What's Up Yukon, April 5, 2023

PHOTO: Peter Mather Photography

Smoke & Vape Shop S Smoke

What’s Up Yukon Editora

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.

The search for the last of the ice bears

The Yukon is synonymous with many things— vast wilderness, majestic mountains, traditional peoples, ravens, caribou, salmon ... But perhaps the most iconic of them all is the grizzly bear. More precisely, the ice bears.

These enduring creatures roam the icy shores of rivers, in places like Kluane and Klukshu, and stay out in search of returning coho, chum and sockeye salmon, long after other bears have sought their dens as they hibernate for the long Yukon winter. So it’s not surprising that a small team of Yukon filmmakers jumped at the opportunity to make a short film called Kings Of The North

A grizzly bear, with a freshly-caught coho salmon, under the aurora borealis

about these tenacious bears, the food they seek and the menagerie of other animals surviving in a delicate world affected by climate change and the continued effect on the salmon’s habitat.

Photographer Peter Mather, videographer Peter Zenkl and sound engineer Matthew Lien came together over the past two years to turn what began as a photography project for Mather into a major passion project for the trio. Mather said he and Zenkl were using camera traps, to capture images of the elusive ice bears, when the idea of documenting them with video sprang to life.

“We kind of accidentally made a film about grizzly bears that fish for salmon in winter,” Mather said. He added that they applied

for funding to be able to transition over to documenting the work on video.

Then things started to get traction.

“Before we knew it, all these other people wanted to get involved with the film.”That’s when Mather reached out to Lien, who helped with the sound design, colour grading and writing, to name a few. Mather says, in reality, it’s a team that is simply three filmmakers who collaborated to bring this story to life.

As for the story itself, Mather said it’s a two-pronged approach. “We wanted to do two things. We wanted to make a film about cont’d on page 3 ...

PHOTOS: Peter Mather Photography

a photographer on a mission and (secondly) we wanted to use that as a way to kind of tell natural history and important environmental stories about the Yukon.”

Mather said what happens to the bears and the salmon they eat also affects the wolves, eagles and also the First Nations people living in the area.

Having an opportunity to document these bears is something Mather has wanted to do since he was a youngster, an emerging photographer, and hearing stories about the famous ice bears. He recalled one about an older bear, in the village of Klukshu, who was respectfully named “The Mayor” by locals who said the older bear would often drive off younger bears from the site. Mather said it made for a good

relationship between the bear and the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation (CAFN) using the river, as it reduced the chances of human-bear contact.

Zenkl, who has been photographing and filming northern lifestyles in the Yukon for the last several years, for magazines and social media in Europe, said the opportunity to work with Mather was an amazing one. He said it was definitely hard work (he also happened to become a new father during this time), and those two major changes in his life have helped define who he is, he said.

“It’s so intense and it’s so beautiful, powerful and emotional and to finally have something that is close to being finished and [have something] to show for it.

Lien echoed those sentiments and said the trio worked well together and “worked by consensus.”

Lien has a history of working on past projects with the National Film Board (NFB) and with Whitehorsian Mike Rudyk who is an Indigenous filmmaker and CBC video journalist, he said, so jumping on-board with the ice bears film

was no problem because it meant something to everyone.

“I do projects like this. I don’t do projects that don’t have a heart.” Lien added that working with Mather and Zenkl and their attitude, with the material they captured and their work ethic, was inspiring.

“It’s an honour to be able to partake in the shaping of it.”

The film will premiere at the Yukon Arts Centre on April 6 at 7:15 p.m. and will show again in Haines Junction at the St. Elias Convention Centre, April 14.

Mather said that, in addition to Kings Of the North, there will be a 10-minute movie called A Place For Fishing, by the Grizzly Bear Foundation, about CAFN Elder Chuck Hume, followed by a talk by Phil Timpany, a Yukon filmmaker and bear guide who is considered one of the most-knowledgeable bear experts around. Timpany can often be found frequenting Bear Cave Mountain in Yukon’s Ni’iinlii Njik (Fishing Branch) Territorial Park and Habitat Protection Area

Around 35 guests had the opportunity to screen the film at

Winterlong Brewery on March 27, with the local brewer launching a special Session IPA aptly named Ice Bear. Mather said proceeds from the new brew will go to the Pacific Salmon Foundation (www.psf.ca).

Winterlong co-owner Meghan Marjanovic said the trio was looking for a sponsor and she said yes and thought about how they could make a beer to compliment the film.

“They were on-board with that,” she said, adding, “Whenever we make a new beer, we, like, try and do something different [or] creative and try something new out.”

One of the film’s other sponsors, Victoria Gold Corp., also partnered with Mather to create a limited-edition book also titled Kings Of the North, he said.

For more information and other showtimes and locations, visit www.peterzenkl-photography. com/kingsofthenorth n

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THE YUKON YOUTH SUMMIT

The 2023 Yukon Youth Summit will be held at the Yukon Arts Centre April 16–19

The upcoming Yukon Youth Summit has a few main goals, according to Lindsay Cornell, executive director of Boys & Girls Club (BGC) Yukon and elected co-chair and fiscal convener of the Communities Building Youth Futures (CBYF) Yukon project. One is to create a large, connected and meaningful event for young people in the Yukon to come together in person, post-pandemic; the second is to facilitate an avenue to ensure that youth voices are celebrated in all aspects; and the third is to finalize the Territorial Youth Strategy (TYS).

“In terms of the goal to finalize the strategy and why it’s con-

nected to the summit, the TYS came out of one of our town halls in 2018,” said Cornell, noting these town halls have been going on since 2017. “There was a call with a number of things going on, including mental wellness. The opioid crisis started in 2016, so by 2018 we were really seeing it.

“There’s a number of different challenges with remote communities, and voices meaningfully heard, and how decisions were being made. And so, at the time, we had ministers and young people and chiefs and community organizations all come together, and one of the calls was to create a strategy.”

The Yukon Youth Summit takes place over four days from April 16–19 at the Yukon Arts Centre (YAC). The first and last days are shorter, and all four days are

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full of activities and opportunities for youth. The events are mainly geared towards those within the 16–30 age bracket, but younger youth can participate, with guardian permission, in some cases. Throughout the four days, some of the activities and events include a youth concert, presentations by guest speakers, breakout sessions, and a sacred fire near the YAC (led by the Fire Keepers) to bookend the summit. “The seventeenth will be a youthfocused day,” said Erin Cartan, project coordinator for CBYF. “So, we’re asking to have as few adults as we can on that day. We want it to be youth coming together and just being able to feel comfortable and work together on that day.” The summit will also involve evening events at the Canada Games Centre (CGC) as well as at the BGC. In addition to CBYF, event sponsors of the Yukon Youth Summit include the Yukon government, the Youth of Today Society, BGC Yukon, Kwanlin Dun, BYTE, the Yukon Child & Youth Advocacy Office, the Ta’an Kwӓch’än Council, the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) and Air North. “The Territorial Youth Strategy will go—once the final draft is done at the summit—back into communities where leaders will have a final look at it, because they’re also going to identify priority for this year,” said Cornell. “And then there’ll be a formal signing ceremony in June, and everyone will be invited back.”

The team also aims to have the next Yukon Youth Summit the same time next year, and in future years going forward. To learn more and see schedules and other information, as it becomes available, as well as to register and find out how you can get involved, visit yukonyouthsummit.com Registration for the event is free and it can be attended in person or virtually. n

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

Freelance with Manus Hopkins

CBYF’s youth staff creating awards at Lumel Studios for the summit

PHOTO: Boys & Girls Club (BGC) Yukon

MAKING A FASHION STATEMENT

A Yukon-based fashion designer shows her work in Milan

On a narrow street in Milan, motor scooters are parked on the side of the road and people are rushing by. A woman is wearing a black dress with floral patterns. It’s not just any dress she is wearing: it’s a dress inspired by the Granny Hanky and designed by

Indigenous fashion designer Robyn McLeod who is based in Ross River.

On her social-media profile, she was sharing behind-the-scenes pictures of her trip to Milan in February. The Granny-Hanky dress made the long journey to Italy, along with other dresses from McLeod’s collection. “This dress got a lot of attention,” she said. It’s a dress with the typical floral print of Granny handkerchiefs, which are not only worn by Yukon First Nation Elders, but also by elderly Ukrainian women.

McLeod was asked to showcase her work at White Milano, the trade show for international womenswear in Milan, Italy. The Indigenous show was part of the White Milan Fashion Week section for up-and-coming designers. It’s a trade show centered around luxury items. The designers offered a diverse glimpse into the Indigenous

While Indigenous fashion is featured on platforms like Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, being present at Milan Fashion Week was the next big step for Indigenous designers to be recognized.

“Indigenous fashion just started showing on an international stage.

What we show is beautiful and unique,” McLeod said. She was one of six

Indigenous designers from all over Canada: First Nations, Inuit and Métis designers were represented at White Milan Fashion Week.

McLeod is a member of the Deh Gáh Got’įę First Nation in the Dehcho (Deh Cho) Region of the N.W.T. where she grew up. Making clothes was in her being, she said. She grew up in a family whose members would constantly make clothes. It was natural that she would do the same. “Fashion is an important form of expression for me and helps me to show my creativity in a way that no other form of art could give me. For Indigenous people, it has so much deeper meaning.

“Fashion, to me, is magic, love and healing.”

McLeod took a two-year fashion-design program at the Blanche Macdonald Centre in Vancouver. Five years ago, she moved to the Yukon and attended the Yukon School of Visual Arts (SOVA) in Dawson City. She now lives with her two kids and her partner in Ross River.

She is constantly designing dresses, jewellery and accessories. Her recent collection is called Dene Futurism. She mixes typical northern styles—Granny Hanky patterns and moosehide skirts— with futuristic-looking accessories such as fluorescent visors with beaded details. The women in her family did the bead work.

From Milan, McLeod is bringing back a worldly experience of fashion, she told What’s Up Yukon She is also proud of being selected for White Milano. It was the first time that a delegation of Indigenous Canadian designers have gone to Milan, the epicentre of European fashion. The initiative was

organized by Indigenous Fashion Arts (IFA), with the support of the Canadian Embassy, Canadian Heritage and the Canada Council for the Arts. Sage Paul, co-founder of Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto, was leading the group.

The trip to Milan was an opportunity for McLeod to experience fashion on an international stage. “I live in a small community, so I don’t have experience [with] what people want to buy in fashion.” She learned that people are looking for upcycling fashion and was inspired to do her Upcycled collection.

“I learned that the world loves sustainable and upcycled fashion, and I am here for it.”

This idea meets the challenge of getting materials for making fashions in the North. McLeod has to order almost everything online and pay for shipping. Working with used

material could be the solution.

Another observation McLeod made in Milan was about the way people dressed. She said, “In Milan, everyone wore black.” When she came back to the Yukon, McLeod noticed that Canadians were wearing far too many leggings: “We look like we are about to go hiking,” she said jokingly.

White Milano was not the only fashion show for McLeod. Last June, she was selected to attend Toronto Indigenous Fashion Week as part of the Fashion Forward initiative supported by the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCT) and Yukon government’s Department of Economic Development.

Robyn McLeod is thinking about the future: she wants to add commercialization to her luxury couture. “I just add a commercialization to it,” she said, referring to her work. “Maybe my clothing can be affordable in the future. Looking towards that future, McLeod added, “I’ll keep doing what I am doing.” n

Elke Reinauer is a writer, based in Germany, with strong ties to the Yukon. Please email comments about her articles to editor@whatsupyukon.com

Freelance with Elke Reinauer

PHOTO: Robyn McLeod

Robyn McLeod at Milan Fashion Week

Robyn McLeod’s design at Milan Fashion Week in Milan, Italy (modelled by Amber Etzel)

PHOTO: Rooby Dick

SEASONAL RECIPES

FENNEL, GREEN BEANS AND QUINOA

With Eggs and Anchovies

Warm or cold, this simple selection of ingredients tastes fresh and perfect for a simple spring meal.

Serves 2.

Ingredients:

❑ 3 Tbsp butter

❑ 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced

❑ Salt and pepper, to taste

❑ 1 cup cooked quinoa

❑ 500g green beans, blanched

❑ 4 eggs

❑ Drizzle of olive oil

❑ 8 anchovy filets

❑ Sliced green onions, to garnish

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter. When melted and beginning to brown, add sliced fennel and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing often until the fennel is soft and brown and begins to taste a bit sweet. Remove from heat.

2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and have a bowl of ice and water on hand. Once the pot is boiling, drop the eggs in and adjust the heat so that the pot is on a gentle simmer. Cook eggs for 8 minutes, then remove from the pot and place the eggs into an ice bath to cool. Once cool enough to handle, carefully peel the eggs.

