What's Up Yukon, March 25, 2026 by What's Up Yukon

PHOTO: Annie Lehnart

EXHIBITION REVIEW

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

REACHING TOWARD RELATIONSHIP TO PLACE

exhibitions at Arts Underground

Two new exhibitions at Arts Underground feature beautiful artworks that reach towards a sense of place. This kind of reaching provides interesting reasons to reﬂect about our highly-mobile society.

In the Focus Gallery, the one you walk into ﬁrst, Anick Fernandez’ solo exhibition entitled Roots brings together copper, paper, printmaking and sculpture, to gesture towards holding on.

Fernandez assembles four small sculptures in stone, copper and driftwood. The rest of the show consists of paper-based works framed behind glass.

In the sculptures, I ﬁnd the use of driftwood evocative of a sense of dislocation that is common but not ubiquitous in our contemporary culture. Driftwood is wood found far from its roots. Preserved in the salty water of the sea, shaped by the waves, currents can bring it to distant shores.

Fernandez pairs the driftwood with heavy stone bases and entwines them with copper wire. Smaller stones, coated in copper leaf, play their parts. The copperwire roots and the heaviness of stone bring the driftwood home.

In the works on paper, Fernandez plays abstractly with images of tree trunks: tiny, broken painted rootlike lines that look like stitches; and circular motifs, often applied with copper leaf and ranging from about 1.5 millimetres in diameter to approximately penny-sized.

Based in Whitehorse now, Fernandez was born in Mexico City.

In this detail of Roots as Stitches Hold Everything Together I, Fernandez uses monotype and collage to suggest tree trunks with roots evoked by her delicate broken-line motif

She has lived in Mexico, Spain and Canada. In Spain, she studied etching and aquatint. Wanting to use materials with lower toxicity, she has moved towards collography, a form of printmaking where items are glued to a rigid substrate to make a plate from which to print.

Talking with Arts Underground

staff, I understand that in some of the pieces, she inked and printed her laminate ﬂoor for its woodgrain texture. These works seem to come out of a desire for rootedness— for a sense of home. Fernandez evokes this sense with an elegant

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Column with Nicole Bauberger

Nicole

PHOTO: Nicole Bauberger

playfulness. In Roots Connect

Us All, Fernandez brings together monotype—a print where you paint a surface and print from that, just once— collage, and acrylic. Among tree trunks, her ﬁnely-painted broken lines rendered in acrylic, which look so much like stitches, twine the work together.

Dawson-based artist Miriam Behman’s Cottonweed succeeds with economy of means—the textile becoming the blossom

An intimate exhibition of handwoven textiles, with photographic images applied to them, draws you into the Edge Gallery, a smaller room at which you arrive after you walk through the Focus Gallery. A Passing Glimpse evokes the transitory nature of art created in artist residencies. Soft-edged images question the nature of memory.

Dawson-based artist Miriam Behman works from images she photographed during two northern residencies. One took place in Eagle Plains, up the Dempster Highway in the Yukon; the other in Svalbard, Norway.

Behman’s exhibition consists of a series of handwoven textiles of about the same size, mostly about 8x10 inches. They hang from their silken warp strands from a wooden

In Speak Friends, high contrast in the snowy peak lends itself well to Behman’s disperse dyes image-transfer technique

slat, with their warp threads hanging as fringes along the bottom.

Behman has transferred images onto her textiles using a disperse dye technique. For this method, the artist uses a special printer that prints with dyes. They print the images onto paper and then transfer the images to the cloth with heat. Behman uses an iron.

Nicole Bauberger

The silken warp threads resist these dyes, so they are only absorbed by the weft, which is polyester. This partial uptake is how Behman achieves her soft and almost grainy images.

A few of the pieces depict snowy mountain peaks. Contrast between dark rock and white snow makes these images read well through the disperse dye technique Behman uses to apply the images to her handwoven surfaces.

Other images depict people in the residencies, singly or in groups, encountering the northern landscapes, making memories during these brief visits.

My Companions shows a pair of hands, possibly gathering berries, above what looks like a lichenrich surface. I look carefully at the hands … Are those red bits berries? I can’t quite tell.

Cottongrass is one of my favourites. In the background, softedged colour barely describes grey clouds, distant blue mountains warming to violet, then closer expanses of a warmer yellowgreen. I feel like I recognize this landscape from my own time up in the Tombstones, though I am not sure whether this is Svalbard or Eagle Plains.

In Roots Connect Everything, Fernandez binds well-travelled driftwood to stone, with roots made of copper

way. I remember returning to my studio and making a piece I called So what if I remember what I barely saw? In the end, I chose to live here.

In the foreground, on a darker green, the dyes evoke a mass of cottonweed with similar economy of means. It delights me that the cottonweed tops, being white, are actually evoked by the absence of ink. The naked textile represents what this piece depicts. The inks just make the context for us to read it like that.

During my ﬁrst few visits to the Yukon, I remember feeling this

SENIORS ON THE MOVE

Behman makes her home in Dawson, but this challenge of the practice of residencies persists. Residencies provide interesting opportunities for artists, but they also propagate a kind of aesthetic tourism. Behman’s work seems to challenge this practice, asking what can be remembered from such a brief visit. Still, the warmth and commitment of her handwoven textile, at this intimate scale, draws us in.

Both exhibitions continue until Saturday March 28. Arts Underground is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ■

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PHOTOS:

I Love My Dog

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T GOSSIP.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T STEAL.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T BORROW.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T DRINK.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T SMOKE.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T DO DRUGS.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T GAMBLE.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T SWEAR.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T COMPLAIN.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T CHEAT.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T ARGUE.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T ABUSE.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T HOLD A GRUDGE.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T BLAME.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T SHAME.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T LOSE.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T BRAG.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T WORRY.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T SIN.

‛CAUSE MY DOG LOVES ME.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T HATE.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T FAVOUR.

‛CAUSE SHE DOESN‛T JUDGE.

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

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

The Whitehorse musician has shifted her focus to her solo project

No Yukon music lover needs an introduction to Selina Heyligers-Hare. The folk-fusion singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has been a constant in the Yukon’s creative scene for the better part of 20 years, performing with just about every other local musician you can name during that time, notably a nearly decade-long stint singing in Major Funk, a band from which she stepped down last year to focus on her own project, Hendrika.

“It’s deﬁnitely pretty early days,” Heyligers-Hare says of her current project. “I feel as much as I am proud of my previous EP (2024’s I Can’t Remember), it very much spans a bunch of different eras of my life and it’s a collection of music that shows a lot of different pieces of myself in a very vulnerable way.”

Heyligers-Hare compares how she feels about her last EP to the way she feels listening to the ﬁrst Fleetwood Mac album, saying the songs contain clashing combinations of clear inﬂuences, displaying a sound with potential that hasn’t been fully realized yet.

“I feel like it’s on its way to the next thing,” she explains. “I’m excited to really dig in to what my style will be, going forward, and to really hone in on my whole aesthetic and vibe.”

Though she’s still in the early stages of ﬁnding her new sound and stepping fully into a new era, Heyligers-Hare has spent much of the past year out on tour across Canada and even overseas. She works with a collection of musicians, playing stints with various band iterations, mainly because most of her musical friends are

busy with other projects and bands as well.

“I mix and match often,” she says. “I really like having different people play my music and hear how they interpret it. Different feels and different inﬂuences are really cool for me to witness as well, and obviously they’re all great musicians and great personalities.”

While Heyligers-Hare often works with other women, a good portion of her touring last year saw her playing with an all-female band, her ﬁrst time doing so on tour.

“There’s this kind of bond and understanding that’s really powerful,” she says. “Especially all being women in the industry, it was very special.”

Heyligers-Hare and her band

ﬁrst embarked on a western Canadian tour, followed by an eastern Canadian tour, ﬁlling dates around

their stop in Toronto at North by Northeast (NXNE). After the two Canadian summer treks and a few one-off stops like the Edmonton Fringe Festival; the Robson Valley Music Festival in Dunster, B.C.; and Folk on the Rocks in Yellowknife, Heyligers-Hare ﬂew overseas to play at Germany’s Reeperbahn Festival.

“I feel so fortunate that this is something I can do for my job,” Heyligers-Hare says. “With the current economy and the way things are going, it takes a lot.”

Heyligers-Hare says she has lots of friends who work stable jobs, but she often sees them working hard for something they might not be passionate about, just to be able to survive, as the dream of home ownership has become much less of a reality for younger generations.

“I just feel so grateful to have a job that I feel so connected to

and so passionate about,” she says. “There are challenges, for sure, of being on the road. I have felt them physically and emotionally—the lack of sleep, trying to eat properly, trying to move your body because you’re sitting so much.

“I always ﬁnd, after the summer, I’m haggard and absolutely destroyed, but I’m able to come home and reset. I’m learning to navigate that and make sure I still take care of myself while pursuing my goals and pushing myself to better myself and get deeper into the music world.”

