What's Up Yukon, April 6, 2022

Yukon’s Events Magazine Since 2005

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April 6, 2022 Issue 730

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WH TSUP TSUPYUKON YUKON All Northern. All Fun.

Happy Easter Everyone! NEXT ISSUE April 20

Big Brothers / Big Sisters Bowling ... page 9

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Sled Heads

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The Art of Pysanky

15

JCAY Drumming to its Own Beat PHOTO: Government of Yukon/Cathie Archbould

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Heather LeDuc

Heather has been writing for What’s Up Yukon since the early days of the pandemic. She enjoys sharing stories about Yukoners with a passion for what they do, whether it’s making artwork, producing a play or running a business. In her free time, there’s nothing she loves more than hitting the trails with her bike and her human and canine buddies.

PREPARING FOR THE APOCALYPSE (AND BEING MISUNDERSTOOD): THE GUILD HALL’S ‘WROL’

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There’s a lot of There’s youthfulness in WROL (Without Rule of Law), the Guild Hall’s current production that is playing until April 16

ILLUSTRATION: by Andrew Sharp

& e k o m S p o h S e p Va

April 6, 2022

T

he cast is made up of 14- to 17-year-olds; there are no adult characters and even the production team has youth representation. Not surprising, the play, written by Canadian playwright Michaela Jeffery, has some powerful messages about the realities for young people in today’s world.

“It’s so timely. It’s really a play for our times [and] how we think of this generation coming up— their noses are in their phones, they’re detached from reality and they’re just living a life online,” the Guild’s artistic director, Brian Fidler said. “Whereas, you know, this is the world that they’re inheriting. They’re walking into this world and I think that that’s one of the themes of this play … they’re being told they’re disconnected, but that’s what they’re being given.”

WROL was recommended to Fidler by Gwaandak Theatre’s artistic director, Colin Wolf. Fidler, in turn, shared the script with Meredith Pritchard, who Fidler has been interested in recruiting as a

director for some time.

“I’m always enjoying her energy—she’s such a spark,” Fidler said of Pritchard. “She’s so smart and good with people. Mary Sloan [WROL stage manager] had worked with Meredith … and she just raved about how wonderful Meredith is to work with.”

Fidler shared a few scripts with Pritchard that didn’t wow her. But then WROL caught her attention.

“I think it’s really important that theatre has a purpose, and when I read this script I thought that this is a story that so resonates with me and I think it can resonate with the community and the world and what’s going on right now,” Pritchard said. “And I loved that it was from the perspective of a group of 12- and 13-year-olds who I think, a lot of time, we don’t listen to. So it just felt extra, extra important to tell this story.

“And it’s a little spooky and a little creepy and a little weird.

It’s really good.”

WROL actor Casey Delaurier told me that the play is about seven girls making preparations for the apocalypse.

“It’s dark,” Delaurier said, comparing the play to Rob Reiner’s coming-of-age film, Stand By Me. “It’s not super uplifting, like it has a darker message. And the ending is quite suspenseful.”

Delaurier’s character, Maureen, is independent and very serious about the task at hand.

“She doesn’t believe that she’s understood properly, especially from older people, and she just wants to be heard … respected almost.” Delaurier said.

“Kids and teenagers—it’s hard for us to be understood by adults.

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Preparing for the Apocalypse ... cont’d as so young, our opinions don’t matter in the eyes of some older people,” she observed. “So I’m hoping that this can, hopefully, make some people realize that.”

Delaurier was in the MAD (Music Arts and Drama) program when Fidler and Pritchard invited members of her class to audition for WROL. Fidler said there were some strong performers in Delaurier’s MAD cohort and he wanted to offer them a challenge. For Delaurier, she was drawn to the script and to the director.

“I kind of originally auditioned, just for the sake of doing an audition, because it’s a good experience,” Delaurier said. “But after reading the script and meeting Meredith—and it’s a really cool play and Meredith is a really cool person to work with—I became really interested in it. So when I was offered a role, I took the opportunity.”

Other cast members include Alexis Smith, Autumn Chandler, Clementine Burgess, Kieran Cowie, Menna Zanger, and Sydney Sinclair. Pritchard is also working with two assistant directors, Keona Sheardown and Pyper Smith.

“Working with this group of youth, and these youth assistant directors, has totally shifted how I see theatre and what I think is important for theatre,” Pritchard said. “I really can’t wait to work with youth again.”

Other young people involved in the production include 18-yearold Chris Gwynne-Thompson, who is doing light design with guidance from Katherine Kellner; and Annie Johnsgaard, who is being mentored by Donald Watt on set design.

There are still a few pandemicrelated aspects to the production.

Capacity is at around 50 percent, and the audience members are required to wear masks and show proof of vaccination. The actors themselves will not be wearing masks.

“We want to really make sure that this young cast is safe up there—we feel a really great responsibility for them,” Fidler said.

For the young people involved in the production, it’s a chance to play to a wide audience, which the pandemic prevented them from doing before, and to challenge themselves.

“I’ve never done a play like

On the Cover

this, so just reading the script, it was kind of like, This is cool. The set is amazing, and just like the vibes and energy of the show … it’s pretty cool,” Delaurier said.

“It’s mostly just a lot of fun,” she added. “We have a lot of fun at rehearsals—it’s a fun experience. Getting this experience overall has been great. It’s like … opened up even more opportunities for me.” n

The cast takes a break during a recent rehearsal

Learn more about the cast and crew of WROL on the Guild Hall’s Facebook page: www.

Spring snowmobiling can be some of the best riding all year.

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PHOTO: Government of Yukon/ Cathie Archbould

What’s Inside Preparing for the Apocalypse........2 Ukrainian Easter Eggs (Pysanky)....4

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A New Sound in the Yukon...........5

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Seasonal Recipes..................... 10

Vibing With Sled Dogs.................6 Sled Head Lane....................... 12 KDFN Citizen Profile................. 14 Japanese Drum Ensemble.......... 15 Didee Didoo........................... 16 Daniel Janke Album................. 19 Camping Fees Set to Rise........... 21 Yukon See It Here.................... 22

Events Whitehorse Listings................. 8 Highlights........................... 17 Active Listings..................... 18 Community Listings............... 20

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April 6, 2022

HOP into Due North for Easter basket treasures,

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Aimée Dawn Robinson

spring outfits and more!

Aimée is a dancer, writer, visual artist, curator, dance teacher, director and creator who has been living in the Yukon since 2012. Aimée is grateful to live and work on the lands of Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta’anKwäch’än Council and Carcross/Tagish First Nation.

APPROVED by Baby and Easter Bunny.

AMELIA MERHAR, ON MEANINGS WITHIN PYSANKY

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Amelia Merhar reflects, “Pysanky now reminds me of the power of life, as a force, and the sublime that can exist in everyday objects, like an egg, if we give ourselves time to embrace that perspective.”

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Ukrainian Easter eggs and the power of life

Y

ou may know Amelia Merhar as the Yukon-based “Big Mama Lele,” the wryly funny musician with a heart of gold. Or perhaps you know her as an avid adventurer who once bicycled across Canada and has hopped a train or two. You may know Merhar from her former work as a health promotion worker with Blood Ties Four Direction Centre.

Or! Perhaps you know Merhar as a fourth-year PhD candidate in Human Geography, specializing in Economic and Health Geography at the University of Waterloo. She studies, in her words, “the embodiment of transience—essentially, how frequent travel, moves and displacement affect us longterm.” Merhar’s current research uses “feminist economic geography, and mobilities and health geography, to look at the intersections of touring, income, embodiment and well-being for touring

musicians in Canada.” Merhar has adapted her work for musicians in a global pandemic context, and she herself became a “digital nomad” during pandemic times.

I happen to know Merhar as someone who observes holidays, and with care and joy, be it Ukrainian Christmas or quarantine solo dance parties. She has a flair for observation and celebration.

So, I asked Merhar about what

“

“The Slavic creation story is that Rod emerged

when the world was pure consciousness, from a golden egg.” -

Amelia Merhar

“pysanky,” the Ukrainian Easter egg, means to her. I found Merhar’s response beautiful and, thus, hand it to you whole …

“To me, pysanky brings me back to messy memories of being a child, making eggs with wax and dye, with my Baba or at Ukrainian

Easter events. It was fun to transform such an everyday food and make it special with so much effort—wax patterns, with a special pen, and colourful dye bath after dye bath.

“As an adult, though, I understand the deeper meaning behind the pysanky symbols, better, and how the little patterns can welcome health, bountiful harvest, protection, and life itself. The meaning and stories of what pysanky represents have changed through Christianization.

“The Slavic creation story is that Rod emerged when the world was pure consciousness, from a golden egg. He emerged and gave form to this world through a system of duality, light and dark, life and death, and there is a balance we must maintain. He then disappeared, leaving the other gods and goddesses to guide this new physical world.

“Pysanky now reminds me of the power of life, as a force, and the sublime that can exist in everyday objects, like an egg, if we give ourselves time to embrace that perspective.” n

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with

Yukon Harpists Society

Sue Edelman Sue Edelman is the president of the Yukon Harpist’s Society.

A NEW SOUND IN THE YUKON We’re almost there!

T

hanks to so many individuals and groups, Yukon Harpists Society (YHS) has raised almost enough money to buy a stand-up concert pedal harp for the Yukon. Thanks to the Community Development Fund, Lotteries Yukon and the Yukon Arts Centre, we have developed a storage plan, feasibility study and the initial funding for this beautiful instrument.

The Yukon has a number of publicly available concert instruments and devices—a concert grand at the Yukon Arts Centre (YAC); piano at the Old Firehall; the tympani, owned by the Whitehorse Community Choir; and risers for choirs/bands at YAC, which are used regularly by both Yukon students and visiting musicians.

The Yukon Harpists Society would like to buy a pedal harp, for the Yukon, that senior harp students and visiting musicians can use.

A typical pedal harp, today, has an electronic soundboard and is made up of a lightweight graphite material, so that it is easy to change keys and it can stay in tune. When Yukon students get to university level or above grade six in the Royal Conserv-

the music. Modern music has many key changes, unlike original harp music which was written in one key only.

These carbon-fibre pedal harps stand out in offering the advantages of rigidity, strength and comfort, as well as an elegant, classic look. They also have beautiful resonance that offers an incredibly rich sound. The nature of carbon makes the instrument durable and impervious to extreme temperatures and humidity, meaning the harps don’t require frequent tuning and can be played in various conditions.

Visiting orchestras or large musical ensembles do not travel with harps, so harps are provided by local arts centres. The Yukon has around 50 harp students, currently, and there is a waiting list for more, should more instruments become available. One of the most sought-after classes, at Music Camp The 2019, was harp.

Starlight

atory of Music (RCM), they use only a pedal harp for instruction and performance. Visiting musicians will use only pedal harps.

Regular harps have manual keys at the top of the instrument, which means you have to stop playing your piece, change keys and then continue playing. A pedal harp means that you can change keys with your foot, without stopping

is the new, full-sized Concert Grand 47-string pedal harp, with a precision mechanism made in Switzerland PHOTO: Heartland Harps

The Yukon Harpists Society is currently running a fundraising campaign for this project, which includes silent auctions and raffles.

If you’d like to help in this effort, YHS will be selling tickets at Wykes Your Independent Grocer, in the near future.

Tickets will also be sold in Faro and through KIAC in Dawson City. A silent auction is planned

for later in the spring. This is truly a Yukon-wide endeavour to bring harp music to the Yukon, for all of

us to enjoy. Please support our efforts to bring this spectacular instrument to the Yukon. n

Help Shape Yukon’s Future

Get on Board!