3. Toss the fennel, green beans and quinoa together and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Then drizzle with olive oil. Divide the quinoa mixture between two plates, then slice the eggs in half and place on top of the quinoa. Top each egg with an anchovy filet and sprinkle with sliced green onions. n

Cooked quinoa

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.

PHOTOS: Sydney Keddy

Blanched green beans

Softened fennel

Fennel, Green Beans and Quinoa

Sliced fennel Browning

BUBBLE LIFE

TO TASTE ‘A PERFECT SUMMER DAY’

Custom-made bubbles from France will transport you to summer, any time of the year

Afew months ago I had the pleasure of travelling to Québec City for a few days. While there were many highlights of the trip, there is one thing that stood out—a new Champagne discovery. The brand is called Gisele Devavry and is based out of the Champagne region in France, located in a town called Champillon. But what is particularly unique is that the version of Champagne I had can only be found in Québec City, at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

The Château Frontenac is an iconic hotel that looks like a castle and overlooks sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River. Part of the Canadian-owned Fairmont hotels, the Château has an impressive 610 guest rooms and suites. Nestled inside this massive hotel is a 5-Star restaurant called Champlain. Visually, the restaurant is very impressive. When you first enter, there is a glass cabinet that houses a very expensive bottle of limitededition Cognac. Lots of rich woods and wine racks make up the walls, along with fireplaces, dark wood floors and a window wall that overlooks the St. Lawrence. Once I was seated, the server explained, in detail, the menu of the night and then described their specialty wines. I was very much intrigued when he got to the bottle of Gisele Devavry This particular brut style of Champagne was made especially for the Château Frontenac (the full French name is Gisèle Devavry, Édition Le Château Frontenac Premier Cru, Champagne). Seeing how exclusive it was, I just had to try it.

When the bottle arrived, it was exciting. The label had a decorative gold border, and after the name of the Champagne was “Fairmont Château Frontenac.”

As for the taste, it was simply divine. The first flavours I tasted were apple and pear, followed by a light citrus and finished with a perfectly sweet berry taste. The flavours blended perfectly. The sweetness was well-balanced and the body was light and rich tasting and full of flavour. In my opinion, I do not think that a more-perfect Champagne exists. This special edition of Gisele Devavry tastes like a perfect summer day.

Unfortunately, this bottle is

not sold for personal use. You can only get it if you dine at Le Champlain or are a guest at Château Frontenac and order through room service. Because I enjoyed this bottle so much, I did some digging into the brand. There are many types of Champagne that Gisele Devavry produces. Purchasing them, however, may be a bit of a challenge, as not many retailers carry the product. But, should you find yourself in France, you can always stop by the vineyard for a tour of the picturesque grounds, the unique Champagne cave and, of course, to sample from their Champagne collection. n

Gisèle Devavry, Édition Le Château Frontenac Premier Cru, Champagne

PHOTO: Angela Szymczuk

column with Angela Szymczuk

Angela Szymczuk is a Whitehorse-based writer and espresso-infused, newsconsuming “machine” who loves the gym, boxing and spin classes, while still finding time to enjoy a Macanudo cigar, a glass of Glenfiddich 18-year-old scotch, and to ponder how she might teach her cat to scuba dive.

STEP OUTSIDE

EVERYONE LOVES BANNOCK

The grandkids and the dog love it, and so does the squirrel at the feeder. Making it is in the category of “easypeasy,” and even with the addition of extra ingredients, it stays pretty simple. All-purpose flour, salt, baking powder and water is all it takes, and everybody already has those ingredients on hand. Mix 2 cups flour, a tsp baking powder and ½ tsp of table salt. Mix the dry ingredients and add water as you mix until you have a dough that is midway between gooey and dry, not runny like pancake batter. You are now ready to cook, one way or another.

Frying is the most-common cooking method, and lard is probably best but any cooking oil works fine. For my bannock, the pan has just a thin layer of oil on the bottom. I spoon the dough so I end up with usually four in the pan at a time. They can touch one another, but that does slightly complicate turning them over. Use the edge of the spatula to separate them. The cooking should be at medium to low temps, and you will learn by experience as stoves and fires give varying amounts of heat.

Many bannock cookers use oil/ lard deep enough that the pieces float in the hot oil and do not touch the bottom of the pan. When they are done they are very similar to pieces of battered, deep-fried fish. My pieces are brown from contact with the pan, but both methods work well.

Bannock mix makes excellent, simple pancakes just by making the batter more runny. It also is an excellent dumpling mix if spooned on top of a stew or soup for the last half-hour of cooking.

The bannock dry mix can be prepared in advance and stored in a Ziplock. When you have a craving, just mix water with some or all of the dry ingredients. A Ziplock or plastic food container can be used to keep a supply of pieces in the freezer. Depending on your microwave, 30–45 seconds

on high will thaw and warm it. Slice it top to bottom and toast it. This is particularly good with dried fruit in the original mix. I don’t think making bannock can ever be made complicated, but to move it up a notch, try adding some of the following to the original contents: dried blueber-

ries, cranberries, rhubarb, raisins, shredded cheese, bacon bits—and always add cinnamon powder. Milk powder, maple syrup, an egg or two, some whole-wheat flour and your favourite spices can also be included.

Bannock can also be baked as muffins. They are better with

dried fruit in the mix. Bake in a muffin tray at 350 F until the tops are golden-brown, about 25–30 minutes.

A sticky batter can also be wrapped around a stick over a fire, but the thought of it falling into the fire has caused me to avoid this method. n

Bannock has become a staple in our personal world

Bannock

PHOTO: Pixabay

column with

Larry Leigh

Larry Leigh is an avid angler, hunter and all-round outdoors person who prefers to cook what he harvests himself. He is a past president of the Canadian Wildlife Federation and a retired hunter-education coordinator for the Government of Yukon.

THE FISH CAMP VISITORS

ended up at a small gravel pit and stopped to smoke a cigarette they had “borrowed” from another member of the group. Then, out of the bush, some 25 metres away, came what they thought was a black bear. But as it got closer to them, they realized it was not a bear at all. This thing was walking on two legs, had to be a couple of metres high, was covered with thick black hair and was very muscular and huge, according to the witness.

They were in shock, not really knowing what to do. The bipedal, ambulating entity was about 10 metres away, by now, and coming towards them. This is when they decided to head back to the fish camp.

This camp is located a short distance upstream from Yukon Crossing, a former roadhouse during the days of the paddlewheeler, along the famous Dawson Overland Trail between Whitehorse and Dawson City, which operated from 1902 to 1955.

The gentleman had been at his aunt’s fish camp for about a week, helping with the chores and such, at around 6 p.m. in mid-July of 1990, when he decided to take an ATV for a ride, along with his younger brother, who was about 14 at the time (the fella I was talking with was 16 years of age then).

Following a few trails, they

Arriving at the fish camp, they told their father of the encounter with this strange creature, explaining in as much detail as they could remember while still in shock. The father told them that it was a bushman (a sasquatch) and not to be afraid as they were not mean, in his opinion.

Later on that evening, as it was getting darker, the family could see movement and hear noises in the nearby bush. Something was walking about, yet they could not clearly see anything. The two dogs they had with them simply went crazy, said the witness and were trying to hide until they finally got them into the cabin.

At around 11 that night, most

of the family went into the cabin and tried to sleep. Two men stayed outside, sort of guarding the place, with rifles close by, while feeding the campfire and being ready for any eventuality.

The movements continued well into the night, then at times around 2 a.m. when things quieted down and no more movements could be observed or heard. Had the noisemakers, the bushmen, gone away? Who knows.

Figuring it was now safe, the two gentlemen decided to go into the cabin, as well, and while one would stay up watching, the other one would sleep, switching every hour or so till morning.

When morning came, the two

gentlemen went out and looked around, rifles still in hand. All seemed quiet—no movement, no sounds. They ventured closer to the smokehouse and noticed that a few salmon had gone missing. A few minutes later, one of the men was descending closer to the water’s edge where he noticed a pile of fish bones beside the trail. It was neatly stacked.

Now let me ask: Who or what stacked the fish bones? We know that bears, while eating fish, will simply let the bones fall to the ground, wherever they so happen to fall. But to neatly stack such bones, in such a fashion, would show some sort of intelligence on the part of the fish consumer, in

my opinion. Why was it done in such a way? Were they trying to convey a message? A “thank-you note,” perhaps?

As the gentleman explained to me, during the interview, the viewpoint of First Nation Peoples, as they know that sasquatch must eat—must feed—is that they accept the fact that, on occasions, food would be taken from food caches, fish-camp smokehouses and other places where it can be easily accessed. That’s life. I visited the location in late summer of 2005 and would usually stop by when travelling around those parts, but I have not found any signs of activity that may be related to their visitor—yet. n

In May of 2005, I was talking with a gentleman of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) who was describing an encounter he and his brother had with a sasquatch, while at their aunt’s fish camp on the Yukon River

Fish drying at a camp

PHOTO: Government of Yukon

Red Grossinger is a Sasquatch enthusiast, investigator and a published author living in the Yukon.

WORK

RIPPING OUT LIFE’S ‘NASAL HAIR’

didn’t help. Anxiety and stress were more present, more of the time.

Whenever I’m asked, “What exactly does a weekly men’s circle bring you?” and “What has changed?” I pluck my nasal hair is usually the first thing that comes to mind.

Trivial for some, perhaps, but a game changer for me.

I quickly reached an age where there was much more hair sprouting all over my body, except where I wanted it most—my head. I was at a loss at how to deal with the thick nasal hair growing and poking out of my nose.

“Yank it out!” my female friends said (and a lot of men, too). However, I was never good with physical pain. Not a fan. I gravitated towards comfort. So I endeavoured to find a less painful, even pain-free, solution.

I spent years purchasing gadgets that promised this. While painless, every one of them failed to keep the hair in my nose under control. I also learned that tender nasal membranes are no place for any form of depilatory cream. Once the burning stopped, I settled for a weekly routine of diligent trimming with a small pair of rounded scissors.

Since I was getting older, opting for comfort and safety became the norm. Unless we’re talking food, new experiences become less frequent. Learning a new board game, language or skill became activities I avoided. And my world got smaller as my waist got bigger. Fear became a frequent companion—fear of change, aging, the new (and fear of those who embraced it).

Prioritizing comfort and safety

“Why can’t life—everything— just be easier,” I complained. The universe was a frustrating and relentless antagonist, determined to thwart any ease I sought or found.

Something had to give.

At my first meeting, I surveyed the nine men around me. I wasn’t quite the oldest, but most were younger. Despite not knowing the men I was comparing myself to, I found myself lacking.

My inner dialogue screamed Get out. Run! You don’t belong here. You’re not like these other

responsibility for all areas of our lives (no more blaming the government, our parents or the universe for what’s not working) and taking action to change it.

It’s facing all of the ways we numb ourselves to avoid difficult emotions. Facing all of the ways we avoid conflict, difficult con-

It’s facing whatever life throws at you and knowing I can handle this, and, if you can’t, that the other men standing alongside you have your back. It’s understanding that pain is inevitable and that suffering is a choice.

It’s plucking your nasal hair.

Three years later, I have better tools, deeper friendships and a stronger relationship. I show up better for myself, which means I show up better for everyone else in my life. I lean into difficult conversations. I am more resilient. I know what fills my cup and do more of that. I appreciate that fear is a message—a temporary companion—not a permanent state of being. I know where my edge is and live life from there.

Sitting in Circle with other men, every week, I’ve learned we’re all struggling with similar challenges, similar self-judgements and recriminations, and similar fears. And we each think we’re the only one going through it.

I’ve witnessed men who’ve turned their lives around—who move beyond addictive behaviour, who switch jobs, change careers, improve their health, set boundaries and end a toxic relationship.

Each man is on his own journey. Each man discovers his edge in his own time.

In January 2020, I joined a new Men’s Circle in Whitehorse. The Circle leader met me for coffee beforehand and asked, “Why do you want to join?”

“My comfort zone has become a prison,” I said. “I need better tools to tackle what life is throwing at me. Friendships are fading. I need to be a better friend. I have to stop hiding, running away from life. It’s not getting me anywhere.”

“I think this will help,” he said.

“It’s helped me.”

men. They can’t help you.

I stayed. Partly because fear froze me in place. Partly because I didn’t trust this voice anymore; it hadn’t guided me very well. I was going to try something else.

What exactly is men’s work?

It’s the work of growing up, maturing, becoming seasoned, self-reliant.

It’s being curious why we act and react in the ways we do and then owning our emotions and taking action to find balance.

It’s becoming sovereign, taking

versations, hard decisions. Accepting that our answers can’t be found, our growth can’t occur, deep within our comfort zone. It’s accepting that growth happens beyond the edge of comfort. We must embrace the unknown and accept the possibility of failure.

It’s asking for help and sharing the parts you’ve always believed no one could love. It’s making the long, arduous journey from our heads to our hearts. Accepting praise. Self-love. Self-care. Selftrust.

