PHOTO: Ben Charland
NORTHERN WORDS
•
•
Dawn Macdonald’s Journey to Poetry’s Heights
“Northern art is mostly in-migrant art, or art that’s recognizable to Southerners who can imagine themselves migrating North… Mostly seekers. Prospecting for personal growth. Staking claims.”
This is a prose piece from Dawn Macdonald’s collection of mostly poems, Northerny, which itself stakes a claim for personal growth. Just a few weeks ago, Macdonald — an institutional researcher for Yukon University who spent decades away from serious writing — won the Griffin Poetry Prize award for first book.
The Griffin Poetry Prize is a big deal. It’s one of the most prestigious honours in the poetry world — a recognition that can transform a writer’s life overnight. The Canadian First Book Prize brings
$10,000 and a six-week residency in Italy, and perhaps more significantly, it announces that a vital new voice has emerged. Macdonald is the first Yukoner to win a Griffin.
Last month in Toronto, Macdonald stood on stage alongside Margaret Atwood and read from her book. For someone who grew up in a cabin without electricity 45 minutes from Whitehorse, the moment carried layers of meaning.
“This feels like a win for all the weird rural, remote, and Northern kids who grew up into weird Northern adults with something to say,” Macdonald said when she first won the award. “It’s proof that our viewpoints can resonate outside our communities.”
Books abound in Macdonald’s Riverdale home, their spines creating a kind of literary wallpaper that seems to breathe with accumulated knowledge and continuous seeking. A blanket hangs on what seems like an easel, and the house emanates the calm of
deep thinking. Macdonald’s generous smile gives way to piercing eyes when discussing her work — the gaze of someone who has spent years toggling between the precision of science and the ambiguity of art. For the past 20 years, she has worked as an institutional researcher at Yukon University, crafting surveys and crunching data.
“Basically, all the surveys at YukonU have been written by a poet,” she laughs.
Her journey to this moment began in that electricity-free cabin, where her parents saw their northern life as an adventure while Macdonald experienced it through a child’s unromantic lens. “Kids aren’t on an adventure,” she explains. “We’re just living our lives. We may not really recognize until quite a bit later that we’re inside of a story that we
cont’d on page 3 ...
PHOTO: Ian Basso
Freelance with Ben Charland
Ben Charland is a local writer and communications consultant. He also teaches creative writing, literature and theatre at Yukon University, and lives in downtown Whitehorse with his wife and two kids.
Dawn Macdonald
didn’t know about.”
This tension between imposed narratives and lived reality pervades Northerny. The collection resists the romanticized vision of the North as a place of enlightenment or escape, instead offering what the Griffin judges praised as “A blast of crisp Yukon air. Funny and fresh, unexpected and daring.”
Macdonald’s path to poetry wasn’t straightforward. Despite early encouragement at F.H. Collins’ Young Authors Conference — a program she credits with helping her view herself as a writer — she studied applied mathematics and physics at Western University.
There, she participated in a writing group that included several future literary stars, though she calls herself “the late bloomer” of the bunch. One of her summer research projects involved numerical modeling of the northern lights under a professor who, ironically,
had never seen them in person.
After returning to Whitehorse, Macdonald stepped away from serious writing of her own. It wasn’t until five or six years ago that she returned to poetry with intention. The catalyst for assembling her manuscript came from a surprising limitation: Whitehorse Public Library’s poetry collection essentially stopped growing some time ago
“I was trying to find out who the publishers are in Canada. What does a collection look like at this moment?” she recalls. Without access to contemporary Canadian poetry, she submitted a “pretty rough” manuscript to the University of Alberta Press. Their blind peer review process provided detailed feedback that helped her reshape the work into its final form.
Macdonald carries a notebook everywhere, making notes on paper about dreams, walks, small observations. Her process is organic — sometimes writing poems out of order, letting things “bubble up over time.”
She doesn’t write poetry every day, but maintains a practice of noticing. “I wake up and I make notes about my dreams,” she explains. “If I see something, if we go out for a walk and I see something, I try to just make a little note.”
When asked what she might tell young writers if she were at a Young Authors Conference today, Macdonald becomes practical. She’d bring contemporary poetry collections — the very resources she lacked. “I would bring a stack of those that I have that I’m willing to let go. Like, hey you guys, who wants some of these?”
Yet when pressed about the meaning of specific poems, she de-
murs. “If someone asks me what’s this poem about, I’m like, this poem is my attempt to say what this is about.”
The Griffin Prize places Macdonald’s work on the national stage, suggesting that the stories we tell from the periphery might be exactly what the centre needs to hear. In her book, fungus proliferates through warming forests, eagles cross paths by the intervention of the human eye, and the unruliness of Northern life refuses sanitization.
“There is so much beauty
without having to always clean up the mess,” Macdonald says, her words carrying the weight of someone who has learned to see clearly — through both scientific and poetic lenses — the complex truth of the place she calls home.
In Northerny, there is a continuing sense of claiming space: whether as a poet with a STEM background, a button-down Yukoner who grew up off-grid, or a woman of 50 who sees the connections that the rest of us might miss.
“And I am sorry,” her prose piece about the meaning of Northern art continues. “And I swallow. And I shout, ‘It’s my time.’” It is indeed. n
Bonie
Cover of Northerny
PHOTO: Supplied by Griffin Poetry Prize
PHOTO: Sean Pond
IDIOMATIC ORIGINS
and
at What’s Up
has been a sourdough since 1994. The
family, is being called “Grammy.”
HOLD THE LINE!
Strength, courage, determination, discipline …
This is an idiom that sparks thoughts of strength, that inspires strength — and even courage. It describes a determination and a discipline that is not always common these days. It is an imperative that is confident in its expectation of fulfillment; after all, you don’t issue an imperative unless you believe that it can and will be done. And, on the receiving end of the imperative, there is an unwillingness to yield when asked to “hold the line” — a line, no doubt, that was often held during military operations and that called on every fibre of a soldier’s being. In that imperative was conveyed an unwavering sense of duty and even honour. And still, to this day, I am sure it is heard above the noise and stress of life-determining situations when every ounce of courage, every ounce of bravery and determination, is being summoned. Hold the line. I can almost see it etched on the faces of soldiers or in the expressions of firefighters. It’s an imperative we don’t often hear; in fact, we are more likely to hear the imperative to run, which is not always a bad thing. It requires discernment to know when it is time to hold the line or time to let it go.
Forest Holmes “snapping a photo” as he is being photographed.
So what, I’m sure you’re wondering, does this have to do with Hold the line.
Several years ago I heard the band A Girl Named Tom singing Jimmy Webb’s “Wichita Lineman,” famously sung by Glen Campbell, and I knew exactly the type of man they were singing about. They were singing about Forest Lewis Holmes, a man with hold-the-line dedication to his loved ones—and, if I may (seeing as it is so close to Father’s Day), the same kind of dedication I have witnessed in the lives of his sons and in our son. It’s a song about an “ordinary” man who is living an extraordinary life in the eyes of his loved ones.
And since it is close to Father’s Day, I would like to dedicate this column to fathers, including those who may not have children of their own but who father and mentor as they live what they may believe to be just ordinary lives. You are not ordinary; at least, not in the eyes of those who watch you, who walk with you, and who work and play with you. Not ordinary at all. You hold the line for so many. And you, in turn, are calling them to hold the line, too.
Thank you, Dad, for holding the line and for encouraging me to hold it in so many ways in my life. I will never forget you.
“Dad, thanks for holding the line for all of us.”
This idiom that is dear to my heart. I hold it close, just as I hold the memory of Wade’s (my hus-
band’s) father, who I also knew as “Dad.” Wade’s dad embodied what I had always believed a dad could be. And he never disappointed that belief. So, not a Father’s Day goes by when my heart doesn’t remember Forest Lewis Holmes from Clan Buchanan in Scotland — Dad.
... Josephine Holmes
In case you’d like to hear the song, search “A Girl Named Tom - Wichita Lineman” on YouTube. Perhaps you could share it with someone who is “holding the line” in your life. n
PHOTO: Josephine Holmes
Josephine Holmes is a freelance writer
former copy editor
Yukon. She is a prairie girl, at heart, but loves the Yukon and
other thing she loves, aside from spending time with
FROM TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH
How Dena Zagi’s music heals and inspires
282 is the title of Dena Zagi’s second album, which just came out in May. Dena Zagi offers a diverse range of healing songs, strong sounds of drumming and songs in the Kaska language. The title song, “282”, is over seven minutes long.
“This album took us three years to finish with our full band. We have David Dugas on the lead guitar, Roxx Hunter on bass guitar and Michael Miller on the drum kit. All have played with us for many years and have shaped the musical style with us,” Dennis Shorty says about the band.
Behind the title of the album is the tragic story of Dennis Shorty’s childhood:
“The number 282 was the name assigned to me at the Lower Post B.C. residential school for seven years as a little boy. The number was sewn on all my clothes,” he recalls.
The number followed him through life: in 2018, he carved a sculpture of a float plane with that number. When he was a child, he was picked up by float plane in Ross River, because there was no highway yet to the residential school in Lower Post, 400 km away.
He was five years old back then. Shorty survived residential school and said in a 2018 interview with
the Yukon News, that he can forgive, but will not forget.
Shorty became interested in art while watching his grandfather and father carve traditional tools and toys. Well-known for his art and carvings in the territory, Dennis and his partner, Jenny Fröhling are also established musicians. Their band Dena Zagi, means “people’s voice” in the Kaska language.
Dennis is singer, songwriter and guitarist, while Jenny is a singer, plays a traditional drum and drum set, as well as a First Nation flute. Their first album Gucho Hin was nominated in 2018 for the Indigenous Music Awards (IMA) in Winnipeg and the Canadian Folks Music Awards (CFMA) in Calgary.
“We had quite a number of new songs written and unfinished throughout the years after we released our first album Gucho Hin in 2017,” Dennis says. “Our first album was recorded with just the
two of us, my partner and me at Jordy Walker’s studio.”
In 2018, they started bringing more musicians to the duo. “A full band brings a whole lot of full sound and energy,” they say.
Dennis and Jenny explain the meaning of their cover, which shows northern lights, a small drummer, and the number 282.