Consider serving on one of the following boards and committees: ■ ■

Social Assistance Review Committee Yukon Hospital Corporation Board of Trustees

Deadline: April 29, 2022 Contact: Vickie Devries (867) 456-6746 ■

Yukon Arts Corporation Board of Directors

Deadline: April 29, 2022 Contact: Sophie Tremblay-Morissette (867) 667-5264 ■

Yukon Geographical Place Names Board

Deadline: April 29, 2022 Contact: Brian Groves (867) 667-3660 ■

Yukon Heritage Resources Board

Deadline: May 15, 2022 Contact: Brian Groves (867) 667-3660 ■

Yukon Recreation Advisory Committee

Deadline: until filled Contact: Marie Cairns (867) 667-5254 ■

Building Standards Board

Deadline: until filled Contact: Hector Lang (867) 456-6596 ■ ■

Licensed Practical Nurses Discipline Panel Physiotherapists Advisory Committee

Deadline: ongoing Contact: boards.plra@yukon.ca ■ ■ ■

Private Investigators and Security Agencies Review Board Registered Psychiatric Nurses Advisory Committee Midwifery Advisory Committee

Deadline: until filled Contact: boards.plra@yukon.ca ■

Pharmacy Advisory Committee

Deadline: until filled Contact: Brad Rowett (867)393-6927 ■ ■

Student Financial Assistance Committee Apprentice Advisory Committee

Deadline: until filled Contact: Suzan Davy (867) 667-5129 ■

Yukon Child Care Board

Deadline: until filled Contact: Richard Provan (867) 332-7337 ■ ■

Alsek Renewable Resources Council Carmacks Renewable Resources Council

Deadline: April 22, 2022 Contact: Barbara Bowen (867) 667-5336 ■ ■

Mayo District Renewable Resources Council North Yukon Renewable Resources Council

Deadline: March 18, 2022 Contact: Barbara Bowen (867) 667-5336 ■

Community Advisory Board

Deadline: until filled Contact: Carla Braun (867) 667-5959

■

And TOYO is ready to get you there safely!

■

Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust Board of Trustees Hearing Adjudicators under Corrections Act Deadline: until filled Contact: Carla Braun (867) 667-5959

■

Yukon Lottery Commission

Deadline: April 30, 2022 Contact: Matt Ordish (867) 667-7301

■

Yukon Advisory Council on Women’s Issues

Deadline: until filled Contact: Stephanie Coulthard (867) 667-3030

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For application forms and more information visit yukon.ca/en/find-board-committee or call toll-free 1-800-661-0408.

Application packages can be emailed to boards.committees@yukon.ca

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April 6, 2022 column with

HEALING AND CONNECTION

Kay Linley

Kay has lived in the North for eight years. She is interested in spiritual practice, healing, creativity and land connection. Between painting and writing, Kay makes sure to spend quality time in the wilderness that surrounds her. She is currently working on her first book inspired by a kayaking pilgrimage she did in 2018 from Atlin to Dawson City.

VIBING HIGH WITH SLED DOGS UNDER A WINTER NIGHT SKY In late January, I had the opportunity to go winter camping with my friend Nathalie, a musher in Carcross

A

t first, we weren’t sure about going because the warmer weather had melted the trails into slick ice. Nathalie wasn’t comfortable with dogsledding in those conditions, but she offered an alternative. “We can take the Skandic!”

“Sounds great, Nathalie,” I said.

“I’m sure we’ll have a blast just getting out there.”

I packed some winter camping gear: a heavy sleeping bag, good down to minus 35, a small cookstove, a bodum for morning coffee, along with a bowl, cup, cutlery and some easy-to-make food. A couple of hours of driving and I arrived at Nathalie’s cabin. She greeted me with a smile and we laughed about how we had packed a lot of the same food. “All good. We have the Skandic, so we can overpack, no problem,” she said. We loaded up the skimmer with our gear, and Nathalie started up the skidoo after a few pulls.

Her sled dogs were in full hoot and holler by the time we got to the dog yard.

I went around to each of the dogs to greet them. I patted their heads and scratched them behind their ears. As they stood up, with front paws latched onto my forearm, I rubbed their bellies. The first dog, Storm, jumped up and I immediately felt a rush of delight in my heart.

The feeling of love from the dogs continued as I made my way around

PHOTOS: Kay Linley

Nathalie and Nakina the yard. Nakina, Ruby, Minto, Jubilee, Gipsy, Nomad, Palmer, Blue, Jedda, Sloko, Monroe, Blizzard, Carter, Punk … I addressed each of the 15 dogs by name.

Just like their unique names, each dog had a distinct personality and greeted me slightly differently. Some of them sang or wailed or yapped at me while I was petting their neighbour. Nomad timidly greeted me from the top of her dog house, while Punk made sure his presence was known by leaning his full body weight into my arms.

We started harnessing the dogs and, just like their personalized greetings, each dog needed their harness to be put on differently.

Carter, the yearling, jumped on and off her dog house and avoided the incoming harness by running from side to side. Nomad did all the work herself, and Blizzard jumped up and down, in excitement, with both front paws hitting the top of his dog house at once.

The dogs wailed in a chorus as

I fitted the last harness and Nathalie started hooking them up to the gangline in front of the Skandic.

Lead dogs first, then the others.

Punk was the exception. He would be running free because of his sore, aging hips.

I was tasked with sitting on the skidoo and holding the break while Nathalie hooked the dogs to the line. They were pulling so hard from excitement that they could easily move the skidoo. The skidoo was also anchored to a nearby tree, with a rope, as backup in case the break wouldn’t hold. Once the team was fully hooked up, I slid back on the seat and Nathalie jumped on the skidoo and let off the brakes.

I held onto the storage bars behind me so that I wouldn’t fall off as the Skandic lurched forward. Fourteen excited dogs ran ahead of us down the driveway and toward the trails.

As we started on the trail, the glitter of stars emerged in the darkening winter sky. The headlight of the Skandic highlighted the dog

team in all their glory. They ran straight and true. Blue and Nakina, brother and sister, were in lead, followed by Blizzard and Storm, another brother-sister combo. Jedda and Monroe were the wheel dogs, with the remaining five yearlings running in the middle of the pack.

It was amazing to see the whole team together, all 14 dogs pulling the line. They were a family unit and seemed to respond to one another as if they were a whole … well, except for Punk. Punk frolicked around on the trail in front of the leaders, teasing them and reminding them that he was still the leader of the pack. Nathalie had to shout at him, several times, to stop acting up and to stay ahead of the team.

After a few miles, we entered a pine forest and turned onto a lessestablished trail that led to our camp. Upon arrival at the camp, Nathalie brought the Skandic to a stop and I helped tie the lead dogs to a nearby tree and anchored the skidoo. I looked around and noticed that Nathalie had already established part of the camp, with a tarp tied at an angle for shelter, and firewood at the ready.

Punk looked happy with himself as he sauntered around the camp and the team of dogs. His eyes glowed a bright green in my headlamp as I scanned the area. There were wild animals all over the place, so it was important to stay aware. We had seen caribou tracks along the main trail, and we chatted about the possibility of seeing wolves at night.

The next order of business was bedding the dogs along a couple of lines stretched between the trees. First, we needed to snowshoe down the deep snow, around each line, so that we would have a trough where we could place straw and make beds for them. I stomped

around first and Nathalie followed, widening the tamped-down snow.

Then we distributed most of the straw into piles around the hook lines. One at a time, we moved the dogs from the gangline, in front of the Skandic, to the bed lines in the trees. Each dog had their own straw bed in close proximity to their neighbour.

Some of the dogs had never been winter camping before. The ones who had, took to it right away and laid down on their straw piles. The others, mostly the yearlings, kept standing awkwardly. They looked exhausted and almost teetered from fatigue, but they resisted curling up on the straw.

After starting a campfire and melting snow, we fed each dog a warm slurry of salmon and kibble.

Then Nathalie fitted the dogs with jackets and I made our sleeping quarters. First, I laid down a tarp, then straw, then our thermarests, blankets and sleeping bags. We cooked dinner on the campfire and cookstove and sat down on our coolers, in front of the small orange fire, to eat. We gratefully scarfed down soup, noodles and sausage under the star-speckled sky.

Before heading to bed, Nathalie released Blue from the line and he joined Punk in our sleeping quarters. We tucked into our sleeping bags pretty late, around midnight.

Punk immediately pushed his way into my sleeping bag and managed to get his whole body into the bag.

He tried to push through the foot of the bag and realized there was no exit point. I coaxed him back the way he came and he eventually managed to turn himself around and exit by my head. He continued to harass me by nuzzling my face and hitting me with his front paws.

Nathalie eventually called him off, cont’d on page 7 ...

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Vibing high with sled dogs under a winter night sky ... cont’d

PHOTOS: Kay Linley

Kay bedded down with dogs after she had had her fill of laughter.

I laid back down and closed my eyes. It didn’t feel like I was sleeping … more like a prolonged meditation. A few hours in, I was interrupted suddenly by a wagging body at the head of my sleeping bag.

It wasn’t Blue or Punk; it was the yearling, Ruby. She had somehow wiggled her way out of her collar on the line and decided that she, too, wanted to join the sleepover.

I opened the neck of my sleeping bag and Ruby immediately entered, curled up by my side and passed out. It felt so soothing to have her there with me. I rested my hand on her chest and it rose up and down reassuringly. Eventually I warmed up a little and my body relaxed enough so that I could fall asleep.

What seemed like moments later, Nathalie stood up from her sleeping bag and fed the fire to keep it going. It was still dark out.

I looked over at the dogs. One of the pups, Carter, was still standing.

“She’s been standing all night!”

Nathalie explained.

I got up, stretched my legs and looked over at Nathalie. “What time is it?”

“Five,” she responded.

“Wow, that’s interesting! Turns out it’s my birthday today and I was

born at five in the morning. Must be why we woke up at that time!” Although I was tired, I couldn’t have thought of a better way to start my birthday—out on the land, in the fresh air, with sled dogs and good company. There was something about being out there that made me feel different. It was as if the land and the dogs were at another level and I had joined them. It felt like living in my heart.

We fed the dogs early, as we needed to give them time to digest before running them back to the cabin. Then we made coffee and sat around the fire and chatted.

Nathalie and the Skandic

After packing our gear, we prepared the dogs for the return trip.

They were more than ready to go, especially the yearlings, as the camping was still a bit too new for them. I harnessed them up, then sat on the Skandic with hands on the break while Nathalie hooked them to the line.

With a burst of energy, we were off again into the early hours of the morning. The light was just starting to grace the sky. With the slightly cooler temperature, the dogs’ breath rose in waves of mist above their heads as they ran into the dawn. We twisted and turned along the trail, back through an aspen forest, then out into the open. We took a break in the clearing and cont’d on page 11 ...

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The application deadline is April 19 for projects between $20,000 and $75,000.

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WHITEHORSE EVENTS

ENTER YOUR EVENTS ON-LINE

It’s Free. It’s Fast. It’s Easy. or email them to: events@whatsupyukon.com

Please visit whatsupyukon.com for up to date event details.

Some events may be postponed or cancelled after we print.

ART SHOWS Until Apr 28 Anticipation of Movement Northern Front Studio This body of work is like walking through a minefield of emotion and the bristliness of our collective nowness. Gallery hours MonSat 10 - 5 Until Apr 30 Fill Your Cup by Members and Friends of the Arts Underground Ceramic Studio Arts Underground Features works from more than 20 makers in the Yukon’s clay community.

Gallery Hours Tue-Sat 12 - 5 Until May 20 Atsakú dàk nadutîn ~ Knowledge is being brought forward by Calvin Morberg Yukon Arts Centre Held in the main gallery, of the Dak’lawèidí (eagle clan) of the inland Tlingit Nation, immerses you in foundational Tlingit artistic traditions while exploring wood and copper.

Until May 20 Threads Through Time/ Weaving Cultural Indentities Yukon Arts Centre Held in the main gallery, features 10 woven prayer rugs created by 10 Coast Salish Indigenous artists and 8 Muslim artists.

LIVE MUSIC Wed Apr 6 & 13 Whitewater Wednesday Night Jam 7:00 PM The Local Bar This is a great night of Music, laughter and all around good times. It’s an open-mic kind of show and all you have to do is bring in your instrument, find Jack and/or Peggy and we’ll set you up!

Wed Apr 13 Jim Byrnes & Company 7:30 PM Yukon Arts Centre Legendary blues icon and actor, tickets online https:// bit.ly/3wK7MVO Thu Apr 7 & 14 Live Music Fiddle Night 7:00 PM 98 Hotel Thu Apr 7 & 14 Karaoke Thursdays 8:00 PM The Local Bar Show your talent and enter some awesome draws.Lip Sync & air guitar optional. Hosted by DJ Carlo Thu Apr 14 Soir de Semaine 9:00 PM The Local Bar French Local Band Soir de Semaine is back! Tickets online or at the door.

Fri Apr 8 Honky Tonk Dance 8:00 PM The Local Bar A night of couples dancing and honky tonk music featuring Yukon Jack, Brigitte Jardin, Kevin Barr, Mo Knight, Loréne Charmetant and more.

Country dance lessons being offered.

Fri Apr 8 Diyet & Jim Byrnes Livestream @ Music from the Edges 9:00 PM Online Be part of a special live-in-theatre concert experience to be broadcast across the Nation featuring local musicians Diyet & Jim Byrnes.