Though Heyligers-Hare is committed to Hendrika and plans to create more music and chase more touring, festival and industry opportunities, the experience of playing music is still the most important part for her. She still enjoys backing other musicians and, despite her busy schedule,

wants to be able to balance her own project with what she calls “side guy” gigs.

“I think I will always love that,” she says. “It’s such an honour to back someone else up if you really like their music and you really want to support them, and it’s a different kind of satisfaction to learn someone else’s music and to pull it together and present that in a good way.”

Though being a part of Major Funk was an unforgettable experience for Heyligers-Hare, she could not keep up their touring schedule, without sacriﬁcing her own, and ultimately decided to put everything she could into Hendrika. It was a tough decision, but Heyligers-Hare is conﬁdent it was the right choice.

“They want to push their own stuff, as they should, and they want to ramp up a little bit and I just don’t have that capacity that they need,” she says. “It felt like either way, we were letting the other one down. Etienne (Girard, Major Funk bassist), from the start, has always been super supportive, which I always really appreciated.”

With nothing but kind things to say about her bandmates, memories and growth in Major Funk, Heyligers-Hare is looking to the future now, one where she continues to embark on her own. It may be rigorous and daunting at times, but with a clear vision, she is beginning to live out her lifelong dream.

“Hendrika is different for me,” she says. “It’s me. All of my music is really emotional, really raw and really vulnerable. That’s what I connect to, is that kind of openness and the way that connects you to people and the space it created for people to exist in and feel their emotions. That kind of process and energy exchange is what I want to facilitate.”

Visit hendrikamusic.com to keep up with Hendrika. ■

PHOTO: Submitted by Selina Heyligers-Hare

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

Selina Heyligers-Hare, known by her middle name, Hendrika, is taking on the world as a solo artist

ART SHOWS

Month of March Free Space 9 AM5PM Northern Front Studio (foyer) at Waterfront Station (110-2237 Second Ave) will be hosting artwork by Jane Isakson for the month of March. Come enjoy some pensive time with “Remembering warmer places, Waiting for spring”.

Until Mar 26 Roots by Anick Fernandez Arts Underground Held in the Focus Gallery

Until Mar 26 A Passing Glimpse by Miriam Behman Arts Underground Held in the Edge Gallery

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

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

Fri April 3-25 Serenity A solo show by Doug Rutherford YAAW YUkon Artist at Work.Public reception: April 10th ~ 5-7 pm

LIVE MUSIC

Fri Mar 27 Electric Lemonade - All these songs are about you 7:00 PM Old Fire Hall Yukon fuzz-rock power trio Electric Lemonade pairs big feelings with an audacious sound. https://yukonartscentre.com/

Sat Mar 28 Neon Knockout - Kick it like it’s 1987 8:00 PM Ricky’s All Day Grill Whitehorse Fundraiser DJ dance party, cash bar, game prizes, Muay Thai demos and more! 19+ event!

Sat Mar 28 An Evening with Blake Robert 7:00 PM Kopper King Neighbours Pub

Sat Mar 28 An Evening With Josh Ritter 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Renowned singer, songwriter, musician, artist and best-selling author Josh Ritter, performing in Whitehorse. https:// yukonartscentre.com/whats-on/anevening-with-josh-ritter/

Monthly

First Saturday Folk Society Coffeehouse 6:30 PM Whitehorse United Church. an all ages event that provides a venue for audiences to enjoy emerging local performers. Bring cash to buy coffee, tea, and tasty treats!

Weekly

Tuesdays

Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well Wednesdays

Music Jam 6:00 PM Northlight

Foursquare Church

Intermediate Jam - Bluegrass & Old Time 7:00 PM Whitehorse

Legion bi-weekly Hosted by the Yukon Bluegrass Society

Whitewater Wednesday 7:00 PM 98 Hotel

Karaoke 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Thursdays

Muster Point 6:30 PM Baked Cafe

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

Ginger Jam 7:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Fiddle Night 8:00 PM 98 Hotel

Fridays

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

Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Live Music 8:00 PM 98 Hotel

Saturdays

Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Sundays

Open Jam 8:00 PM 98 Hotel

GENERAL EVENTS

Mon Mar 23 A Night of Comedy with Mary Walsh 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Canadian cultural icon, comedienne and social activist Mary Walsh will perform some of her best comedic bits and most popular characters! https:// yukonartscentre.com/whats-on/anight-of-comedy-with-mary-walsh/ Tue Mar 24 Community Consultation - Whitehorse 4:30 PM CSSC Mercier Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon Help define the model for the future campus, based on your training needs and the most suitable learning formats for your realities. https://www.afy.ca/stand-alone/ community-consultation

Tue Mar 24 Building Strong Leaders 101 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace In this workshop learn how to Identify your leadership style and to make the most of it and understand what makes a great leader. https://www.yukonwitt.org/ Tue Mar 24 16th World Religions Conference 6:00 PM Whitehorse United Church Speakers from across the community will share their perspectives and insights on the topic of “Love Thy Neighbour” showing love and compassion to all. https://worldreligionsconference.ca/ upcoming-conference/

Wed Mar 25 Wills & Estates - Info Session 1:00 PM Whitehorse Public Library A presentation from the Yukon Public Legal Education Association (YPLEA), bring your questions and learn about wills and estates.

Thu Mar 26 Klondike Karaoke Finals 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre After the three fierce preliminary Klondike Karaoke rounds, the top finalists will take over the MainStage for one last showdown.

Thu Mar 26 Indigenous Book Club with author Katłıą Lafferty 6:30 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Katłıą is a northern Dene woman who is the author of multiple books, including a memoir, Northern Wildflower, written as Catherine Lafferty. Free event - email yplevents@yukon.ca for more info. https://www.facebook.com/share/ p/1RMNr2U4rQ/

Thu Mar 26 Pints & PitchesSocial Hour 5:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace A casual networking event for entrepreneurs, investors, makers, and big thinkers. Share your ideas, ask for help, or spark a conversation.

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Thu Mar 26 Glass Fish Mosaics

Workshop 6:00 PM Arts

Underground Join mosaic artist Riley Brennan in creating your own little glass mosaic fish - a no-stress 3-hour class, participants will go home with a finished piece. https:// www.artsunderground.ca/

Fri Mar 27 Lecture - The Greening of the Yukon 6:30 PM Best Western Gold Rush Inn The impacts of rapid climate change are shown by the extensive greening apparent in satellite records and by vegetation change on the ground. https://www. yukonscienceinstitute.org/

Fri Mar 27 - Sun Mar 29 2026 Yukon Biodiversity Forum

Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre An opportunity for a broad cross section of exposure to current field projects that relate to biodiversity assessment and monitoring in the Yukon. https://www.yukonu. ca/research/projects/biodiversityworking-group-annual-forum

Fri Mar 27 + Sat Mar 28 Spring Spruce Bog 10:00 AM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Browse locally made products by artisans and crafters from around the territory and northern B.C.

Fri Mar 27 Illumination Silent Disco 7:00 PM TBD Bring a little ILLUMINATION into these dark days - gather, dance, embody, move & sweat - Everyone welcome, sober event. https://whatsupyukon. events/411

Sat Mar 28 FoodSafe Level 1

9:00 AM Multicultural Centre of the Yukon FoodSafe Level 1 is a food-handling, sanitation and work safety course designed for frontline foodservice workers and covers important food safety and worker safety information. For more information call 667-4733

Sat Mar 28 solstice haiku discussion group 2:00 PM Whitehorse Discover the joy of haiku in our solstice haiku discussion group. Join us for monthly meetings filled with creativity and conversation. https:// kjmunro1560.wordpress.com/

Sat Mar 28 Spaghetti Supper

4:00 PM Hellaby Hall A warm plate of spaghetti, good company - a friendly evening of good food and connection! For more info call 6685530 or email cathedral@klondiker. com.

Sat Mar 28 An Evening with Hilary Peach 5:00 PM Old Fire Hall A very special evening with industrial welder and award-winner author Hilary Peach

Sat Mar 28 Newcomer Connection Night 6:30 PM Yukon Literacy Coalition Come watch an NHL hockey game together, play board games, and enjoy pizza, snacks, and great conversation! Drop-in is also welcome! https://forms.gle/ xbiUf8dXtXCuXnK17

Sun Mar 29 Hut to Hut 12:00 PM Whitehorse Nordic Centre Ski from Hut to Hut and meet different Yukon non-profit organizations, enjoy family-friendly activities, food and warm beverages.