“The northern lights are representing our ancestors that hold us up. The smaller faded drummer in the background on the album cover represents me as a child, traumatized by how I was treated as a person at the residential school and also by losing my culture.
“But I was also holding on, which is why that smaller drummer is not completely invisible.”
There is a larger drummer on the right side of the cover.
“It is seen through the heart and camera lens of my partner Jenny and presents me today, full of col-
our, holding the world in my hands, climbing into the light into endless opportunities,” Dennis says.
He says his art, music and native language keep him going and alive, together with the support of his partner, Jenny.
“Even though they try to eliminate my mother tongue, I’m still a fluent speaker in the Kaska language.” Writing these songs has helped him overcome some of the trauma, he says.
Dennis and Jenny explain that with their music and songs, they want to bring uplifting energy and inspire everyone who is hurting to never give up, and to follow their dreams and their hearts. They want to show people who are struggling that there is always a way out.
“A lot of people out there are
struggling with alcohol and drugs and substance abuse and domestic violence that then is passed down to their children and they are trying to find their way in life,” they say.
Not only has their second album come to life, Dennis Shorty just received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which is a national honour for people who have demonstrated great dedication and service to their community. Shorty received the award in recognition of his contributions to Kaska culture. With their new album released, Dena Zagi will keep on being the voice of Kaska culture. They are already planning a concert for August 30 in Whitehorse. More info on: dennisshortyarts.com n
Freelance with Elke Reinauer
Elke Reinauer is a freelance writer with strong ties to both Germany and The Yukon.
(l.-r.) David Dugas, Michael Millar, Jennifer Fröhling, Dennis Shorty, Jim Holland/Green Needle Studio, Roxx Hunter
PHOTOS: Supplied by Dennis Shorty
Album cover of 282
IT’S PAYBACK TIME
(Warning: this column contains allusions to the olden days)
It’s payback time for technology and e-call forwarding buttons, hold buttons, and desk phones with buttons for different lines. Older folks — often men — would curse at the perversity of these new-fangled phones while I smugly tried to show them how they worked.
Later on, I worked at the House of Commons when new-fangled word processors were being introduced. Xerox something or other, I think. Part of my job was to encourage staff in MPs’ offices to learn the new tech, adapt to it quickly, and adopt it as a useful tool for communicating with constituents.
My patience got a very good workout that year, although I had several strains in my relationships that took some time to heal. Being smug is not a good characteristic, and being annoyed because someone doesn’t get it is even worse.
I’ve always enjoyed learning and using new tech (Commodore 64 onwards). However, I’ve now discovered that there are, indeed, limits to this enjoyment and even to my ability to adapt. The rock on which I’ve foundered is Quick Response (QR) codes.
QR codes were invented as a way of tracking automobile parts, which I’m sure is an entirely appropriate use for them. But somehow they have migrated and mutated to everyday communications as a mysterious shortcut to a website.
Those stupid little squares with squigglies and other things that are now ubiquitous are the technological banes of my life as a senior. I’ve tried to figure out their secrets and failed dismally.
At first I would position my iPad
(my screen of choice) over top. I would try to stop my hands shaking from my medications long enough to bring up the link that the QR code supposedly represents. Then I would try to hold the iPad steady with one hand while the other hand would tap on the link.
Frequent failures resulted. It was even more frustrating when the manufacturers or the advertisers or - for shame! - governments couldn’t be bothered to show the URL or the URL shortcut for the website so I could at least enter it manually.
Obviously the iPad was not the tool of choice when faced with a QR code. So I switched to my smartphone. Issues continued to plague me and were even compounded due to arthritic fingers and less than ideal eyesight.
I really do not like using my phone as a means of communication or research into things like,
let’s say, a menu. Or a link to a website to give a review. Or a link to some important information on an outdoor location where fingers and eyesight compete with bright daylight on a tiny little screen for the title of biggest obstacle to effective communication.
It’s very funny to read a digital newspaper where an ad appears saying ‘screen this code’ with no other information, or when watching TV. How many devices does one person need to find out what is being advertised? And it’s very sad that the Yukon Government chose to stop publishing its lovely and useful little booklet on artist locations. Now all you get is a piece of paper with — you guessed it—– a QR code on it.
It’s not just seniors affected by this new elitism. There are people who don’t have access to smartphones or who don’t use them or who can’t afford them.
message” and the message I get from an over-reliance on QR codes is that a large group of people simply don’t count to that advertiser or communicator.
The more channels you use the more people you can reach, including older adults.
I think of hubris as shorthand for “it serves you bloody well right”. Or, to put it another way, it’s payback time.
So, to all those people who I kind of looked down upon in my techno-enthusiastic youth, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. And to advertisers and communicators, please remember that the more channels you use, the more people you can reach, including older adults. n
McLuhan
said, “the medium is the
PHOTOS: Deborah McNevin
YOUR BRAIN BANDIT AND YOU LEARN YOUR WAY
Did you ever wonder what happens in your brain when you’re trying to learn new skills?
Much like strength training gradually builds your muscles, learning a new skill changes your brain physically as you build new neural pathways. And much like building muscle, it takes time and repetition to build neural pathways.
When you’re learning a new skill, you rely heavily on your prefrontal cortex, aka the PFC. It’s right at the front of your brain, just behind your forehead. The PFC is the last part of your brain to mature, at around age 25-plus in the average neurotypical person. (Note the words “average” and “neurotypical”. The PFC could mature as late as age 35 for some).
The PFC is responsible for the rational and organizational skills we expect adults to have. Skills
Fawn Fritzen is a professional brain geek at LDAY Centre for Learning. LDAY supports Yukoners of all ages who have learning differences.
such as:
• planning (calculating what time to set your alarm in the morning),
• emotion regulation (responding calmly when your teen gets snarky),
• working memory (keeping track of enticing choices while reading the menu at a restaurant
The PFC is where conscious thought happens.
When you’re learning a new skill, you generally have to think consciously through every step. But once you build a neural pathway for the skill, it becomes more automatic. Consider how much concentration it took to learn to tie shoelaces. With repetition, you learned to tie them shoes without paying much attention at all. Your PFC no longer needs to be involved in the process.
amygdala. (Actually, you have two of them, one in each hemisphere of your brain). The amygdala is one of the earliest parts of the brain to develop. It helps keep
However, while a skill is still developing, your Brain Bandit can sometimes get in the way of learning. What the heck is that?
Your Brain Bandit is the playful name we use to refer to another important part of your brain: the
along Third Avenue while looking up an address on your phone. You’re not paying attention as you start to cross Steele Street and a car coming from your left blasts its horn at you. What’s your response? You’ll likely immediately stop moving (freeze). If you’re agile, you might even jump backward (flee).
Importantly, you didn’t have to think it through. Wasting precious time to analyze the situation with your prefrontal cortex could have been fatal. Instead, your amygdala sprang into action with an automatic response that kept you out of harm’s way. The amygdala circumvented your slow, thoughtful PFC.
Psychologist Daniel Goleman calls this “the amygdala hijack”, and it’s why we represent the amygdala with the Brain Bandit.
you safe by triggering your stress response in moments of danger, prompting you to fight, flee, or freeze.
For example: Imagine walking
The Brain Bandit is great for survival in emergency situations, but it doesn’t differentiate between the stress of an oncoming vehicle versus the stress of the
new skill that’s so difficult that you want to scream with frustration. (In fact, that’s a fight response).
Here’s where your PFC can help. When the challenge of a new skill is so high that it’s triggering the Brain Bandit, you can remind yourself that learning is supposed to feel challenging. If it doesn’t feel hard, you’re not building new skills. (Brain research backs this up: you need a certain level of good stress to release the chemicals that help build new neural pathways).
Maybe this skill is out of reach for now and you need a new technique, a coach, or better instructions. Or, you might just need more practice, to give your brain time to build that neural pathway.
Just knowing learning is supposed to be challenging can help you better tolerate the stress and keep the Brain Bandit from taking over.
Reflection questions:
1. What’s something I’m learning right now?
2. Is it easy? Hard? Just right?
3. What changes, if any, do I need to make to find the Optimal Zone of Challenge? n
PHOTO: Christian Kuntz
column with Fawn Fritzen
ART SHOWS
Until Jun 28 Libby Dulac - A Retrospective Arts Underground A showcase celebrating the work of the late Haines Junction artist Libby Dulac. https://www.artsunderground.ca/events/ opening-june2025
Until Jun 28 The Andover-Harvard Yukon Expedition: 1948 Arts
Underground A series of photographs from The Andover-Harvard Yukon Expedition: 1948, presented by MacBride Museum
Until Jun 30 Reflexion by Jeanine Baker and Aimee Ellis Yukon Artists at Work Exhibit by glass artists Jeanine Baker and Aimee Ellis
Until Aug 29 Without Saying by Ernest Chua & Colin Dorward YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery This exhibition challenges the need for labels like “insider” or “outsider,” instead emphasizing the clarity and power of artistic vision.
https://yukonartscentre.com/
Until Aug 29 In Northern Light YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery A selection of works from the Yukon Arts Centre’s Permanent Art Collection that celebrate the distinct and transformative light of the North. https://yukonartscentre.com/
Jun 9-13 Arts in the Park - Plusvisual art with Alaena Warner! Daily 12:00 PM LePage Park Celebrates visual and performing arts, and takes place weekdays in downtown Whitehorse. https://musicyukon.com/ artsinthepark
Jun 16-20 Arts in the Park - Plus - visual art with Northern Fibres Guild! Daily 12:00 PM LePage Park Celebrates visual and performing arts, and takes place weekdays in downtown Whitehorse. https://musicyukon.com/ artsinthepark
LIVE MUSIC
Mon Jun 9 Arts in the Park - Square
Dance w/Live Music 12:00 PM LePage Park Celebrate visual and performing arts, and takes place weekdays in downtown Whitehorse. https:// musicyukon.com/artsinthepark
Tue Jun 10 Arts in the Park - The Lucky Ones 12:00 PM LePage Park
Wed Jun 11 Arts in the Park - Nicole Bauberger & Cai Krikorian 12:00 PM LePage Park
Wed Jun 11 Arts in the Park - This is the Planet & Filaruriristyrn 5:00 PM LePage Park
Thu Jun 12 Arts in the Park - Jasmine
Netsena 12:00 PM LePage Park
Fri Jun 13 Arts in the Park - Caleb
Tomlinson 12:00 PM LePage Park
Fri Jun 13 Johnny Pogue & The
Colleens 7:30 PM 98 Hotel Lucky Friday the 13th featuring Lively Irish & East Coast music!