Tickets online.https://bit.ly/3IPMQPA Sat Apr 16 Snak The Ripper 9:00 PM The Local Bar Tickets online or at the door.

Sat Apr 9 John From Dawson X NiTPIK feat Garbageman + Stanky Hank 9:00 PM The Local Bar John from Dawson comes to Whitehorse to celebrate his belated album release party with special guests Garbageman and DJ Stanky Hank. Tickets online or at the door.

Sat Apr 9 & 16 Music at The Breakfast Club 9:00 AM 98 Hotel Sat Apr 9 Cicchillitti & Cowan Guitar Duo 7:30 PM Yukon Arts Centre Steve Cowan and Adam Cicchillitti are respected and acclaimed guitarists, quickly establishing themselves on both the guitar circuit and concert stages across Canada and abroad. Tickets online https://bit.ly/3DkppwN Sat Apr 9 The Baboushka Boys 10:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale DJ (Plant Daddy) mixing tracks with local musician Jeremy Parkin, everyone dance! Tickets online or at the door.

Sun Apr 10 & 17 98 Hotel Jam Session Open Mic Nite 8:00 PM 98 Hotel Tue Apr 12 Ryan McNally and Blue Moon Marquee 7:00 PM Yukon Arts Centre In partnership with Music from the Edges of Canada. Be part of a special live-in-theatre concert experience to be broadcast across the Nation. Tickets online https://bit.ly/3IQNPPp

GENERAL EVENTS Wed Apr 6 & 13 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.

Wed Apr 6 & 13 Texas Hold’em for Members and Signed in Guests 6:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Masks are mandatory and must be worn.

To join in the fun, you must have a valid 2021 membership.

Wed thru Sat WROL (Without Rule of Law) by Michaela Jeffery 8:00 PM The Guild A funny, heartfelt and provocative play for our times! Wednesdays pay what you decide. Tickets online. www. yukontickets.com Thu Apr 7 Sew a Pouch – Beginner Sewing 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Learn the anatomy of the domestic sewing machine including how to thread your machine and basic stitches. Register online https://bit. ly/36FacKH Wed Mar 30 Sew Hand WarmersIntroduction To The Serger Sewing Machine 7:30 PM Yukonstruct Learn the basics of a Serger Sewing Machine (Overlock Machine). Register online https://bit.ly/3LtiST1 Fri Apr 8 & 15 Seniors Crib 1:00 PM Golden Age Society

Sat Apr 9 & 16 Yukon Amateur Radio Association Coffee Discussion Group 8:45 AM A&W Restaurant Hams from outside the Yukon and those are interested are welcome to join us in this casual event.

Sat Apr 9 Kombucha 10:00 AM Golden Age Society Working with mother cultures to ferment our sweet infusions is a great way to bring fun and healthy fizz to the kitchen! Register online https://bit. ly/3uDCq0l Sat Apr 9 & 16 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 Sat Apr 9 Sauerkraut & Pickles 2:00 PM Golden Age Society Learn to preserve the abundance of summer veggies with this ancestral way of making vegetable condiments that are healthy and delicious! Register online https://bit. ly/3iMrHve Sun Apr 10 & 17 Whitehorse United Church Worship Service 10:30 AM Whitehorse United Church Interested in Online service? You must sign up in advance by phone or email to the church office. The office is open Monday – Friday, 9 am to 2 pm. Phone 667-2989: email wuc@klondiker.com Sun Apr 10 & 17 Seniors Bingo 1:00 PM Golden Age Society Sun Apr 10 & 17 Secondhand Clothing Bizarre 2:00 PM Whitehorse SeventhDay Adventist Church Clean clothes needed and donations accepted if in good condition. Please call before dropping clothes off and for more info 633-3463.

Mon Apr 11 & 18 Clothing Room 10:00 AM Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone.

Mon Apr 11 & 18 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 can sign in 2 guests MAX Tue Apr 12 Community Conversation in Whitehorse 2:00 PM Whitehorse Public Library A series of community conversations on how online technologies can support and amplify the amazing work by Indigenous women and gender diverse folx in the north. Email nicole. schafenacker@gmail.com for more info.

Tue Apr 12 & 19 Seniors Bridge 6:30 PM Golden Age Society Yukon Bridge players come join us for competition or fun or both Tue Apr 12 & 19 Chess Club 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us!

Tue Apr 12 & 19 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. Covid precautions are in effect.

Tue Apr 12 & 19 Trivia Tuesdays! 7:00 PM Polarity Brewing Prizes for our top 3 teams, and a guaranteed fun time for everyone! First come first served basis, check out facebook for weekly hints..

KIDS & FAMILIES Mon thru Wed & Fri Story Time and Drop-in Free Play Yukon Family Literacy Centre 9:00 -12:00 am and 1:00 - 3:30 pm Drop in and enjoy sensory stations, puppets, make your own music, hear some fun stories, whatever your little heart desires!

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays LAB Drop-In 12:00 AM Heart Of Riverdale For grades 8+, make beats, write, eat food.

Tuesdays Free Super Smash Bros.

5:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe All skill levels welcome! Please bring your own controller, and if you have a Nintendo Switch and/or Gamecube controller adapter please bring them so that we can have multiple setups.

Wednesdays Warhammer Wednesdays - Age of Sigmar 5:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe Every Wednesday Thursdays Kill Team Thursdays 5:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe 668-5750 Units can be drawn from both the core book, elite book, Kill team annual and white dwarf.

Fridays Standard Format - Magic: The Gathering 6:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe Legal sets = Ixalan, Rivals of Ixalan, Dominaria, Core Set 2019, Guilds of Ravnica, Ravnica Allegiance.Banned Cards = Rampaging Ferocidon Saturdays Pokemon Saturdays 12:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe Call 668-5750 for more info.

Saturdays Drop-In and Free Play 10:00 AM Yukon Family Literacy Centre Free, drop-in, everyone welcome programming for you and your child. No registration or wristbands required.

Fri Apr 8 & 15 Youth Drop In Bouldering 5:00 PM Porter Creek Secondary School Covid protocols in place, please sign up pre register for drop in as we have limited participation. Sign Up Here; shorturl.at/ klvCQ Tue Apr 19 The Yukon Youth Summit 11:00 AM Online Lets bring our young minds together to discuss the most urgent issues impacting our communities - education, mental health and wellness, climate change and the environment.

Email info@yukonyouthsummit.com for more info and to register.

ONLINE EVENTS Wednesdays Live And Online Kundalini Yoga 8:00 AM Online Kriya, mudra, and mantra awaken your body and focus the mind. We will follow one sequence until you are able to find yourself in the flow, before moving on. Unfold to your own nature: do what feels good, soak in the good vibes, and watch this beautiful practice transform you. Kundalini has a powerful effect on the endocrine system, improving lymph drainage, hormonal balance, and mood.

Wednesdays Yoga Wake up Flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https:// www.rootedtreemassage.com/bookonline.

Fridays Yoga Wake up Flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community Fridays AA Yukon Unity Group 1:30 PM Online For Zoom Room address Contact 334-7693 Saturdays AA Detox Meeting (OM, NS) 1:00 PM Online For Zoom Room address call 334-7693.

Mondays Yoga Wake up Flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https:// www.rootedtreemassage.com/book-online Tuesdays Restorative Online Healing Circles 7:30 PM Online Check-in, Q&A, connect and feel the results. No experience necessary. Register online, or call 335-0078 or email alison@ alisonzeidler.com for more info.

Tuesdays Mental Health Awareness and Support it is essential that people build capacity to support those with mental health concerns. https://bit.ly/3GTz6T5 Wed Apr 6 Quick N’ Dirty Digital Cabaret – Showcase 7:00 PM Online Closing out Awaken Festival, our Resident Artists will give you a little peak at what they’ve learned from their mentors over the last 4 weeks. Tickets online https://forms.gle/buQejB38sL6DtXn76 Wed Apr 13 Unity in the Workplace 2:00 PM Online Connect to your powerful willful presence Work smarter and flowing with change. Register online https://bit. ly/3LtnlFh Wed Apr 13 Yukon Fish & Game Association AGM 7:00 PM Online Register online. https://bit.ly/3JPVIWx Sun Apr 17 Women of the Fur Trade

by Frances Koncan 7:00 PM Online Recognize Indigenous and Métis heroes and leaders, and all the women and twospirited folks who were behind the public facing image. Tickets online.https://bit. ly/356BCIB

April 6, 2022

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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April 6, 2022 column with

SEASONAL RECIPES

Sydney Keddy

Sydney [Oland] Keddy is a recipe developer who lives in Whitehorse. Her work can be found in The Boston Globe, Seriouseats.com as well as in other publications.

WHOLE-WHEAT VEGETABLE PANCAKES WITH ARUGULA AND GREEK YOGURT

T

here are lots of options for preshredded fresh vegetables at our grocery stores, which makes this recipe a breeze to put together. Or you can hand shred whatever combination of vegetables you desire and/or have in your fridge. This recipe works really well with any sort of pre-shredded kale salad. Makes 6 pancakes.

Shredded vegetables

Cooked shredded vegetables with egg and whole-wheat flour

INGREDIENTS ❑ 1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for frying the pancakes Vegetable pancake batter

n

METHOD

1

❑ Salt and pepper, to taste ❑ 2 eggs ❑ 1/4 cup wholewheat flour ❑ 2 cups arugula ❑ 1/4 cup Greek yogurt ❑ Sliced green onions, to garnish

Cook until pancakes are brown

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet, over medium-high heat. When simmering, add your shredded vegetables and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are wilted and beginning to brown. Place the cooked vegetables in a large bowl and allow to cool.

2 wheat flour, and mix well to combine.

When vegetables have cooled, add 2 eggs and whole-

3

Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a non-stick skillet, over medium-high heat. When simmering, work in batches, to cook pancakes, by adding 1/4 cup of vegetable mixture.

Cook until the bottom of the pancake is brown, then flip and continue to cook until the other side is brown. Repeat with remaining batter.

4

Place arugula on a plate, then top with pancakes and Greek yogurt. Top with scallions, if desired.

PHOTOS: Sydney Keddy

❑ 12 oz (340 g) mixed shredded vegetables (kale, broccoli, cabbage, etc., see note)

Whole-wheat vegetable pancakes with arugula and Greek yogurt

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April 6, 2022

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Vibing high with sled dogs under a winter night sky ... cont’d from page 7

Looking for great cocktail ideas!

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STOP IN at 2157-2nd Avenue, Unit C WED-FRI 12-6, SAT 11-5

7 DAYS A WEEK PHOTOS: Kay Linley looked up at the sky and around at the white, glowing mountains.

On the final stretch back to the dog yard, the dogs pulled harder the closer we got. We careened into the dog yard and came to a sudden stop in front of their dog houses. Their tales were all awag, and some of them flopped down and rolled around in the snow. We praised each one as we unhitched them and they trotted excitedly back to their dog houses. They had done good out there, learning how to camp in a new place. Back in the dog yard, they had their individual dog houses; but out there, they came together as a team—as a family.

We rode the Skandic back to Nathalie’s cabin and made some hot chocolate to drink while we reflected on the trip. We were both extremely tired, but happy.

Nathalie smiled at me between sips, “The best winter partners to enjoy Yukon’s winter wilderness!”

“Totally! I couldn’t agree more!”

I smiled and rubbed my tired eyes.

Nathalie took another sip of hot chocolate and looked out the window. “You know, I feel like I took a deep breath inside me, like in my dogs. I’m not too sure how to say it, but inside the forest and land, and in the winter sky too … it is vibrations. I feel like the dogs are living this, and that we were in their skin.” n

p

Camp by the firelight

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Our hens play outside and we feed them organic vegetables and Canadian Prairie grains that are: NO NO NO NO NO NO

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April 6, 2022

with

Aimée Dawn Robinson Aimée is a dancer, writer, visual artist, curator, dance teacher, director and creator who has been living in the Yukon since 2012.

Aimée is grateful to live and work on the lands of Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Carcross/Tagish First Nation.

NOTES FROM ‘SLED HEAD LANE’ Three voices on the love of snow-machining

I

n a former life, part of my cabin was a trapper’s snow machine shop. There is a partially hidden sign on the property, “Sled Head Lane.” The trapper and cabin owner, a self-described lifelong bush rat and sled head of 51 years, is a good friend of mine.

He is exactly the kind of intensely private and fascinating person the Yukon seems to nourish. Let’s call him “Sam” … seventy-ish years old and has lived in the Yukon for forty-ish years.