In Circle, we call attention to each other’s blind spots, our weak defence of the status quo, our familiar complaints, and ask “What are you going to do about it? How will you change this? How can we help?” And we celebrate one another for each and every step taken to shift from being stuck, to moving forward.

It’s incredible to see the distance each man has travelled after their first year, and then the exponential growth that follows.

What discomfort are you avoiding? n

Comfort and the safe option rarely get you where you want to be

It’s facing all of the ways we numb ourselves to avoid difficult emotions

PHOTO: Pixabay

column with Michael Vernon

The ARKA Brotherhood is a transformative community of conscious men who are positively changing the world through self-leadership and selfmastery attained in weekly in-person and online men’s circles. Michael Vernon leads one of two circles in Whitehorse and knows what fills his cup. If you identify as male and could use better tools to face your challenges, email mjvernon@gmail.com, or visit arkabrotherhood.com

A Celebration of Swans Festival des cygnes 2023

The swans are back!

Join in Yukon’s premier biodiversity festival until April 30. Registration is required for most events. Please register at Yukon.ca/swans.

APRIL 5

Spring Birds Of Swan Haven 7pm

Location: Yukon University, Whitehorse. Rm A2206.

Enjoy a presentation by expert birder and photographer, Jukka Jantunen. He will share identification and viewing tips for common spring birds at Swan Haven and around the Southern Lakes. Registration required.

APRIL 12

Bat House Building Workshop 6-9pm

Location: Northlight Innovation

Learn about the biology and conservation of these small, flying mosquito-eaters, how bat houses are helpful, and where to place your bat house. Yukonstruct woodworkers will help you assemble your bat house. Wear old clothes that can get Stained. Registration required.

APRIL 15

A Spiritual Celebration Of Swans 10am

Location: Swan Haven

All are welcome to this time of quiet reflection, where we’ll gather with members of different faith communities to express our gratitude to the swans and the return of spring. There will be readings, discussions, meditations and song from Christian,  Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh faiths. Share in the  celebration and then enjoy a beautiful morning at Swan Haven together.

APRIL 15

New Yukoner Day 2 & 3pm

Location: Swan Haven

New to the territory? Come to Swan Haven to experience one of nature’s outstanding spectacles: mass bird migration. Join us for a guided walk along the shoreline trail to learn why so many birds gather in this place. All Yukoners and visitors – new and old – are welcome! There is also a free shuttle– the Swan Bus! See website for details and registration

APRIL 16

Bird Origami, 1 - 3 pm

Location: Swan Haven Friendly guides will help you fold your way to beautiful, origami creations. Hosted by the Japanese Canadian Association of Yukon.

APRIL 18

Bird Nest Box Building Workshop 6, 7, 8pm

Location: Northlight Innovation

Help our feathered friends by building them a home. The skilled folks at Yukonstruct will guide you through the assembly of your very own nesting box for small birds such as chickadees and nuthatches. Little builders are most welcome, but each child or youth must have an adult helper. Registration required.

For our complete events calendar, visit: Yukon.ca/swans

APRIL 22-23

Family Weekend, 12-3:30 pm

The whole family is welcome to attend an afternoon of swan watching and fun activities. We’ll have games, crafts, a guided scope station and more! Bring your own lunch or check out the lunch menu and baked goods at our next-door neighbours, McClintock Bay Adventures.

APRIL 26

Seniors Tea, 1-4 pm

Location: Swan Haven

The Marsh Lake Community Society invites you to enjoy tea, coffee, sandwiches, homemade goodies, and peaceful swan viewing. Seniors and Elders are warmly welcomed.

APRIL 29

Bird Banding 101, 1-2:30 pm

Location: Swan Haven

Come learn all about Yukon’s bird-banding stations from the experts themselves. Weatherpermitting, members of the Society of Yukon Bird Observatories will demonstrate banding techniques and talk about bird banding in the Yukon.

ARTIST: Nhesa Patoy

CALLING ALL YUKON SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS!

Want to learn about unique tools and support available to help you build and grow your business?

Startup Canada Tour is coming to Whitehorse on Tuesday, April 25, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm at Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. This is a great opportunity for artists, makers, and small business owners to connect with the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem, build out your network, learn from industry experts, and apply that knowledge back into your business! This event is presented by UPS Canada and hosted in partnership with Yukonstruct and BDC.

Featuring guest speakers:

• The Honourable Ranj Pillai, Premier of the Yukon, Government of Yukon

• Andrei Samson, Executive Director, Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce

• Ben Pereira, President & CEO, Neighbourly North

• Caitlyn McMaster, Manager - Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Yukon University

• Bob Baxter, President, Yukon Brewing Company

• Elder Dianne Smith, Kwanlin Dün First Nation

• Geoff Woodhouse, Senior Business Advisor, Department of Economic Development, Government of Yukon

• Katie Young, Founder, Klondike Kettle Corn

• Lisa Preto, Community Outreach Manager, Yukonstruct

• Myles Hougen, Co-Founder, Yukon Built

• Nicky Rosenberg, Senior Innovation Advisor - Innovators Experience, Innovation Canada

• Paul Gaspar, Director of Small Business, UPS Canada

• Teresa Ward, Founder & President, Grandma Treesaw’s Bannock & Catering Services

• Torrine Johnson, Yukon Regional Director Operations, CanNor

• And more!

Startup Canada Tour - Whitehorse is FREE to attend. REGISTER NOW at startupcanadatour.ca

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE!

WILL WE EVER BE HEALTHY AGAIN?

Those little germ collectors regularly sideline as germ dispensers, and while parents can do everything in their power to keep their kids healthy, it seems that the endless cycle of household illnesses is inevitable.

I had been warned about the many illnesses my son would catch when he first started attending daycare. I was also told to expect those first two years to be the worst for him getting sick, and it made sense: his little immune system, which had been wellguarded on the home front, would be suddenly thrust into a new environment filled with a plethora of new points of contact. And given the fact that toddlers don’t seem to understand the concept of personal space, it is no wonder that

germs intermingle freely amongst them.

Sharing is caring, after all—so why would they keep their colds to themselves? That’s just being selfish!

Having been a first-time mom during the height of the pandemic, keeping my son healthy was, and continues to be, a top priority. Regular check-ins with the doctor, keeping him up-to-date with his shots, and an endless routine of handwashing helped to keep my little boy healthy for the first year of his life. I consider myself lucky that I didn’t have to see my child get seriously ill until he was about 16 months old.

The first time your kid gets sick is difficult for any parent. My little one’s first battle with sickness was with croup, and I remember how scary it was as I cradled my little guy in my arms and felt the jaggedness of his breathing up against my chest. While the nurse we had was an absolute angel who provided every possible comfort,

I will never forget how terrifying that moment was.

Luckily, most of the daycare and school-bound illnesses are not that severe. Though, the frequency of how often illnesses enter our home these days is something I wish could improve. I am not alone in this. I have spoken to many parents who agree that their children are constantly getting sick and finding themselves in a similar pattern—a pattern that allows families to enjoy a twoweek reprieve before the next bug comes along.

It’s exhausting and can really take a toll on household morale.

But what can we do about it?

Well, we can fight it as best we can. We can use medicines or antibiotics, or home remedies (especially as drugstore aisles remain bare across the country), and we can get lots of rest and keep our children home when they’re sick. And don’t forget those hands! Keep washing those hands, folks. If your child is anything like mine,

their hands are all over everything and will require frequent trips to the sink.

Although, it needs to be said that regardless of how diligent we are about keeping our little ones healthy, we will always face resistance. And, unfortunately, this resistance often comes from the very souls we’re trying to protect.

Children, especially young children, are not focused on what germs they can pick up. They’re busy playing, learning, exploring and devouring the world around them. They live in the now, and often don’t understand the consequences of some of their lessthan-sanitary behaviour. In fact, I am frequently haunted by the painful image of my darling twoyear-old with a twinkle in his eye as he licked one of the amusement-park railings last summer.

Yep, that happened, and seconds after that, I washed his hands and reminded him that we don’t put things we find lying around into our mouths. The mes-

sage was definitely not received. I froze, mouth agape, as another parent in the line patted me on the shoulder in a silent show of support.

We’ve all been there, right? Regardless, we must strive to instill a good sense of hygiene into our little ones. Unfortunately, getting sick is and will always be a part of life. All we can really do is take reasonable and responsible measures to make sure we are doing our part in preventing the spread to others and to get our children feeling better as quickly as possible.

I’m learning to appreciate the healthy days more and more. I have learned to soak them in and to utilize those days in a manner that provides my family with the most relief. Whether it is a fun family outing or a day full of joyful relaxation, making the most of the ever-desirable healthy times is pivotal to surviving the vile, unhealthy ones—because (I’m sorry to say) they’ll be back. n

Getting sick when you have little kids is certainly not uncommon

PHOTO: Pixabay

Elsie Jordan made the Yukon her home in 2014. She has a passion for storytelling, with a focus on family (mis)adventures featuring a unique Yukon feel to them.

Freelance with Elsie Jordan

Getting sick is and will always be part of life

FULL SKI AHEAD!

and flat terrain. This is a great option for beginner skiers or young children because it offers the potential to start a fire and warm up in the day-use shelter, before or after a ski. Local volunteers from Haines Junction have been working to set these trails early and maintain them, throughout the year, and have even timed their grooming/track-setting to ensure that the trails are freshly set for school field trips.

The Auriol Trail includes several significant hills and is not recommended for beginner skiers. The trail winds its way through trees and includes a nine-kilometre loop, plus an additional two-kilometre one-way ski, with some beautiful views of Haines Junction. As soon as there is enough snow, volunteers spend more than 50 hours, each winter, shoveling, packing and establishing the trail over steep slopes, creek crossings, side hills and narrow sections. The Auriol Trail is a popular route for locals and has recently been discovered by visitors from Whitehorse and Haines, Alaska, as well.

Ski trails stay ‘on track’ with the help of volunteers

Over the past few years, cross-country ski trails in the Kluane National Park and Reserve have been getting some added attention from a group of dedicated volunteers. Armed with shovels, snowmobiles and grooming equipment, local

residents and community members are volunteering to pack, groom and track-set ski trails on Mush Lake Road, Kathleen Lake and the Auriol Trail. These trails are now seeing a lot more skiing, snowshoeing, fat-biking and walking by locals and visitors alike.

The Mush Lake Road is groomed for seven-and-a-half kilometres and starts just off the Haines Highway at the south end of Dezadeash Lake. This trail is relatively flat and offers a one-way ski to Alder Creek and the Shorty Creek Trail-

head. Several hard-working volunteers ensure that the trail is re-groomed as often as possible. Residents also plow out a parking lot just off the highway where winter users are asked to park to avoid blocking private driveways.

The Kathleen Lake Campground, as well as trails to the Day Use Area and the trail to the base of King’s Throne, have all been groomed and track-set for classic skiing. This includes forested loop trails that wind their way through seven kilometres of gently sloping

Due to the work and dedication of the committed volunteers who groom and track-set, more people can experience these incredible trails. Please respect their hard work and avoid damaging the set ski tracks by using the adjacent groomed surface to walk, bike or snowshoe. Remember that dogs must be kept on a leash at all

times and that snowmobiles are only permitted on the surface of Kathleen Lake.

Visitor safety is of the utmost importance for Parks Canada, and it is a shared responsibility. There are a few ways you can be prepared when making use of the trails in Kluane National Park and Reserve, such as travelling in groups of two or more and always letting someone know where you are going. Check the weather forecast and dress for the conditions—you can always add or shed layers, as needed. Carrying a small first-aid kit and a satellite phone or other communication device is also a good idea, and remember that cell phones don’t work reliably in many areas of the park.

Make sure to check the Parks Canada Yukon Facebook page for up-to-date information about when the trails have been groomed, and we look forward to seeing you out there. If you see a volunteer out on the ski trails, thank them for all the work they do to facilitate winter recreation in Kluane National Park and Reserve! n

Park Warden Supervisior Law Enforcement Branch

This feature is part of an ongoing series by Parks Canada of stories about the places and people in the Yukon.

PHOTOS: Laura Cabott

Skiing on the Mush Lake Road Ski Trail, the old access to Mush Lake

Ski trail grooming in Kluane National Park and Reserve

HIGHLIGHTS

The Best Things in Life are… Rescued!

Meet MR. JAX!

He is a 3-year-old male medium mixed breed.

Jax is a lovable dude who simply wants to be with his people! He is quite compact, on the smaller side of medium. He is a sturdy lil guy who would be perfect for Yukon adventures.

He would do well with daily walks. He would do great in a home with children, and with proper introductions, another female dog. We do not know how he is with cats.