Mon Jun 16 Arts in the ParkSongwriters’ Circle 12:00 PM LePage
Park
Tue Jun 17 Arts in the Park - Yukon
Taiko 12:00 PM LePage Park
Wed Jun 18 Arts in the Park - Rick & Judy 12:00 PM LePage Park
Wed Jun 18 Arts in the Park - John
from Dawson 5:00 PM LePage Park
Thu Jun 19 Arts in the ParkWhitehorse Community Choir 12:00
PM LePage Park
Fri Jun 20 Arts in the Park - The Big
Band 12:00 PM LePage Park
Sat Jun 21 Spicy Solstice - Electric Lemonade and Bria Rose ‘N Thorns
8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Mon Jun 23 Solstice Saint-Jean
Outdoor Concert 5:00 PM Shipyards
Park Attend the vibrant Solstice SaintJean festival! Fun activities and concerts
await you at this joyful summer event!
https://www.afy.ca/evenement/solsticesaint-jean
Sat Jun 28 Our Lady Peace – Free Concert 5:00 PM Shipyards Park The Yukon Arts Centre is proud to partner with Lotteries Yukon to produce a series of free outdoor concerts throughout the summer of 2025. Our Lady Peace will perform in Shipyards Park, with a corresponding day-long festival of family activities and Yukon performers at the Frank Slim Building.
Wed, Jul 9 The Surfrajettes with special guests The Surfmasters 8:00 PM Catch The Surfrajettes live with The Surfmasters! Discover their unique sound and vibrant performances in surf rock.Kopper King Showroom. Doors open at 8pm, show at 9pm.
Monthly
Mondays
Gray Jay Café 6:00 PM Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House.
Tuesdays
Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Wednesdays
Intermediate Jam - Bluegrass & Old Time 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion biweekly Hosted by the Yukon Bluegrass Society
Karaoke 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Whitewater Wednesday 8:00 PM 98
Hotel
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
Fridays
Live Music 6:00 PM Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House
Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Saturdays
Live Music at Whiskey Jacks 7:00
PM Whiskey Jacks Pub & Grill. whiskeyjacks.ca/ Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Sundays
Open Jam 8:00 PM 98 Hotel
GENERAL EVENTS
Until Jun 12 Final Destination: Bloodlines Matinees + Nightly Yukon Theatre Plagued by a violent recurring nightmare, college student Stefanie heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/ schedule/final-destination-bloodlines
Tue Jun 10 Plasma Table Orientation 5:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Orientation is required for members to use the plasma cutter independently, but non-members are welcome to join as well.
Thu Jun 12 Healthtech Pitch w/ LIVE Due Diligence Training 12:00 PM NorthLight Innovation Join us for an engaging Healthtech Pitch that highlights Peersupport.io’s platform designed for caregivers and care recipients. https://yukonventureangels. ca/event/peersupport-io-pitch-and-vcdue-diligence/
Thu Jun 12 Forest Checkup – What trees tell us 7:00 PM The Gunnar Nilsson & Mickey Lammers Research Forest How can you tell if a tree or forest is healthy? How do you identify disease and what could a sick forest mean for caribou and other wildlife? Find out on a short walk and talk with Mackenzie Mihorean, a graduate student at Wilfred Laurier University.
Fri Jun 13-14 Yukon Kennel Club’s Annual Dog Show Takhini Arena Annual dog show, featuring 8 conformation shows, 4 rally obedience trials, 2 junior handling competitions. Dedicated to the memory of Marcia Fischer, a lifelong member and biggest supporter of the dog show community
Fri Jun 13 Beyond the Summit - Tales of Resilience on Mount Logan and Waddington 6:00 PM Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre A film and book event, Beyond the Summit: Tales of Resilience on Mount Logan and Waddington.
Fri Jun 13 2025 Yukon First Nations Graduation Ceremony 12:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre The 50th Yukon First Nations Graduation reception and ceremony is set to take place at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre.
Fri Jun 13 Antarctica Runway Pt 2 6:30 PM MacBride Museum Keith Byram, co-author of Antarctica Runway for an indepth discussion about the construction of the runway in Antarctica.
Sun Jun 15 Father’s Day Show & Shine 10:00 AM Yukon Transportation Museum Yukon kids bring your dad for a fun day out at the Yukon Transportation, see all cars, trucks and fun modes of transportation!
Mon Jun 16 Outreach Clinic 12:00 PM Whitehorse Public Library Meet 1-on1 with representatives from Service Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency, and the Library Outreach Worker Bilingual service -- in English/Francais https://yukonlibraries.ca/event/12769422
Tue Jun 17 Free Adult ESL
Conversation 5:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Meet new people and practice speaking English! WPL on the balcony (weather permitting) https:// yukonlibraries.ca/event/13799695
Tue Jun 17 The ‘Humble’ Ground Squirrel 7:00 PM Yukon Beringia Centre Don’t underestimate the Arctic Ground Squirrel. These remarkable mammals are nature’s aerators and play a critical role in the ecosystem. Join Tom Jung, senior wildlife biologist, to look and listen for these chatty rodents and learn about their superpower.
Wed Jun 18 - 21 YTYP - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre An incredible production featuring a cast of Yukon young people ages 11-18, based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl. https:// ytyp.ca/
Fri Jun 20 Graze & Gather 6:00 PM Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre An unforgettable evening, an all-ages event celebrates local agriculture, community, and resilience
Sat Jun 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre A celebration of culture, connection, and community for all. Rebecca Strong headlining, bannock bake off with Vision Quest, jigging contest and more!
Monthly
2nd Monday Ukulele Group 6:00 PM Golden Age
2nd Thursday QYS Movie Nights 5:00
PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache
Last Thursdays Repair Cafe 6:00 PM
Yukonstruct Makespace Bring it in and see if it is fixable using soldering irons, multimeters, and other tools. This easy introduction to electronics and small home appliance repair is a useful evening of DIY learning that you can take home.
2nd Thursday Music Trivia 7:00 PM
Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Come on out and test your music knowledge! Teams of no more than 6 people.
Last Friday Pioneer Women of Yukon 12:00 PM Golden Age Society
2nd & 4th Sundays Grade 8 – 12
High School Youth Group 6:00 PM
Mountainview Church A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith.
https://mountainview.church/connect/ youth Monthly
Weekly
Mondays
Common Threads Prayer Shawl
Ministry 9:30 AM Church of the Northern Apostles.
Mtg: Competitive Commander 6:00
PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
Women’s Bible Study 6:00 PM Women’s Bible Study. Refreshments are served followed by the study. For more info check out www.mountainview.church or email rachel@mountainview.church.
Ukulele Group 6:00 PM Golden Age Society
Euchre - For Members and Signed
in Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Euchre a trick-taking card game for four players, two on each team, As a member you
Beginner ASL Class & Social Hang 6:15 Queer Yukon Society - The Cache
Tuesdays
Common Threads Prayer Shawl
Ministry 9:30 AM Church of the Northern Apostles.
Bridge 12:00 PM Golden Age Society Café de l’amitié 2:00 PM Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY) Le Café de l’amitié est un rendez-vous hebdomadaire et une occasion de rassemblement pour les francophones de 50 ans et plus.
QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache
Language Skills for Ukrainians 5:15
PM Yukon Learn A discussion group workshop provides a relaxed and friendly environment where learners can practise and learn English conversation skills.
Weekly Shuffleboard Tournament 6:00
PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For members and signed in guests. A double knockout style competition and games are limited to 6 ends or 15 minutes Chess Club 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us!
SuperSmash Bros, Mtg: Commander 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles 10 Card Crib - Members & Signed In Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Whether you are a seasoned crib player or a beginner, come play! Learn tips and tricks and have some fun! https://bit.ly/3KP0B5s
Wednesdays
Multicultural Connection Group 11:00
AM Multicultural Centre of the Yukon –MCY Connect with other parents and caregivers, learn about parenting in different cultures. A free lunch program for immigrants and refugee families. Lunch and transportation provided. Call 332-1803 for more info.
Spanish Conversation 12:00 PM Whitehorse United Church Call 3336081 for more info.
Sew & Tell All – Elders Hangout
1:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre
Facilitated by Kwanlin Dün Elder-inResidence Shirley Smith, everyone welcome. Feel free to join and start a beading project or work on something that you’ve already started! For more info email culturalprograms@kdcc.ca
QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache
Texas Hold’ Em 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For signed in members and guests. Bragging rights!
Mtg: Modern, Warhammer Age of Sigmar 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
Writing Things DOWN(town) 6:30 PM
A regular, free drop-in writing group at the Whitehorse Public Library. This is a space to start writing your memoir or finish that article. Writing prompts will be provided to generate ideas.
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
Fireweed Summer Market 3:00 PM
Shipyard Park Grab a picnic dinner and get that special gift. Enjoy local live music and other amusements from buskers.https://fireweedmarket.ca/
Pathfinder Role-Playing Game for Youth 3:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Find out what role playing games are all about! Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are always welcome.
Mtg: casual Commander, Warhammer 40k & Kill Team 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
Mountainview Church Community Group 7:00 PM 16 years or older?
Mountainview Church Community Group! We’ll share some snacks and talk about what the bible has to say about discipleship.
Fridays
Coffee & Chat 11:00 AM Golden Age
Society Coffee and chat is a way to connect with your community, develop friendships, and have fun.
Mtg: Pioneer, YuGiOh Casual 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
Saturdays
Yukon Amateur Radio Association
Coffee Discussion Group 8:45 AM
A&W Restaurant Hams from outside the Yukon and those interested are welcome to join us in this casual event.
Cribbage - Members and Signed in Guests 2:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Masks are mandatory. Members must have a valid 2021 membership and they may sign in 2 guests MAX.
Pokemon, Mtg: Youth Magic, Lorcana 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
Sundays
Mountainview Church Sunday Service 9:30 AM Church In The Building 9:30 AM, 11AM or Church At Home 7 AM, 9:30 AM, 11 AM
Mountainviewwhitehorse.ca/Watch
Anglican Worship Service 10:00 AM Christ Church Cathedral.