Mon Mar 30 Coalition of Yukon Chambers – Territorial Policy Convention 9:00 AM Best Western Gold Rush Inn A two-day Territorial Policy Convention focused on identifying and prioritizing key economic issues affecting Yukon businesses. https://mailchi.mp/ whitehorsechamber/registration

Wed Apr 1 Yukon Fringe Artist Workshop HOW TO FRINGE 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Take part in this info session hosted by Norah Paton and Beth Dart, two artists who have participated in Fringe Festivals across the country and around the world! www. yukonfringe.ca/artists

Thu Apr 2 Introduction to Oil Painting 5:30 PM The Mini Makerspace A bold, beginnerfriendly workshop introduces oil painting the modern way — using brush, drawing, oil pastel & walnut oil. For more information call/text 334-1966.

Thu Apr 2 Building Strong Leaders 201 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace A 2-part program that focuses on small actions for the workplace that have big impacts! https://www.yukonwitt.org/ Sat Apr 4 Easter Eggstravaganza Scavenger Golden Egg Hunt 11:00 AM Yukon Wildlife Preserve Fun for the whole family, take part in an all day Scavenger hunt and BYORoastables - roast some hotdogs, and marshmallows. https:// yukonwildlife.ca/experience/events/ Sat Apr 4 2026 Wild Game Banquet + Fundraiser 5:30 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre A celebration of nature, wildlife, and the outdoor community, enjoy a wild game dinner with Chef Chris Irving, music by The Leesiders, Silent Auction and Door Prizes. https:// www.yukonfga.ca/ Fri Apr 10 - Sat Apr 11 Paddling Film Festival World Tour 2026 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre

Showcasing the very best in paddling films - be inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, and appreciate wild places as we head into the summer paddling season. https:// yukonartscentre.com/whats-on/ paddling-film-festival-worldtour-2026/ Fri Apr 10 Live Comedy - Julie Kim ft Brad Semotiuk 7:00 + 9:30 PM Boiler Room Lounge Don’t miss headliner, Julie Kim, who will be joined by feature act Brad Semotiuk! https://www.jumpcomedy. com/e/julie-kim-ft-brad-semotiuklive-at-the-boiler-room

Sat Apr 11 Exploring Glazing Techniques 9:00 AM Arts Underground If you would like more confidence when glazing, this two half-day workshop is for you. https:// www.artsunderground.ca/

Sat Apr 11 The Honourable Bob Rae - The World Turned Upside Down 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre The Honourable Bob Rae examines the seismic forces reshaping global politics: the crisis of democracy, the weaponization of misinformation, the disruptive power of social media, the emergence of new global power centers, and more. https://yukonartscentre.com/

Sat Apr 11 Live Comedy - Julie Kim ft Brad Semotiuk 7:00 PM Boiler Room Lounge Don’t miss headliner, Julie Kim, who will be joined by feature act Brad Semotiuk! https://www.jumpcomedy.com/e/ julie-kim-ft-brad-semotiuk-live-atthe-boiler-room

Sun Apr 12 Lecture - Cape Parry Thick-billed Murres: Solving an Arctic Seabird Mystery 7:00 PM Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre A joint presentation of the Yukon Science Institute and the Yukon Bird Club about thick-billed murres. https://www.yukonscienceinstitute. org/

Sun Apr 12 - Mon Apr 27 Awaken Festival 2026 Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Featuring inperson and digital workshops, cultural presentations, performance showcases, and more - all in an effort to celebrate the different ways we can gather and connect! www.gwaandaktheatre.ca/awakenfestival-2026-welcome

Wed Apr 15 - Sun Apr 20 Out North - Queer North Film Festival Whitehorse Various Locations Films, performances, music, a dance party, art workshops, and more!!! https:// www.yukonqueerfilmalliance.com/

Monthly

First Thursdays Pinetree Quilters 7:00 PM Whitehorse United Church.

2nd Monday Ukulele Group 6:00

PM Golden Age Society salvin@ northwestel.net

2nd Monday Whitehorse Slow Jam 7:00 PM Golden Age Society

Last Thursdays Repair Cafe 6:00

PM Yukonstruct Makespace Bring it in and see if it is fixable using soldering irons, multimeters, and other tools. This easy introduction to electronics and small home appliance repair is a useful evening of DIY learning that you can take home.

2nd Thursday Music Trivia 7:00

PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Come on out and test your music knowledge! Teams of no more than 6 people.

Last Friday Pioneer Women of Yukon 12:00 PM Golden Age Society

2nd & 4th Sundays Grade 8 – 12 High School Youth Group 6:00

PM Mountainview Church A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith. https:// mountainview.church/connect/youth

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

Weekly

Mondays

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

Women’s Bible Study 6:00

PM Women’s Bible Study. Refreshments are served followed by the study. For more info check out www.mountainview.church or email rachel@mountainview.church. Ukulele Group 6:00 PM Golden Age Society

Euchre - For Members and Signed in Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254

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

Beginner ASL Class & Social Hang 6:15 Queer Yukon SocietyThe Cache

Drawing Club 6:30 PM Arts Underground Join like minded artists in the studio for a free drawing club. Bring your own supplies and be creative in a group environment. https://www. artsunderground.ca/events Tuesdays

Common Threads Prayer Shawl Ministry 9:30 AM Trinity Lutheran Church Bridge 12:00 PM Golden Age Society Café de l’amitié 2:00 PM Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY) Le Café de l’amitié est un rendez-vous hebdomadaire et une occasion de rassemblement pour les francophones de 50 ans et plus. QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache Language Skills for Ukrainians 5:15 PM Yukon Learn A discussion group workshop provides a relaxed and friendly environment where learners can practise and learn English conversation skills.

Weekly Shuffleboard Tournament 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For members and signed in guests. A double knockout style competition and games are limited to 6 ends or 15 minutes Chess Club 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us!

SuperSmash Bros, Mtg: Commander 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

10 Card Crib - Members & Signed In Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Whether you are a seasoned crib player or a beginner, come play! Learn tips and tricks and have some fun! https://bit. ly/3KP0B5s Wednesdays Keep Fit 10:30 AM Trinity Lutheran Church.Come stretch and breathe with us!

Multicultural Connection Group 11:00 AM Multicultural Centre of the Yukon – MCY Connect with other parents and caregivers, learn about parenting in different cultures. A free lunch program for immigrants and refugee families. Lunch and transportation provided. Call 3321803 for more info.

Spanish Conversation 12:00 PM

Whitehorse United Church Call 3336081 for more info.

Sew & Tell All – Elders Hangout

1:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Facilitated by Kwanlin Dün

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

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

Drop-in Sewing 4:00 PM Skookum

Jim Friendship Centre Facilitated by Donna Norman, bring your own projects, connect with others, and finish those works-in-progress. Open, welcoming space to sew, share, and create together.

Texas Hold’ Em 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For sign in members and guests.

Bragging rights!

Mtg: Modern, Warhammer Age of Sigmar 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Thursdays

Public Speaking TrainingToastmasters 12:00 PM Decora

Guests are always welcome. There are many roles to learn at Toastmasters. Practice 2 minute table topics

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

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

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

Mountainview Church Community Group 7:00 PM 16 years or older? Mountainview Church Community Group! We’ll share some snacks and talk about what the bible has to say about discipleship.

Fridays

Coffee & Chat 11:00 AM Golden

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

QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon

Society The Cache

Mtg: Pioneer, YuGiOh Casual 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Saturdays

Yukon Amateur Radio

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.

Church Service 5:30 PM Northlight

Foursquare Church

Clothing Room 10:00 AM

Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone

Whitehorse United Church Worship Service 10:30 AM A

caring community of faith, based on a foundation of Biblical teaching and spiritual truth

Secondhand Clothing Bizarre 2:00 PM Whitehorse Seventh-Day Adventist Church Clean clothes needed and donations accepted if in good condition. Please call before dropping clothes off and for more info 633-3463.

School-age Discovery Zone 2:00

PM The Northern Collective Church

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

Wed Apr 1 Music in Motion with Babies 10:00 AM YAC Yukon Arts Centre A free, drop-in 30 minute session of music and movement designed for parents and babies led by Lianne Cranfield. https:// yukonartscentre.com/whats-on/ music-in-motion-with-babies-12/

Monthly

1st & 3rd Saturdays Grades 5 - 7

Junior Youth Group 7:00 PM Mountainview Church Passionate about giving kids opportunities to have fun & make new friends, while teaching them about Jesus & His great love for our world https:// mountainview.church/connect/youth

2nd and 4th Saturdays Grade 8 - 12 High School Youth Group 7:00 PM Mountainview Church A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith. https:// mountainview.church/connect/youth

Weekly

Tuesdays

Parent-Child Mother Goose 10:30

AM The Child Development Centre Celebrates the power and pleasure of songs, rhymes and oral stories. Bonding time with your little one or to learn for later.

Thursdays

Transformations Along The Chu Nikwän 1:30 PM Yukon Visitor Information Centre Join Amber for a free walking tour every Thursday along the Whitehorse waterfront to learn about the Yukon First Nations people and the history of the Yukon.