If you are interested in adopting Jax, please fill out an online application at humanesocietyyukon.ca. If you already have a pre-approved application with us within the last year, call 6336019 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

MATINEE SPECIALS CHAMPIONS

COMING SOON

THE SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE

fri-thurs daily

fri-mon matinees

A Horvath & M Jelenic, 92 MINS

fri-sun & tues-thurs, 5:30 pm mon, 4 pm matinee Bobby Farrelly, 124 MINS filmed with Special Olympics Canada athletes

NATIONAL CANADIAN FILM DAY!

FREE SCREENINGS OF DEEPA MEHTA'S

FIRE AND JEFF BARNABY'S RHYME'S FOR YOUNG GHOULS

APRIL 17 MONDAY CLASSIC:

MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL

T Gilliam, T Jones, 1975, 89 MINS

April 04

METALSHOP ORIENTATION

5:00pm - 6:00pm

April 11

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

5:00pm - 6:00pm

WOODSHOP ORIENTATION

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Open Hours: Wed-Sun 1pm-9pm

April 5

WELCOME WEDNESDAY NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION 11am

April 6

SO YOU WANT TO START AN ARTS BUSINESS

7:00pm - 9:00pm

April 13

SO YOU WANT TO START A TRADES BUSINESS

7:00pm- 9:00pm

April 19

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

Do you have a fear of PUBLIC SPEAKING?

Would you like to improve your public speaking skills, build confidence and hone your listening skills?

ü Feel free to attend with no obligation, any Toastmaster (TM) meeting.

ü You can attend 3 meetings as a guest while deciding to join.

ü 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 noon to 1pm (meet at 11:50 to noon at door)

WHERE : Northwestel bldg, Lambert St & 3rd Ave (blue coloured door around back side) QUESTIONS: herbeeking(at)hotmail.com

Y ukon

A nimal

R escue

N etwork

FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED

As most adoptions happen in the city, YARN relies heavily on foster homes in the city when pups are ready for adoption. We look after all the vet appointments and adoption applications.

YARN cannot continue accepting litters, unless it has foster homes to care for them in the city, while they find their homes. We are in need of some great Fosters Families to help our little fur-babies when they arrive in Whitehorse.

If you are interested and able to help in fostering please get in contact with us via our page @YukonAnimalRescueNetwork or send us a message via Facebook messenger or email: cheryl@YukonAnimalRescue.net

Klondike Institute of Art and Culture

Dawson City, YT

Dawson City International Short Film Festival

April 6 - 9, 2023 dawsonfilmfest.com

Declan O’Donovan a lbum release with Shannon O’Donovan

Friday April 14, 7:30pm

Yukon Riverside Arts Festival

June 1 - 4, 2023

Tel: (867) 993-5005

Email: kiac@kiac.ca

Website: www.kiac.ca

Youth Drop-In Centre

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

2023

MORNING PROGRAMS 10-11am

Monday: Baby Sign 0-24 months

Tuesday: Power of Painting All Ages

Wednesday: Construction Zone All Ages

Thursday: Reserved for group use Closed to the public

PORCUPINE SQUAD

Mon/Tues/Wed & Fri: 9am-12pm,12:30pm-3pm Thurs: 12:30pm-3pm Sat: 10am – 2pm The FLC will be closed Dec 24 – Jan 3.

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 accountable.

Call/text Michael at 867-332-4722 or email: mjvernon@gmail.com arkabrotherhood.com

THE PASQUEFLOWER & THE PROMISE OF SPRING

We wait and wait for the days to get longer again and for the sun’s rays to gain strength. Spring feels like an eternity away. The snow and the cold seem like they will be here forever. And then one day, as if it had always been so, it’s not winter anymore and life begins to wake up again.

The snow starts to disappear on south-facing slopes, and in-between the last few snow patches, little fuzzy heads appear. The prairie crocus (a.k.a. pasqueflower) is one of the first signs of renewal and life after a long Yukon winter. Even when the blustery northern wind still blows cold, this perennial is able to withstand the last frosts and manages to thrive when, all around, everything is still grey and dry.

Despite its common name, this little warrior of early spring is actually not a crocus: it belongs to the anemone family. In many places it blooms in April, around Easter time, and for this reason is known as the “anemone of Passiontide.” The name pasqueflower is derived from terms related to Passover and Easter, such as the Hebrew word pasakh and the antiquated French word pasque. It’s emblematic of this time of year’s celebrations of new life and rebirth.

In the past, the prairie crocus’s purple pigmentation was used as a dye for Easter eggs, and although classified as a toxic plant, by some, it has traditionally been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It’s found in many parts of the northern hemisphere, not just the Yukon. Varieties of

the same flower are the provincial flower of Manitoba, the state flower of South Dakota and the county flower for both Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire in England, as well as the county flower of several communities in Norway, Finland and Sweden.

Here in the Yukon, prairie crocuses generally grow in colonies and it’s common to see entire hillsides adorned in purple, in early spring. In other parts of the world, however, several of the forty species in the genus Pulsatilla vulgaris are classified as critically endangered. In the U.K., the pasqueflower is now a rare and threatened plant due to the destruction and degradation of its habitat. We’re lucky to have such an abundance of these pretty blossoms in the Yukon.

To me, the first prairie crocuses that I come across, in early spring, are like little beacons of possibility and bravery. While everything else is still colourless and bleak, they draw on their reserves, and the energy stored in their roots, and appear seemingly out of nowhere. Anemones are also referred to as windflowers, and the furry purple blossoms of the prairie crocus seem to have an affinity for the chilly spring winds that make the rest of us bundle up in our down jackets. Their silky, hairy stems and leaves seem to act as their own little protective parkas, and their bell-shaped flowers follow the path and warmth of the sun across the sky each day.

They flower quickly and then seem to disappear just as abruptly as they appeared, leaving only a fluffy seed head behind. The pasqueflower is a reminder of the resurgence of life in spring and makes me think of this first line in a poem by Emily Dickinson: “I dwell in Possibility.” Wouldn’t it be great if we could all dwell

more in possibility? If we could shed the weight of winter and begin to see more hope and potential around us again? In my opinion, that’s what spring so beautifully epitomizes and may be what the pasqueflower is here to teach us as well.

Here are a few ideas of how you can bring a bit of the possibility and lightness of spring into your life during these next few weeks.

v Set up a bird bath in your garden. It’s time to put away your bird feeder and consider replacing it with a small, clean basin filled with water. Bluebirds and robins and so many other migratory birds are already on their way back here, and seeing these feathered friends return and gratefully refresh themselves in your bird bath, after their long journeys northward, is a lesson in appreciating the small pleasures of life.

v Go on a road trip Icy roads may have kept us at home during the winter, but there’s a good chance now that the asphalt has been able to dry off and we can travel around again as we wish. If you’re looking for a destination relatively close to Whitehorse, A Celebration of Swans is happening again at the Swan Haven Interpretative Centre at Marsh Lake. It runs from April 1 to April 30 and is a great excuse to get out of your house.

v Make a spring bouquet. Maybe you haven’t been able to find the first pasqueflower, yet, but you can always forage a few budding tree branches—a limb off a flowering shrub or maybe some pussy willows—and bring them inside your home. The warmer temperatures indoors will force the leaves (and flowers) to come out and you’ll have a lovely foreshadowing on

your dining-room table of what will soon be happening outside. Before you know it, wildflowers will be bountiful wherever you go.

v Play. Spring seems to bring out the playfulness in most animals, so why not in humans as well? If you have young children in your life, they’re probably already happily jumping around in puddles and taking advantage of the longer days to play around in the yard. Why not join them? And at the end of a long day of play, curl up with your little ones and read them a story about this special time of year. One possibility is the children’s book Little Bear’s Spring (written by Elli Woollard and illustrated by Briony May Smith), which tells the sweet story of a

young bear cub who wakes up from hibernation and discovers spring outside his cave, for the first time. It will inspire you and your kids to appreciate the newness of spring a little bit more.

v Take your time. We’ve waited for so many months for these warmer days, so let’s not take them for granted. Take a stroll along the Yukon River during your lunch break. Keep an eye (and ear) out for the first swans and geese passing overhead. Linger in your garden a little bit longer after completing your chores on a Sunday afternoon. As Lao Tzu once said, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished ” Perhaps we should give it a try too. n

Winter feels like it moves so slowly at times

Overlooking the Yukon River on a warm spring day

PHOTOS: Jessica Surber

with Jessica Surber

Pussy willows blooming near Long Lake

The pasqueflower (a.k.a. prairie crocus)—bringing colour and life back to the North

WHITEHORSE EVENTS

ENTER YOUR EVENTS ON-LINE

ART SHOWS

Until Apr 29 New Pottery by Colin Dorward Arts UndergroundAn exploration towards a voice that includes elements of his painting practice, which has been his primary medium for the last two decades.

Until Apr 29 Field Guide by Dan Brown Hozjan Arts Underground

This exhibition also includes observational drawings from the “field” itself, and from natural history museums.

Until May 27 Springtime

Premonitions by Rosemary Scanlon Yukon Arts Centre Gallery A new body of work by the Whitehorse based artist. Working primarily in watercolour, she attempts to locate the tension between fantasy and reality of northern life.

Until May 27 Trailing by Alia Shahab and Michel Gignac Yukon Arts Centre Gallery Viewers/ participants are invited to wade through the sculpture and immerse themselves in aqua-green light emitted from the strands as they move.

LIVE MUSIC

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Whitewater

Wednesday Night Jam 7:00 PM

The Local Bar a open mic kinda show and all you have to do is bring in your instrument, find Jack and/or Peggy and we’ll set you up! No need to be shy.

Wed Apr 5 Jill Barber Yukon Arts Centre 7:00 PM Barber boldly bursts into the world of contemporary pop music. Tickets online https://bit.

ly/42zqs8f

Wed Apr 5 & 12 VVinyl

VVednesdays 7:00 PM Lefty’s

Well Every Wednesday a local record junkie will be showcasing their collections for you, and maybe sometimes trade or buy.

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Live Music

Thursdays 7:00 PM 98 Hotel

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Well PlayedOpen Mic 7:00 PM Old fashioned drop in Open Mic - Every Thursday - Hosted by Jon Eastlander! - Show up and write down your name, players will be called up in order.

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Live DJs -

Thursday Throwdown 9:00 PM The Local Bar.

Sat Apr 8 DJ Freddy J 9:00 PM

The Local Bar Freddy J is back after being away for a decade! Known for his funk and heavy bangers! Cover charge at the door. https://bit.

ly/42wgaWr

Sat Apr 8 Drag Spring Fling 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well 12 amazing drag performances featuring AJ, Daddy Supreme, Lucille Fir, Dusty Harley, Mannie Nuf, & Tessa Lation - Drink specials - a new signature cocktail - A dance party - Prizes! https://bit.

ly/3JsKoRw

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Jam Session with Country Josh 6:00 PM 98 Hotel

Mon Apr 10 & 17 Live Music Mondays at Whiskey Jacks 7:00 PM Whiskey Jacks Pub & Grill Patrick Jacobson at Whiskey Jack’s every Monday with a weekly “feature performer” for the last set.

https://www.whiskeyjacks.ca/

Mon Apr 10 & 17 Open Mic Night with Patrick Jacobson 7:00 PM Best Western Gold Pan Saloon Performers are encouraged to bring their own instrument and mic. All are welcome. No cover.

Wed Apr 12 Dana Jennejohn and The Bennett Sun 6:30 PM MacBride Museum An all woman, harmony rich string band with a sound described as tumbleweed pop and city folk. Tickets online. https://bit.ly/3LJz3ir

Thu Apr 13 Declan O’Donovan 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Within the earthy, baroque psychedelia of his 3rd album, Amok, Declan O’Donovan meditates on losing track of time. See him perform live. Tickets online. www.yukontickets.com

Sat Apr 15 Major Funk - The In Between - Album Release 9:00 PM The Local Bar An all-out, allnight BASH with Major Funk, listen to all hits off the new record, all the old bangers, and everything “in between” https://bit.ly/3ZLsuQt

GENERAL EVENTS

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Anglican Holy Communion – Whitehorse 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral

The Book of Common Prayer, 2nd Wednesday of the month

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Spanish Conversation Group 12:00 PM Whitehorse United Church For more info Louise 867-687-7238 or Michele 867-333-6081

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Texas Hold’ Em 6:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For signed in members and guests. Bragging rights!

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Public Speaking Training - Toastmasters 12:00 PM Northwestel Building Guests are always welcome. There are many roles to learn at Toastmasters. Practice 2 minute table topics to help you with presentations and speaking in front of people.