Clothing Room 10:00 AM Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone
Whitehorse United Church Worship Service 10:30 AM A caring community of faith, based on a foundation of Biblical teaching and spiritual truth
Secondhand Clothing Bizarre 2:00 PM Whitehorse Seventh-Day Adventist
Church Clean clothes needed and donations accepted if in good condition. Please call before dropping clothes off and for more info 633-3463.
Sunday Gatherings 3:00 PM The Northern Collective Church
The Gathering (Anglican Indigenous Service) 5:00 PM Christ Church
Cathedral A celebration of faith, reconciliation, and hospitality.
KIDS
& FAMILIES
Tue Jun 10 Knee-high Nature: Mega Mammals 10:00 AM McIntyre Creek Pumphouse Spend time outdoors exploring the natural world with your toddlers* (ages 4 and under).
Until Jun 12 Lilo & Stitch Matinees & Nightly Yukon Theatre A lonely Hawaiian girl befriends a runaway alien, helping to heal her fragmented family. https:// yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/lilo-stitch
Sat Jun 21 Drawing Animals in the Wild 1:00 PM Yukon Wildlife Preserve Join local artist Sheela Tolton at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to learn how to draw animals in the wild. https://www. artsunderground.ca/
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.
Wednesdays
Community Connections 1:30 PM Yukon Family Literacy Centre An intergenerational story time and craft program. Meet local elders, have a coffee, do some crafts, and make a friend!
Thursdays
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
Tue Jun 10 Yukonstruct’s 2025 AGM 5:00 PM NorthLight Innovation Discover what is happening at Yukonstruct’s 2025 AGM. Connect with innovative makers, entrepreneurs, and enjoy great food
Tue Jun 10 Yukon Beer Festival AGM
Best Western Gold Rush Inn 6:00 PM Find out how you can get involved with the next Yukon Beer Festival. Whether you’re into beer, community vibes, or just want to have some fun!
Thu Jun 12 The Child Development Centre AGM 12:00 PM The Child Development Centre A light lunch will be provided. If you wish to attend, please contact our front desk 867-456-8182 or email info@cdcyukon.ca.
Thu Jun 12 Whitehorse Curling Club AGM 6:00 PM Whitehorse Public Library Email info@whitehorsecurlingclub.com for more info.
Thu Jun 12 Yukon Invasive Species Council AGM 6:00 PM CPAWS Yukon Open to all! Come enjoy some good food and connect with others who care about protecting Yukon’s landscapes from invasive species.
Thu Jun 12 Yukon Convention Bureau AGM 3:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Held in the Multi Purpose Room, we look to welcome new board members, update YCB policy and update membership for the upcoming year.
Sat Jun 14 TPC Childcare Society AGM 3:00 PM Whitehorse A family potluck BBQ will follow the meeting. Childcare will be provided. Bring a side dish or dessert to share. Call 335-8336 for more info
Tue Jun 17 Skills Canada Yukon AGM 5:30 PM Yukon University Held in room C1440 Learn about our work to promote skilled trades and technologies in the Yukon, get updates from the past year, and find out how you can get involved. Everyone is welcome!
Tue Jun 17 The Yukon Church Heritage Society - Old Log Church AGM 6:00 PM Old Log Church Refreshments will be provided.
Tue Jun 17 2025 Yukon Art Society AGM 6:00 PM Arts Underground Hear what we’ve been up to this past year and plans for the future. Email admin@ artsunderground.ca or call 667-4080 for more info.
Wed Jun 18 Humane Society AGM 6:30 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Join us and review the past year, share plans for the future, and provide an opportunity for members to ask questions and get involved.
Thu Jun 19 CPAWS Yukon Gather & Grow AGM 4:30 PM CPAWS Yukon Gather, celebrate, and peek into the future...Opening with food, chats, and river films, Special Eagle Mine disaster anniversary update, official AGM meeting starts after the update.
Weekly
Tuesdays
Rendezvous Rotary 6:30 PM Tony’s Pasta and Seafood House Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at Tony’s Pasta and Seafood. Come and join us for fun, and fellowship.
Thursdays
Toastmasters Decora 12:00 PM Sundogs Toastmasters Club. Club is open to all interested parties and we provide constructive feedback to help develop public speaking skills.
Monthly
First Monday Klondike Snowmobile Association Board Meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon https://ksa.yk.ca/comingevents/
First Monday Yukon Amateur Radio Association Monthly Meeting 7:00 PM EMO Building Discussion of club business. Prospective hams are welcome.
Third Thursday Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition Monthly Meeting 5:00 PM
ZOOM Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition for regular meeting. Everyone is welcome. Call Kathy 334-9317 or info@yapc.ca for a zoom link or join us in person. https:// yapc.ca/actions/detail/yapcs-monthlymeetings
Third Thursday ASAY board monthly meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon ONLINE EVENTS
Fridays AA Yukon Unity Group 1:30 PM Online For Zoom Room address Contact 3347693
Saturdays AA Detox Meeting (OM, NS) 1:00 PM Online For Zoom Room address call 334-7693.
Tuesdays
Restorative Online Healing Circles 7:30 PM Online Check-in, Q&A, connect and feel the results. No experience necessary. Register online, or call 3350078 or email alison@alisonzeidler.com for more info.
Anglican Men’s Remote Chat 10 AM Zoom don_cheeseman@msn.com for the link. Regular churchgoer or just curious, this is a welcoming, no-pressure time for conversation
COUNTRY-STYLE BEEF STEW
It was a rainy day and we wanted something that would warm us up, so I made my standard beef stew
When I was in my early 20’s I rented a house in Edmonton with four other friends. It was a great way to keep the rent affordable for us all, but still have the luxury of an entire house and yard to live in.
One of those friends was a guy named Steve. He had previously been the sous chef for two years at “The Beanery” in the Banff Springs Hotel. That was the staff kitchen. He was, after that, the head chef at the Banff Park Lodge for four.
He is an amazing chef! I humbly credit him with teaching me how to cook and starting me off into a career of cheffing, where still to this day, I use and espouse things that he taught me.
Another of the friends, Andrew, was the head wine waiter at a very exclusive private restaurant/club in Edmonton. We had some talent in that house! We’d all gather in the living room around 3:30 or 4 p.m. and empty our pockets to chip in for tonight’s dinner. Sometimes we’d only have a few bucks, other times we’d have a lot. Steve and Andrew would take the pot and go shopping.
Every night, whether they only had $40 to work with or $100, we would have a spectacular meal with at least two bottles of very nice wine. (check out E & J Gallo wines for an amazing product that is very reasonably priced).
One day I was helping Steve out in the kitchen, soaking in his
knowledge like a sponge and I asked him, “How do you know what to put in the recipe?” Steve was a kind soul and looked me straight in the eye and said “What do you want it to taste like?”
I’d never really thought about that before. To be honest, I didn’t really know. I was so used to ordering something up and it would either be good — or not. But that answer has stayed with me for my entire life — and I think I’m starting to understand it now. I’ve used it to create some great recipes and adjust some others that needed a little tweaking over the years.
What do I want beef stew to taste like? I want it to taste like a prime rib roast with all of the fixings and gravy. In a bowl!
I hate mornings, but I do love the breakfast shift in the kitchen. That’s because I get to make the soup of the day. I’ve always been not-too-pretty-bad at soups and sauces. Here’s mine for this one. Start out with your mirepoix. The longer this one takes the better. I’d usually get it started at 6 a.m., to be ready for lunch by 11 a.m.
Ingredients:
• Stewing beef (or better)
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Peas
• Celery
• Onions
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Brown sugar
• Beef Bisto
• Flour
• Cooking oil
Method:
1. Start with your mirepoix. Finely slice two peeled carrots and dice an onion and two sticks of celery. Put these into a large pot and saute on medium heat in your favourite cooking oil, about
2 teaspoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, until the onions have caramelized. They will still be soft. Add 4 cups of water, turn up to high and let that boil down, ‘reduce’. Once this has reduced to about an inch of liquid, add another 4 cups and repeat that process. This forms the basic stock for your soup.
2. After your second reduction add another 4-6 cups of water and your beef. Turn the stove down to medium low and add water as necessary to keep things from getting too low; we are reducing again — this time to infuse the flavour of the beef and soften it up. You can do this all day and the beef will be more and more tender the longer you do it. Dice 2-3 cloves of garlic and add them at this point. Salt and pepper to taste.
3. When you’re ready to move into the last 20 minutes before serving, peel and quarter your potatoes. Thick slice (country-style) 2-3 peeled carrots and add them to the stock. Let this slow boil for another 10 minutes. You want the potatoes cooked but not soft. Add more water as needed.
4. Add your peas after about another 8 minutes. Whisk 2 tablespoons of bisto and a tablespoon of flour into 2 cups of water and add to the stock to thicken it. Reduce the heat to medium and stir constantly until the desired thick ness is achieved. Remove from heat when it is. Your ingredients are going to vary in amount, depending on how much stew you want to make. This can be done just as easily on a campfire as a stovetop. The leftovers will keep for up to a week in the fridge, or you can freeze them down for a nice quick meal in the future. I usually use old sour cream containers to freeze leftover stew. A 450 ml container holds about one serving for later.
Pair this with a fresh bun and a nice glass of E.J. Gallo Merlot, Spanish Rijoa or a beer. Yum. n
CLAIRE NESS IS AS BUSY AS EVER
With new music, upcoming shows and more projects than we can count on the go, Whitehorse’s star singer-songwriter, comedian, clown and more is everywhere at once
“I’ve been working on a few different projects,” says Claire Ness, of course meaning a lot of different projects.
There’s the Riverboat Review, a show about the days of the Yukon river boats through the turn of the century until the 1950s when they shut down. It’s a mixture of music and stories, where Ness led a workshop presentation on the S.S. Keno in Dawson City, though the show ideally would have taken place in Whitehorse on the S.S. Klondike
“It was amazing,” she says.
“It’s a little show I would be able to do at conferences for tourists; it could be done at whatever venue. It’s a musical review and it’s got that Gold Rush old-timey feel, with lots of fun and audience interaction.”
Then there’s her children’s entertainment work, which sees Ness going around to schools to perform music for young students, a string of upcoming festival ap-
pearances including a return to the Atlin Arts & Music Festival and a round of circus camps in Yukon communities coming up throughout the summer.
