festival is happening April 15 to 19 and promises to be the most expansive iteration of the festival yet. Films range from an essential-viewing documentary on queer history, in Canada, to a funny and offbeat feature about a closeted single father nearing his 40s and contemplating coming out.

The festival will also offer some fun and creative opportunities for people to tell their own stories through ﬁlm and other media. And for the ﬁrst year ever, the main festival venue is the Yukon Cinema on Wood Street, thanks to a partnership with the Yukon Film Society.

Selene Vakharia is on the festival’s selection committee and is president of the Yukon Queer Film Alliance.

Vakharia tells me that, in its inaugural year, OUT North was solely a ﬁlm festival. A few years ago,

the organizers started adding local performers to the programming, as well, so that it became “a bit of an arts and film festival.” This year, they put a call out to the community for artists and filmmakers, with successful submissions being shown before the feature films.

“We’re planning to alternate,” they explain. “Some of the features will open with local short ﬁlms, and some of them will open with a performance by a local artist.”

OUT North is also offering some free learning opportunities for people “with the intention to support the local community in telling their own story.”

“We’re actually going to have some workshops this year that will help people to turn their ideas, their daydreams, whatever stories they want to tell, and get them into a story format.” This will include a “stop motion 101” workshop that will appeal to folks wanting a basic introduction to the medium.

“It felt like a very easy technology to begin on, since you don’t need very complicated tech or skills or editing to use it. And it felt like a fun one to be able to explore with collage or photos or whatever objects you would like.”

For the second workshop, OUT North is teaming up with Good Bird Collective, who produce Yukon’s

queer zine, Whitehorse: A Community Zine. The workshop will have participants explore their story in relation to their connection with the land.

And, of course, there will be ﬁlms. This year’s festival will include six feature ﬁlms ranging in genre from documentary to drama to comedy. There is even an “adventurous” thriller.

One highlight is Parade: Queer Acts of Love and Resistance, directed by Noam Gonick and produced by the National Film Board of Canada. While there are many ﬁlms documenting queer history in the U.S., Parade captures the drag shows, community organizing, protests and police raids that are part of Canada’s queer movement legacy, with a focus on Toronto.

“What I really like about that ﬁlm is that it’s very intersectional, so it tells the story from multiple perspectives of the experience of being queer in Canada,” Vakharia says. “Everything from someone whose husband put her away in a mental health institution and cut off her access to her daughter, to folks who came together to create activism and policy change in the face of the AIDS crisis.”

On the lighter side, a Canadian ﬁlm called To the Moon, which is about a queer father who is approaching his forties and is wrest-

ling with coming out. The comedy is directed by Kevin Hartford, who lived in the Yukon for a time. Vakharia says that To the Moon shows a trend in ﬁlms about queer people, where audiences are accepting stories about the characters’ day-to-day lives rather than always expecting to view their trauma.

“So that’s a really nice shift that we’re seeing, where we can tell more stories that are relevant to our daily lives and where we can see ourselves in them and help understand our experiences better, that are also experiences of joy or confusion or love, which is quite lovely … an evolution of queer stories these days.”

Vakharia reﬂects further to say that “when you are a group that doesn’t often get your voice heard, the ﬁrst voice people want to hear, from you, is one that’s centred on trauma, or something negative, and it takes a while to be able to get to the point where mainstream

is willing to entertain that you also just live life like everyone else and have the same experiences as everyone else.”

The ﬁlms will resonate with the whole community, Vakharia says, even though they focus on queer characters. “Everyone has the same experiences,” Vakharia explains.

The festival also features a dance party at the theatre, after one of the screenings, as well as opening night at Queer Yukon headquarters, The Cache, on Baxter Street. Vakharia is excited for these events because they give people an opportunity to connect and to meet new people.

Visit the Yukon Queer Film Alliance online at yukonqueerﬁlmalliance.com for the festival program, passes and tickets, Tickets are also available at the door, and all-access VIP passes are available for people who want to see all the ﬁlms and get a sweet discount. ■

Australian director Sophie Hyde’s Jimpa – starring Olivia Colman, John Lithgow and Aud Mason-Hyde – will be closing the festival on Sunday, April 19 at 6 p.m.

PHOTO: Submitted by OUT North