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Anglican Thursday at the Cathedral 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral Bring a lunch (Book of Alternative Services)

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Prayer 7:00 PM Mountainview Church We take some time to connect with one another to praise God and pray for our church, our leadership, our city, and anything else in our heart

Thu Apr 6 Kings of the North 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre An evening of films and talks about Ice Bears and Salmon…..and maybe even a few caribou. Movie premiere and debut for “A Place for Fishing” by The Grizzly Bear Foundation. Tickets online. https://bit.ly/3LIN7ca

Thu Apr 6 So You Want to Start an Arts Business 7:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Learn the ABC’s of running a business in the arts and crafts industry. Register online. https://bit.ly/3JeEQLj

Thu Apr 6 Indigenous Book Club: Tomson Highway 7:00 PM Whitehorse Public Library An opportunity to connect with an Indigenous author and their work. The author will be in attendance for a discussion with a local Indigenous facilitator, a reading from their book and a Q&A with the audience.

Fri Apr 6 TGIF Dinner 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Tickets for sale the week leading up to TGIF (not on sale at the door) for members and signed in guests.

Sat Apr 7 & 15 Yukon Amateur Radio Association Coffee Discussion Group 8:45 AM A&W Restaurant Hams from outside the Yukon and those interested are welcome to join us in this casual event.

Sat Apr 7 & 15 CribbageMembers 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.

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Mountainview Church Sunday Service 9:30 AM Church In The Building 9:30 AM, 11AM or Church At Home 7 AM, 9:30 AM, 11 AM Mountainviewwhitehorse. ca/Watch

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Clothing Room 10:00 AM Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Whitehorse United Church Worship Service 10:30 AM a caring community of faith, based on a foundation of Biblical teaching and spiritual truth

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Secondhand Clothing Bizarre 2:00 PM Whitehorse Seventh-Day Adventist Church Clean clothes needed and donations accepted if in good condition. Please call before dropping clothes off and for more info 633-3463.

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Sunday Gatherings

3:00 PM The Northern Collective Church

Mon Apr 10 & 17 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

Tue Apr 11 New Member Orientation 5:00 PM New Member Orientation for new members of Yukonstruct Makespace. Register online https://bit.ly/3Z6kVnq

Tues Apr 11 & 18 Men’s Community Group Mountainview Church 5:30 PM We start with a meal and fellowship, then work through a biblical study, and take time to pray for one another, and for shared requests.

Tues Apr 11 & 18 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

Tues Apr 11 & 18 Chess Club 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us! cont’d on page 19 ...

WHITEHORSE EVENTS... cont’d WHITEHORSE EVENTS... cont’d

Tue Apr 11 Woodshop Orientation

6:30 PM New Member Orientation for new members of Yukonstruct Makespace. Register online https:// bit.ly/3Y2RdhK

Tues Apr 11 & 18 10 Card Crib 6:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 https://bit.ly/3oWjB5W

Wed Apr 12 SuperHost®

Foundations of Service Quality Workshop 10:00 AM NorthLight Innovation Learn communication best practices, teamwork, service recovery, problem solving, and more. Register online. https://bit.ly/3ZexhtL

Wed Apr 12 Paddling Film Festival World Tour 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Be inspired for the upcoming season by watching some of the best paddling films of some of the best in the business explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, appreciate wild places and fully embrace the paddling lifestyle. https://bit.ly/3lo8N2u

Wed Apr 12-15 Ripcord By David

Lindsay-Abaire 7:00 PM The Guild Hall From the playwright who penned Good People and Rabbit Hole, comes this hilarious look at how far people may go to get what they want. Tickets online. https://bit. ly/3HCQ3oi

Thu Apr 13 So You Want to Start a Trades Business 7:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Learn the ABC’s of running a business in the trades - Register online. https://bit. ly/3ZeXAjv

Fri Apr 14 Ali Hassan - Does This Taste Funny? 7:00 & 9:30 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Ali Hassan is a stand-up comic and actor as well as the host of Laugh Out Loud, see him perform live in Whitehorse! Tickets online. https://www.yukontickets. com/

Sat Apr 15 Dakwakada Capital Investments LP - Citizens Update

10:00 AM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre An opportunity to come out and meet the Board, Management and Team, and to learn more about DCILP and our Investments. Lunch provided. For more info call 6685831 https://bit.ly/3SuaS94

Sat Apr 15 Special Olympics Festival Dinner Auction 5:30 PM Whitehorse Curling Club

Featuring: 2004 Olympic Gymnastic

Champion Kyle Shewfelt, Gracie Ryckman - Special Olympics Athlete Ambassador, Local Entertainment, Over 100 Live and Silent Auction items. Tickets online. https://bit. ly/3nftPkB

KIDS & FAMILIES

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

Mondays Family Drop-In 9:00 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Gym Open to all ages – Children, youth, and teens must be accompanied by an adult.

Mondays Craft & Activities Drop in Partners for Children 10:00 AM Drop in with optional activity and craft.

Guest visitors from local organisations

Mondays Whitehorse Go Club 6:00 PM A&W

Tuesdays Craft & Activities Drop in Partners for Children 10:00 AM Drop in with optional activity and craft. Guest visitors from local organisations

Tuesdays Baby Story Time 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Rhymes, music, stories, movement, art & outside time. Ages 6 - 24 months & caregiver, Whitehorse Public Library meeting room. Free drop-in..

Tuesdays Toddler Story Time 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Rhymes, music, stories, movement, art & outside time. Ages 2 - 4 yrs. & caregiver, Whitehorse Public Library meeting room. Free drop-in.

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 Polarettes Preschool/ Family Drop In 11:00 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club enjoy the gym as a giant indoor play space. A great place to practise skills or just play and explore! Open gym is for members only.

Wednesdays Warhammer Wednesdays - Age of Sigmar 5:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe

Thursdays Head, Heart and Hands Drop in Partners for Children 10:00 AM Join us for songs, stories, rhymes, share and learn practical parenting tips for lifes challenges.

Thursdays Family Drop-In 11:00 AM

Polarettes Gymnastics Club Open to all ages – Children, youth, and teens must be accompanied by an adult.

Thursdays Drop-in Pathfinder Roleplaying Game 3:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Open to ages 11-17 to our free dropin Pathfinder Roleplaying Game program! No experience necessary, supplies and snacks provided.

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 Family Drop-In 10:00 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club Open to all ages – Children, youth, and teens must be accompanied by an adult.

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 Family Drop In 3:00 PM

Polarettes Gymnastics Club enjoy the gym as a giant indoor play space. A great place to practise skills or just play and explore! Open gym is for members only.

Wed Apr 12 Bat House Building Workshop 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Learn about the biology and conservation of these small, flying mosquito-eaters, how bat houses are helpful, and where to place your bat house.

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/book-online.

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.you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https://www. rootedtreemassage.com/book-online

Mondays Yoga Wake up Flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help

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 Online it is essential that people build capacity to support those with mental health concerns. https://bit.ly/3GTz6T5, https:// us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZIpdmvrTwpHNUG1Hqq0cV87H VTRByHff5U

Tue Apr 11 Yukon Circle of Change AGM 7PM Online Imagine an AGM that starts with a check-in and finishes with appreciations. https://bit. ly/40xakCh

THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE SPONSORS OF THE 2023 YUKON RENDEZVOUS FESTIVAL - WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

SIGNATURE PARTNERS

FESTIVAL PARTNERS

YUKON GOLD SPONSORS

SOURDOUGH SILVER SPONSORS

BONANZA BRONZE SPONSORS

TINTINA TIN SPONSORS

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE MADE THE 2023 YUKON RENDEZVOUS FESTIVAL A SUCCESS!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT

TIME BOMB TAMARA

VICE-PRESIDENT

SILVERSTRIKE SANDY

SECRETARY

ARCTIC CHAR

TREASURER

CAPTIVATING CHRISTINA DIRECTORS

JACKPOT JOHN KUSAWA REBA

MYSTERIOUS MICHELLE

NIFTY NICKOLE

SHENANIGAN CHANEL

YUKON CORNELIUS RON

OFFICE STAFF

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

DANIEL VAN KESSEL

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

RJ SMITH

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

JACOB ROHLOFF

OFFICIAL FESTIVAL PHOTOGRAPHER

MANU KEGGENHOFF

YR AIR NORTH CAN CAN LINE

BOARD CHAMP

CAPTIVATING CHRISTINA

CHOREOGRAPHER

MIDNIGHT SUN MARCELLA

DANCERS

AMANITA RUBY

LACEY GRAYSIE

MILLION DOLLAR MAIRI

PROSECTOR PAULINA

LITTLE MISS BLISS

TOP NOTCH TANG

WILD JUNIPER

MC

MARSH LAKE MURPHY

NONA THE NOTORIOUS

GARTER GIRLS

AMOROUS ASHLEY

GOLD BOTTOM GREER

DRIVERS

MOTOR MAN MITCHELL

TRANSPORTER TOD

YR NORTHERN LIGHTS SCHOOL OF DANCE JR CAN CAN LINE

CHOREOGRAPHER

MISS KYLEE

DANCERS

JUMPIN JANELLE

LUPIN LIZA

MINOR MARIN

PAN OF GOLD PYPER

EXQUISITE EMBER

HOOTENANNY HAILEY

DIAMOND TOOTH DASHA

KICKIN’ KASSIA

MAPLE MADI

ADVENTUROUS AURELIA

OVERLAND OLIVIA

ICEBERG IRIS

CALL FOR THE CUP SAMS

2023 SOURDOUGH SAM

SAMDIANA JONES

2ND PLACE

CAPTAIN SAM SPARROW

3RD PLACE

JAMES BONDAGE

MOST CONGENIAL

VULVACIOUS VIXEN

S-LUMBERY SAM NATURE SAM

CALL FOR THE CUP

BOARD CHAMP

TIME BOMB TAMARA

CREW

ARCTIC CHAR

BOOBY TRAP GAB

GOLD DIGGER JAZ

GREG FISCHER

HEATHER GRANT

JACKPOT JOHN

JUICY JENN

KAIGHEN M

KAREN G

MIDNIGHT SUN MARY (MC)

MYSTERIOUS MICHELLE

NATALYA Y

RUSSELL RADWANSKI

SWEET N SASSY STAR

KEYSTONE KOPS

CARA MILLAR

CHANEL CAIN

DEBBIE SUMNER

LESLEY JOENSEN

LEVI DAVIGNON

MELANIE GRAHAM

ROBBYN CHILES

SHAWN HAMILTON

TIFFANY BLAYZACK-PETRIE

SNOWSHOE SHUFFLERS

BLACK JACK JANE HAYDOCK

CALAMITY SAM HADLEY-WITHAM

GOLD CLAIM LORRAINE HEYNEN

GOLD DUST DARLENE MORGAN

GOLD PAN LEANNE BROESKY

KENO CITY KIM SOLONICK

LAKE LEBARGE MARJ ESCHAK

LUCKY STRIKE LINDSAY AGAR

MIDNIGHT SUN MARY JANE LEGER

KUSAWA REBA PARRIS

TINTINA KARINA WATSON

TRICKY VICKY STALLABRASS

ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS

ADAM GREEN

ALSER SUGASAWA

ANDREW MATHESON

ANGIE WALLY

APARNA VERMA

BEN FECTEAU

BRENDA PILATZKE-VANIER (QUEEN BEA)

BOBBY FERRIS (MC)

BRODY NASH

CAITLIN FOSTER

CALLUM FISCHER

CAROLINE MURRI

CASSIE NOBLE

CESAR GABA

CHRIS NASH

COLLEEN DURST

DANE FREIBURGER

DARLENE LEAMON

DAWN CONRAD

DEANNA PETER-PROFEIT

DIANA IWANOCZKO

ELISABETH FRITSCH

ELLIOTT WHALEN

EMILY LOWE

ERIC STUDERUS

EVAN MANNING

GRADY MCLEOD

GRAHAM RUDGE

HEATHER GRANT

HOPE MCDONALD

ISABELLA REITZEL

JAMES CUMMINGS

JANICE CARON

JEANIE MCLEAN (MC)

JEFF REED

JEFF WONG

JENESSA TLEN

JOANNE GREEN

JOHN STREICKER (MC)

JORDAN WATSON

JOSH MCKENZIE

JUDY SHANNON

JULIEN RICHARD

KAIGHEN MUNRO

KARIZZA CONCEPCION

KARLA WATTS

KATE DAVIDSON

KEIRA NOLTING

KEN ANDERSON

KENT PIGOTT

KIRAN JADHAV

KIRK GILBERT

KY ELLIOT

KYLEIGH COOK

KYLIE SLAHVAHSHKAH

LARRY BAGNELL (MC)

LARRY SHAILER

LEANNE BRASSARD

LEE STEVENS

LENIN HAGGERTY

MANNIX BINGHAM

MARIO MACRAE

MATTHEW HITCHCOCK

MEAGAN WIDRIG

MICHELE TAYLOR (THE GARTER LADY)