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

Saturdays

Science Saturdays 11:00 AM

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

MEETINGS

Weekly

Tuesdays

Rendezvous Rotary 6:30 PM

Tony’s Pasta and Seafood House Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at Tony’s Pasta and Seafood. Come and join us for fun, and fellowship.

Thursdays

Toastmasters Decora 12:00 PM Sundogs Toastmasters Club. The club is open to all interested parties and we provide constructive feedback to help develop public speaking skills.

Monthly

First Monday Klondike Snowmobile Association Board Meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon https://ksa.yk.ca/coming-events/ First Monday Yukon Amateur Radio Association Monthly Meeting 7:00 PM EMO Building Discussion of club business. Prospective hams are welcome.

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

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

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

ONLINE EVENTS

Wed Mar 25 Managing Conflict

After Separation or Divorce Workshop 5:30 PM Online Learn about the process of separation, how to help your children cope with conflict. email flic@yukon.ca for more info.

Tuesdays

Anglican Men’s Remote Chat 10:00 AM Zoom don_cheeseman@ msn.com for the link. Regular churchgoer or just curious, this is a welcoming, no-pressure time for conversation

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

Restorative Online Healing Circles 7:30 PM Online Check-in, Q&A, connect and feel the results. No experience necessary. Register online, or call 335-0078 or email alison@alisonzeidler.com for more info.

Thursdays

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

Fridays

AA Yukon Unity Group @ 1:30 pm (O) Zoom ID 868 3045 2752 passcode 6y2K8a or phone 1-587328-1099

Saturdays

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

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

Sundays

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

It’s Easy. It’s Fast. It’s Free!

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

Please email before APRIL 13 to: editor@whatsupyukon.com

DOG CULTURE

TEACH THEM TO FISH

How a Yukoner’s legacy still makes a difference today

As the saying goes: Give a man a ﬁsh and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to ﬁsh and you feed him for a lifetime.

This, and more is what Fish4Kenya (F4K) is doing. The nonproﬁt organization was founded by the late Yukoner Susan Thompson, a ﬁsh biologist, back in 2005. Now, 21 years later, the project is still thriving. Just a few weeks ago, members of F4K organized a trivia night that raised $5,000 (exceeding their $3,000 goal), proving that a new generation of Yukoners is embracing Thompson’s vision of global justice.

When Susan travelled to Kenya to volunteer with Crossroads International, in 1984, she made many new friendships that ultimately led her to travel back and forth many times between Canada and Kenya, before she started the F4K program. That was when she met Hussein Wechuli. Thompson recognized that Kenyan farmers were attempting ﬁsh farming without proper knowledge, so she returned to Canada to develop a training program. Then she came back to Kenya to launch it with Wechuli. While Wechuli engaged farmers in Kenya, Thompson raised funds in Canada. Don Toews (past president) and Andrea Giesbrecht (current president) explain how the program works. Giesbrecht says the program to train people and get them

fishing runs for two years. In the first few days of the program it is all about theory, as participants learn about fish-farming techniques and business management. After that, F4K provides trainees with mono-sex tilapia fingerlings, to stock their ponds along with high-protein pellet feed.

When the fish are between 400 to 500 grams, they are harvested and sold. In the second year of the training period, farmers begin paying for their own fingerlings and stocking their ponds, with the manager’s help. Farmers become financially independent but continue to receive logistical and technical assistance. They also have Wechuli’s guidance, says Giesbrecht.

pay for things like school fees and uniforms for their children, or to pay other expenses such as putting new tin roofs on their houses, says Toews. Toews adds, The demand and price for fresh tilapia is very high in Kenya, and buyers come to the farms during harvesting and buy most or all of the fish harvested. Farmers receive about $1 to $1.50 for each 400 to 500 grams of fish that they sell. Typically, they stock 600 fingerlings and harvest and sell about 500 fish.

According to the organization’s recent press release the money raised at the recent trivia night will help 20 new farmers in 2026. In addition to the training program, F4K is establishing a pilot community-based ﬁsh hatchery. It is a $16,000 project funded through various fundraising efforts.

The hatchery will serve as a training facility and be a step toward long-term sustainability.

The trainees are farmers who also grow corn and other crops to feed themselves. The farmers have very little cash, which they need to

“It is really encouraging that most of the eighty fish farmers trained since 2019 are still actively engaged in fish farming, with no additional financial support, only receiving logistical and technical support from the Fish4Kenya manager,” he says. “In practice, these farmers sell more than ninety percent of the farmed fish they harvest to generate this money.”

The current board includes Susan’s brother and niece and seven other supporters from Yukon and

elsewhere. Most of them have visited the project and have connected with the fish farmers. Toews and Giesbrecht both agree that “Susan’s vision was not only to train and assist Kenyan fish farmers, to improve the quality of life for their families but also to connect and introduce Yukoners to the project, allowing Yukoners and other Canadians to appreciate the needs and benefits to Kenyan farming communities and the need for and satisfaction of supporting such global justice programs,” says Toews. The trivia night proved that the strategy is working. According to organizers, it attracted young Yukoners who are motivated to engage with global justice issues. Twenty-one years after Susan shared her expertise with that first group of farmers, her vision is still alive. The ponds in Kenya are full, the trainees are thriving and a new generation of Yukoners has picked up where Susan left off, Toews adds. ■

Farmers using a fish net to catch fish in a stocked pond

Yukoners visiting the project in Kenya are bringing a local magazine along

A happy farmer in Kenya

Harvesting fish in Kenya

Susan Thompson

ITHE BOOKSHELF

Dan Davidson has been writing about books for Yukon publications since 1977. Please send comments about his

ESSAYS INSPIRED BY WANDERLUST

Every Day

We Disappear

By Angela Long Radiant Press

200 pages | $22.00

n the sixth of the 66 essays in this book, written when she was 33 years old, Angela Long begins by giving us a long list of all the men that she’s had relationships with, and then moves on to tell us of the many, many jobs that she has had: gardener, hotel receptionist, maid, waitress, pottery teacher, cook, piano teacher, busboy, olive picker, hostel manager. She doesn’t mention the job that most of this section of the book deals with, searching for caves in parts of British Columbia. She was used to the forest because she had spent ﬁve years planting trees in areas like this. She also didn’t list English teacher among those occupations, but the third essay in Part 1 of the book is about teaching English in Guatemala.

This is also the section of the book where she reconnects with the mother who had given her up for adoption and whose wanderlust it seems she has inherited, along with her eyes.

So, Part 2 of this collection takes place all over India, where she falls in love with an aspiring monk, is hugged by a saint, witnesses the lives of people who live in poverty, and learns to sit still and listen. This is the largest section of the book and takes her to many places in the country before, in the last essay, she moves on to Korea.

Later, on Haida Gwaii, in a cabin called The Spare Girl, she writes that she found herself: “I tried to do what I’d learned in India breathe. Inhale-one, ex-

hale-two. I tried to listen to the natural soundscape of my mind.”

She was enchanted by Haida Gwaii and stayed there months longer than she originally intended to. “The ﬁrst time I travelled this road, one of those ‘this is it’ feelings had welled up inside me ... That feeling had kept me here months longer than I had intended to stay. On a second visit, only an offer to live in Italy had pulled me away.”

lecting stories, working and volunteering from the Indian Himalayas to the rainforests of Central America, to the farmers’ ﬁelds of Basque Country. In 2018, she drove across Canada visiting rural media outlets for an upcoming book about the power of local news, for which she once visited Dawson and interviewed this

ed to stay. On a second visit, only

lust, which seems to charactersions and heads off down the

But eventually that wanderlust, which seems to characterize so much of her life, pulled her away again. In the last section of the book, she packs her Corolla with all her possessions and heads off down the road for another adventure. Eventually, after several attempts to apply, she ends up here in Dawson City, for a two-month stay at the Berton House Writers’ Retreat. In-between, she has spent time living in Spain and on Vancouver Island.

Eventually, after several attreat. In-between, she has multi-genre

Angela Long is a freelance journalist and multi-genre writer. Her work has appeared

Every Day We

in numerous publications over the last 25 years, including The Globe and Mail, Utne Reader, and Poetry Ireland Review

She has travelled widely col-

writer about the Klondike Sun

She has written about living off-grid (after her own threeyear experience on Haida Gwaii), about Indigenous water issues,

Disappear / book cover

and astrophysics. She has proﬁled famous artists, volunteer doctors, and war correspondents. Her work has been anthologized, and she’s the author of two

books, Observations from Off the Grid (poetry–2010) Every Day We Disappear (essays–2018).

