What's Up Yukon, April 17, 2024

‘WITHOUT A PADDLE’ (ALMOST)

Construction has begun in order to repair the Takhini Sanitary Trunk Main, which includes flow from the McIntyre and Takhini mains and that accounts for 40 to 50 per cent of the city’s total sewage

On June 1, 2022, a tension crack was discovered in the Takhini Sanitary Trunk Main, similar to others noted along the escarpment associated with landslides that year. The City of Whitehorse had concerns that the crack could lead to another landslide, one that could cause the manhole to tip over, resulting in an uncontrolled release.

tension crack there right at one of the maintenance chambers.”

In short, the rumour going around was that had these repairs should not have been undertaken; a river of sewage could have stormed Whitehorse, leaving its residents up shit creek with no paddle.

“We rerouted the sanitary trunk main, which previously went through the baseball diamonds and then down the escarpment behind the baseball diamonds and down to Copper Road and Tlingit Street,” explained the City of Whitehorse manager of engineering services, Taylor Eshpeter. “A couple of years ago, we had some slope stability concerns where the trunk comes down the escarpment, and there’s still an active

Eshpeter continued to say that the project was kicked off last summer to realign the trunk around the baseball diamonds and down a gentler slope within the right of way of Mountain View Drive. The Takhini Sanitary Trunk Main accounts for 40 to 50 per cent of the total sewage in Whitehorse, so the results could have been disastrous.

“We’ve installed that main and commissioned it, and the flow has been redirected to the new sanitary trunk,” Eshpeter said. “It’s a critical piece of infrastructure.”

Last year’s focus was on getting the underground work done to get the main conditioned and routed over; and, with that complete, the next step is to finish the surface work on Range Road. A temporary bypass was installed but is no longer needed and will also be decommissioned, as it was a backup plan if the slope failed and had to be temporarily rerouted.

Thankfully, Whitehorse resi-

dents can count themselves safe from seeing a fecal flood, though Eshpeter noted it would have taken a significant amount more damage to the sanitary trunk main for anything like that to actually happen.

“We rely on that main; it’s the only main,” said Eshpeter. “We don’t know exactly what would happen if the slope failed, but in the worst-case scenario, if it had pulled the main out, it could have been discharging sewage and there would have been no way of stopping it.”

Eshpeter said residents can expect a PSA (public service announcement) before the surface construction starts. To read more about the work on the Takhini Sanitary Trunk Main, visit whitehorse.ca/whitehorse_project/ takhini-sanitary-trunk-main “We appreciate people’s patience around it,” Eshpeter said. “There will be some disruptions to Range Road but we’ll communicate those as we get closer to that work and [will] do our best to mitigate those as well.” n

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PHOTO: Google Maps

Trunk Main Project Area

IT TAKES GUTS

As I began searching for idioms with a digestive theme, in honour of this year’s “Poop” edition of What’s Up Yukon, I discovered there were a lot of them

Ibriefly contemplated the correlation between poop and a fan but decided that could get messy—so there will be nothing “hitting the fan” in this column. Instead, I decided to go with my gut. Here goes; join me if you have the stomach for it.

Go with your gut! This idiom may not always be the best advice for someone if there’s time to consider the facts, to listen to sage advice and to digest all the options. But gut instinct, which often manifests itself physically, should never be ignored. Take the Fight, Flight or Freeze response, for example: sometimes you just need to act, and act fast. On those occasions, go with your gut.

In the 1900s, another idiom made its gutsy debut simultaneously with the appearance of cast iron and we developed castiron stomachs, iron guts or guts of steel (not to be confused with

abs of steel). Yep, we developed intestinal fortitude. This idiom literally, at times, refers to those individuals (my husband included) who have cast-iron stomachs because they seem to be able to ingest almost anything.

The next idiom is belly full of lead or lead belly. This is believed to have originated with Huddie William Ledbetter (stage name, Lead Belly), the American folk and blues singer and famous melodeon player whose incarceration and subsequent enduring spirit gave rise to “The Midnight Special,” with its famous lyrics, written by one who understood the meaning of hard times (youtube.com/ watch?v=CrdioqIMtpY). If you

have a belly full of lead or are a lead belly, you can withstand a whole lot and can pretty much chew on whatever life dishes up.

And the final idiom is yellow belly Yellow elicits thoughts of sunshine and warmth; and of daisies, dandelions and daffodils. It’s the colour of chicks and of one vibrant stripe of the rainbow. But not here. Its origin is debatable, as origins of idioms often are, but yellow belly is thought to have originated in reference to the pale skin of folks who lived in the Lincolnshire Fens, a marshy region in England, or perhaps in reference to an important staple in their diets: eel—the underbellies of which were yellow.