While speaking to What’s Up Yukon, though, Ness is on a family vacation visiting her husband’s relatives in New Brunswick, where they haven’t made a trip in seven years.
“It’s quite intense and emotional and beautiful and all the things,” she says. “I’m definitely inspired by a lot of stuff out here and do some creation, art shows, and things, and make a place for myself out here as well.”
These are only a few of the many things Ness has going on right now, and to say she always has a lot happening is still an understatement. She recently released a live album of her “Jazz in the Hall” performance from last year, and more recently, a new single title “Red Sails,” with a
stop motion animation video that was shown in the Available Light Film Festival and the Dawson City International Short Film Festival.
“I have so many different projects and stuff, that sometimes when I release things I don’t have the time and energy to promote them, so I just put them out and move onto the next thing,” Ness says. “But I’ve always got stuff coming down the pipe.”
“Red Sails” is a personal song for Ness, about her own relationship and some rocky times it went through.
“It’s a song about your life or your love life being a little sailboat out in a storm and maybe it crashes and then you put it back together and maybe all your your cargo goes overboard and sinks to the bottom, sort of like a nautical metaphor for a love story,” she says.
“Because it’s a metaphor, it can mean different things to different people which I love about metaphors. This song is really close to my heart because my marriage went through some real rough patches and we’re doing well now but it was a song I wrote after not having written one in two years of a lot of turmoil.”
Not wanting to dwell on the heavy emotions explored in “Red Sails,” Ness has turned her creativity towards more upbeat songs that dive into Yukon lore and historic northern stories.
“The Jazz in the Hall album was very personal,” she says. “Now. I’m going more into humour and the lighter, cheeky side.”
Armed now with a small re-
cording interface, Ness aims to do some home recording to create music with just her voice and guitar. She’s found some songs work better that way, and not everything needs to be a full band production, especially as costs go up for recording and other related services.
“I’m gonna just do a bunch of, I don’t want to say rough demos, but record a bunch of these songs that I haven’t ever released and maybe do just a me and my guitar album or something, because I just write so much,” she says. “I don’t want to spend all the time and energy to do big productions of it. It’s a lot of money too — mostly money.”
Ness is just as comfortable as a solo performer as she is a bandleader. While she’ll be doing some shows this summer with a band, she’ll also be playing as a solo act much of the time, including in Atlin, where the festival takes place July 11-13.
“It’s so exciting,” Ness says of the festival’s full return. “I didn’t realize it was going to be the big version again this year. I was expecting something similar to last year, which was a much smaller family fun fair.”
Some things never change, and one thing Yukoners can always be certain of is that Claire Ness has more creative endeavours on the go than most people could handle. To keep up with Ness, visit claireness.com. n
Claire Ness wowing her audience
PHOTO: Supplied by Claire Ness
Manus Hopkins is a journalist and musician hailing from Whitehorse.
Rubies
On the S.S. Keno in Dawson City
PHOTO: Eric Pinkerton
PHOTO: Supplied by Claire Ness
This feature is part of an ongoing series by Parks Canada of stories about the places and people in the
MEET THE ARTISTS
Kluane National Park and Reserve Artist Residency 2025
This summer, the Kluane National Park and Reserve Artist Residency program is welcoming Jaymie Campbell and Leslie Leong to the Kluane Lake Research Station. The residencies invite Canadian artists to explore the interplay between science, conservation and art, and connect with local researchers and scientists. In turn, the artists share their skills and perspectives with visitors and residents through public workshops, talks, or ‘artist at work’ drop-in sessions.
Jaymie Campbell
Artist Jaymie Campbell is the Kluane National Park and Reserve artist in residence from June 5 to June 19, 2025. Her work is inspired by her Anishnaabe roots, the land and her family
J
aymie Campbell is the first artist in residence for 2025.
Campbell is an Anishnaabe creator and the designer behind White Otter Design Co. Her work mixes traditional artistry techniques with contemporary and personal style, using materials like horsehair, porcupine quills, beads and natural dyes.
“I always find that natural places create spaces in which we can be calm, focused and inspired.” Campbell says of her interest in the residency. “Being able to be surrounded by moun-
tains and water and secluded from the busy work of our everyday lives allows the mind to quieten enough to hear the work that needs to come through.”
Campbell is hosting two free public workshops in June; registration is not required.
Plant Sketching
When: 1 – 3 pm, Saturday, June 7, 2025
Where: Mät’àtäna Män (Kathleen Lake) Day-Use Area, Kluane National Park and Reserve
Plant sketching is the beginning stage for creating beadwork patterns. Spend some time reflecting and sketching with guided prompts and learn more about the connections we can make by being with nature. All materials provided (while supplies last) — bring creative energy, clothes for the weather, and comfortable footwear.
Hides and Quills Artist Talk
When: 7 p.m., Thursday, June 12, 2025
Where: Kluane Lake Research Station
Jaymie Campbell will talk about her journey as an artist, her relationship to the materials, and the inspiration that comes from ancestral teachings and the land. See examples of her work firsthand and interact with some of the materials she uses in her art making.
“Shomis” by Jaymie Campbell is a contemporary take on an Anishnaabe bandolier bag, often worn as part of their regalia for important events. This was created in honour of Jaymie’s great-grandfather
George Henry Taylor, who signed the Williams Treaty
“Anishnaabe” by Jaymie Campbell features single stitch applique beadwork on brain tanned smoked moose hide with onyx stone and vintage and antique glass and metal beads
More about Kluane National Park and Reserve Artist Residency: Artists and upcoming public programming is available at: pn-np/ yt/kluane/activ/artiste-artist
Residency program for prospective artists: kluane-national-parkartist-residency
More arts and culture programming in Kluane National Park and Reserve:
“Kluane Creates” – connect with your own inner artist and experiment with different mediums, every Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm at Mät’àtäna Män (Kathleen Lake). Free, for all ages and skill levels. Interpretive programming: check the park’s website for the tour and program schedule: pn-np/yt/kluane/visit/sched-even. Programs are offered from June 5 to August 24, 2025. n
Leslie Leong
Leslie Leong’s art practice is focused on recycled, reclaimed, and repurposed materials. Drawing on her background in engineering, she employs innovative techniques to rejuvenate unconventional materials
Leslie Leong is bringing her focus on sustainability and recycling to the second residency of the summer, from August 4 to August 18. The Whitehorse-based visual artist explores contemporary issues using non-traditional techniques in mixed media with salvaged materials, metalwork, sculpture, and printmaking.
As part of her ongoing exploration of ice in its many forms, Leong plans to “make ice” from recycled plastics and experiment with other art forms to reflect upon her experience of the Lowell Glacier in Kluane National Park and Reserve.
“Making art is essential for me as it helps me cope with the issues our society faces. Being in the natural environment calms me and allows creativity to flow,” says Leong.
“I hope that my work triggers concern about our disconnection from the natural world and our natural selves. And inspires us to rekindle our connection to the natural environment.”
Details for Leong’s public programming will be announced closer to August, but she is excited to engage with people in the region. Of particular inter-
est is collectively transforming old clothing and cloth items into something new using printmaking techniques.
“I am keen to continue my work in helping society think more about our impact on the environment through the choices we make,” says Leong.
The two annual residencies are hosted at the Arctic Institute of North America’s Kluane Lake Research Station and supported by the Yukon Arts Centre, Parks Canada and the University of Calgary.
“Eternal Flame” was inspired by the materials in the Waste Lab and is made from a rejected Sal tree window frame, a damaged enamel plate, rusted mesh, and copper electrical wire
PHOTO: L. Leong
column with Kathy Burden
Communications Officer, Parks Canada
Yukon.
PHOTOS: J. Campbell
PHOTO: N. Allan
PHOTO: Z. Lynch
ONE PIXEL AT A TIME
Preserving Heritage Sites on Quikiqtaruk — Herschel Island Territorial Park
As a young archaeologist in the 1990s, Peter Dawson spent three seasons working on Qikiqtaruk—Herschel Island.
“After that I went on and did my own archaeology in various areas of the Arctic, but I always had a soft spot for Herschel [Island],” he says. “It was just a fascinating place with this interesting intersection of Inuvialuit history and settler history.”
Over the years Dawson worked on many sites throughout the north, seeing up close the impacts of a changing climate on the western coast of Hudson Bay and in the high Arctic on Ellesmere Island. It made him think about what was happening on Qikiqtaruk — Herschel Island.
Nearly 30 years later in 2018, Dawson returned to the island as a professor and researcher with the University of Calgary. He was surprised to see how much the landscape had changed.
“I remember getting off the Twin Otter [airplane], and just being shocked by what I saw. Every-
thing seemed so familiar, but so different,” says Dawson. “There were standing pools of water, some of the buildings had moved, and a lot of the coastline had changed.
“It was a real awakening, and it spurred my interest in digitally capturing and preserving the heritage resources on Herschel Island, so that they would remain accessible for future generations.”
The University of Calgary project, called Digitally Preserving Herschel Island — Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park, is done in partnership with the Yukon government.
Over the past five years, Dawson and his team have been collecting drone images and terrestrial LiDAR — also called 3D laser scans — of landforms, such as Pauline Cove and Avadlek Spit, and buildings, such as Inuvialuit sod houses, remaining whaling buildings, and the Anglican Mission.
“It’s kind of like a 3D camera,” says Dawson. “It emits millions of points of laser light as it rotates 360 degrees and calculates the amount of time it takes for each one to leave the instrument, strike the surface of a building, like a wall or what have you, and then return.”
Once an object, like a building, is scanned from many different angles those scans are stitched together to create a three-dimen-
•
Dawson launching the drone with Yukon archaeologist Christian Thomas pictured in the background
PHOTO: Courtesy of Peter Dawson
sional cloud made up of millions of points. The spacing between the points is less than a millimetre, so the measurements are incredibly accurate.
“That’s what makes these images so valuable,” says Dawson. “They’re not just a three-dimensional image. They actually have metric data attached to them, and that makes them invaluable because you can use them to create as-built architectural plans.
So, should anything happen to the actual buildings, the data could be used to either repair or restore them. The restoration and building maintenance work on the island is done by specialists with the Yukon government’s Historic Sites Unit. They use the data to find accurate measurements of building features and monitor changes.