Off the Grid and recently she has resided in Brit-

Who knows where her travels will

While she calls Toronto home, recently she has resided in British Columbia and spent part of last year as writer-in-residence at Berton House in Dawson City. Who knows where her travels will take her next; but while here, she mused of returning to Galicia, Spain, where she had lived for several years, writing and caring for a growing number of abandoned cats. ■

PHOTOS: Dan Davidson

Angela’s reading

Column with Dan Davidson

CARCROSS

Second Sunday of Every Month

St. Saviour’s Church Services

2:00 pm St. Saviour Church 867668-3129

First Friday of the month Mother Goose Group 11:00 AM Haa Shagóon Hídi (Our Ancestors House) Carcross/Tagish Learning Centre Learn stories, songs, and rhymes, lunch provided. Suitable for babies and children 5 and under. Please bring along a water bottle and blanket to sit on. To register, call 332-2389. https:// whatsupyukon.events/jwf

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

• Dawson City General Store

Thu Mar 26 Community

Consultation - Dawson City 4:30

PM Yukon University Dawson City Campus Help define the model for the future campus, based on your training needs and the most suitable learning formats for your realities. https://www.afy. ca/evenement/formez-vous-enfrancais

Tue Mar 31 Stained Glass

Workshop 3:30 PM K’ajit-in Zho Youth House Learn the art of stained glass with artist Amy Tessaro. Discover how to cut, assemble and create your own colorful masterpiece. No experience needed, for persons aged 12-30. Call 867-993-4178 for more info.

Thu Apr 2 - Sun Apr 5 Dawson City International Short Film Festival Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) A vibrant hub for groundbreaking short films from around the globe, drawing an eclectic crowd of locals and visitors alike. https://dawsoncity.ca/event/ dawson-city-international-shortfilm-festival/

Weekly

Mondays

Handbuilding Pottery Drop-in

6:30-9 PM Self-guided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with pottery. Newcomers are welcome, though little instruction is provided. KIAC Classroom, back door Drop-In Pickleball 5:30 PM Robert Service School

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

Tuesdays

St Paul’s Anglican Church

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

Weekly

Wednesdays

Yoga with Richard Mueller 12:00 PM Carcross Firehall Free for everyone some fitness required.

Thursdays

Yoga with Jess Ghùch Tlâ Community School Beginners welcome, all equipment provided. Drop-in, Free admission! For more info email yogajessyukon@gmail. com.

Sundays

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

St Paul’s Anglican Church

Evening Prayer 5:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

Hand-Building Pottery Drop-In

6:30 PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Self-guided group studio time for those with some experience with pottery. Newcomers are welcome, little instruction is provided.

Wednesdays

St Paul’s Anglican Church

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

St Paul’s Anglican Church

Evening Prayer 5:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

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

QYS Drop-in 1:00 PM DCMF Office

Screen Printing Drop-in 6:00

PM Klondike Institute of Art & Culture KIAC Classroom (enter via backdoor) Self-guided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with screen printing.

Drop-in Bouldering 7:30 PM

Robert Service School Free - dropin - all ages

Dawson City Disc Golf League

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

Thursdays

CDC Toddler Program 10:00 AM

Klondike Institute of Arts & Culture

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

Weekly

Mondays

Carmacks Library 1:00 PM

After School Club 3:30 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Open Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Floor Hockey 5:30 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Bakers & Makers 6:00 PM

Carmacks School 14+ Floor Hockey 7:00 PM

Carmacks Rec Centre

Tuesdays

Carmacks Library 1:00 PM

Open Court 1:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

After School Club 3:30 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Open Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Adult Social 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

CARMACKS

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

Carmacks Minor Hockey

Association 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Drop-in Basketball 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Volleyball 7:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Wednesdays

Family Play Group (Ages 0-5)

10:00 AM Carmacks Rec Centre

Carmacks Library 1:00 PM

After School Club 3:30 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Open Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Drop-in Volleyball 7:30 PM

Robert Service School Ages 13+

- Free

Fridays

Cards & Conversation 1:00 PM

Royal Canadian Legion Branch

1 Dawson City Free! DropIn! No registration necessary. whatsupyukon.events/dawsonlegion-8336c3

Open Studio Drop-in 1:00 PM

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

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

Drop-in Bouldering 6:00 PM

Robert Service School Free - dropin - all ages

Saturdays

Youth Parkour Tumbling 12:30

PM Robert Service School

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

Open Studio – Drop In 1:00

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

Saturday Mass 5:00 PM Saint

Mary Church

AA North Star Group (O, A)

Dawson City 7:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion

Sundays Anglican Church Service 10:30

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

Sunday Mass 10:30 AM Saint

Mary Church

Adult Drop-In Basketball 6:00

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

Archery 6:00 PM Carmacks School Shinny Night 14+ 7:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre Thursdays Carmacks Library 1:00 PM After School Club 3:30 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre Open Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Carmacks Minor Hockey Association 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Pickleball 6:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

Badminton 6:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre Basketball 7:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre

After School Club 3:30 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Carrie McClelland is the lead education and outreach biologist with the Yukon government’s Department of Environment. She has been working at Swan Haven for 16 years and yet still pauses to watch the swans ﬂy over every spring because it makes her smile.

A SWAN SUCCESS STORY

Conservation efforts have helped to save the trumpeter swan

Though trumpeter swans are a familiar sight for Yukoners, people living in the east are only recently catching glimpses of these big white birds. Conservation efforts across North America are re-establishing populations in wetlands that haven’t had swans in more than a hundred years.

Trumpeter swans once ranged across North America from coast to coast. As immigrant settlers spread across the continent, the

abundance and size of swans made them favourable for hunters. Their primary feathers were popular as writing quills, and the soft down feathers used as insulation or ﬁlling for mattresses. There was also a lucrative trade in swan skin to make gloves, and an eight-kilogram bird provided a lot of meat for a hungry family.

By the 1930s, only a few hundred trumpeter swans remained, isolated in small pockets in the west. The U.S. National Parks Service conducted a survey in 1932 that found only 69 swans in all of the continental United States. An international conservation campaign was launched to save these charismatic birds from extinction. Hunting was banned and water-

Hand-rearing of cygnets (increasing survival) and reintroducing them to protected wetlands are conservation efforts that have helped bring trumpeter swans back from the brink of extinction

Urbanization of wetlands in the south gives migrating swans fewer options to find food and to shelter from predators (finding roots, grains and insects in a muddy farmer’s field)

fowl refuges were set up to give the swans safe places to nest and raise their young. Many areas participated in active reintroduction programs, collecting eggs from nests in Alaska where they had later discovered healthy populations. Most importantly, wintering grounds were protected so that swans could escape the cold and ice before returning to the North to breed.

These conservation efforts, along with the swan’s ability to adapt to urbanization, allowed the numbers to gradually increase. In 1996, the trumpeter swan was “de-listed” (removed from the endangered species list) and deemed “Not at risk.” Their populations are healthy and sustainable.

Swan numbers at Swan Haven have remained relatively constant since we started tracking in the 1990s, as this was after the overall population had recovered. Though the number of swans continues to increase in North America, the amount of space and food available at McClintock Bay remains constant and can only feed so many birds.

The return of the trumpeter swan is an amazing success story and important reminder that con-

servation efforts can work. If we are willing to make changes and work together, it’s possible to save wildlife from extinction. You can help trumpeter swans by keeping your distance from the birds at places like Swan Haven, Tagish Narrows, Johnson’s Crossing, Nares Lake and Shallow Bay, so they can rest and eat on their journey north. In particular, keep dogs on a leash and well away from the

birds, as your dog may look like a predator and signiﬁcantly stress the birds.

Learn more about the history of the recovery of trumpeter swans and the impressive biologists who made it happen in the ﬁlm Return of the Trumpeters showing on April 2 as part of A Celebration of Swans. Visit Yukon.ca/swans for complete event details. ■

Varying levels to being labelled “At risk”

Special concern: a species with characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events

Threatened: a species likely to become endangered if limited factors are not reversed

Endangered: a species facing imminent extirpation or extinction

Extirpated: a species that no longer exists in the wild in a certain location, but exists elsewhere

Extinct: a species that no longer exists

PHOTO: Jim Hawkings

PHOTO: Courtesy of Yukon government

Column with Carrie McClelland

Youth Group 7:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Floor Hockey 7:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre For more info call 994-2375

Fridays

Pickleball 1:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Seniors Yoga 2:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Open Gym 2:30 PM Faro

Recreation Centre Chair Yoga & Deep Relaxation for Seniors

Basketball 3:30 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Saturdays

Pickleball 2:30 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Open Court Basketball 3:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Open Gym 4:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Sundays

Open Court Basketball 3:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

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

HAINES JUNCTION

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

• Little Green Apple

Wed Mar 25 Community

Consultation - Haines Junction

4:30 PM St. Elias Convention Centre Help define the model for the future campus, based on your training needs and the most suitable learning formats for your realities. https://www.afy. ca/evenement/formez-vous-enfrancais

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

Weekly

Mondays

Fun with Food 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School Learn new skills, share recipes and take food home!