Sam declined a formal interview for this article. Then, over the next three days, he called me and dropped by to share reflections and thoughts about his life with snow machines. He bought his first snowmobile in 1971 and still gets a particular gleam in his eye when he talks about it. He describes the hum, the smell, the sound and the feel of the different snow machines over the years.

The ones that lasted, the ones that burnt out.

Sam told me tales from the thousands of miles he has rode, in all kinds of conditions—remembering times he was almost lulled to sleep by the comforting sound of the engine, times when he used his will to live to survive frigid water and ice, times he felt pride seeing his kids ride their own machines.

The main idea Sam wanted to convey, after our many conversations, was this, “You really need to relate to and see your snow machine as a musher sees their dog team. You need to take care of the machine, get to know the machine really well, feed and water it, let it rest, listen to it.”

Sam demonstrates (humming like a happy engine) the sound of a well-treated machine. This is

PHOTOS: James Connor

James Connor and his father, Jim Connor, going for a ride on the Copper Haul Trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail the man who taught me the true value of gas-line antifreeze. He also taught me how to ride. I followed him like a duckling until he made me go first.

“You need to have an intimate relationship with your snow machine,” said Sam. He furthered his rationale, “When you think about it, even though it’s a machine, the components all come from the Earth, from nature—the plastic comes from oil, the rubber, the metals—all of it.”

Sam often reminds me, “Snowmachining, to me, is a way of life … of living with the land and the boreal forest, the coastal mountains, lakes, my traplines. It’s not recreation for me. And remember, the ‘iron dog’ comes from nature.”

For me, snow-machining reminds me about the power of

patience and perseverance. Say your machine is super stuck. If you keep a clear head, stop and think about your approach while assessing your risks, you may find you become free of what seemed like an impossible situation.

Also, snow-machining can provide me with a good dose of adrenalin. As a performer, I have a highly developed relationship with the adrenalin and I find being out on snowy adventures, with an engine and conveyor belt, to be a thrill. Sledding is also strangely soothing and calming, something I found I shared with other way more experienced riders.

James Connor, the treasurer for the Klondike Snowmobile Association (KSA), has been riding since he was “a little kid, growing up in Yellowknife.” Connor is an airplane

mechanic and conducts snowmobile tours. He started with the KSA, as a member, when he first moved to the Yukon 23 years ago.

For Connor, “Snowmobiling is a good thing for the whole family … it’s the perfect tool for hunting and fishing, a good way to get out with your friends, an active way to spend an afternoon and get to know people.”

With his long experience as a member and treasurer, Connor observed, “In addition to the trail maintenance, there is a lot of behind the scenes the KSA does, a lot of fundraising for trail projects.”

He added, “We also work with different government levels when they’re planning things, just to make sure that snowmobilers are getting their voice in [the] game.”

Connor’s advice for absolute-

beginner riders? “Just go slow, take your time, find somebody with experience and ask them questions, let them show you stuff.” He added, “I find most people in the snowmobiling community—and there’s a lot of knowledge and experience out there— are really good about sharing. All you have to do is ask, right!”

Speaking of asking … the KSA can always use more volunteers.

But the easiest way to help support the many services the KSA provides is to simply purchase a membership. Connor explained, “For the average person, the best way they can support us is to buy a $20 membership every year.

Membership has benefits. “There are all kinds of discounts,” noted Connor (a true treasurer). “The deals are really good value. Members save more than the twentydollar cost per year.” And you do not have to be a snowmobiler to become a member! Check out the KSA website for all the details.

Memberships are also available at Tags in Whitehorse.

I asked Connor for his top favourite tips for riders. He responded, “I would say the first thing would be, just slow down and enjoy the scenery and look out for the people around you …

If you see somebody stuck, offer to help.

“I would probably say, just be prepared with your gear and make sure everything is running properly before you leave. If you are going any distance at all, have with you: survival gear, your tools, a first aid kit, some dry socks, a fire starter. Connor reflected, “It’s amazing how any little thing can help you break through a tough situation. You don’t even need a crazy amount of stuff, just even something you can work with when you’re stuck.”

Connor’s next snow-machining tip shows his community mindedcont’d on page 13 ...

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April 6, 2022

13

whatsupyukon.com

Notes from ‘Sled Head Lane’ ... cont’d you actually understand how the machine works, you can use it to your advantage.”

When I asked Connor what he’d like to tell people about sledding in the Yukon, or in general, I found his response felt familiar and comforting … I could relate. After saying that snowmobiling is awesome and everyone should try it, Connor reflected on the feelings of calm that snowmobiling can bring.

“When I’m grooming the snow, in the winter, to make the trails nice and smooth, the optimal grooming speed is about 15 kilometres an hour … That’s going to let the groomer do its thing,” Con-

PHOTOS: James Connor

KSA grooming expert Harris Cox, grooming the Trans Canada Trail p

ness. “Wherever you live, join your local snowmobile club. There’s all kinds of behind-the-scenes work they’re doing for you, and it’s all volunteer. There are 700 snowmobile clubs in Canada.” He adds, “Even if you don’t do anything with the local club, just the $20 a year makes a huge difference for supporting those volunteers.”

For many, part of the love of snow-machining is the love for a compact engine. The perfect engine to learn with too. Connor pointed out, “Mechanically speaking, it’s simple enough the average person can learn the basics in an afternoon.

“Read the book, read the manual, it helps with your understanding of how to drive. If you are trying to work up a crazy hill, if

PHOTOS: GBP Creative

SIKH HERITAGE MONTH AND VAISAKHI CELEBRATION You are invited to celebrate Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year. Vaisakhi also marks the birth of the Khalsa Where Sikhism was born collective faith!

The month of April is also celebrated as Sikh Heritage Month in Canada

p Grooming expert Harris Cox, on the Dawson Overland Trail

KSA members enjoying this year’s annual KSA Take A Friend Snowmobiling group ride q

nor explained. “People say, ‘Oh, that must be the most boring thing in the world, sitting there doing that,’ but I always tell them I put my little podcast on my earbuds, underneath my helmet, watch in the mirrors the groomer do its thing … It’s oddly relaxing.”

Connor sounds soothed, even as he describes it. “I just feel something kind of settles, my senses are open to what’s around me. It’s exciting and relaxing at the same time.”

Cruising a trail or blazing one across a wide-open expanse of white, under a northern sky, brings me feelings of possibility. Moments of calm bliss mixed with excitement, adventure and the potentials of bush life—all courtesy of a conveyor belt combined with an engine over the snow. Long live the snow machine and those who ride and love them. Long may we run. n

Your Guide

To Living Yukon Life

WH TSUP YUKON All Northern. All Fun.

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SUNDAY, 17 APRIL 9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Kirtan (Hymns singing with traditional instruments) 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Langer (free vegetarian meals will be served to all) 1:00 pm –(Gatka) Demonstration of traditional Sikh martial art

GURDWARA AKALJOT SAHIB 91678 Alaska Highway, Whitehorse, YT. Y1A 3E4; Phone: 867-687-1313

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April 6, 2022 with

CITIZEN PROFILE

River Gatensby

This story was provided by Kwanlin Dün First Nation as part of its series featuring Citizen success stories. If you’re looking to find out more about Kwanlin Dün they invite you to read their award-winning book Kwanlin Dün Dǎ kwǎndur ghày ghakwadîndur “Our Stories in Our Words”. It’s available through the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse.

HELPING TO RECONNECT ELDERS IN CARE THROUGH TRADITIONAL DRUMMING KDFN citizen Doronn Fox handcrafted drums for Elders in Whitehorse’s longterm care homes

PHOTO: Courtesy of Doronn Fox

F

or KDFN citizen and beneficiary Doronn Fox, drums are powerful “connectors to our ancestors.” They can bring joy, revive memories and reconnect people to their culture.

“The drum is about your heartbeat. It’s about being in your mother’s womb, and it’s about connecting with your ancestors,” said Fox. “When you hit that drum and sing songs, you can totally disconnect from the world outside …

It’s like talking to your ancestors.”

That’s why he jumped at the chance to handcraft drums for workers and Elders in Whitehorse’s long-term care homes in 2021.

“Some of these Elders don’t have their family; they don’t have their people or their community,” said Fox. “They want something tangible that is a part of their culture.”

The drum-making project began when a friend reached out and asked him to make drums for

Thomson Centre Drum Ceremony Copper Ridge Place. Then, the other care homes found out and it grew from there. He ended up making eight drums—four handgames drums and four ceremonial drums—for each home.

“The care homes also use the drums when Elders and older

“

people pass away, when they’re leaving the building or when there’s sickness,” he said. “You need a ceremonial drum for those things.”

In the fall of 2021, Fox handdelivered the drums to Copper Ridge Place, the Thompson Cen-

tre and Whistle Bend Place, with Elder Shirley Adamson. She was there to support him. According to Fox’s teachings, you need opposites in ceremony. In this case, Adamson is from the Wolf Clan, and a woman; and Fox is from the Crow clan, and a man. At each spot he

“The drum is about your heartbeat. It’s about being in your mother’s womb, and it’s about connecting with your ancestors.” – Doronn Fox

explained how to properly handle and care for the drums.

Fox learned how to make traditional drums from many Elders across Turtle Island (North America). And now it’s important to him to pass on the teachings, with every drum he makes.

He is also very proud of his work with youth. Throughout his career, Fox has dedicated himself to helping communities in need. He spent years travelling to different places in North America, with his business Tsalazra, which means “baby gopher” in Northern Tutchone. He helped different nations suffering with problems, such as “youth in crisis, opioids, alcoholism, uninvolved youth, combating educational divides, remote learning….” as he described.

In late 2019, he closed his business due to his daughter’s diagnosis with leukemia. After a year of being in Vancouver with his daughter, he focussed his efforts on Yukon-based cultural needs.

Fox is pleased to see the joy and vitality his drums have brought to a wide range of cultures, with his personal connection to the Yukon.

“The Elders love it. We get calls all the time, from every one of the homes, saying the Elders are loving the drums. They ask questions and want to learn more.” n

OPERATED BY

Funding for economic growth and diversification The Economic Development Fund supports projects that benefit Yukoners and Yukon communities through innovation, job creation and business development.

Your organization can apply to get funding for: • regional economic planning; • building sustainability into your operations; • enhancing your e-commerce capabilities; • conducting feasibility studies; and • developing products to improve your competitiveness.

The application deadline is April 19 for projects between $30,000 and $100,000.

Learn more: yukon.ca/edf

PEEL WILDERNESS ADVENTURES SPECIALIZES IN: • FLIGHTSEEING TOURS

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BASED FROM DAWSON CITY, YUKON. TEL: 867-333-4994 EMAIL: INFO@PEELWILDERNESSADVENTURES.COM

For more information visit: peelwildernessadventures.com

April 6, 2022

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Manus Hopkins Manus Hopkins is a Whitehorse- and Toronto-based journalist, musician and lover of heavy metal and cats.

MEET WHITEHORSE’S JAPANESE DRUMMING ENSEMBLE 335-6705

The Japanese Canadian Association of Yukon is Bringing Taiko Drumming to the Territory

Inside Yukon Inn Mall on Fourth (Beside Dollar Store)

T

aiko drumming is a wellknown and widespread Japanese art form, appearing in many parts of the world, including the Yukon. The Japanese Canadian Association of Yukon (JCAY) runs a drum ensemble, which has performed locally at venues such as the Yukon Transportation Museum and at events such as Rendezvous.

The ensemble first formed in 2015, using garbage bins as drums (as the real drums can be expensive). A few years later, the group was able to receive funding from the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) and to invest in real drums.

“We were practising with garbage bins for a few years,” remembered Yoko Oda, a member of the JCAY Drum Ensemble. “Finally, we got the funding, and we got four big drums and one small one, and we started to perform.”

For some members of the group, including Oda, taiko drumming serves as a cathartic form of self-expression.

“Japanese women are very soft-spoken and quiet,” Oda explained. “I use taiko to break that stereotype.”

In addition to being able to express herself through the art form, Oda said she feels a strong sense of community in being part of the JCAY Drum Ensemble. The ensemble went a while without being able to get together to practice during the pandemic, but are now meeting regularly at the

PHOTO: courtesy of JCAY Yukon Transportation Museum, which Oda said has been beneficial to her mental health. Because playing taiko involves memorizing music and synchronizing with other players, it helps to have a community connection with each other, according to Oda. “I can feel a connection with other members when I play taiko,” she said. “We have to support each other as sometimes we forget what’s next when we are on the stage.”