In fact, this digital record serves many purposes. The images
ated through laser scanning and drone photogrammetry, stitching together overlapping photographs to create 3D models.
The website brings the experience right into homes and classrooms for people who may not be able to get to the island to experience it in person.
“A lot of polar heritage sites are very difficult for the public to get to because they’re in remote areas,” says Dawson. “With this archive the public can view and interact with 3D digital models of the various historic buildings and Inuvialuit sod houses, and also learn about the history and significance of Qikiqtaruk, what it means to Inuvialuit in the region today, and its history of EuroNorth American whalers at the turn of the century.”
The research team has also used their data and worked with Inuvialuit communities to create educational tools for youth in schools. For example, they created a two-metre-long 3D model of Pauline Cove and turned it into a jigsaw puzzle for a school in Aklavik, NWT.
government’s responsibility to maintain the historic park to the standard of a national historic site. Climate change is making that increasingly more challenging.
The data collected through this project helps the Yukon government and other park caretakers make informed decisions about how best to protect the heritage resources on the island. Because the data points are so accurate it’s easier to see how buildings are moving and land is eroding.
“One of the things we found is that climate change is like watching the second hand of a clock move,” says Dawson. “It’s very difficult to detect when you’re on the ground, but these tools allow us to see everything everywhere all at once. It is such a powerful way of understanding the transformation that’s happening to that landscape.”
Dawson says the project will continue for the next decade at least to continue monitoring changes and digitally preserve heritage sites.
and data collected by Dawson’s team is available publicly through a well-visited website at herschel. preserve.ucalgary.ca. The website includes open-source data files on key landforms and buildings cre-
“In the process of building Pauline Cove as a jigsaw puzzle, they actually got a sense of what the cove looked like and the proximity of the buildings to the coastline,” says Dawson. “So, it was an amazing way for the kids to experience Pauline Cove and develop an understanding for some of the impacts that are affecting it in terms of coastal erosion.”
According to the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, it is the Yukon
“I think we sort of take heritage for granted, you know? We just assume it’s always going to be there because it’s always been there, and I think sometimes it’s a bit of a shock when we learn that a site is lost,” says Dawson.
“So, it really is important that we do whatever we can, leverage some of these new technologies to make sure that people 50, 60, 70, 100 years from now, know what these sites looked like and how significant they are.” n
8:30PM, 10:00PM, 12:00AM
Photos: John Howland Photography, Melissa Naef
ACTIVE LISTINGS
Tue Jun 10 Paddy’s Pond Summer Bird Walk 5:30 PM Hillcrest Join Jenny Trapnell for a summer bird walk at peaceful Paddy’s Pond in Hillcrest https://yukonbirds.ca/
Sat, Jun 14 Whitehorse Brain
Tumour Walk 9:00 AM Register as an individual, join a team or create a team for the community brain tumour walk.
Sat Jun 14 Switch - Intro to Whitewater Paddling Course 10:00 AM YCKC Bins This event is for Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, and Queers, ages 12 and up. A 2.5 day introduction to whitewater paddling course using packrafts. https://form.jotform. com/25142
Mon Jun 16 - 22 Larger Than Life Disc Golf Festival 2025 Mt Sima A week-long celebration of disc golf, featuring pre-festival clinics, the Canada Day Extravaganza, flex-start tournaments, and the Inaugural Yukon Territorials disc golf tournament. https://www.yukondisc. com/
Fri, Jul 4 3rd Annual BSC Golf Classic with Arctic Winter Games 12:00 PM This annual golf classic goes beyond the game—it strengthens community bonds, supports youth sports, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the North.
Fri, Jul 4 Rugby Fest and Yukon Rugby Champs 4:00 PM Don’t miss Rugby Fest this July! Enjoy a full weekend of rugby skills competitions and tournaments for all skill levels.
Sat, Jul 5 The Ultimate Midnight Sun HAT Tournament (frisbee) 2 full days of frisbee, food, and fun with a Saturday night party under the midnight sun! For more info email email yukonultimate@gmail. com.
Sat, Jul 5 The Raven 50 Ultra and Relay 6:00 AM A Run for Life sponsored event, 50 miles or 50 km of raw, rugged alpine beauty. Email raven@runforlife.ca for more info.
Mondays
Judo For Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM
Northern Strength Academy
Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00
AM Canada Games Centre Yukon
Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged
Elderactive Pilates level 1 9:30
AM Northern Lights School of Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement
Tai Chi Kung Form (Seniors) 10:00 AM Golden Age Society
Babynastics with Coach Libby 10:30 AM Polarettes
Gymnastics Club A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www. polarettes.org/babynastics
Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40
AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!. http://cuts2.com/jiacg
Noon Strength & Conditioning 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy
Elderactive Pilates level 1 12:00
PM Northern Lights School of Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement
Indoor Cycling 12:05 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength. ca/
Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days
Martial Arts 12:05 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Kids Muay Thai 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts KIDS MUAY THAI a dynamic and engaging martial art that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. Open to ages 8 - 12.
Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy
Ladies Kickboxing 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Tai Chi Qigong / Meditation 7:00 PM Jack Hulland Elementary School
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Tuesdays
Strength for Endurance 6:00 AM
Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts
Ladies Lift 7:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Lifting for Longevity 10:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Specifically designed for the retired population, but open to anyone.
Yoga with Barbara 10:00 AM Whitehorse United Church Drop-in, no registration required, everyone is welcome. Call 335-1996 for more info.
Babynastics with Coach Libby 11:15 AM Polarettes
Gymnastics Club A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www. polarettes.org/babynastics
Strength for Endurance 12:00 PM
Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05
PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Strength & Conditioning 1:00PM
Northern Strength Academy
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Indoor Cycling 5:00 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength. ca/
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
Tai Chi Traditional Form, Section 2A 6:30 PM Jack Hulland Elementary School 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
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Wednesdays
Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00 AM
Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout. Indoor Cycling 6:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength. ca/
Morning Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/
Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00
AM Canada Games Centre Yukon Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged
Elderactive Pilates level 1 9:30 AM Northern Lights School of Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement
Tai Chi Essential Form continued 10:00 AM Heart of Riverdale
Keep Fit 10:00 AM Church of the Northern Apostles Come stretch and breathe with us - only $5.00
Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40 AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!. http://cuts2.com/jiacg
Noon Strength & Conditioning 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Elderactive Pilates level 1 12:00 PM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement! Ladies Kickboxing 12:05 PM
Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout. Elderactive Intermediate Hiking 1:00 PM ElderActive Recreation Association Leisure Walking is similar to Nordic walking but is suitable for those who prefer a slower, more relaxed pace
Strength & Conditioning 5:30
PM Northern Strength Academy Functional strength class teaches compound multi-joint lifts that improve athleticism, strength, coordination, power and more.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Introduction to Tai Chi 6:00 PM Elijah Smith Elementary School. Tai Chi Traditional Form, Section 1 refinements 7:00 PM Grey Mountain Primary School
Indoor Range Night 7:00 PM Whitehorse Rifle and Pistol Club
Tai Chi Traditional Form, Section 3 continued 7:15 PM Elijah Smith Elementary School. 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
Winter Power Hour Series 6:00 AM BrittyFit 95 Lewes Blvd Ignite your fitness regime in 50 minutes with Brittyfit
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts
Ladies Lift 7:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Tai Chi for Seniors 10:00 AM Golden Age Society Come early, bring water, and wear comfortable, smooth soled indoor shoes.
Lifting for Longevity 10:00 AM
Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.
Strength for Endurance 12:00 PM
Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05 PM
Eight Days Martial Arts
Strength & Conditioning 1:00 PM
Northern Strength Academy
Babynastics with Coach
Naomi 3:30 PM Polarettes
Gymnastics Club A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www. polarettes.org/babynastics
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Ladies Lift 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Whitehorse Archery 6:30 PM
Takhini Elementary Whitehorse Archery is a non-profit club for the recreational shooter, hunters, and those who just want to work on their skills. www.whitehorsearchery.com/ schedule
Tai Chi Essential Form continued 6:30 PM Hidden Valley School
No-GiJiu Jitsu 7:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Tai Chi Yang Hand Forms refinements 7:45 PM Hidden Valley School
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
Free drop-in
Tai Chi practice
10:00 AM Takhini Elementary
Tai Chi Sword Form 10:30 AM Whistle Bend Elementary School
WELLNESS LISTINGS
Thu Jun 12 Tea & Talk 5:00 PM
Victoria Faulkner’s Centre Share a meal and learn communication skills together. Drop-in.
Sat Jun 14 Vision & Voice
Workshop 11:30 AM Victoria
Faulkner Women’s Centre A creative and empowering gathering aimed at helping you to clarify your purpose, build connections, and embark on your next chapter. Email WomensAdvocate@vfwomencentre. com for more info.
Sat Jun 14 Sound Journey 7:00
PM 7th Ray Studio Experience the powerful benefits of a sound journey and discover the transformative effects of sound therapy and experience deep healing on a physical and mental level.
Thu Jun 19 Eckankar - Key to Past Lives 6:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library
Fri Jun 20 Introduction to Integrative Breathing 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio Integrative Breathing is a potent, safe and natural healing process which utilizes conscious breathing patterns to induce healing--physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Elder and Counselor available
Emotional and Spiritual support, free to Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirited in Yukon, Northern BC: Phone, video appointments or in person. Call Toll Free 866 667 6162 or visit www.yawc.ca for info.
Monthly
Every other Tuesday Sharing Circle 12:00 PM Old Justice
Building KDFN Every other Tuesday for recovery focused sharing circles. Connect, share challenges and gains, and access support and wisdom. Snacks and refreshments served. whatsupyukon.events/4en
Mondays
Sally and Sisters 11:00 AM
Salvation Army 311 Black St Yukon
Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.
AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House
Infant Feeding Mondays 1:00 PM Yukon Midwifery Program - Yukon Health and Social Services
AA Life Ahead (O, A) 7:00 PM 509 Hanson St. Held in person or by zoom – ID 251-363-5766, call 778907-2701 for more info.
AA New Beginnings Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Sacred Heart - Rear Entrance - basement
Tuesdays
Sally and Sisters 11:00 AM Salvation Army 311 Black St Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.