Pickleball 5:00 PM St. Elias Community School Meet in the school gym

Drop-In Basketball 6:00 PM St. Elias Community School Meet in the school gym

Tuesdays

Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster Arena Drop in. Programming is for kids 4 and under and their parents/ caregivers.

Tea & Bannock – Haines Junction 1:00 PM https:// whatsupyukon.events/teabannock-68ab07

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

BGC Game Night 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School

Play, have fun, build skills and challenge your friends

Fit with Nick 6:00 PM The Mezzanine

Wednesdays

Seniors and Elders

Refreshments and Games 2:00

PM Haines Junction Seniors Residence

AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O)

3:00 PM Haines Junction Health Centre

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

BGC Rec in the Gym 3:30 PM

St. Elias Community School

Haines Junction Hoobeedoo

6:30 PM The Mezzanine

Drop-In Basketball 6:00 PM St. Elias Community School Meet in the school gym

Thursdays

Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster Arena Drop in. Programming is for kids 4 and under and their parents/ caregivers.

Seniors Activities 2:00 PM St. Elias Community Centre Floor curling, carpet bowling and indoor walking group.

Adult Volleyball 7:00 PM St.

Elias Community School Meet in the school gym

Fridays

Stories and STEM Activities

10:00 AM Haines Junction Library

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

Pickleball 5:00 PM St. Elias Community School Meet in the school gym

Saturdays

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

Sundays

Anglican Church Service 10:30

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

Sunday Mass 10:30 AM Our

Lady of the Way Church

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

MARSH LAKE

Last Wednesday of every month

MLCS board meeting 7:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Weekly

Tuesdays

Play Bridge 1:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

North of 60 Seniors Coffee and Chat 2:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

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

Wednesdays

South of 6 10:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Thursdays

Shuffleboard 6:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Fridays

Beginner Yoga 10:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Youth Gym Drop-In 6:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Saturdays

Pickleball Outside 11:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Sundays

Pickleball Outside 11:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre

MAYO

Pick up your copies of What’s

Up Yukon at:

• Haldane Services

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

AM Mayo Recreation Centre

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

MOUNT LORNE

1st Tuesday Monthly LAC

Meeting Lorne Mountain Community Centre

Weekly

Mondays

Run Club 6:00 PM Lorne

Mountain Community Centre

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

Tuesdays

Active Fun Fitness Class -

Drop In 6:30 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Improve your balance, flexibility, strength and endurance in this indoor class led by Colleen Ennis. Drop in, admission by donation. Suitable for mature youth & adults. https:// whatsupyukon.events/fhm

Thursdays

Community Drop In 11:00 AM

Mount Lorne Community Centre

Run Club 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre

LMCA Tennis Drop-In 7:00 PM

Mount Lorne Community Centre All equipment provided, all ages and abilities welcome!

OLD CROW

Mondays

Men’s Night At The Rec Centre

6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Tuesdays

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

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

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

Wednesdays

Stroller Walks 10:00 AM Kih Tsal

Parent and Tots 4:00 PM Old Crow Community Center Call 966-3015 for more info.

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

Sundays

St. Luke’s Church Service 11:00 AM St. Luke’s Church 867-9935381

PELLY CROSSING

ROSS RIVER

Weekly

Mondays

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

Tuesdays

Sewing Night 7:00 PM The Hope Centre

Street Hockey 7:00 PM Ross River School Open to all ages and skill levels

Wednesdays

Family Bible Study 8:00 PM The Hope Centre

Thursdays

Community Softball Nights 7:00 PM Baseball Field Come out and have some fun, fitness and community spirit! All ages welcome.

Fridays

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

Sundays

Church Service 12:00 PM The Hope Centre

Sunday Mass 2:30 PM or 6:00

PM Saint Michael Church

TAGISH

First Monday of every month

Carcross Tagish Renewable

Resources Council 1:00 PM

Tagish Fire Hall

First Monday of every month

Tagish Advisory Council 8:00 AM Tagish Fire Hall

Third Wednesday of every month

Tagish Community Association 7:00 PM Tagish Fire Hall

Second Thursday of every month

Tagish Local Advisory Council 7:00 PM

Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday Tagish Wheely Great Community Library 12:00 PM Tagish Community Centre Site

Weekly

Thursdays

Tagish Local Advisory Council Meeting 7:00 PM Tagish Fire Hall

TESLIN

Weekly

Mondays

Teslin Tigers Cross Country Ski Club 3:15 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Co-Ed Curling League 6:30 & 8:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

AA: Teslin Group (O) 7:00 PM Catholic Church Rectory (Basement)

Tuesdays

Rookie League 3:15 PM Teslin Recreation Complex Open Gym 7:00 PM Teslin Arena Come hang out or play some sports during our open gym times!

Wednesdays

Pickleball 12:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Youth Pickleball 3:15 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Thursdays

Dominos 1:00 PM Teslin

Recreation Centre Drop in seniors

Fridays

Open Arena 7:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Saturdays

Parent & Tots 2:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Sundays

Sunday Mass 20:30 Immaculate Heart of Mary Church

Adult Volleyball 4:00 PM School Gym

WATSON LAKE

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

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

Second Saturday of the month

Watson Lake Direct Aid 2:00 PM Northern Lights Centre

Weekly

Mondays

Badminton Night 7:00 PM

Watson Lake Secondary School

No skill or equipment requiredjust come out and have fun

Tuesdays

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

cont’d on page 19 ...

Clayton’s CAR CARE Tips

MAKE IT A HABIT

Having good visibility on snowy roads can make all the difference. You will be able to see things clearly and avoid accidents and injuries. Here are a few tips to sharpen your vision and ensure a safe drive at night. First, check your lights. It is important to check your headlights that includes fog lamps, driving lights and brake lights if they are working properly before heading out. It is also important to visit your local mechanics if your vehicle requires to adjust or change your headlight bulb or if it requires some cleaning in order to have a safe and enjoyable drive.

SOURDOUGH WOES

secret to having enough while avoiding “breadlam”

Hands up, anyone who has forgotten to save a bit of sourdough starter for the next time when they’re making a batch of bread.

Four hands are waving high in my house. Both my roommate and I are culprits. We take turns forgetting. Yesterday I came home from a weekend away to discover a bowl of bread dough rising on the counter, and a look of concern on my roommate’s face.

“I only had 180 grams of starter, so I had to use it all,” he said. (The recipe takes 225 grams.)

This was really my bad—tired of having too much starter in the fridge and dealing with sourdough starter discard, I had cut it down to two tablespoons. I made a mental note to build up the volume by feeding it a couple of times before starting the next batch of bread, but didn’t share that note with my roommate. Oops.

His dough was feisty with bubbles, clearly not suffering from its reduced dose of wild yeast. But— what about next time? Faced with our no-starter dilemma, we pursued three strategies: 1) pinched off a bit of dough and saved it in the fridge, 2) reconstituted some dried starter with a couple of tablespoons of warm water, and 3) called the friend I gave the starter to last month.

Results from strategy 1 are not in—the portion of dough I pinched off contains salt, in a proportion of 20 grams to 700 grams of water and 1 kilo of ﬂour. Salt is essential to bread dough, slowing down the fermentation process and strengthening gluten. But will the salt slow down the fermentation process too much when I try to turn that bit of dough back into starter? The internet tells me no, but I have misgivings. (Keep those cards and letters coming, bakers! What is your experience?)

Strategy 2 seems to be work-

ing. The dried starter softened in the water overnight and blended nicely when I whizzed it with the electric latte whisk. I’ve added equal parts ﬂour and warm water and there are bubbles already.

Strategy 3 is the backup plan. My friend is currently in Dawson but when she’s home again, she will deliver starter, pronto, and I will thank her.

The ultimate result, and I’m sure you can see it coming, is that we are going to have a whole lot of starter on our hands. Which means a whole lot of sourdough starter discard, the very reason I cut it down in the ﬁrst place. I was trying to avoid what my sister calls “breadlam”—those days when not only are you making sourdough bread, but also sourdough “discard” brownies, crackers, pretzels, gingerbread … anything to use up the extra.

(In case, just in case, you too have found yourself drowning in starter, here is a recipe for Sourdough Discard Bagels, to help you crawl out onto dry land.)

SOURDOUGH DISCARD BAGELS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup (230 gr) warm water

• 2 1/4 tsp yeast

• 1 cup (about 240 gr) active starter OR discard starter straight from fridge

• 2 Tbsp (30 gr) sugar

• 1 Tbsp (10 gr) salt

• 2 ½ to 3 cups (350–420 gr) bread or all-purpose ﬂour

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 2 litres water

• 2 Tbsp baking soda

• 1 egg beaten with 1 tsp water for egg wash

• 1/2 cup sesame seeds

METHOD

1. Pour water into a medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle yeast overtop and allow to bloom, about 10 minutes.