The JCAY Drum Ensemble plays a mix of both modern and traditional songs, many of which have traditional Japanese stories behind them that those with Japanese heritage may be familiar with. Though the ensemble is primarily made up of Japanese people, they are always welcoming new members from all cultures and backgrounds.

The group’s newest song, titled “Ready Set KaDon!,” was composed by Grammy-nominated artist Shoji Kameda, a taiko

instructor from the Los Angelesbased KaDon, which offers online taiko lessons. The JCAY Drum Ensemble was able to participate in a workshop with Kameda, something Oda is very excited to have been part of. The group was also taught original songs by members of another taiko group, based out of Saskatoon.

Oda has lots of plans for the future of her ensemble, including composing original taiko songs, with a Yukon flare, to share with the territory and beyond. Another goal of hers is to bring taiko drumming, in the Yukon, to a younger crowd.

“I would love to have a JCAY kids taiko group in the future,” she said. “I would love to see our kids connected and have fun with Japanese tradition.”

To keep up with the JCAY Drum Ensemble, find out about future performances and watch videos of past performances, visit http://info.jcayukon.org/introe.shtml. n

The JCAY Drum Ensemble performing recently in Whitehorse

Without A Doubt

A Local Landmark!

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When Didoo Was a Baby I wonder if k’aiiheenjik kissed her I wonder if Dajałti’ kissed her I wonder if vassaagihdzak kissed her I wonder if vi’it gwaatr’al kissed her I wonder if tl’oo thał kissed her I wonder if Deetru’ k’avihdik kissed her I wonder if olti’ kissed her I wonder if zzeh gittlit kissed her I wonder if kyikavichik kissed her I wonder if ko’ehdanh kissed her I wonder if ch’ataiiyuukaih kissed her I wonder if ch’eeahwalti’ kissed her I wonder if khach’oodaayu kissed her I wonder if shahnuuti kissed her I wonder if hannadaandaii kissed her I wonder if gwahtl’ahti’ kissed her I wonder if Sreevyaa kissed her I wonder if chichi’viti’ kissed her I wonder if nithitzik kissed her I wonder if ch’ahtal kissed her I wonder if shoodaachun kissed her I wonder if tsuk kissed her.

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

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HIGHLIGHTS Klondike Institute of Art and Culture Dawson City, YT

and Print & Publishing Fest

The Best Things in Life are…

Rescued!

April 7 SEW A POUCH BEGINNER SEWING 6:00pm - 7:00pm ………………………..

INTRODUCTION TO THE SERGER SEWING MACHINE SEW A HAND WARMER 7:30pm - 8:30pm ………………………..

April 9 WEEKEND WOODWORKING MAKER ACADEMY 9:00am - 12:00pm ………………………..

April 16 WEEKEND WOODWORKING MAKER ACADEMY 9:00am - 12:00pm ………………………..

Open Hours: Wed-Sun 1pm-9pm

April 06 HOW TO SPOT A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY THE ART OF PIVOTING 6:00pm - 9:00pm ………………………..

April 13 MASTERCLASS - SPEAK YOUR CUSTOMER’S LANGUAGE 12:30pm - 1:30pm ………………………..

April 20 BUSINESS ACCOUNTING MADE SIMPLE WITH JOANNE THOMAS 6:00pm - 9:00pm ………………………..

Weekly WELCOME WEDNESDAY NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION 11am ………………………..

Open Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Please see Yukonstruct.com for more info!

NorthLight Innovation Building 2180 2nd Ave

SEND YOUR EVENTS TO

*New Dates*

June 9 - 12, 2022 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS IS OPEN for artist installations, demo tents, events & partnerships.

Meet Rango!

This adventurous pup will be a very loyal companion; however, he is also quite a bit of an escape artist and will need a very secure yard or pen. He is medium in size, and has a beautiful thick coat. He is very sweet and loving! He would do best in an active home, and he would make a wonderful adventure companion!

He would do well with older children, and with proper introduction, a female dog. No males, and we do not know how he is with cats.

If you are interested in adopting Rango, please fill out an online application below.

If you already have a pre-approved application with us within the last year, call 633-6019 to put your application towards him.

Shelter Hours: Tuesdays - Fridays 12pm-6pm Saturdays - 10am-6pm

126 Tlingit St, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 6J2 | Tel: 867 633 6019

Visit www.yraf.ca to apply.

Deadline: April 8, 2022

Blue Moon Marquee April 9, 7:30pm

Tickets at kiac.eventbrite.ca

Dawson City International Short Film Festival

Test d'évaluation de français à

Whitehorse

Recreational program for teen-years youth When: Tuesday to Friday 3pm to 9 pm & Sat 1-9 pm Ages: 12-18 years old For more info: See Facebook page for schedule & activities, or email Oliver: obulpitt@bcgyukon.com

AllStars After School Program

An affordable, quality after school program When: Monday to Friday 3-5:00 pm following the school calendar.

Ages: Ages 6-11 years old Cost: Tuition fees as follows: $315/month allstars@bgcyukon.com for inquiries Location: Downtown/Takhini Elementary

Learning Tree Early Years Centre

An affordable, quality, licensed childcare program When: Monday to Friday 7:30am-5:15pm Ages: 18 months - 5 years of age Cost: Tuition fees as follows: Toddler: $160/month, Preschool: $150/month Emily Howard at 393-2824 ext 206 or eypd@bgcyukon.com Location: Riverdale

tef.afy.ca

It’s Easy.

It’s Fast.

It’s Free! events@whatsupyukon.com

All programs are based on child-adult participation.

MORNINGS

Got Puppies…?

Did you know that if you surrender all the pups to YARN, we’ll raise the pups, pay for all their care and veterinary costs, find them homes using a responsible adoption process – and spay your mama dog for free and give her back.

We are trying to reduce the future over’PUP’ulation in the North, by adopting to family’s that will spay & neuter. Each female dog that is not spayed could produce up to 67,000 descendants in her lifetime.

Unwanted dogs - suffer.

Monday (9am-noon) Drop-In & Free Play; plus Books with Baby: (10am - 11am) Read, Sing & Enjoy the world of board books.

Tuesday (9am - noon) Drop-In & Free Play Wednesday (9am-noon) Groove & Move!

Engage with Music! Have fun & dance.

Thursday Reserved for group use. Call 6688698 to reserve for your literacy-based group.

Friday (9am - noon) Drop-In & Free Play Saturday (10am - 2pm) Drop-In & Free Play

AFTERNOONS

Monday (1pm-3pm) Story Time & Drop-In Free Play Tuesday (1pm-5pm) Story Time & Drop-In Free Play Wednesday (1pm-5pm) Story Time & Drop-In Free Play plus Paint!! Paint!! (paint activities of all kinds) Thursday (1pm-5pm) Story Time & Drop-In Free Play Friday (1pm-5pm) Story Time & Drop-In Free Play plus Rock, Paper, Scissors! (Crafting with nature and simple tools) FOR MORE INFORMATION:

For more information or to send

688-8698 / 668-6535

us a message visit our

Yukon Family Literacy Centre

page

@YukonAnimalRescueNetwork

Penny

Our Yukon Events GURU

Schedule now live at dawsonfilmfest.com

Tel: (867) 993-5005 Email: kiac@kiac.ca Website: www.kiac.ca

Yukon Animal Rescue Network

Youth Drop-In Centre

April 14 -17, 2022

Do you have a fear of PUBLIC SPEAKING? Would you like to improve your public speaking skills, build confidence and hone your listening skills?  Feel free to attend with no obligation, any Toastmaster (TM) meeting.  You can attend 3 meetings as a guest while deciding to join.  You can just show up at a meeting before we begin (11:55am).

Actually, great value for the benefit, private public speaking professionals charge hundreds of dollars for courses, TM is much more affordable.

When: Thursdays at noon till 1 pm Where: Sport Yukon, 4th Ave, Whitehorse Questions: herbeeking@hotmail.com

We follow current Covid guidelines per Yukon Government.

@ yukonfamilyliteracycentre

G R I Z Z LY S Q U A D

A weekly, action-focused circle of fire + fellowship for those who identify as male. A safe + brave space for men to share their wins and challenges, dig deeper into what’s really holding you back, have honest conversations, set goals and be held accountable.

Grizzly contact info: Call/text Shaun at 867-335-3514 or email shaunldcooke@gmail.com

18 Whitehorse Massage Therapy Clinic Safe, Smart & Effective Health Care

GIFT CERTIFICATES now available.

Can also be purchased at In Bloom Flowers.

Amy Jacobsen Belinda Stick

Book Online Today

11-5110 5 th Ave, Whitehorse, YT

•

867-668-6522

w h i t e h o r s e m a s s a g e t h e r a p y. c o m

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April 6, 2022

ACTIVE AND WELLNESS COMMUNITY EVENTS EVENTS

ENTER YOUR EVENTS ON-LINE ... It’s Free. It’s Fast. It’s Easy. or email them to: events@whatsupyukon.com

Please visit whatsupyukon.com for up to date event details. Some events may be postponed or cancelled after we print.

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Everybunny Hop On Over

YUKON INN PLAZA

Your One Stop Easter Shop

393-3984 MON - SAT: 9:30AM - 5:30PM | SUN: CLOSED

867 334-7117

The Future of computer networking For immediate attention Call THE COMPUTERISTS

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contest Find beauty products to help you relax and refresh.

Text* “ME” to 736-898 for a chance to WIN** a Shoppers Drug Mart Gift Card weekly.

QWANLIN CENTRE & 211 MAIN STREET

Open 7 days a week

Visit us at shoppersdrugmart.ca

667-6633

Wed Apr 6 & 13 Gym Buds 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy a fun, positive, accepting environment where everyone can feel inspired to achieve their goals.

Wed Apr 6 & 13 Multisport Strength and Agility 11:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Improve your agility, balance, running economy, coordination and strength Wed Apr 6 & 13 Noon Strength and Conditioning with Ben McPherson 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy This class consists of dynamic, functional, but progressive movements that will improve your strength, balance and mobility for whatever you do.

Wed Apr 6 & 13 Lunchtime Yoga 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy Wed Apr 6 Yukon Avalanche Association Uphill Race Night 4:00 PM Mount Sima Beacon basin training park setup, so come practice your multi-burial transceiver search skills in between laps. Free admission Wed Apr 6 & 13 Women’s Strength Class 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy learn and train with foundational functional movements, working to gain strength, power, improve mobility, movement and coordination.

Wed Apr 6 & 13 Running Class 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy Join coach Ian Weir as he helps to improve technique, pacing, cadence, breath, power and more in these evening run sessions! All Levels Welcome Wed Apr 6 & 13 Adult Drop in Bouldering Nights 6:30 PM Porter Creek Secondary School Covid protocols in place please sign up ahead of your drop in on our facebook or website, as we have limited space for participation Wed Apr 6 & 13 Kids BJJ 4:45 & 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Children’s classes are focused on self defense Jiu Jitsu. A typical class starts with a warm up game, stretching, technique/ drilling, and ends with more fun games! For kids approximately 4 - 12 years old.

Thu Apr 7 & 14 Spin + HITT Adrienne 7:00 PM Habit Health and Wellness book online or email habitcommunity@gmail.com for more info Thu Apr 7 & 14 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Often referred to as the game of human chess, BJJ is a grappling based art that utilizes takedowns, sweeps, joint locks and strangle holds to subdue your opponent or attacker.

Thu Apr 7 & 14 Spin with Amy 6:30 AM Habit Health and Wellness book online or email habitcommunity@gmail.com for more info Thu Apr 7 & 14 30 min Insanity Live Friday Lunch Hour Classes 12:00 PM Avalanche Athletics Whether you’re an extreme athlete or a beginner, you can go at your own pace and successfully complete this workout! Register online Thu Apr 7 & 14 Adult Drop in Bouldering Nights 6:30 PM Porter Creek Secondary School Covid protocols in place please sign up ahead of your drop in on our facebook or website, as we have limited space for participation Thu Apr 7 Women’s Only HEED Class 6:00 PM Vista Outdoor Learning Centre Free allwomen hunter education course is open to participants of any skill level. Space is limited.

Register online https://bit.ly/3Dp7uVr Fri Apr 8 & 15 Skate Ski for Beginners 12:00 PM Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre Fri Apr 8 & 15 Gym Buds 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy a fun, positive, accepting environment where everyone can feel inspired to achieve their goals.

Fri Apr 8 & 15 Kids BJJ 5:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Children’s classes are focused on self defense Jiu Jitsu. A typical class starts with a warm up game, stretching, technique/ drilling, then ends with more fun games! For kids approximately 4 - 12 years old.