VFWC - Drop-In 11:00 AM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Drop-In includes Laundry and Shower.
AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House
TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 6:00 PM 100 25 Firth Rd Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Join us! Every Wednesday morning. Call or text 867-334-1725 for more details
AA UglyDuckling Group (C/M, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral New members always welcome, this is a non smoking group.
Ugly Ducklings Group (O,A) 8:00
PM Christ Church Cathedral Held in person or by zoom – ID 251-3635766, call 778-907-2701 for more info.
Wednesdays
TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly)
8:00 AM Closeleigh Manor Common Room Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Call or text 867334-1725 for more details
VFWC - Drop-In 11:00 AM Victoria
Faulkner Women’s Centre Drop-In includes Laundry and Shower.
Community Kitchen 11:30 AM
Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info
AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House
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
Polar Group (O, A) 7:30 PM 311 Elliott St. & 4th Ave. Held in person or on zoom, Zoom ID 251-3635766, call 778-907-2701 for more info.
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
AA Yukon Unity Group (O) 1:30
PM Online Zoom ID 482-518-9588 PC 334796 call 778-907-2971 for more info.
VFWC – Drop-In 1:30 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In. A safe welcoming space. Drop-in includes laundry and shower 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 Christ Church Cathedral
Saturdays
AA Detox Meeting (O, A) 1:00 PM
609 Steele St.1:00 PM
AA Yukon Unity Group (O) 1:00 PM Online Zoom ID 482-518-9588 PC 334796 call 778-907-2971 for more info.
VFWC – Drop-In 1:30 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In. A safe welcoming space. Drop-in includes laundry and showers.
Community Kitchen 5:00 PM
Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.
AA Hospital Meeting 7:00 PM #5 Hospital Rd. Room 1212
Sundays
AA Detox Meeting (O, A)1:00 PM 609 Steele St.
AA Yukon Unity Group 1:00 PM Online By zoom – Zoom ID 482518-9588 PC 334796 For more info call 778-907-2971
AA Hospital Meeting (O, A) 7:00
PM #5 Hospital Rd. Room 1212
Open Wed-Sun: 1-9
June 16-20
Maker Madness Summer Camp 9 AM - 3:30 PM
June 24
Metal Shop Orientation 6:30 PM-9 PM
July 21-25
Robot Mania Summer Camp Ages 12-17 9 AM - 3:30 PM
June 11 & 25
Welcome Wednesday 11 AM - 11:30 AM
June 13, 20 & 27
Casual Friday 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Please see Yukonstruct.com for more info!
A MENDENHALLER IN A BROTHEL?
After over 25 years in the Yukon, it was time!
When I was a young scalawag in the early ’80s, my Mom and Dad went on an Alaskan cruise. They brought back t-shirts for my brother and I (cue the old saying — My folks went on a cruise and all they brought me was this lousy t-shirt!).
But this wasn’t a lousy t-shirt, it was from the Red Onion Saloon (ROS) in Skaguay, Alaska! A brothel from 1898! How cool was that? I cherished that shirt and took very good care of it. I still have it, it’s over 40 years old now, and it’s in great shape — no holes, the writing is still clear as the day it was printed.
Now, full disclosure. My family emigrated to Canada in the very
Gary Atkins is the editor of What’s Up Yukon and is proud to promote, feature and support All Things Yukon. Port of Entry - Skagway
get over there.
That led to a massive restructuring of my life. I needed a current British passport to get my Canadian Permanent Resident card in order to apply for Canadian citizenship and ultimately a Canadian passport. It was a very long — and expensive — endeavour!
When they all came in the mail, I was itching to take my new ID for a test drive, so I called up my friend Haywire Harry Kern and asked him if he’d be into going to Skaguay with me. I’m so glad that he accepted, and trust me — there is no better guide for a Skaguay first-timer than Harry!
I met Harry in Carcross and jumped into his SUV. On the way down, he pointed out some really cool things, like the spot where the pass sends water south to
the Pacific Ocean or north to the Arctic Ocean. He regaled me with fabulous, animated stories of his time working for White Pass & Yukon Railway, long before there was even a highway.
In no time, we arrived at the US Port of Entry and both passed the officer our credentials, in my case, my brand new passport and PR card. The officer looked at them and did a little check on his computer, then asked us, “Please park over there and come inside.” We did as we were told. As we got out of the car, Harry looked at me and said, “It’s either me or you.”
Once we were inside, the officer told me that he couldn’t let me into the US. What? He informed me that, as I was travelling on a UK passport, I’d need pre-approval from the US in the form of an ESTA visa. He gave me a form to show to the CBSA to return back into Canada and sent us
cont’d on page 19 ... MENDENHALL MUSINGS
early ’70s, I was very young and entered on my parents old IMM 1000 Landed Immigrant Document. Over the years, things flopped back and forth between being allowed to have dual citizenship or having to renounce my British citizenship to become a Canadian. I could travel, work, pay taxes — the only thing that I couldn’t do was vote — no big deal!
All that changed a few years ago. My Mom passed away quite suddenly in Spain, where she and Dad had been retired for over 20 years. My passport was expired, I had this photocopy of a certified copy of the old IMM 1000 and I couldn’t just jump on a plane to
Harry’s infrared shot of me at the flats in Dyea
Gary Atkins
PHOTO: Harry Kern
PHOTO: Gary Atkins
on our way. Damn! So close and yet so far!
Harry was great about it. He said to get the visa approved and we’d try again next week. This time at the border, I had to go in and have my biometrics taken and a stamp for the visa in my passport but then we were heading down the hill into Skaguay. Woo-hoo!
Harry was the consummate tour guide. His knowledge of the town and its history is second to
none. He drove me around town to see the sights. I recall telling him that my first impression was like a cross between Banff and Dawson City — very touristy but also very Klondike.
Then we headed out to Dyea, where the vast majority of the prospectors of the Klondike gold rush disembarked and started their treks across the Chilkoot Trail to the goldfields in Dawson. We stopped at the Slide Cemetery where the victims of the 1898 Palm Sunday avalanche are interred. That was very spiritual and humbling. I’d never even heard of it, but as we wandered around, I found a marker with S. Atkins on it. My Mom’s name was Sheila.
We drove out onto the flats and right up to the water. It was a cool and rainy day. But being at the ocean has always been very calming for me and I loved every minute. And all of this – the coastal rainforest, the ocean, a mere two hours from my house! And I’d never been?
Well, we got back in the car and headed for the pièce de résistance, the purpose of the trip — a beer at the ROS. I was wearing my 40-year-old ROS shirt and we walked in and sat down at a corner table.
What a great place! The waitress came over and took our orders, I had my usual beer and a shot of tequila and just gazed
around, soaking in the character of it all.
Girls in bustier corsets with money stuck in their cups, old pictures hanging on the walls, cruise-ship tourists packed into the saloon, locals chatting loudly about their days and every once in a while, the ‘madams’ would assemble on the stairs and invite tourists for a tour of the brothel. Their mantra of “Where the ladies never miss a trick” is very apropo.
After a little while, this wonderful lady, Deb, came over and introduced herself as the manager. Then she asked me where I had gotten my t-shirt. I told her the story about my parents and their visit some 40 years ago. I told her about my Mom’s passing and wanting to send my Dad a new ROS t-shirt.
She wouldn’t take my money; she just gave me one. She turned to Harry and asked if he was the person posting old pictures of the saloon on Facebook.
Of course Harry whipped out his iPad and started showing her old photos from way back in the ’80s, when his friend Jan Wrentmore had first re-opened the saloon, about the same time as my folks had been there. Within minutes we had, it seemed like, every staff member at our table checking out the pictures and my shirt, which were both older than most of them, I suspect.
All of a sudden our money was no good there. They wouldn’t let us pay for our nachos or drinks, although I did buy a lot of swag from the gift shop. I am still wearing my ROS ball cap to this day. I sent Dad his new t-shirt without telling him that I’d been or that the shirt was on the way. It made my Dad’s day. He loves it!
It was a spectacular day, thanks to Harry and the great folks in Skaguay, I can’t wait to go back! If Pam’s up for the ride, we’ll go together, but if not I’ll ask Haywire again. And just to be clear, the reason that I spell it ‘Skaguay’, is because that’s the way Harry does.
I understand that Jan passed the garter to another wonderful Alaskan business woman, Tracy LaBarge, who owns two restaurants: Tracy’s King Crab Shack
in Juneau and Skaguay. Jan has moved on to semi-retirement and runs the Burro Creek Wilderness
Lodge which aims to develop hydro electric power for the Port of Skaguay. Those ROS girls never miss a trick! n
A little creepy finding a marker with Mom’s name on it
Swag from the ROS
Standing in the rain outside the ROS
The view from the corner inside the ROS
PHOTO: Harry Kern
PHOTO: Gary Atkins
PHOTO: Gary Atkins
PHOTO: Gary Atkins
ATLIN
Fri Jul 11 - Tue Jul 15 2025 Atlin Arts and Music Festival Tarahne Park
Sundays St. Martins Anglican Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM St. Martins Anglican Church 10:00 AM Everyone is welcome. Atlin Christian Assembly 11:00 AM St. Atlin Christian Centre 10:00 AM Everyone is welcome.
Mondays
Caregiver & Tot Drop-in 10:00 AM Atlin
Recreation Centre This is an unstructured hour for You and your Littles to get social and run wild. This IS NOT a drop off, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Call or email 993-4102 atlinarc.coordinator@gmail. com for more info.
Yukon Communities:
Wednesdays AA Yukon Unity (OM) 3:00
PM Online Yukon Health Centers, Live Video Meeting Beaver Creek, Carcross, Carmacks, Dawson City, Destruction Bay, Faro, Haines Junction, Mayo, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing, Ross River, Teslin, Watson Lake. Online users’ sign in info: yukonbcdistrict52@gmail. com
CARCROSS
Sat Aug 23 Fly-In to Carcross and meet with Klondike Cruisers classic cars 11:00 AM Carcross
Second Sunday of Every Month St. Saviour’s Church Services 2:00 pm St. Saviour Church 867-668-3129
First Friday of the month Mother Goose Group 11:00 AM Haa Shagóon Hídi (Our Ancestors House) Carcross/Tagish Learning Centre Learn stories, songs, and rhymes, lunch provided. Suitable for babies and children 5 and under. Please bring along a water bottle and blanket to sit on. To register, call 332-2389. https://whatsupyukon.events/jwf
Wednesdays Yoga with Richard Mueller 12:00 PM Carcross Firehall Free for everyone some fitness required.