Yellow has become synonymous with the original yellow belly but referred to those members of the military who were considered to be weak-kneed and, later, to characters in Westerns who were deemed cowardly. People have been hurling these insults ever since. Then, even the poor yellow-bellied sapsucker was drawn into the mix when its name was added to yellow belly as a variant of this idiom, as though adding “sapsucker” would somehow deepen the insult. I hope these idioms have left you with fire in your belly—not the stomach-acid kind, but the kind that gets your

juices flowing. n

Laurent Romeo Jewel

PHOTOS: GBP Creative

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.

WILD POOPS

The “who’s who” of poop in the wild

When you ask a Yukon biologist if a bear does, in fact, poop in the woods, they will most definitely tell you yes. Then they’d explain how healthy that bear is, what it ate for breakfast and what minerals and nutrients are missing from its diet.

Thomas Jung, who is the senior wildlife biologist with the Government of Yukon’s Department of Environment, said that having the opportunity to collect animal scat in the field is a hugely beneficial way for scientists to determine how the territory’s mammal populations are doing. In addition to planned projects that specifically target poop collection, biologists in the field will often seize upon opportunities to collect droppings for study.

comes in the form of genetics and parasites, Jung said. In the case of the former, genetics can tell biologists about animal populations—a kind of “who’s who,” he said. As for the latter, parasites directly equate to an animal’s health, and the scat they deposit is vital in tracking what kinds of parasites are out there, through the clues they leave behind.

“Many parasites that live in mammals—including humans— shed their eggs in poop,” Jung said.

He added that, once in the lab, scat can be broken down into bits of information and pro-

wolverine. When the weather warms up, there are programs that look specifically at collecting droppings from bats and pikas, as well; though the bigger animals are looked at closely as they struggle the most, at this time of year, and face a greater mortality rate, making the collection of scat and determining animal health that much more important.

Throughout the year, these samples are collected and then sent to labs all over the country, many of which are in universities but also some that are in federal labs. In addition, sometimes word will get out between labs that one of them has samples from Yukon animals. Multiple labs will reach out to see if they can have samples for their own projects, Jung added.

After decades in the field, Jung said he still very much enjoys the collecting of animal poop as part of the job. He even joked that he may have a little too much fun.

Jung said that when the poop is collected and then sent to a lab for analysis, a whole range of information can be gleaned from those samples. It allows biologists in the Yukon to see the health and status of those animals, he said, adding that it also means there’s less stress on those animals that don’t need to come in contact with people.

“Poop, obviously, is one [way] we don’t have to handle an animal,” Jung said. Direct contact and collecting scat is still a common two-pronged approach to the work.

Other important markers that scientists see in animal poop

vide data on things like the animal’s diet, but also about things like minerals and nutrients. Jung said the most-important thing they look for is the level of nitrogen in the scat. “Nitrogen is an indicator of crude protein levels in an animal’s diet,” he said.

Right now, as winter turns into spring, work is being done on collecting droppings from both caribou and bison, which are a big part of the collection process.

“A lot of our poop work focuses on ungulates,” Jung said, adding that recently they have been able to do poop collection from trapped animals such as lynx and

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“I have a reputation of collecting too much,” he said, with a laugh.. But when it comes down to it, the process is fun and fairly low-key. He tells people they only need two tools for the job: “You need a hatchet and a fork.” The hatchet helps with chopping up the frozen scat, and the fork acts like a small rake to gather droppings and put them in sample bags. All joking aside, the most-important point of it all is being able to learn from that scat and have that knowledge about the animals in the Yukon, he said.

Jung is quick to reiterate that the biologists have the less-stressful job in collecting the poop and that those who work in laboratories and break it down into usable data are the ones who do the hard work.

“Our job is the easy job,” he said with a chuckle. n

You can expect friendly and welcoming care in an environment that relaxes even the most anxious patients. We all love what we do, and look forward to welcoming you and your family to our practice.

Project technicians Anna Smith (right) and Hannah Miller, collecting Carcross caribou herd poo

PHOTO: Courtesy of Government of Yukon, Department of Environment

OUTHOUSE UPGRADE

I remember it like it was yesterday … calling home from the hospital to see how my husband was coping with our one-year-old son, on his own, and being surprised when my friend answered the phone

“C

ongratulations!” she said. “I hear she’s a beautiful baby girl.”

“Thanks, she is. And it feels great to get her out! What are you doing there?

Babysitting?”