Apr 9 & 10 SIMAPALOOZA 2022 10:00 AM Mount Sima 2 days of on-hill competitions and afternoon live music by Major Funk, DJ Sweet Jones, Local Youth Band!

Sun Apr 10 & 16 Spin with Adrienne 10:00 AM Habit Health and Wellness book online or email habitcommunity@gmail.com for more info Mon Apr 11 & 17 Gym Buds 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy a fun, positive, accepting environment where everyone can feel inspired to achieve their goals.

Mon Apr 11 & 17 Multisport Strength and Agility 11:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Improve your agility, balance, running economy, coordination and strength Mon Apr 11 & 17 Noon Strength and Conditioning with Ben McPherson 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy This class consists of dynamic, functional, but progressive movements that will improve your strength, balance and mobility for whatever you do.

Mon Apr 11 & 17 Kids Muay Thai 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai teaches combat skills that are good for self-defense along with positive holistic effects like respect, discipline, focus, and confidence. Open to ages 8 - 12.

Mon Apr 11 & 17 Cross Country Ski Classes For Beginners 5:00 PM Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre Former Varsity Nordic Skier, Ian Weir will be your coach Mon Apr 11 & 17 Running Class 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy Join coach Ian Weir as he helps to improve technique, pacing, cadence, breath, power and more in these evening run sessions! All Levels Welcome Mon Apr 11 & 17 Women’s Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Mon Apr 11 & 17 Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions. This is due to its use of all available weapons. Fists, elbows, knees and shins are all used to attack your opponent.

Clinch work is also another defining element of this exciting fighting style Mon Apr 11 & 17 Go-Gi Jiu Jitsu 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts This class is very similar to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, only the students typically practice in shorts and a rash guard t-shirt. There is also typically a little more wrestling and leg locks due to the rules in tournaments being less restrictive.

Mon Apr 11 & 17 Spin with Maria 7:00 PM Habit Health and Wellness book online or email habitcommunity@gmail.com for more info Tue Apr 12 & 18 Classic Ski and Skate for Intermediate and Advanced 5:00 PM Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre Former Varsity Nordic Skier, Ian Weir will be your coach Tue Apr 12 & 18 Kids BJJ 4:45 & 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Children’s classes are focused on self defense Jiu Jitsu. A typical class starts with a warm up game, stretching, technique/ drilling, then ends with more fun games! These classes are appropriate for kids approximately 4 - 12 years old.

Tue Apr 12 & 18 Spin with Amy 5:30 PM Habit Health and Wellness book online or email habitcommunity@gmail.com for more info Tue Apr 12 & 18 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00, 12:05 & 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Often referred to as the game of human chess, BJJ is a grappling based art that utilizes takedowns, sweeps, joint locks and strangle holds to subdue your opponent or attacker. BJJ emphasizes a lot of drilling and live sparring also known as “rolling”.

Tue Apr 12 & 18 Adult Drop in Bouldering Nights 6:30 PM Porter Creek Secondary School Covid protocols in place please sign up ahead of your drop in on our facebook or website, as we have limited space for participation

WELLNESS LISTINGS Elder and Counsellor 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.

Tuesdays & Saturdays Counselling Drop-In and Short Term Counselling Service 11:00 AM Canadian Mental Health Association, Yukon Free Drop-In counselling is offered every Tuesday 11am - 4pm and Saturday from 11am - 3pm. Call 668-6429 for more info.

Wed Apr 6 & 13 Gentle Strength Yoga Grace Space 9:00 AM A slow-paced vinyasa flow harmonizing body, mind & spirit to help you feel grounded, safe and whole. Wonderful for beginners, and those who prefer a more gentle pace. Register online.

Wed Apr 6 & 13 Winter Yoga Northern Strength Academy 12:00 PM Rest - Restore Relax with Winter Yoga. Register online.

Wed Apr 6 & 13 Yin Yoga 5:30 PM Golden Age Society Yin yoga, a gentle practice for optimal relaxation. To register email percheronaudrey@gmail.com.

Wed Apr 6 & 13 Samurai Brotherhood Men’s Circle: Porcupine Squad 7:00 PM Location TBA After Pre-Registration A weekly, action-focused circle of fire + fellowship for those who identify as male aged 21+. A safe + brave space for men to share their wins and challenges, dig deeper into what’s really holding you back, set goals and be held accountable. More info: call/text Michael at 867-332-4722 or email mjvernon@gmail.com.

Wed Apr 6 & 13 Overeaters Anonymous Meeting 7:30 PM Overeaters Anonymous For more information contact oayukon@gmail. com for more information Wed Apr 6 & 13 No Puffin Group (CM) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Thu Apr 7 & 14 Sally & Sisters/Soeurs 11:00 AM Days Inn by Wyndham A safe place for women and children to access a meal.

Thu Apr 7 & 14 Hatha Noon Yoga Class 12:00 PM Grace Space Fall Noon 1 hour Yoga class and 1 hour individual psychosomatic session. Register online.

Thu Apr 7 & 14 Mantra and Relaxation 4:15 PM White Swan Sanctuary This class is about developing awareness of your inner Light through the practices of chanting mantra and deepening relaxation Thu Apr 7 & 14 KDCC Walking with Our Sisters Sewing Group 5:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.

Thu Apr 7 & 14 Family & Friends Support Group 7:00 PM Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) A drop-in support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness.

Call 668-6429 or email programs@yukon. cmha.ca for more info.

Thu Apr 7 & 14 AA Polar Group - O/M 7:30 PM Christ Church Cathedral Join our support group in person or for our zoom room address email aapolargroup@gmail.com Fri Apr 8 & 15 Yoga wake up flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https://www. rootedtreemassage.com/book-online Fri Apr 8 & 15 Morning Yoga Stretch 9:00 AM 7th Ray Studio Easing into the day with gentling warming up and stretching. All levels are welcome Register online.

Fri Apr 8 & 15 Sally & Sisters/Soeurs 11:00 AM Days Inn by Wyndham A safe place for women and children to access a meal.

Fri Apr 8 Relational intimacy 8:00 PM Boréale Lodge Cultivate mindfulness and respect we will inform you with various approaches.

Register online https://bit.ly/38cOmi8 Fri Apr 8 & 15 Pilates Roots Beginner Intensive 7:00 PM Root and Reach Pilates Work on your body awareness and understanding necessary Pilates skills, and take you through some mild to moderately challenging exercises. Register online Fri Apr 15 Soundbath with Dave Haddock 7:15 PM Alpine Bakery Upstairs Experience the aural and vibrational flow conductive to release healing. Pre-registration mandatory, register by email wallymaltz@mac.com Fri Apr 8 & 15 AA Whitehorse Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Looking for support with your relationship with alcohol?

Join the AA Whitehorse Group..

Sat Apr 9 & 16 Men’s Support Group for Indigenous men 18 and over CYFN Council Of Yukon First Nations Family Preservation Services is hosting a Snaring & Trapping Workshop as part of its ongoing Support Group for Yukon First Nations and Indigenous men. Register now as space is limited!

Sat Apr 9 & 16 AA Hospital Meeting 7:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Sat Apr 16 Sound Healing Session 7:00 PM 7th Ray Studio Monthly Gong Bath where the vibrations of the gong will wash over you and remove unwanted energies and replace with healing energies. Register online Sun Apr 10 & 17 AA Hospital Meeting 7:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Sun Apr 10 & 17 Yoga with Amber 7:15 PM Habit Health and Wellness book online or email habitcommunity@gmail.com for more info Sun Apr 17 Easter Restorative 1:00 PM Alpine Bakery Upstairs Pre-registration mandatory, register by email wallymaltz@ mac.com Mon Apr 11 & 18 Yoga wake up flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https://www. rootedtreemassage.com/book-online Mon Apr 11 & 18 Sally and Sisters Hot Lunch 11:00 AM Whitehorse United Church Free Hot Lunch for Women & Children Mon Apr 11 & 18 Smart Recovery Addictions Support 6:45 PM Sarah Steele Building Mon Apr 11 & 18 Live And Online Kundalini Yoga 8:00 AM Online Kriya, mudra, and mantra awaken your body and focus the mind.

We will follow one sequence until you are able to find yourself in the flow, before moving on. Unfold to your own nature: do what feels good, soak in the good vibes, and watch this beautiful practice transform you. Kundalini has a powerful effect on the endocrine system, improving lymph drainage, hormonal balance, and mood.

Mon Apr 11 & 18 AA New Beginnings Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Tue Apr 12 & 19 Spring Yuga 10:00 AM Golden Age Society For more information call 335-1996 Tue Apr 12 & 19 Sally & Sisters/Soeurs 11:00 AM Days Inn by Wyndham A safe place for women and children to access a meal.

Tue Apr 12 & 19 Yoga by Amber 7:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A yoga class that is for all levels and abilities, register online.

Tue Apr 12 & 19 AA UglyDuckling Group (C/M, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral New members always welcome, this is a non smoking group.

April 6, 2022

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Manus Hopkins Manus Hopkins is a Whitehorse- and Toronto-based journalist, musician and lover of heavy metal and cats.

OLD SONGS, NEW COLLECTION Prolific composer Daniel Janke has unveiled a new album of original songs from over the years

D

aniel Janke primarily works as a composer. The nowYukoner, by way of Ontario and Alberta, has been involved in a whopping number of projects throughout his career, writing music for everything from stage to film. He doesn’t write music for himself to sing, all that often, but his latest studio effort, Songs of Small Resistance, features a host of songs he wrote for various projects presented in a new setting— as a solo album.

“It’s a collection of songs that I’ve written over quite a number of years, that I’ve mostly written for other people to sing, for television or theatre or film,” he said. “I decided a couple years ago to try and put together some recordings of the songs with myself singing, just because I wanted to do that.”

Janke released Songs of Small Resistance, last summer, after working on the record in-between other projects for quite some time.

In addition to a digital release, the album is available on vinyl at several local businesses, including Road Dogs Music Supply, Triple J’s and Mac’s Fireweed Books.

“It started out a number of years ago, but never really got finished until COVID lockdown time, which seemed like the right time to finish it,” said Janke.

Despite the songs on Songs of Small Resistance all being from different times and places, Janke said they fit together well as a cohesive record, and he made sure to handpick songs that would do so.

There were many other songs from

Daniel Janke PHOTOS: Courtesy of Daniel Janke throughout his career he could have included but chose not to, as they wouldn’t really fit, he said.

“They all have the same kind of sensibility,” he said. “They all hold together in a setting.”

To Janke, there’s something different about picking up and putting on a vinyl record that just can’t be replicated by a digital copy of an album. He even said he felt like a kid at Christmas when he got the vinyl copies of Songs of Small Resistance.

“My first album ever was on vinyl, so it’s cool to go back to it,” he said. “The vinyl package is so sweet. It just reminded me why I like this so much.”

One song on the record, “There’s a Train Coming,” was written and recorded for a theatre production, two decades ago, and features the late Aylie Sparks on guitar. Janke wanted to update the song, but it was important to him to keep his late friend’s parts as a way to honour him. The entire track, save for the tuba and Sparks’ guitar, was scrapped and re-recorded.

“We thought it was just a really nice tribute to Aylie,” said Janke.

“He played so great on it, and it was such a great pleasure working with him.”

While Janke did have a release concert planned for February, he’s

has no shortage of work ahead of him. He’s still composing for multiple upcoming projects, as well as collaborating with other musicians from as far away as Paris and Barcelona. To keep up with Janke, visit www.danieljanke.com, and to listen to or purchase Songs of Small Resistance, head over to danieljanke.bandcamp.com.

“I just love the idea of sitting down and making something out of nothing and trying to create a musical language every time,” said Janke. “This album is special because, when I finally collected all these songs together and listened to them, it was a pleasant surprise.” n

had to put that plan on indefinite hold to wait out the Yukon’s COVID situation. He is hoping to do a launch concert and some touring behind the album, but is happy to promote the vinyl release in the meantime. Between word of mouth, help from local businesses and some positive reviews in vinyl publications, he’s been getting the word out there and surprising people who are familiar with his previous work but haven’t heard him sing much.

“I’m one of the lucky ones,” he said. “I am a composer, and I didn’t perform much anyway.”

Despite his plans to perform and tour being put on hold, Janke

Friday

from 8pm to 10pm

CKRW.com

| Phone: (867)-668-6100 ext.230 |

Email: info@ckrw.com

20

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COMMUNITY COMMUNITY EVENTS EVENTS

NEW Pick Up Shredding Service Pick up one or more of our shredding bags (each one holds

approximately one bankers box of paper).