2. Whisk in sourdough starter, sugar and salt.

3. Add 2 ½ cups ﬂour and stir to combine. If dough is wet and sticky, gradually add the ﬁnal

½ cup ﬂour until you have a rough, shaggy dough.

4. Turn onto a ﬂoured counter and knead until smooth. Shape into a ball.

5. Pour olive oil into a clean bowl. Add dough to the bowl and turn so that the whole ball of dough is coated in olive oil.

6. Cover dough with a plate or a tea towel and allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

7. Set water and baking soda to boil in a large pot. Once boiling, turn water down to a roll-

ing boil—between mediumand medium-high heat.

8. Turn dough onto a countertop— no need for ﬂour—and divide into 8 equal pieces.

9. Roll each piece into a ball. Make a hole in each ball with your foreﬁnger and enlarge it using your fore and middle ﬁngers.

10. Place each shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

12. Return each bagel to the baking sheet and continue until all the bagels are boiled.

13. Brush each bagel with egg wash. Pour sesame seeds into a small plate. Dip each eggwashed bagel into the sesame seeds to coat the surface.

14. Bake at 375F until golden brown—about 30 minutes. Cool on a rack before slicing.

Makes 8 good-sized bagels. ■

11. Slide 3 bagels at a time into the water. Boil for 1 minute 30 seconds, or 2 minutes for a chewier bagel. No need to turn the bagel in the water.

Miche Genest is a Whitehorse-based chef and writer. She is also somewhat of a gardener. Miche has also written two books: The Boreal Feast: A Culinary Journey Through The North and The Boreal Gourmet: Adventures In Northern Cooking.

Sourdough Discard Bagels

PHOTO: Miche Genest

Pickleball & Badminton 7:00 PM

Watson Lake Secondary School

Watson Lake Drop-in 6:00 PM Queer Yukon

Thursdays

Watson Lake Drop-in 6:00 PM Queer Yukon

Wednesdays

Drop-In Ninja Tumbling 5:30 PM

Watson Lake Secondary School

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

Rookie League 5:30 PM Watson Lake Ball Diamond

Watson Lake Drop-in 6:00 PM Queer Yukon

Fridays

Watson Lake Drop-in 6:00 PM Queer Yukon

Bowling League 7:00 PM

Watson Lake Recreation Centre

For more info Call 335-7979 or frontdesk@watsonlake.ca

Saturdays

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

Saturday Mass 5:30 PM Saint Ann Church

Baptiste Power Yoga 7:00 PM

Fees apply. A muscle-shaping and mind-sculpting workout, work at your own level and ability, set to electronic music.

Sundays

St. John’s Church Service 10:00

AM St. John’s Church Service (867) 536-2932

Sunday Mass 10:00 AM Saint Ann Church

Sunday Nite Volleyball 11:00 AM Watson Lake Secondary School

B.C. ATLIN

Weekly

Sundays

St. Martins Anglican Church

Sunday Service 10:00 AM

St. Martins Anglican Church

Everyone is welcome.

Atlin Christian Assembly 11:00

AM St. Atlin Christian Centre

Everyone is welcome.

St. Joseph Catholic Mission

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

Mondays

Caregiver & Tot Drop-in 10:00

AM Atlin Recreation Centre This is an unstructured hour for You and your Littles to get social and run wild. This IS NOT a drop off, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Call or email 9934102 atlinarc.coordinator@gmail. com for more info.

Carpet Bowling 1:00 PM Atlin Rec Centre

Tuesdays

Tuesday Lunches 11:00 AM

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

Fridays

Atlin Community Library 2:00 PM

Saturdays

Atlin Community Library 2:00 PM

Yukon Communities:

Wednesdays AA Yukon Unity (OM) 3:00 PM Online Yukon Health Centers, Live Video

Meeting Beaver Creek, Carcross, Carmacks, Dawson City, Destruction Bay, Faro, Haines Junction, Mayo, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing, Ross River, Teslin, Watson Lake. Online users’ sign in info: yukonbcdistrict52@gmail. com

ALASKA

HAINES

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

SKAGWAY

Monthly

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

Weekly

Wednesdays

Windy Valley Babies 10:30 AM

Skagway Public Library Stories, Songs, and Fun with Ms. Anna! Designed for ages 0-3.

Thursdays

Morning Women’s Prayer 9:30 AM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway

Saturdays

Music Saturday 3:00 PM Skagway Public Library Music Saturday is open to all. Any instrument that is available, people are free to try.

Sundays

Sunday Worship 10:00 AM First

Presbyterian Church of Skagway Sunday School 4:00 PM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway

whatsupyukon.events/entry whatsupyukon.com ENTER YOUR EVENTS ON-LINE or email events@whatsupyukon.com

Logistic,

Check out ALL EVENTS at whatsupyukon.com

ENTER

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Thu Mar 26 - Sun Mar 29 46th

Annual Kilrich Yukon Native Hockey Tournament Takhini Arena

Cheer on your favorite teams!

Fri Mar 27 + Sat Mar 28

72nd International Bonspiel Whitehorse Curling Club Barnyard Rock theme, prizes for best costumes. Everyone, all skill levels welcome. Saturday banquet by La Cara Catering and dance with “Cows Go Moo.” https://whitehorse. curling.io/en/events

Sat Mar 28 Neon Knockout - Kick it like it’s 1987 8:00 PM Ricky’s All Day Grill Fundraiser DJ dance party, cash bar, game prizes, Muay Thai demos and more! 19+ event!

Sun Mar 29 Hut to Hut 12:00

PM Whitehorse Nordic Centre Ski from Hut to Hut and meet different Yukon non-profit organizations, enjoy family-friendly activities, food and warm beverages.

Tue Mar 31 Spring into Running 5:30 PM Whitehorse In preparation for the Run for Mom event on May 10. Participants can choose one of 3 groups – Race walking, walk/run, and running. Support every step of the way! Guest speakers, training tips, post run snacks.

Tue Mar 31 The Discovery Series 7:00 PM 7th Ray Studio Six weeks. Six modalities. One hour each week to breathe, reset, and reconnect. No prior experience is necessary!

Fri Apr 10 Yukon Open Squash

Tournament 5:00 PM Better Bodies Draw for everyone - Guaranteed three matchesTournament t-shirt - Friday Pizza Supper, Saturday and Sunday Breakfast, wrap-up party - Draw Prizes, Raffle Prizes. Email coach@squashyukon.yk.ca for more info.

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

Mondays

No-Gi Jui Jitsu Takedowns 6:00

AM Eight Days Martial Arts

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

AM Spinning classes 6:15 AM

True North Spinning at Better Bodies

Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM

Northern Strength Academy

Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00

AM Canada Games Centre Yukon

Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged

Elderactive Pilates level 1 9:30

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

Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40

AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!. http://cuts2.com/jiacg

Noon Strength & Conditioning 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy

Elderactive Pilates level 1 12:00

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

Indoor Cycling 12:05 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/

Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Kids Muay Thai 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts KIDS MUAY THAI a dynamic and engaging martial art that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. Open to ages 8 - 12.

PM Spinning classes 5:15 PM True North Spinning at Better Bodies

Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy

Spring Fusion Yoga/Qigong 5:30

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

Ladies Kickboxing 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Tuesdays

Strength for Endurance 6:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts

Ladies Lift 7:00 AM Northern

Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Lifting for Longevity 10:00

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

Yoga with Barbara 10:00 AM

Whitehorse United Church Drop-in, no registration required, everyone is welcome. Call 335-1996 for more info.

Strength for Endurance 12:00 PM

Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05

PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Leisure Hiking - ElderActive 1:00PM ElderActive Recreation Association

Strength & Conditioning 1:00PM

Northern Strength Academy

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Indoor Cycling 5:00 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Ladies Lift 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Whitehorse Archery 6:30 PM Takhini Elementary Whitehorse Archery is a non-profit club for the recreational shooter, hunters, and those who just want to work on their skills. whitehorsearchery.com/ schedule

Indoor Cycling 6:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/

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

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Wednesdays

Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00 AM

Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout. AM Spinning classes 6:15 AM True North Spinning at Better Bodies

Morning Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/

Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00 AM Canada Games Centre Yukon Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged

Elderactive Pilates level 1 9:30

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

Keep Fit 10:00 AM Church of the Northern Apostles Come stretch and breathe with us - only $5.00

Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40

AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!. http://cuts2.com/jiacg

Noon Strength & Conditioning 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Elderactive Pilates level 1 12:00

PM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement! Ladies Kickboxing 12:05 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout. Fitness Hiking - ElderActive 12:30PM ElderActive Recreation Association

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

PM Spinning classes 5:15 PM

True North Spinning at Better Bodies

Strength & Conditioning 5:30

PM Northern Strength Academy Functional strength class teaches compound multi-joint lifts that improve athleticism, strength, coordination, power and more.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

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

cont’d on page 21 ...