Thursdays Yoga with Jess Ghùch Tlâ Community School Beginners welcome, all equipment provided. Drop-in, Free admission! For more info email yogajessyukon@gmail. com.
CARMACKS
Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at:
• Sunshine Restaurant • Carmacks Rec Centre
• CDC / CIBC Bank
• Tatchun Center General Store
First & Third Tuesdays of Every Month Carmacks Regular Council Meeting 7:00 PM Carmacks Municipal Building
Mondays Carmacks Library 1:00 PM After School Club 3:30 PM Carmacks
Recreation Centre Learn To Curl (All Ages) 4:00 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
Drop In Curling 6:00 PM
Tea & Bannock – Haines Junction 1:00 PM https://whatsupyukon.events/tea-bannock68ab07
Men’s and women’s sewing group
HAINES
ENGINE OIL
Your Vehicle’s
Operational Lifeline
Batteries Engine oil provides proper lubrication for all the moving parts inside an internal combustion engine - to disperse heat and prolong the life of all components. Without engine oil, serious damage can occur in a very short amount of time. Modern engine oils prevent blockages and contaminants from restricting oil flow. Oil breaks down and loses its properties over time, you should always check your oil on a regular basis. We recommend every 10,000km to 20,000km. Some circumstances, may require more frequent changes. For example if the vehicle is operated under abnormal conditions like 4wding, towing, racing, or excessive stop-start driving. It is also important to use the correct grade and specification of oil in your engine. Many modern European and diesel engines require certain additives which are present only in specific oil grades, and using the wrong specification can cause major and expensive engine and component damage.
FARO
Haines Junction to Haines, Alaska!
HAINES JUNCTION
Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at: • Little Green Apple
Thu Jun 12 Hides and Quills Artist Talk with Jaymie Campbell 7:00 PM Kluane Lake Research Station Free artist talk. Jaymie will share her journey as an artist, her relationship to the materials, and the inspiration that comes from ancestral teachings and the land. https:// parks.canada.ca/pn-np/yt/kluane/activ/artisteartist
Fri Jun 13 Summer Music Series - The Lucky Ones 6:00 PM Village Bakery and Deli A delicious grilled dinner while you enjoy some of the best Live Yukon music on the patio, rain or shine: bluegrass, rock, jazz, classical and much more! https://www.villagebakeryyukon. com/live-music.html
Sat Jun 14 Summer Music Series - Ed McLean 6:00 PM Village Bakery and Deli Sat Jun 21 Summer Music Series - North of Sexy 6:00 PM Village Bakery and Deli
Sat Jun 21 Kluane Chilkat International Bike
Relay 2025 Join us for an unforgettable ride through the stunning landscapes from Haines Junction to Haines, Alaska!
Second and fourth Wednesday of every month Village Council meetings 7:00 PM St. Elias Convention Centre Village Council meetings are also held the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. [Remote attendance only]
Mondays
Fun with Food 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School Learn new skills, share recipes and take food home!
Drop-In Basketball 6:00 PM St. Elias Community School Meet in the school gym
Tuesdays
Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster Arena
Drop in. Programming is for kids 4 and under and their parents/caregivers.
DAWSON CITY 9 9
Paul’s Anglican Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)
Hand-Building Pottery Drop-In 6:30 PM
Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Self-guided group studio time for those with some experience with pottery. Newcomers are welcome, little instruction is provided.
Wednesdays
St Paul’s Anglican Church Morning Prayer 9:00 AM St Paul’s Anglican Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)
St Paul’s Anglican Church Evening Prayer 5:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)
Welcome Wednesday Supper and Games
6:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican Church QYS Drop-in 1:00 PM DCMF Office
Screen Printing Drop-in 6:00 PM Klondike
Institute of Art & Culture KIAC Classroom (enter via backdoor) Self-guided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with screen printing.
DCMF Film Selections 7:00 PM Dënäkär
Zho The best committee ever! Just watch movies! Help us select the films for the 2025 film festival. Come once, twice, or all the time! To get on our mailing list, email: filmfest@kiac.ca
Dawson City Disc Golf League 8:00 PM Crocus Bluff Disc Golf Course simple, welcoming league for all skill levels
lThursdays
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! Drop-In! No registration necessary. whatsupyukon.events/dawson-legion-8336c3
Open Studio Drop-in 1:00 PM Klondike
Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Enjoy KIAC’s bright, air-conditioned space to create and focus on your artistic practice. Even better- we’ve waived the drop-in fee this day.
Drop-in Bouldering 6:00 PM Robert Service School Free - drop-in - all ages
Saturdays
Youth Parkour Tumbling 12:30 PM Robert Service School All Ages - Free – Drop-In. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Open Studio – Drop In 1:00 PM Klondike
Institute of Art & Culture KIAC Classroom (enter via backdoor) Space to create and focus on your artistic practice.
AA North Star Group Dawson City 7:00
PM Royal Canadian Legion In person or Videoconference option available Call 867-993-5095 or 867-993-3734 for more information
Sundays Anglican Church Service 10:30 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
Adult Drop-In Basketball 6:00 PM Robert Service School Ages 16+ - Free - Call 9937400 ext 299 for more info.
ROSS
Skagway All are welcome. Part of the Alaska Presbytery and the PC U.S.A.
Windy Valley Babies 10:30 AM Skagway
Public Library Stories, Songs, and Fun with Ms. Anna! Designed for ages 0-3.
Fridays Skagway Teen Night 6:30 PM Skagway Public Library
Sundays Sunday Worship 10:00 AM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway Sunday School 4:00 PM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway
TAGISH
First Monday of every month Carcross Tagish
Renewable Resources Council 1:00 PM Tagish Community Centre
First Monday of every month Tagish Advisory Council 8:00 AM Tagish Community Centre
First Tuesday of every month Tagish Community Association 7:00 PM Tagish Community Centre
Second Thursday of every month Tagish Local Advisory Council 7:00 PM Tagish Community Centre
Wednesdays
Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon Yukon Learn at Tagish Library 2:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Targeted literacy programming by Yukon Learn at the Tagish Library. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon.
Coffee And Chat 2:00 PM Tagish Community Centre
Thursdays Carpet Bowling 10:00 AM Tagish Community Centre
Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library
WATSON
TESLIN
STEP OUTSIDE
is an
GROCERY SHOPPING / SAVING MONEY…
…more fillet/ less filler
Grocery shopping while trying to save money is about as oxymoronic as it gets. However, if you can squeeze out the time for a little planning, it will amaze you the savings that are readily available with minimal effort. More effort equals more savings.
First step is to learn and practise some basic shopping rules that guarantee savings and some peace of mind.
1. Don’t shop when you are hungry. Guaranteed poor choices.
2. Shop from a list to keep you on track. Make an ongoing list on a pad in the kitchen. Avoid quick lists just before you go shopping.
3. Shop alone. If possible shop without your kids. May be difficult depending on the situation but a guaranteed money saver.
4. Shop the sales in the flyers. Check the flyers during wake-up coffee or bathroom time. Lots of regular prices but always bargains.
5. Use a calculator to check unit prices in small and large containers of the same product. Cross check similar products.
6. Shop on sale days. Can be more crowded but mindful choices allow savings.
7. Avoid “loss leader” come-ons where you are attracted by a reduced price product and end up buying products that are not reduced.
8. If you qualify, take advantage of any ongoing discounts ie: “seniors”
9. Wisely use a store club card. Discounts are always available as are specials. Points can be collected and on assigned “point redemption” days, the collected points can be redeemed
for products with no money changing hands.
“Nothing is free,” has always been my motto; however, seeing how card use and point redemption works for our household budget, I have changed my mind. To the skeptics out there, picture two side by side shoppers, one with a points card and one without.
Over a period of time they buy the same amount of goods but only one is collecting points.
On a future points redemption sale day, the shopper with the points comes away with possibly hundreds of dollars worth of items while the noncard carrying shopper comes away with nothing. How is that not a great way to save money?
Our family points card is now linked to a credit card so all gas purchases at a particular gas bar
Saving with your points card
(same cost per litre as elsewhere) also accrues these redeemable points.
Flyers for end-ofweek sales at other non-grocery big box stores show discounts ranging from 10 to 65 percent off the regular price. Who doesn’t appreciate discounts like that?
As suggested, available time limits some money saving strategies, but employing a little “time management” may help with the time. Because I have both the time and the inclination.
On sale I buy whole pork or beef loins, large packages of bacon and 30 percentoff dated meat items. At home I cut, wrap and freeze these items in mealsized portions. Initial cost is pretty high but represents a huge saving compared to the price for the same store packaged items. n
Bull Frog Mask by Tom Dickson JR. Tlingit Dancer, Rachel Johnston, Teslin 1985
PHOTO: Gary Atkins
column with Larry Leigh
Yukon.
Shop from a list
PHOTO: Tumisu on Pixabay
Performances:
Rising Sun Singers + Lianne Cranfield + Taiko Drummers + Jasmine Netsena + John from Dawson + Boyd Benjamin & Kevin Barr
2025 Campfire Talks
at Tséi Zhéłe/Sinwaa Éex’i Yé/ Conrad
Historic Site
Come enjoy:
• Tea and Bannock
• Learn about the history of the area
• Traditional stories and placenames
Where: Tséi Zhéłe/ Sinwaa Éex’i Yé/ Conrad historic site (next to Conrad campground)
When:
Thursday June 12 11-2
Saturday June 28 11-2
Monday July 7 11-2
Saturday July 26 11-2
Wednesday Aug 13 11-2
Saturday August 30 11-2
Monday September 8 11-2
Sunday September 21 11-2
Tséi Zhéłe/ Sinwaa Éex’i Yé/ Conrad historic site is on the Traditional Territory of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and is co-managed by the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and the Government of Yukon. This area was a traditional fishing, hunting and camping site used by ancestors of the Tlingit/Tagish Kwan people. Conrad was a short lived mining town established in 1905 and abandoned by 1914.
This is a free, drop-in event. No registration required.
For more details call: Historic Sites Interpretive Planner at 867-332-3862