MICHELLE KELLY

MIKEY JONES

MIRIAM HOLDER

MIRIAM MOORE

MYRNA PENNER

NATHAN NEUNHERZ

PHIL ALGAR

ROBYN GILLESPIE (PEOPLES' PRINCESS)

RONIN TERAMURA

ROWAN HUTCHISON

RYAN KOLLA SAM EPP

SARAH BEAUSOLEIL

SHAYNA HAMMER

TAMMY COWAN

TEDDY ANDRES

TIFFANY BLASAK

TREVOR JUSTASON

TRUSTIN BOULANGER

VICTORIA CHAN

WAYNE EMERY

SPECIAL THANKS

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM SPONSOR

CANADIAN TIRE

MR AND MRS YUKON 2023

DON AND PENNY SIPPEL

YUKON ORDER OF PIONEERS (Y O O P ) CAN CAN SPONSOR

AIR NORTH

CAN CAN ADDITIONAL SUPPORTERS

DRIVING FORCE, ECLIPSE NORDIC HOT SPRINGS, GUILD HALL

NORTHERN LIGHTS SCHOOL OF DANCE, RAVEN INN & SUITES, SAVE-ON-FOODS, SPORTEES ACTIVEWEAR JR CAN CAN SPONSOR

NORTHERN LIGHTS SCHOOL OF DANCE

CALL FOR THE CUP SPONSOR

WHITEHORSE MOTORS

VENUES & STAFF

CITY OF WHITEHORSE PARKS AND RECREATION CREW CITY OF WHITEHORSE TRANSPORTATION CREW

KWANLIN DÜN CULTURAL CENTRE

THE LOCAL BAR

YUKON ARTS CENTRE

WHISKEY JACKS PUB & GRILL

SPECIAL KICKOFF & PROGRAM MESSAGES

MAYOR LAURA CABOTT & STAFF

MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE JOHN STREICKER & STAFF

COMMISSIONER OF YUKON ANGÉLIQUE BERNARD & STAFF MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR YUKON, THE HONOURABLE BRENDAN HANLEY & STAFF

ADDITIONAL VENUE & EQUIPMENT SUPPORT

BETTER BODIES, CAPITAL TOWING, MACPHERSON RENTALS OMNI PRODUCTIONS, TAIT'S TRAILERS

SORRY TO ANYONE THAT WE MAY HAVE MISSED

WE APPRECIATE THE HARD WORK PUT IN BY ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS AND THE COMMUNITY THANK YOU!

One Seat. Endless Versatility. Roll, stroll, chill, and dine with Veer!

SWITCHBACK SEAT. duenorthmaternityandbaby.com

WE’ RE OPEN

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Intro to No Bun Ballet –

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray

Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves.

Register online

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Intro to Ice Climbing

Equinox Ice Towers 6:00 PM A friendly space to try ice climbing. This session provides everything you need to try this exhilarating winter activity. https://bit.ly/3m7u8xf

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Insanity Live – Beginner

6:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 8 week series, drop-in or register online https://bit.ly/3SyoqAL

Wed Apr 5 & 12 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 4 - 12 years old.

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Sass Class – Drop in 6:15 PM Velvet Antler Productions Some super sassy dance cardio and across the floor progressions, along with tantalizing floorwork and sexy choreography. https://bit. ly/3QqUMMz

Quantum-Touch® Energy Healing

Quantum-Touch® Energy Healing can help you release anger and anxiety, reduce pain, and turn fear and depression into hope and love.

Reach a deeper state of peace and balance. Book your private healing session now.

IN PERSON OR ONLINE. UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE

867.335.0078

alison@alisonzeidler.com alisonzeidler.com

Wed Apr 5 & 12Spirit Bear Karate The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 6:30 PM & 7:30 PM Traditional Okinawan Shorinryu Seibukan Karate Do. Adult Class (16 y/o and up) http://spiritbearkaratekobudo.ca

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Badminton Adult Dropin Takhini Elementary 7:30 PM Open to everyone 18 years old and older and all skill levels

Wed Apr 5 & 12 NO-GI JIU JITSU Eight Days Martial Arts 7:30 PM This class is very similar to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, only the students typically practice in shorts and a rash guard t-shirt, rather than a Gi. There is also typically a little more wrestling and leg locks due to the rules in tournaments being less restrictive.

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Total Body HIIT 12:15 PM Habit Health and Wellness A 30 minute total bodyweight cardio class. Drop In Thu Apr 6 & 13 Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Register online

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Hatha Yoga with Blackbird 5:30 PM Minto Park Register online https:// bit.ly/3K11Eib

• Nutrition counseling

• Meal planning and recipes

• Goal setting/tracking

• Tips and tricks to keep motivated

• Weekly activities to build a workbook to keep track of progress

• One on one or group support sessions

Contact Kathleen Lundgaard

PH: 867-333-0077

E: victorious.secret.wellness@gmail.com

W: brand.page/victorioussecretwellness

• Monthly challenges to win prizes

• Food science education

• Pre-made meal orders/deliveryhealthy meals “heat and eat”

• Grocery delivery according to meal plan

Drop In 6:00 PM Velvet Antler Productions

A low impact, medium/ high energy class. We will strip it all down to the basics while you tighten your core, increase your strength and build on the fundamentals for all VA classes and performances. Register online https://bit.ly/3CucusG

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Tahitian Dance Class 6:15 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre Dance and explore the Tahitian culture with Maeva Esteva. learn the basic step and gestural of this dance, on the beautiful rhythm of the Polynesian music. https://bit.ly/3Z1vPLi

Fri Apr 7 & 14 Women’s Brazilian JIU JITSU Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM 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 know as “rolling”

Fri Apr 7 & 14 Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 12:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Fri Apr 7 & 14 Insanity Live – Beginner

6:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 8 week series, drop-in or register online https://bit.ly/3SyoqAL

Fri Apr 7 & 14 Badminton Adult Dropin Takhini Elementary 7:30 PM Open to everyone 18 years old and older and all skill levels

Fri Apr 7 & 14 Lunchtime Mat Class – Drop in 12:00 PM Velvet Antlers Productions This class will take you through a flowing series stretches intended to increase length and mobility, along with some light core conditioning. A great way to transition from work time to YOU time.

https://bit.ly/3jPb9pX

Sun Apr 9 Easter Restorative Sunday 10:30 AM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs A hybrid of critical alignment, intelligent stretching and passive, supported restorative postures – for nervous system healing and immune system boosting, soothing emotions, deep release and healing. http://www.yogayukon.ca/ yogayukon/Schedule.html

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Insanity Live – Beginner

6:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 8 week series, drop-in or register online https://bit.ly/3SyoqAL

Sun Apr 9 & 16 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.

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Intro to Ice Climbing Equinox Ice Towers 6:00 PM A friendly space to try ice climbing. This session provides everything you need to try this exhilarating winter activity. https://bit.ly/3m7u8xf

Mon Apr 10 & 17 BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU

Eight Days Martial Arts 7:30 PM 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 know as “rolling”

Mon Apr 10 & 17 KIDS MUAY THAI Eight Days Martial Arts 4:45 PM a dynamic and engaging martial art that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. The sport is also referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because it utilizes punching, kicking, elbowing and knee strikes. 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 10 & 17 Women’s Muay Thai Kickboxing

Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM

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 10 & 17 Muay Thai Kickboxing

Eight Days Martial Arts 12:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Tue Apr 11 & 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 4 - 12 years old..

Tue Apr 11 & 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 11 & 18 Salsa and Bachata –

Beginner and Intermediate Classes 7:30

PM Heart of Riverdale Community Centre

A fun and person-centered class, including switching partners will be encouraged to promote communication & further learning open to couples or singles. Email salsayukon@gmail.com to register and for info

WELLNESS LISTINGS

Elder and Counselor available

Emotional and Spiritual support, free to Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirited in Yukon, Northern BC: Phone, video appointments or in person. Call Toll Free 866 667 6162 or visit www.yawc.ca for info.

Monday, Tuesdays & Thursdays Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM Whitehorse United Church A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.

Tuesdays & Saturdays Counseling

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 5 & 12 Overeaters Anonymous

Meeting 7:30 PM Overeaters Anonymous

For more information contact oayukon@ gmail.com for more information

Wed Apr 5 & 12 TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 8:00 AM 100 Lambert St. Common Room Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Join us! Every Wednesday morning. Call or text 867-3341725 for more details.

Wed Apr 5 & 12 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 5 & 12 Dads Matter Group

5:30 PM NVD Place A group for dads, grandfathers, stepdads, uncles, foster fathers, all male caregivers are welcome. Join us to talk about parenting and meet other male caregivers. For more info contact 336-0795 or email ante.tokic@ yukon.ca

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Arka Brotherhood Circle: Porcupine Squad 6:30 PM Whitehorse

For men eager to identify and move past self-limiting beliefs, stretch beyond their comfort zone and embody the best version of himself. To register email or call mjvernon@gmail.com 332-4722.

Wed Apr 5 & 12 No Puffin Group (CM)

8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Beginner w/Experience

– Level 1 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery –

Upstairs Sun Salutation A+B, foundational standing poses. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Move with Life w/Phillipe

– All Levels 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery –Upstairs A condition practice for movers of all types seeking agility, mobility, stamina and strength. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Hatha Yoga 12:00 PM Grace Space Find alignment mental and physical during this hour of inspiring hatha yoga,. Register online. https://bit. ly/3kFowWQ

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Inyengar Yoga 12:00 PM Church of Northern Apostles Join the Elder Active along with instructor Richard Mueller, register online. https://bit. ly/3Zl6J9H

Thu Apr 6 & 13 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 6 & 13 Vitality Yoga w/Nancy 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Kundalini yoga cleanses and detoxifies the body, neutralizes stress, rewires natural pathways. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Thu Apr 6 & 13 KDCC Walking with Our Sisters Sewing Group 5:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.

Thu Apr 6 & 13 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 6 & 13 Breathe + Stretch w/ Carrie 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs A slow paced class to stretch the body. PreRegister by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Thu Apr 6 & 13 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

Thu Apr 6 & 13 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 7 & 14 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 7 & 14 AA Whitehorse Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Looking for support with your relationship with alcohol? Join the AA Whitehorse Group..

Fri Apr 7 & 14 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!

Fri Apr 7 & 14 Slow Flow Resto – All

Levels 5:30 PM Stretch, flow + restore – a great way to end the week for a better weekend. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Fri Apr 14 Sacred Breathwork 7:00 PM Alpine Bakery Upstairs Powerful breath work with Derek Endress, using sight isolation and sound healing to rejuvenate the body/mind/heart. Email wallymaltz@ mac.com

Fri Apr 7 & 14 Yoga with Amber 7:15 PM Habit Health and Wellness book online or email habitcommunity@gmail.com for more info

Sat Apr 8 & 15 AA Hospital Meeting 7:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Sat Apr 8 & 15 Kundalini Wake-Up with Nancy Alpine Bakery & Upstairs 9:00 AM

Start the day with classic Kundalini yoga sets and meditations that stimulate the mind, activate the body and magnetize your energy. To register email wallymaltz@ mac.com http://www.yogayukon.ca/ yogayukon/Schedule.html

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Vitality Yoga w/Nancy 9:00 AM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Kundalini yoga cleanses and detoxifies the body, neutralizes stress, rewires natural pathways. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Restorative Yoga – All Levels 10:30 AM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Restorative poses are long holds over supportive props relaxing variations of backbends. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Self-Love Sunday – Drop

In 11:00 AM Velvet Antlers Productions

This class is taught with an easy breezy feel, with a focus on poise and confidence.

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Candlelight YIN with Caitlyn MacMaster 6:45 PM Habit Health & Wellness Yin yoga is a calming practice, using long holds as an opportunity to journey inward, let thoughts settle, and build self-awareness.

Mon Apr 10 & 17 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

Mon Apr 10 & 17 Smart Recovery

Addictions Support 6:45 PM Sarah Steele Building.

Mon Apr 10 & 17 Absolute Beginners

– Intro 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery - Upstairs

Introduction to yoga with Erica. PreRegister by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Mon Apr 10 & 17 AA New Beginnings

Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Mon Apr 10 & 17 CRUSH 2023! (or… what can a men’s circle do for me?) 7:00 PM Inclusion Yukon Meet the men involved and learn more about the two ARKA Brotherhood men’s circles changing lives in Whitehorse. http://www.arkabrotherhood. com

Mon Apr 10 & 17 Hips, Hams Core – All Levels 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery - Upstairs Fairly vigorous classes with emphasis on breath and slower is stronger. PreRegister by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Mon Apr 10 & 17 Arka Brotherhood Circle: Grizzly Squad 7:00 PM Whitehorse For men eager to identify and move past self-limiting beliefs, stretch beyond their comfort zone and embody the best version of himself. Register by email or phone bcdrisco@gmail.com/867-3320465.