Muay Thai Kickboxing 7:45 PM

Eight Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Thursdays

Strength for Endurance 6:00 AM

Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight

Days Martial Arts

Ladies Lift 7:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Lifting for Longevity 10:00 AM

Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.

Yoga - ElderActive 10:00 AM

Northern Lights School of Dance

Strength for Endurance 12:00 PM

Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05

PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Strength & Conditioning 1:00 PM

Northern Strength Academy

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM

Eight Days Martial Arts

Ladies Lift 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM

Eight Days Martial Arts

Whitehorse Archery 6:30 PM

Takhini Elementary Whitehorse Archery is a non-profit club for the recreational shooter, hunters, and those who just want to work on their skills. www.whitehorsearchery. com/schedule

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

Fridays

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts

Indoor Cycling 6:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/

Morning Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/

Strength & Conditioning 12:00

PM Northern Strength Academy

Muay Thai Kickboxing 12:05 PM

Eight Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM

Northern Strength Academy

Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00 PM

Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.

Saturdays

Ladies Lift 9:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Strength & Conditioning 10:00

AM Northern Strength Academy

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling 11:00 AM

Eight Days Martial Arts

Open Mat 12:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Sundays

AM Spinning classes 10:00 AM

True North Spinning at Better Bodies

WELLNESS LISTINGS

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.

Tue Mar 24 Building Strong

Leaders 101 6:00 PM Yukonstruct

Makespace In this workshop learn how to Identify your leadership style and to make the most of it and understand what makes a great leader. https://www.yukonwitt.org/

Tue Mar 24 16th World Religions

Conference 6:00 PM Whitehorse

United Church Speakers from across the community will share their perspectives and insights on the topic of “Love Thy Neighbour” showing love and compassion to all.

Wed Mar 25 Wills & Estates - Info

Session 1:00 PM Whitehorse

Public Library A presentation from the Yukon Public Legal Education Association (YPLEA), bring your questions and learn about wills and estates.

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.

Smart Recovery 7:00 PM 509

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

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

Tuesdays

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

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

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

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

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 6:00 PM 25 Firth Rd Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Call 867-667-7002 for more details

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

Ugly Ducklings Group (O,A) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Held in person or Zoom ID 251 363 5766 no passcode or by phone 1-778-907-2071

Wednesdays

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

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

Community Kitchen 11:30 AM

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

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House (Back Entrance) Al-Anon 12:00 PM 407 Black Street, downstairs Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fridays

Moth & Flame - Bright Light

Morning Meditation Series 9:00

AM Queer Yukon Society - The Cache

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

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

Community Kitchen 5:00 PM

Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre

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

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

Saturdays

AA Morning Joe Group (C, A) 11:00 AM Inclusion Yukon

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

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

Community Kitchen 5:00 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.

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

Sundays

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

AA Hospital Meeting (O, A) 7:00

PM #5 Hospital Rd. Room 1212

Yukoners Living with Wildlife

Send us your pictures!

Send your high resolution photos with a description of what’s happening in the photo, and the camera equipment you used to: editor@whatsupyukon.com

THE TRAPPER’S LIFE

TRAPPERS’ TROUBLES

When the ice isn’t thick enough

Most trappers will have a story about seeing their snow machine dive into a hole in the ice. This happened to us … Riding nonchalantly along a small lake, I saw Paul’s vehicle crash through because the toboggan was hooked up but had tipped over and the overﬂow was anchoring it down, stopping its progress.

I was on my machine, in the back. When these things happen, one is wise to react and to act fast—to jump off and hope for ice that will hold a human being (we were lucky there). The toboggan had to be unhooked, ﬁrst, in order to get a grip and pull on the machine. To do that, Paul needed to dunk his whole arm into the slushy water. The front end was still sticking out of the water and leaning on the ice. We were able to hook up the come-along on the front end and to a tree on shore, then slowly we could pull the machine out of the water. But, of course, she wouldn’t start up any more.

So, home we went—Paul with the little Tundra R, and me using my two legs. The next day we drove back there in order to rescue her: ﬁrst, we strapped crosscountry skis under the track, then we added a rope to the front so that the working machine could pull her out to the riverbank, from where we’d pick her up by boat in summer, if necessary

So the next few days we tried to get all the water out and have her make some noise again. Paul worked on that (including using quick start, coaxing, mumbling and maybe some light swearing) and I strapped on snowshoes, holding the GPS in my hand and trying to wiggle my way through the bush while searching for a new trail to bypass the little and deep lake.

Our southernmost line cabin is close to a nice-sized lake. The problem there is that all winter long the ice is covered by overﬂow, which is covered by snow. The whole lake looks like a spider’s web.

We used to ride the snow machine and toboggan around the lake, along the shore. Sometimes we did okay, but once we got stuck in overﬂow so bad that, again, the toboggan had to be unhooked to get the machine out.

Two pairs of mud-coated coveralls

Back in camp, I had to clean out the track from all that overﬂow. But ﬁrst I had to wait for the slush to freeze some; otherwise, I’d have just swished that watery snow around the vehicle.

Say whaaat?

We’ve used a heavy-duty snow machine for 20 years, breaking trail, trapping, logging and getting ﬁrewood. Eventually it was time to upgrade, so we bought a brand-new one. From the very

first ride over snow, she’d run fine then would start to sputter and eventually die. After 15 minutes, she’d start up fine again, just to do the same once more. It was frustrating and we walked home to get another machine, again, to tow this one back home if she couldn’t make it.

Enough was enough, and back home the mystery was investigated properly. Now the fuel ﬁlter and fuel pump are in one piece and are inside the fuel tank. It

Attaching skis to the track

was gingerly taken out, so that the tank could come off as well. But what was that black stuff in the suction hose? It looked like narrow but longer pieces of black plastic.

We dumped the fuel out of the tank (we always use multiple ﬁlters so as not to have dirt, moss or tiny pieces of branches in the fuel). Then we could see, by shining a light into the thenempty tank, that there were the same shavings in it. If it wasn’t

Part Two

the shavings from cutting out the fuel tank’s hole (where the fuel ﬁlter’s place is)! And this little bit of negligence got us in big trouble. It would have been nice if the factory could have cleaned out that tank before the assembly.

Mud, mud, everywhere

We try to start prepping a landing strip for the plane as early as possible. This was a bad idea, one winter, when Paul rode too far into

Snow machine tracks in overflow

the swampy area at the end of the lake. His snow machine got stuck in the mud (mud will keep warmer much longer and therefore not freeze to the top or bottom), so I had to leave my spot inside and go on a rescue mission with another machine.

About an hour later, the smelly vehicle was on top of snow and ice, dripping muddy water. Needless to say, our coveralls smelled of sulphur and looked, well, a muddy greyish-brown.

Take some heavy-duty wire

You get what you pay for: our big, eight-foot-long toboggan looked well built. In it, we carried the fuel needed on the trailbreaking enterprise, as well as the wall tent, wood stove and stove pipes. Turns out the hitch was not as sturdy. Partway in, the bolts loosened. Then the hitch ripped off the toboggan. All of a sudden, the load on the snow machine was lighter and the toboggan was sitting, lazily, 20 metres back. We carried wolf snares, so we used those to put the items back together.

Back in Whitehorse, we went to Tony, who was a master welder in our opinion. He welded and reinforced not only that toboggan’s hitch, but two other hitches.

Winter canoeing

The old canoe at the southernmost line cabin got broken by a tree falling onto it. Now we had two canoes at the main camp, so we hatched a plan: cache one of them (in the summertime) at the place we hit in the winter with the snow machine, tie it to the back of the snow machine’s toboggan, and hope for the best.

We were surprised the canoe “swam” so easily, without ever tipping when being dragged around a corner. This funny venture lasted for 30 kilometres. If we hadn’t had this idea, the canoe (or a new canoe) would have to be flown in (if one wanted to canoe the lake). Of course, a trapper (most times) is in no need of a canoe in the winter time, anyway, and it sure is nice, when being out on the line in the summertime, to take a rest from fixing up the cabin or getting firewood and, instead, to head out in the canoe and check out the shoreline—and maybe hook a fish for supper.

Sonja Seeber, Yukon trapper ■

PHOTOS: Sonja Seeber

Column with Sonja Seeber

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

Canoeing in winter

Black shavings that don’t belong near fuel

A Celebration of Swans

April 1 to 30

Visit the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre to welcome spring and witness the mass migration of Trumpeter Swans and other waterbirds. Take part in more than 20 events or simply visit the interpretive centre and take a walk along the lakeshore.

The interpretive centre is open 5 to 8 pm weekdays and 12 to 7 pm on weekends, including Easter Friday and Monday. All events are free! For more information visit Yukon.ca/swans or Yukon.ca/fr/cygnes