Take it home and fill it up at your convenience (paper only) then drop it off at our convenient downtown location and we’ll take care of the rest for only $15 + GST per bag!

You can pick up a bag at “Yukon Cocktail and Bar Supplies” 2157-2nd ave. Unit C.

L PAP

IS

ED

ER

AL

Store hours are Wednesday-Friday 12pm-6pm and Saturday 11am-5pm

EC CL Y

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Email: reliable@klondiker.com Locally Owned and Operated SecureMobileShredding.ca

ENTER YOUR EVENTS ON-LINE

ATLIN

and Drop Off

CALL TODAY 633-6605

April 6, 2022

Fridays Atlin Community Library Atlin Community LIbrary 2:00 PM Open two days per week, Fridays and Saturdays, covid protocols apply.

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

Tuesdays Craft Dinner 5:00 PM Atlin Mountain Inn Craft and eat with good company, special meal discounts for crafters.

Finish an old craft or start something new!

Tuesdays 5 Mile Group (OM) 7:30 PM Tutan Hit building Next to Centre for Culture Call 1-250-651-7900 Ext. 315 Sat Apr 9 Atlin Mtn Challenge & Drag Races 10:00 AM To take place at Challenge Lake call 334-2992 or Jamie Tait 250 6512444 to register or volunteer.

BURWASH LANDING Wednesdays 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.

CARCROSS

Ranger Réduire Organiser

Wednesdays 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.

First Sunday of Every Month St. Saviours Church Services 2:00 pm St. Saviour Church 867-668-3129 Mondays Light Walkers Group (OM) 5:00 PM Fire Hall meeting room 1137 Austin St.

DAWSON CITY

Tidying Decluttering Organizing Nancy 867 335-5817 1drawer.at.a.time@gmail.com

Are You Happy With Your Math Grades?

Math Tutoring 1 to 3 Hours per week can help you improve.

Gain self confidence as we navigate together to further your career plan!

CALL YK MATH TODAY Free One Hour Introductory Session

E: mcblais@protonmail.com | P: 867.336.6284 Whitehorse, Yukon | French/English Services College & High School Level Support

SAUSAGES Taste our in-house blends of organic herbs and spices.

NO FILLER. NO GLUTEN. 100% FLAVOUR! Open: Thursday - Sunday Noon - 6 pm Order online for pickup or delivery downtown #1 Takhini Hot Springs Road, Whitehorse 867-332-6328 | YUKON GROWN

Tue thru Thur St Paul’s Anglican Church Evening Prayer 4:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live) Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 4pm Yukon Time for Evening Prayer.

Tue thruThu Saint Mary’s Weekday Mass 5:00 PM Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Join Father Emanuel for weekday mass Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Until Apr 8 Queer Nfld Hockey League QNHL Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Uses these pejoratives to reclaim the words often used against queer.

Wed Apr 6 & 13 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.

Wed Apr 6 & 13 55+ Virtual Fitness Class 2:00 PM Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre A 6-week strength class for Dawsonites over Zoom Call 993-7400 ext 299 for Zoom link..

Thu Apr 7 & 14 Zumba with Katie Pearse 6:00 PM Minto Park Drop-In Thu Apr 7 & 14 Advanced Muay Thai 7:00 PM Minto Park Drop-In Thu Apr 7 & 14 Adult Soccer 7:15 PM Robert Service School Register Fri Apr 8 & 15 Cards & Conversation 12:30 PM Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1 Dawson City Free! Drop-In! No registration necessary.

Proof of double vaccination required for anyone ages 12+. For more info email recreation@cityofdawson.ca or call 993-7400 ext 299.

Fri Apr 8 & 15 Adult Pickleball 5:15 PM Robert Service School Register 16+ Sat Apr 9 & 16 Drop-In Groove Dance w/ Natasha Henderson 10:00 AM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Groove is for everyone. We all dance simple moves or rhythms... and you add your own creativity to them.

Sat Apr 9 & 16 Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00 AM Robert Service School Sat Apr 9 & 16 Drop-In Gaaaymes and Crafts Night 6:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Bring your own or check out our board games, card games, table top RPGs, puzzles and crafts! No pre-registration necessary, just show up!

Sat Apr 9 & 16 AA North Star Group Dawson City 7:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion In person or Videoconference option available Call 867-993-5095 or 867-993-3734 for more information Sun Apr 10 & 17 Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00 AM Robert Service School Sun Apr 10 & 17 Saint Mary’s Sunday Service 10:30 AM Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Join Father Emanuel each Sunday for service. Everyone is always welcome.

Sun Apr 10 & 17 St Paul’s Anglican Church Sunday Service 10:30 AM St Paul’s Anglican Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live) Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 4pm Yukon Time for Evening Prayer.

Sun Apr 10 & 17 Adult Cricket 5:00 PM Robert Service School Register Sun Apr 10 & 17 Screen Printing Drop-in with Dan Brown 6:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art & Culture (KIAC) Includes: use of screens*, emulsion, and ink! There is a refundable deposit of $20 per screen though participants are welcome to bring their own.

It’s Free. It’s Fast. It’s Easy. or email them to: events@whatsupyukon.com

Please visit whatsupyukon.com for up to date event details.

Some events may be postponed or cancelled after we print.

Sun Apr 10 & 17 Adult Co-Ed Volleyball 7:15 PM Robert Service School Register Mon Apr 11 & 18 Open Gym 3:30 PM Robert Service School Supervised free play in the RSS gymnasium for 4 weeks. Register online, or call 993-7400 ext 299 Mon Apr 11 & 18 Adventures in Art & Stories 4:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art & Culture (KIAC) A fun program for kids 0-5, circle time, stories, art explorations, movement activities and more to help support your child’s development of creativity, speech language, social-emotional and motor skills.

Mon Apr 11 & 18 Household Badminton 6:00 & 7:00 PM Robert Service School Preregister with the Rec Dept to book your time slot for your household. Call us at 993-7400 ext 299 to register.

Mon Apr 11 & 18 Beginner Muay Thai 7:00 PM Minto Park Drop-In Mon Apr 11 & 18 Adult Basketball 7:30 PM Robert Service School Register online Mon Apr 11 & 18 Young Peoples Talking Circle 7:00 PM Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Youth Centre Tue Apr 12 & 19 Romp & Run 10:30 AM YOOP Hall Email Jen.Suttis@cdcyukon.ca for more info.

Tue Apr 12 & 19 Hand Building Pottery Drop-In 6:00 PM KIAC Space is limited to 6 participants, first come first served.

Tue Apr 12 & 19 English Conversation Club 7:00 PM YukonU A weekly English Conversation Club for immigrants in Dawson City.

FARO Monday thru Friday Open Gym 1:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Unstructured activity time where the gymnasium is available to students, families, and/or community members to play pick-up sports. Call 9942375 or email recreation@faroyukon.ca for more info.

Tuesdays & Thursdays Parent & Tots 10:00 AM Faro Recreation Centre Spend quality time with your child while you both have fun and learn and socialize. Call 994-2375 or email recreation@faroyukon.ca for more information.

Tuesdays & Thursdays Senior Yoga 1:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Carve out some time on the mat for this relaxing and gentle Yoga practice. Call 994-2375 or email recreation@ faroyukon.ca for more info.

Tuesdays & Thursdays Kids Club 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre For ages 6 to 13 Registration required, stop in or call 994-2375 Wednesdays 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.

Wednesdays Faro Seniors - Games and Walks 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Wednesdays Basketball (Open Court) 4:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Shoot some hoops, practice your skills on the open court. Call 994-2375 or email recreation@ faroyukon.ca for more info.

Wednesdays Kids Indoor Soccer 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Individual soccer skills and drills that emphasize, trapping, passing, footwork, shooting, headers, throwins, trap/pull backs and goal tending. Call 994-2375 or email recreation@faroyukon.ca Wednesdays Archery 4:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Wednesdays Bootcamp Fitness Camp 4:45 PM Faro Recreation Centre Join Cindy Bekk, if you have any questions call 332-9011 Thursdays Archery 7:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Fridays Family Crafts and Boardgames 4:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Saturdays Open Gym 4:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Unstructured activity time where the gymnasium is available to students, families, and/or community members to play pick-up sports. Call 9942375 or email recreation@faroyukon.ca for more info Tuesdays Faro Cross Country Skiing 4:00 PM Del Van Gorder School No registration or experience required, snacks provided, enjoy the ski trails! For more info email gnstaveley@gmail.com.

HAINES JUNCTION Daily Public Skate Bill Brewster Arena Mon 7:30-9:15, Tue, Thu & Fri 3:15-4:30 and 8:459:45, Wed 8:45-9:45 Sat 1:00-3:00 & 5:007:00, Sun 12:00-7:00 Tuesdays & Fridays Drop-in Hockey 7:30 Bill Brewster Arena Wednesdays Female Hockey 7:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena Wednesdays 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.

Wed Apr 6 & 13 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] Thu Apr 7 & 14 Vintage Hockey 7:30 PM Bill Brewster Arena Thu Apr 14 Jim Byrnes Live in Concert 7:00 PM St. Elias Convention Centre Music legend Jim Byrnes playing the blues and lighting up the stage. Email hainesjunctionjam@gmail. com for tickets.

Fri Apr 8 & 15 HJL Story Time 10:00AM Haines Junction Library Registration is required but the program is still run as a drop in. There is no commitment to come each week. https://bit.ly/3KmBdBC. Fri Apr 8 & 15 REC Hockey 7:30 PM Bill Brewster Arena Sun Apr 10 & 17 Curling 1:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena Mon Apr 11 & 18 Smart Recovery Meetings 8:00 PM Munku Hall Everyone welcome, call 334-5688 for more info.

Tue Apr 12 & 19 REC Hockey 7:30 PM Bill Brewster Arena

MARSH LAKE Wednesdays 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.

Thursdays Shuffleboard And Games Night 6:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre Jackalope Members & guests Thursdays Jackalope Open for drinks and snacks 5:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre Fridays Jackalope Open for drinks and snacks 5:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre Saturdays Knitting Circle 11:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre Everyone wielding a hook, needle or pin is welcome.

Saturdays Family Playtime and Open Gym 3:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre Saturdays Jackalope Open for Drinks and Snacks 3:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre Tuesdays North of 60 Seniors Coffee and Chat 2:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre Tuesdays Yoga With Richard 5:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre This is a New Horizons/Lotteries Yukon/Marsh Lake Community Society sponsored program which is being offered free of charge to participants. If you have a yoga mat, bring it.

If not, no worries, we have some available

MAYO Weekdays Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre Weekdays Mayo Mornings Parent and Tot Time 10:00 AM Mayo Recreation Centre Mondays Video Yoga Classes 5:15 PM Mayo Curling Arena Yoga Videos are used for leading each class. Bring your own Yoga mat or borrow ours. Drop-ins are welcome. For more info call 996-2043 8979962043 Mondays Dinner and Movie Night 5:00 PM Mayo Community Hall And Recreation Centre Tuesdays Drop-in Art Night 7:00 PM Mayo Curling Lounge If you can bring a photo that you would like to work from that would be great. No experience necessary.

Sundays St. Mary’s Church Service 11:00 AM St Mary’s Church (867)667-7746 Wednesdays 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.

OLD CROW Sundays St. Luke’s Church Service 11:00 AM St. Luke’s Church 867-993-5381 Wednesdays Parent and Tots 4:00 PM Old Crow Community Center Call 966-3015 for more info.

Wednesdays 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.

SKAGWAY Wednesdays Women’s Morning Worship 7:00 AM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway All are welcome. Part of the Alaska Presbytery and the PC U.S.A. Wednesdays Windy Valley Babies 10:30 AM Skagway Public Library Stories, Songs, and Fun with Ms. Anna! Designed for ages 0-3.

Fridays Skagway Teen Night 6:30 PM Skagway Public Library Sundays Sunday School 4:00 PM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway Sundays Sunday Worship 10:00 AM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway Fri & Sat Apr 15 2022 Skagway Spring Festival 12:00 PM Skagway A weekend full of fun filled family friendly events!

Fri Apr 15 SAC International Folk Festival 6:30 PM Skagway Arts Council 32nd Annual International Folk Festival, To sign up, call (360) 296-9538 or email skagwayartscouncil@gmail.com Sat Apr 16 Garden City Market 3:00 PM Skagway Brewing Co. A monthly gathering of talented local artisans sharing their creative wares, handcrafted jewelry, paintings, organic and wild harvested products, plants, some produce, candles, soap, fabric and wearable arts, baked goods, and much more Sat Apr 16 SAC Spring Show of Winter Work 8:00 AM Skagway Arts Council Artwork from locals of all ages and expertise show what they have created the past winter.