Tue Apr 11 & 18 Drop in Morning

Practice with Nakai 8:00 AM The Guild Hall gentle and invigorating morning sessions, led by Nakai’s Artistic Director Jacob Zimmer. Drop in, admission by donation.

Tue Apr 11 & 18 Yoga with Barbara –All Levels 10:00 AM Whitehorse United Church All welcome, or register: Call/text 335-1996 or email bfraingower@gamil.com

Tue Apr 11 & 18 Sewing Circle 1:00 PM Champagne and Aishihik First Nations CAFN Sewing Circle is every Tuesday. A gathering space available to work on your projects. Refreshments and snacks will be served.

Tue Apr 11 & 18 Men’s Community Group 5:30 PM Mountainview Church We start with a meal and fellowship, then work through a biblical study, and take time to pray for one another, and for shared requests.

Tue Apr 11 & 18 Intermediate – Level 2 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Explore alignment and form in a wide range of familiar + new poses. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Tue Apr 11 & 18 Yoga by Amber 7:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A yoga class that is for all levels and abilities, register online.

Tue Apr 11 & 18 Better Backs Hips, Hams 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Critical alignment therapy and therapeutic work for healing. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com

Tue Apr 11 & 18 AA UglyDuckling Group (C/M, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral New members always welcome, this is a non smoking group.

Workplace Sexual Harassment :

There’s No Excuse

The Workplace Sexual Harassment Legal Clinic can provide you with free and confidential legal advice on workplace sexual harassment matters

If you are a victim, a bystander, someone who wants to make sure that their workplace is a sexual harassment free zone or someone that just wants some questions about workplace sexual harassment answered, the Workplace Sexual Harassment Legal Clinic can help you.

Contact us to speak to a lawyer:

Workplace Sexual Harassment Legal Clinic

#103 – 2131 Second Avenue, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 1C3

Phone : 867-393-6206 wsh@legalaid.yk.ca

Help Shape Yukon’s Future Get on Board!

Consider serving on one of the following boards and committees:

■ Bid Challenge Committee

Deadline: Until flled

Contact: bccsecretariat@yukon.ca

■ Yukon Aviation Advisory Committee

Deadline: Until flled

Contact: leah.stone@yukon.ca or myriam.gadault@yukon.ca

■ Laberge District Renewable Resources Council

■ Mayo District Renewable Resources Council

■ North Yukon Renewable Resources Council

Deadline: Until flled

Contact: kelly.gruber@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5336

■ Dawson District Renewable Resources Council

Deadline: May 15, 2023

Contact: For more information and to apply, visit Dawson District Resources Council, email kelly.gruber@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5336

■ Teslin Renewable Resources Council

Deadline: April 30, 2023

Contact: For more information and to apply, visit Teslin Renewable Resources Council, email kelly.gruber@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5336

■ Physiotherapists Advisory Committee

■ LPN Advisory Committee

■ Licensed Practical Nurses Discipline Panel

■ Registered Psychiatric Nurses Advisory Committee

■ Midwifery Advisory Committee

■ Pharmacy Advisory Committee

Deadline: Ongoing

Contact: boards.plra@yukon.ca

■ Building Standards Board

Deadline: Until flled

Contact: Hector.Lang@yukon.ca or phone 867-456-6596

■ Employment Standards Board

Deadline: Until flled

Contact: Karyn.leslie@yukon.ca or call 867-667-5944

■ Assessment Appeal Board

Deadline: Until flled

Contact: Kathryne.Janz@yukon.ca or call 867-667-5234

■ Municipal Board

Deadline: until flled

Contact: Roxanne.Stasyszyn@yukon.ca or call 867-334-7769

■ Whitehorse Public Library Board

Deadline: Until flled

Contact: Melissa.YuSchott@yukon.ca or call 867-335-8600

■ Yukon Energy Board of Directors

Deadline: April 30, 2023

Contact: megan.yakiwchuk@yec.yk.ca or call 867-393-5337

■ Law Foundation Board of Directors (Yukon)

Deadline: June 15, 2023

Contact: Carla.Braun@yukon.ca or call 867-667-5959

■ Law Society of Yukon – Discipline Committee

Deadline: until flled

Contact: Carla.Braun@yukon.ca or call 867-667-5959

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

THIRD TRIMESTER

Month 6

I left you all at week 23 of my pregnancy, and now, when I look back, I wish I could be in so much comfort and bliss! Month 6 was amazing.

In January, my husband and I went to Mexico, and although I couldn’t enjoy the benefits of an all-inclusive bar, I ate my weight in food! It was challenging to find activities permitted for pregnant people: most of the bigger organizations that ran activities had a blanket “No Pregnant Women Allowed” on all tours. Even though I was fit and active, there were no exceptions. So I reached out to smaller organizations and managed to do a number of activities while we were in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This included some fun trips to the desert and trying our hands at cactus farming, as well as getting out of the touristy big city and exploring some smaller villages. My absolute favourite was when I found a provider that would let me swim with whale sharks—yes, the giant, endangered gentle giants of the sea. I’m not going to lie; it was tough. You need to be a good swimmer, and coming from Australia, that is a must, but some from our group struggled in the choppy waters while trying to keep up with these massive, beautiful creatures. I’m still so stoked that I got to do this

while pregnant!

Right at the end of Month 6, I surprised my husband, Ryan, with his parents who had come up from Vancouver Island. It was incredible that, for months, we all managed to keep it a surprise, and it was so great seeing him lost for words and so excited to see them after Christmas in 2021.

Their trip was to come and see little Maverick (on the 3D ultrasound) at iSpy Baby 3D Ultrasound in Whitehorse. It was incredible to finally see his face, and it actually made it seem so much more real. He actually looks like a human, which is a good thing I suppose. But still, I actually realized I was going to be a mom, and that was a rather terrifying thought.

Month 7

All was going so well. I went cross-country skiing and hiking. Baby was doing great and there was nothing but blue skies and happy “unicorn rainbows” as I thought I was the most awesome pregnant person in the world.

Then week 30 came and my belly expanded. Breathing became laborious, even when doing the smallest task, and my back was in excruciating pain from being at work. I no longer had the energy to do anything like walk or cross-country ski, and slowly and

surely my mental health broke away and I slipped into a huge depression.

Even though I take antidepressants (yes, even during pregnancy), I still have depressive events. They usually aren’t long and there isn’t much anyone can do about them. You just have to kind of hold on through them. But this depression was severe and lasted days. The only reason I ate was because I knew the baby needed to eat, but I had lost all joy in life and was feeling like a “meat-sack incubator” whose sole purpose for existing was to keep this baby alive. And then I felt I couldn’t do that well.

I felt that my lack of exercise, my inability to cope with my body’s changes and my poor diet of KD (Kraft Dinner) and cereal, showed that I was a terrible mother. I felt so trapped. I couldn’t just “put the baby down,” tell my husband to take care of him and then go have a beer and break at Winterlong. No, I was trapped for 10 more weeks of feeling useless and stuck. I engaged in therapy, and my medication was increased.

Slowly I came out of the depression.

After days of being bedridden, I knew I needed to at least try to go for a short walk, but of course my body had other ideas. All of a sudden I had sharp pain in my lower left hip—so excruciating that, with any movement or position, I was in constant pain. I went to the hospital, after two days of pain, and was given morphine and told that this hormone Relaxin was basically turning my ligaments to mush. So, at 31 weeks, the only way to relieve this pain was to have the baby, but the baby was not “cooked” enough yet. So all I could do was try Tylenol, a bath, stretching …

I managed to see a physio and a registered massage therapist and found that my SI joint had basically given up on me. So, in addition to a belly belt, to relieve my back pain, I now had a hip belt to put compression on this joint. I lived for a week being attached to ice packs, heat packs and multi baths, each day. I don’t even want to think about what our electric bill will look like!

Eventually I could move again, without screaming in agony, and could get out walking. Although it

is still painful, the pain went from a 10 to about a five, which, to me, is liveable.

At this stage I was done with pregnancy.

If you can’t guess by now, I hate pregnancy. I know that women spend thousands to get pregnant, and many find it joyous. I do not. I hate pregnancy, and even though it’s “only a few weeks away,” it’s agony getting through every day as my body seems to shut down.

cont’d on page 25 ...

Kylie Campbell-Clarke is an Australian-Canadian writer and photographer exploring the Yukon.

PHOTOS: Kylie Campbell-Clarke

An ultrasound at 38 weeks

I made a decision that I want my body back and that I want to bottle feed my baby. I don’t want to be latched twenty-four seven to this kid, and fail at that too. Feeling like a future “milk sack” made me feel, again, like I wasn’t going to be a good mom.

All the media tells you is that you’re supposed to breastfeed, and if you don’t, your baby is going to be dumb and sad. I was terrified to tell my husband, but when I did, he said “That’s okay. Why would you be scared to tell me that?”

I realized I had built in my head that my expectations of myself as a mother are more debilitating than reality and that I need to

have a better assumption of my husband’s understanding and ability. He has come to every appointment and has been there for every complaint. He can’t wait to be a dad and wants to support me in being the best mom I can be.

Month 8

So I finally started moving around again. Breathing was still difficult and walking was improving, even with the back and hip pain. And then, at week 32, I got sharp upper-quadrant pain and a blistering headache. We went to the maternity ward and the baby was checked over. He was (and is) completely happy, but my body is making no sense to the doctors. I have quite-low blood pressure, so although high protein in urine and all of the other symptoms pointed to pre-eclampsia, I can’t have it with a low BP. So, after making sure the baby and I were fine, we went home with a BP machine to monitor my blood pressure, each day, to ensure that pre-eclampsia wasn’t developing.

Two days later, at week 33, I was working from home and rushed to answer the door. By rushed, it was probably more of a penguin waddle (but down stairs), and as I turned to go up the stairs, I collapsed. Seeing white spots and unable to move my legs, I armycrawled to the bedroom to get my phone and call my husband. I sat waiting for him, and in-between falling and his arrival, I couldn’t feel Maverick move. I was shaking him and his usual squirmy self. I was literally gasping for air from crying, begging him to move.

Ryan rushed us to the maternity ward where they put the doppler on my belly and I heard Maverick’s heartbeat. I sobbed in relief. He was alive. You could also hear the “swooshing” (meaning that he was moving). I just couldn’t feel those movements. He was okay. Of course he was okay … this kid is tough as frigging nails!

They checked me over and determined that I must have had a vasovagal syncope episode where my blood pressure dropped so low that I passed out. There’s not much you can do about that, other than to get up slowly, drink more water and take electrolytes. I’m not sure how I can increase the already two litres of water daily, and probably another two litres of other liquid intake, per day—but sure … I could try.

Now, instead of peeing 20 times a day, it’ll probably be 50.

It was a scary episode and was the first time the doctors had mentioned an earlier delivery. It was kind of met with relief to hear that “April 26” may come sooner … I just know that the longer I can keep him in there, the better it will be.

So, as much as I feel like a failure as his incubator, he’s perfectly healthy. As much as I feel like a whining complainer, my son is growing strong and healthy. I just hope I can survive however many weeks I have left until he’s out and I’m not the only one in charge of keeping him alive.

It’s hard to feel like there is anything happy to look forward to. I’m terrified for birth and terrified for postpartum. Then I’m terrified to be responsible for parenting a boy into a man.

I guess this is my new life now, always putting someone else before myself. It’s a strange feeling for someone like me who is rather selfish. My biggest fear is that I won’t like him or what might happen if he’s an asshole. Apparently, as a mother, you have to overlook these things, so I guess I gotta get through this last little part intact and hope that he can stay inside for a few more weeks! n

PHOTOS: Kylie Campbell-Clarke

Pelly Crossing, Ross River, Teslin, Watson Lake.

CARCROSS

Second Sunday of Every Month St. Saviour’s 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.

CARMACKS

Wednesdays Toddler Time & Indoor Soccer/Learn to Play 10:00 AM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Wednesdays Teen Movie Night 7:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Thursdays Carmacks Open Gym 5:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Thursdays Family Movie Night 7:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

MAKE IT A

Fridays CTJS Floor Hockey 5:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre Kids & Youth Floor Hockey (5-7PM) and Adult Floor Hockey (7-9PM)

Department has a variety of Driver, Fairway, and Putter Discs to use. https:// bit.ly/3QIuxAs

Saturdays Drop In Pickleball 3:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Saturdays Laser Tag Battles 6:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 6-11

6PM, Ages 12-18 7:30 PM Sundays

Toddler Time 1:00 PM Carmacks

Recreation Centre

Mondays Drop-in Basketball 5:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 5-12 (5-7PM) and Ages 13 to adult (7-9PM)

Tuesdays Drop-in Basketball & Soccer

5:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 5-12 (5-7PM) and Ages 13 to adult (7-9PM)

Tuesdays Laser Tag Battles 6:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 6-11

6PM, Ages 12-18 7:30 PM

DAWSON CITY

Mondays Handbuilding Pottery Drop-in

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

Tue - 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 - Thu Saint Mary’s Weekday Mass

5:00 PM Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Join Father Emanuel for weekday mass Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Queer Yukon – Drop-In

11:00 AM Queer Yukon – Dawson City Wednesday drop-in offers Direct Aid and Harm Reduction services.

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Preschooler Gymnastics with Terrie Turai 4:00 PM Robert Service School Introduce your 3 and 4-year-olds to tumbling and rolling!

Thu Apr 6 & 13 55+ Free Fit 2:00 PM The Fitness Centre All you need is comfy exercise clothes and indoor only shoes! There will be a trainer on site to help with any fitness questions!

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Hatha Yoga with Blackbird 5:45 PM Minto Park Register online.

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Youth Muay Thai Classes 5:00 PM Robert Service School Register online or contact the Rec Office at: 993-7400 ext 299, or recreation@ cityofdawson.ca

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Hatha Yoga with Blackbird 5:30 PM Minto Park Register online at cityofdawson.ca

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Multi-Sport Drop In 6:00 PM Robert Service School Free program, all children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Drop In Volleyball 7:30 PM Robert Service School

Fri Apr 7 & 14 Queer Yukon – Drop-In 11:00 AM Queer Yukon – Dawson City Open Community Engagement hours.

Fri Apr 7 & 14 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 7 & 14 Adult Rec & Roll 5:00 PM Robert Service School Gym Free indoor roller skating for ages 18+ Helmet required.

Fri Apr 7 & 14 Rock climbing 6:00 PM Robert Service School All Ages, all skill levels, every Friday until March 10 – free.

Sat Apr 8 & 15 Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00 AM Robert Service School

cont’d

Sat Apr 8 & 15 Drop-In Walking Group 12:00 PM Robert Service School Open to all ages, children under 10 to be accompanied by an adult, Parents with strollers are welcome. Set distance goals to achieve or just come for exercise and socialization.

Sat Apr 8 & 15 All Ages Amateur Parkour 12:00 PM Robert Service School Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info.

Sat Sat Apr 8 & 15 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 9 & 16 Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00 AM Robert Service School

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Free Public Skate 3:00 PM Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre Free public skate every Sunday until the end of the season.

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Yin Yoga 8:00 PM Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre For a deep stretch and relaxation before bedtime Email recreation@cityofdawson.ca

Mon Apr 10 & 17 55+ Stretch & Strong

Fitness Class 2:00 PM Minto Park A 6-week strength class for Dawsonites Call 993-7400 ext 299

Mon Apr 10 & 17 Badminton & Pickleball

6:00 PM Robert Service School Open to all ages (children under 10 must be supervised).

Mon Apr 10 & 17 Adult Drop-In Basketball 7:30 PM Robert Service School Gym – Free Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info

Mon Apr 10 & 17 Young Peoples Talking Circle 7:00 PM Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Youth Centre

Tues Apr 11 & 18 Romp & Run 10:30 AM YOOP Hall Email Jen.Suttis@cdcyukon. ca for more info.

Tues Apr 11 & 18 Preschool Learn to Skate 10:45 AM Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre Half Hour program for stay at home preschoolers ages 3+. Email recreation@cityofdawson.ca

Tues Apr 11 & 18 Hatha Yoga 5:30 PM Minto Park Improve your posture flexibility and strength. Email recreation@ cityofdawson.ca

Tues Apr 11 & 18 English Conversation Club 7:00 PM YukonU A weekly English Conversation Club for immigrants in Dawson City.

FARO

Wednesdays & Friday’s Seniors Games & Walks 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Walk or play cards, engage in healthy living.

Wednesdays and Fridays Seniors Yoga 2:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Wednesdays Public Skate 3:30 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Wednesdays and Fridays 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.

Thursdays & Fridays Youth Group 7:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Fridays Volleyball 3:30 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Fridays Kids Floor Hockey 6+ 7:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Fridays Public Skate 3:30 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Fridays Junior Shooting 7:00 Faro

Recreation Centre

Saturdays Public Skate 2:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Saturdays Open Gym 3:30 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.

Saturdays Pickleball 1:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Tuesdays & Thursdays Parent & Tot 10:00 AM Faro Recreation Centre

Tuesday & Thursdays Carpet Bowling 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Tuesdays & Thursdays Kids Club 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre – Must be pre-registered, for more info call 994-2375

Tuesdays Archery 6:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Adult Floor Hockey 7:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

HAINES JUNCTION

Wednesdays Adult Volleyball 16+ 7:00 PM St. Elias Community School Meet in the school gym

Wednesdays 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]

Wednesdays Boxing Classes Bill Brewster Arena 5:30 PM Reach your fitness goals by joining this boxing program! Participants must complete out a waiver provided. Call 634-2012 or email dgraham@cafn.ca for more info. https:// bit.ly/3mGYALy

Thursdays Step It Up with Shelby 5:00

PM Bill Brewster Arena Cardio Aerobic

Step Class is a classic cardiovascular workout, using a 4 or 6 inch step platform.

Fridays 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.l

Saturdays Step It Up with Shelby 7:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena Cardio Aerobic Step Class is a classic cardiovascular workout, using a 4 or 6 inch step platform.

Mondays Public Skate Bill Brewster

Arena 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM

Mondays Step It Up with Shelby 7:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena Cardio Aerobic Step Class is a classic cardiovascular workout, using a 4 or 6 inch step platform.

Mondays Smart Recovery Meetings 8:00 PM Munku Hall Everyone welcome, call 334-5688 for more info.

Tuesdays Girls Club 6:00 PM St. Elias School Held in the art room, open to Girls and identifying as Girls from Grade 8 to 12.

MARSH LAKE

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays

Jackalope Open for drinks and snacks 5:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Thursdays North of 60 Seniors

Coffee and Chat 2:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Thursdays Shuffleboard Marsh Lake Community Centre 6:00 PM

Saturdays Knitting Circle 11:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre Everyone wielding a hook, needle or pin is welcome.

Saturdays Pickleball Outside Marsh Lake Community Centre 12:30 PM

Saturdays Family Playtime and Open Gym 3:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

MAYO

Mon thru Fri Morning Video Workout 6:15 AM Mayo Recreation Centre

Mon, Wed & Fri Teen Workout 12:00 PM J.V Clark School

Weekdays Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre

Weekdays Mayo Mornings Parent and Tot Time 10:00 AM Mayo Recreation Centre

Mondays Art/Entrepreneur Club 3:30 J.V

Clark School Held in the Lunchroom

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

Mondays Yoga 5:15 PM Mayo Community Hall And Recreation Centre

Tuesdays & Thursdays Tabata Training

5:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Youth Archery 3:30 PM

MMayo Community Hall And Recreation

Centre

Tuesdays Disc Golf 7:00 PM Mayo

Recreation Centre And Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Curling 7:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre 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.

Wednesdays Pottery Class 3:30 PM J.V Clark School

Wednesdays Volleyball 7:30 PM J.V Clark School Held in gym

Thursdays Elementary Soccer 3:30 PM J.V Clark School

Thursdays Teen/Adult Floor Hockey

7:30 PM J.V Clark School

Sundays St. Mary’s Church Service

11:00 AM St Mary’s Church (867)6677746

Sundays Communion Service St. Mary with St. Mark Anglican Church 11:00 AM where village members come together to worship and offer service to their community and the world.

MOUNT LORNE

Thursdays Parents and Tots Playtime Group 1:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre

Thursdays Community Drop-In 1:30 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Play games, craft, chat walk, snacks, coffee & tea provided.

Fridays Drop-In Adult Hockey Lorne Mountain Community Centre 7:00 PM For members or non-members (for a small fee)

Mondays Drop-In Yoga Lorne Mountain Community Centre 7:00 PM By donation all levels welcome

OLD CROW

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

Wednesdays Parent and Tots 4:00 PM Old Crow Community Center Call 9663015 for more info.

Wednesdays Adult Card Game Night

6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow

Community Centre

Wednesdays Stroller Walks 10:00 AM Kih Tsal

Mondays Men’s Night At The Rec Centre 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Tuesdays Kids Gym 3:00 PM John Tizya

Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

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

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

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

TAGISH

Wednesdays Tagish Library 12:00 PM

Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon

Wednesdays Yukon Learn at Tagish

Library 1:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary

Targeted literacy programming by Yukon

Learn at the Tagish Library. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon.

Wednesdays Intro to Yoga 4:15 PM Tagish Community Centre

Wednesdays Beginner and Intermediate

Yoga 5:45 PM Tagish Community Centre

Wednesdays Coffee And Chat 2:00 PM

Tagish Community Centre

Wednesdays Tagish Country Line

Dancing 5:30 PM Tagish Community Centre For members and non members, beginners at 5:30 PM and Intermediate at 6:30 PM Email recreation@tagishyukon.org

Thursdays Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon

Thursdays Carpet Bowling 10:00 AM Tagish Community Centre

Thursdays Tagish Local Advisory Council Meeting Tagish Community Centre 7:00 PM .

Saturdays Tagish Library 12:00 PM

Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon

Mondays Tagish Butt Kickers Tagish Community Centre 11:00 AM Everyone Welcome, Biking, Hiking, Skiing Snowshoeing, Kicksledding, Ping Pong, Pickleball, Dog Walking & Morer

TESLIN

Wednesdays Pickleball 12:00 & 7:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Wednesdays Dominos 1:00 PM Teslin Recreation CentreCome out and play a game of dominos, for seniors but will play anyone!

Thursdays Group Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin

Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Youth Futsol

like outdoor adventure.

Recreation Centre

PM Teslin

Tuesdays Art & S.T.E.M Afternoon 3:15 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Youth Futsol Ages 8-14 5:30 PM Teslin School

Tuesdays 3D Archery 5:30 PM Teslin

Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Group Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin

Recreation Centre

WATSON LAKE

Daily Public Skate Watson Lake Recreation Centre 8:30-5:30 PM, Wednesdays 7:30 – 9:30 PM and Saturday 10:00 – 6:00 PM

Sundays St. John’s Church Service 10:00 AM St. John’s Church Service (867) 536-2932

Wednesdays Drop-In Ninja Tumbling 5:30 PM Watson Lake Secondary School

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

Fridays Friday Night Lanes 7:00 PM Call 335-7979 to register

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

Sundays Sunday Nite Volleyball 11:00 AM Watson Lake Secondary School

Mondays Learn to Skate Watson Lake Recreation Centre Sign up at the Rec Centre

Tuesdays Pickleball & Badminton Watson Lake Secondary School 7:00 PM

COMMUNITY

Kings of the North – The Search for the Last of the Ice Bears Movie Premieres

Victoria Gold is pleased to present Yukon photographer and environmentalist Peter Mather’s documentary film Kings of the North – The Search for the Last of the Ice Bears about Yukon grizzly bears delaying their winter hibernation to fish for salmon and Mathers’ quest to photograph these ice bears.

Kings of the North – The Search for the Last of the Ice Bears - will premiere in Whitehorse on Thursday, April 6 at the Yukon Arts Centre and in Haines Junction on Friday, April 14 at the St. Elias Convention Centre. Tickets for both events are $30.00.

Directed by Peter Zenkl with music design by Matthew Lien, the film will also premiere in Vancouver on Wednesday, April 26 at the Vancouver International Film Festival Centre with ticket proceeds to benefit the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society’s Every Student, Every Day initiative to directly support increased student engagement and attendance projects in classrooms and communities throughout the territory.

As the ice bears delay their hibernation into late winter for one last feast of salmon, they become covered in a layer of icicles fishing in temperatures below minus 20C. The documentary also focuses on the natural history of salmon, bears and Indigenous peoples of the area.

Mather, an award-winning photographer and filmmaker focused on wildlife, conservation and northern peoples says, “I reached out to Victoria Gold to get involved in the film as they are so engaged in Yukon communities and in our territory’s youth. Victoria Gold is the first mining company I’ve seen in my time in the Yukon so committed to supporting Yukoners, so I thought it a great fit and happily, they partnered with me.”

A limited-edition co ee table photography book is also being created in partnership with Victoria Gold to include 94 pictures from the seven-year-long Kings of the North project journey.

“The story of these ice bears is one that few people may be aware of, including Yukoners, so we are very pleased to support Peter and help bring this project forward so that we can all gain a greater understanding of these incredible animals,” adds McConnell.”

Victoria Gold is excited to present Peter Mather’s documentary film Kings of the North – The Search for the Last of the Ice Bears about his journey to record Yukon ice bears. The film is premiering on April 6 at the Yukon Arts Centre in Whitehorse, on April 14 at the St. Elias Convention Centre in Haines Junction.

An ice bear in Klukshu; the focus on Yukon filmmaker Peter Mather’s new documentary film Kings of the North – The Search for the Last of the Ice Bears presented by Victoria Gold.