Sat Apr 16 Juan Solo Skagway Brewing Co.7:00 PM A great night of music from one of our favorite performers.

Sun Apr 17 Ryan Mandeville 7:30 AM Assembly of God, St. Thereses Catholic Church. A Community Worship Event. Join the churches of Skagway as they remember the resurrection of Jesus together at Pullen Pond. Service runs about 30 minutes and is outside, so please dress appropriately for the weather.

TAGISH Wed Apr 6 & 13 Seniors Computer Tutoring with Yukon Learn 1:00 PM Tagish Community Centre Computers, tablets phones, internet, email, social media, zoom... we can answer any of your questions. For more information call 1-888-668-6280 Wed Apr 6 & 13 Coffee And Chat 2:00 PM Tagish Community Centre

TESLIN Wed Apr 6 & 13 Pickleball 12:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Wed Apr 6 & 13 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.

Wed Apr 6 & 13 Community Art Program 6:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Meet in the Mezzanine Wed Apr 6 & 13 Afterschool Winter Sport 3:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre A mix of outdoor games and activities, for ages 6+ Wed Apr 6 & 13 Pickleball 7:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Thu Apr 7 & 14 Cross Country Ski Club 3:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Meet at Rec Plex, for ages 5+ Thu Apr 7 & 14 S.T.E.M Club 6:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Ages 6-12 Fri Apr 8 & 15 Public Skating 3:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Fri Apr 8 & 15 Drop In Basketball 7:00 PM Khàtìnas.àxh Community School Sat Apr 9 & 16 Drum Fit with Patti 10:00 AM Teslin Recreation Centre Do you have 50+ lbs to lose – this class is for you!

Sat Apr 9 & 16 Parent & Tot Play 1:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre For ages 5 and under with a parent Mon Apr 11 & 18 Adult Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Tue Apr 12 & 19 Kids Archery & Arctic Sport with YASC 3:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Tue Apr 12 & 19 Adult Archery & Arctic Sport with YASC 5:30 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

WATSON LAKE Wednesdays 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.

Mon & Thur Drop-in Pickleball & Badminton 7:00 PM Watson Lake Secondary School Come try out pickleball and badminton, ideal for ages 13+, more info at the rec centre.

Sundays St. John’s Church Service 10:00 AM St. John’s Church Service (867) 5362932 Thu Apr 7 & 14 Ski Lessons 11:00 AM Mt Maichen for kids and adults.

Fri Apr 8 & 15 Watson Lake Bowling League 7:00 PM Watson Lake Recreation Centre 4 players per team, teams must be pre-registered. To sign up, call Karalee at 335-7979.

Sat Apr 10 & 17 Baptiste Power Yoga 7:00 PM Fees apply. A muscle-shaping and mindsculpting workout, work at your own level and ability, set to electronic music.

Sun Apr 10 & 17Sunday Nite Volleyball 11:00 AM Watson Lake Secondary School Tue Apr 12 & 19 Curling 7:00 PM Watson Lake Recreation Centre Open to everyone, pay at the front desk and register.

April 6, 2022

21

whatsupyukon.com

THE NEWS DESK

column with Chris Colbourne What’s Up Yukon Editor

Chris Colbourne is the editor at What’s Up Yukon and back in the territory after a 15-year hiatus.

He has worked as both a photojournalist and print journalist for the past 20 years, had video work commissioned in Southeast Asia, worked for two National Geographic photographers, is an Eddie Adams Barnstorm alumni and was a staff photographer at the St. Albert Gazette for 10 years.

GOVERNMENT CAMPING FEES SET TO RISE THIS YEAR

W

orld Class. That’s an adjective that sums up the beauty, majesty and ruggedness that is the Yukon landscape. So it’s no wonder that people from all over the world make a visit to the territory a bucket-list priority to fulfill dreams of endless hiking, biking, fishing and hunting, to name a few.

Also not surprising is that camping throughout the Yukon is high on many travellers’ agendas. According to the territorial government’s own 2020– 2030 Yukon Parks Strategy plan, from 2008–2018, the number of people camping in government campgrounds increased 80 percent, to more than 89,000 campers per year. That also meant the use of those campground facilities more than doubled with the occupancy of campsites increasing 103 percent, to over 57,000 nights.

Backcountry camping, in popular backpacking areas like Tombstone Territorial Park, increased by 137 percent, and the number of visits to the Tombstone Interpretive Centre increased by 176 percent, to more than 27,000.

Needless to say, camping in the Yukon has become a much-soughtafter activity.

Erin Loxam, Communications Analyst (Environment), says it’s difficult to predict how busy 2022 will be, but reiterated the increase in use by pointing out that in 2021 the Yukon again saw record numbers of campground users.

“If our out-of-territory visitation numbers begin to recover, we anticipate a busy summer in our campgrounds and recreation areas. The serviced camping season starts April 29 in many campgrounds around the territory.”

According to YTG, the new fees will contribute to the maintenance and continued sustainability of the system of parks and campgrounds, to ensure users have continued access to quality and affordable camping experiences. Camping

fees will continue to include firewood and, starting this season, campers can pay online for a daily campground permit, using the

tions outlined in the Yukon Parks Strategy. Currently, camping fees only recover about 10 percent of the costs of services provided at Yukon campgrounds. The new fees will lead to a 20-percent recovery of costs. The 2022 serviced camping season will run from April 29 to October 2.

There will be no fee for unserved camping during the off-season. In 2021, the Yukon camping season was extended to open May 1, marking the earliest that Yukon campgrounds had ever opened.

PHOTO: YTG

same website they buy their annual campground permits and fishing licenses from. The last time the territory saw an increase in camping fees was two decades ago.

“As the first increase in twenty years, a daily camping permit now costs twenty dollars. if paying cash at the campground, up from twelve dollars. A pre-paid daily camping permit costs eighteen dollars if purchased online or at a vendor.” said Loxam, adding, “The Yukon resident annual camping permit now costs one-hundred dollars, up from fifty dollars. Yukon resident seniors receive a fifty-percent discount on all camping permits.”

The main goal of the all-in-one online shop is efficiency.

“We are making camping-permit purchasing easier and more accessible. Campers will now be able to purchase daily camping permits online at yukon.ca, just as they have for an annual camping permit and other Department of Environment permits,” Luxom said, noting this is the daily permit for camping and not a site-reservation website.

“We are considering options for an online site-reservation system in the future.”

Yukoners and visitors alike will not pay fees for day use, parking, vehicle access, boat-launch use and interpretive programming.

Updating park fees was included in one of the 10 strategic ac-

WEEKLY SPECIALS Monday: Burger & Beer Tuesday: Tacos & Margaritas Wednesday: Wing Night Thursday: Half price Pizza Friday: Fish & Chips, Fish Tacos Saturday: Dry Ribs Sunday: Caesars & Half price Nachos Stop by Whiskey Jacks Beer, Wine & Spirits

Ever yone Loves Gift s!

Certificate

For all your favorite adult bevvies! Join our points program and earn points with every purchase!

Follow us on

Take Out & Pick Up Service: Mon -Thurs: 4pm-10pm, Fri: 4pm-12am, Sat: 2:30pm-12am & Sun: 2:30pm-10pm Porter Creek Mall, 29 Wann Rd, (867) 456-4742

The 2022 fees include: Campground Permit: Daily (cash paid on-site), $20, and $10 for Yukon-resident seniors aged 65 and over Campground Permit: Daily (pre-paid voucher), $18, and $9 for Yukon-resident seniors aged 65 and over Campground Permit: Online, $18, and $9 for Yukonresident seniors aged 65 and over Campground Permit: Yukon Resident Annual, $100, and $50 for Yukon-resident seniors aged 65 and over Park Permit Application Fees (includes but is not limited to commercial filming, special events, research, commercially guided recreation): $40 Reservation Fee for Tombstone Backcountry Campgrounds: $10 So dig out your tent and sleeping bag. Gather the kids and the dog (and the bug spray!) and start planning a trip to one of the many campgrounds and territorial parks the Yukon has to offer.

Summer in the North is still short. n

! ? p u z z z z z t a h W Stand out from the rest

Give us a holler! e sales@whatsupyukon.com p 867-667-2910, ext. 2

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See It Here

April 6, 2022 Hello Everyone,

Have you seen something that just says YUKON? 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

By submitting your photo, you are giving permission for What’s Up Yukon to publish your photo for print andonline use.

We may also use your photo in marketing of this series.

Submitted by: Steve Wilson

Ice Fog Rising

The morning sun backlit the ice fog rising from the open water in the marshlands on Fish Lake Road

|

Photos taken with a Nikon D7200

EVERYTHING NEEDED TO CLEAN A RESTAURANT FROM FRONT TO BACK! DUSTBANE’S FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM INCLUDES: 8 cleaning products available in 1L RTU or 4L concentrate format.

These products are cost-effective and the program is very simple to implement.

All products come with MSDS and proper dilution information.

PLUS there is also a Bleach substitute called UNITAB. It’s a Food safe disinfectant and sanitizing tablet. It is safer and easier to use.

A G-P REPRESENTATIVE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A SITE VISIT TO ASSESS AND HELP IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM.

g-pdistributing.com

EMAIL US FOR MORE INFORMATION: orders.foodservice@g-pdistributing.com 29 MacDonald Road, Whitehorse • 867-667-4500 • Monday to Friday: 8 am to 5 pm

April 6, 2022

whatsupyukon.com

THE ROAD TO A LONG LIFE STARTS WITH A SHORT TEST. A simple blood test could lead to the detection of prostate cancer before it’s too late. #GetTheBloodTest

With the generous support from Yukoners, the Yukon Ride For Dad has raised over $1 million in the fight against prostate cancer. Your generous pledges to our Riders and the great work done by the current and future members of our Captain’s Club is making a difference.

Join us the weekend of June 10!

Ride, pledge a rider or make a donation at RideForDad.ca/Yukon Facebook.com/RideForDadYukon

23

24

whatsupyukon.com

To register for the Victoria Gold Klondike Gold Ruff Virtual Run, please visit: raceroster.com/events/2022/57299/victoria-gold-klondike-gold-ruff-2022

April 6, 2022

COMMUNITY

Victoria Gold Klondike Gold Ruff Virtual Run After great success in 2021, Victoria Gold is proud to be the title sponsor of the second annual Victoria Gold Klondike Gold Ruff Virtual Run again this year to raise funds and awareness for the Humane Society Yukon.

THE

KLONDIKE GOLD RUFF VIRTUAL RUN! May 20th-23rd 2022 Raise funds by collecting donations to support animal welfare in the Yukon!

Complete a 5 km, 10 km, or half marathon run or walk anywhere on any surface. Furry four legged friends are welcome to join!

Race package with t-shirt, finisher’s medal + other goodies included with every registration $45 for local pick up of race package in select Yukon locations https://raceroster.com/events/57299 Registration open across Canada + internationally!

Registration closes May 19. Register by April 1 to guarantee your t-shirt size!

The company will also register a team with participants from throughout Victoria Gold’s operations, including employees at the Eagle Gold Mine site, and encourages its contractors to enter teams as well to stimulate some ‘friendly competition’ for this important cause.

This virtual 5km, 10km and half marathon run or walk can be completed anywhere, on any surface and anytime over the Victoria Day long weekend, May 20 and May 23, 2022 with proceeds to support animal welfare in the territory.

Registration closes on Thursday, May 19. This year’s race T-shirt is once again designed by Yukon artist Monika Melnychuk and is printed in the territory.

“Victoria Gold encourages Yukoners and their pets join us in this virtual race to raise money for the Mae Bachur Animal Shelter in Whitehorse and other animal rescue operations in the territory,” says John McConnell, Victoria Gold President & CEO. “We would like to thank our community sponsors, including our title sponsor Victoria Gold, for their continued support and generosity,” says the Humane Society Yukon.

The Eagle Gold Mine is situated within Victoria Gold’s 100 per cent-owned Dublin Gulch Property located approximately 375 kilometres north of Whitehorse and 85 kilometres north, northeast of the Village of Mayo, within the traditional territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun (FNNND). The company employs over 500 workers and contractors; half of which are Yukoners At Work and many are FNNND citizens.

If you are a Yukoner with mining experience, Victoria Gold encourages you to become a Yukoner At Work. Visit the “Work For Us” page at vgcx.com/contact/work-for-us/ and send your resume to greatpeoplework@vgcx.com.