“No, I’m cooking hamburgers,” she said. “All the neighbours are here. We’re building you an outhouse!”

“No way! That’s so nice! Thankyou!”

Before that, we just had an “Out,” a big hole in the ground with a wooden box seat, but no house on top.

“Make sure they don’t put a door on it,” I said. “I want the view and the fresh air.”

“Ten-four,” my friend said.

“And two holes, please,” I added.” One adult one and one kid’s one.”

“Good idea! I’ll go tell them

Our toiletry shelves with all of the essentials for a relaxing visit

that right away,” she said. “You rest now—and enjoy being waited on.”

“I will! Thanks again. Bye.”

It’s 30 years later and that outhouse still stands strong. It was made with spruce offcuts from a sawmill that we used to have. The only improvement we have had to make was moving it to a new hole farther from the house, and last year we put on a new tin roof.

We have a flush toilet now, in a real house, but our daughter and her fiancée are coming to visit soon and will be staying in the bus (that we were living in when she was born) and using the outhouse. So, we decided that it was time to freshen up the inside. I started, this winter, when I ran out of canvases to do my pour paintings on.

I found a scrap of plywood, the right size for a new lid for the outhouse hole and, over a week, created a masterpiece on each side. This spring, I pried off the old seats and used them to make templates on fresh plywood that I had given three coats of paint. The grossest part was replacing the plastic lining that was stapled around the inside of the hole. It helps stop any updrafts and prevents the boys from squirting themselves in the legs through the spaces in the boards. I didn’t realize how complicated peeing can be for men, so we also made the toilet hole a bit longer, to give them more room to adjust their aim.

The only decoration we have ever had is some 45 records hanging on nails through their holes. I left them there and I added two CDs and a plastic lid and plate that I pour-painted last year. Our toiletry shelves are made from two wooden filing boxes we found at the dump, many years ago. They must have been from Forestry because they are labelled “Helicopter Safety” and “Portable Pumps and Water Use.”

Unfortunately, because of the orientation of the shelves, the labels are facing the back of the outhouse so they cannot be seen, but I like knowing they are there. The shelves hold my puzzle book, pencil, glasses, a Chicken Soup for the Soul book, mosquito coils, bug repellent and toilet paper. When the outhouse was first built, we had the toilet paper hanging on a holder, but after a squirrel decorated our yard with it, we put it in a plastic tobacco can where it has lived ever since.

The thing I like best about outhouses is that they don’t stink up your house. The thing I dislike most is that you can’t see the results of your efforts. On that topic, it surprises me that nobody has invented an in-toilet camera or mirrors, to help keep an eye on proceedings. If they had, they might get a picture like the last pour painting I did on the inside of the children’s toilet lid.

I was aiming for a pink flower

The back of our toiletry shelves, which are made from wooden Forestry boxes q

PHOTOS: Donna Lawther

Donna Lawther is a long-time Yukoner, pour painting artist and author of Harry the Hug Monster.

Freelance with Donna Lawther

p Later in the year, we moved the outhouse to a new hole farther from the house

Outhouse Renovations cont’d from page 6

with brown outlines and a yellow center, but it ended up looking more like an exploding sphincter. That’s the thing with pour paintings; you just never know how they are going to turn out. Check out the video on the What’s Up Yukon website to watch me using a blow-dryer to pour-paint the seat. I added the orange and red highlights after the video ended, thinking they would brighten up the flower, but I realized later that they highlighted

the sphincter instead. Oops. I might paint over it one day but for now it will have to do.

As most Yukoners know, styrofoam makes the best outhouse seat because it never gets too cold to sit on. It is hard to clean, though, so it felt great to replace our old blue seats with clean grey ones. The last step was putting hinges on the lids. The whole process took months, but the result looks great and will be enjoyed for years. n

Still standing proud after 30 years, but in need of a freshen-up u

After the renovations u t

Using a blowdryer to move the paint around to create flower petals

p Who better to hang in our outhouse than Winnie the Pooh!

PHOTOS: Donna Lawther

Consider serving on one of the following boards and committees:

■ Bid Challenge Committee

■ Driver Control Board

■ National Safety Code Review Board

Deadline: Until lled

Contact: keoshia.philbert-blake@yukon.ca or 867-332-7352

■ Employment Standards Board

■ Physiotherapists Advisory Committee

■ LPN Advisory Committee

■ Licensed Practical Nurses Discipline Panel

■ Registered Psychiatric Nurses Advisory Committee

■ Midwifery Advisory Committee

■ Pharmacy Advisory Committee

■ Building Standards Board

■ Municipal Board

■ Lottery Appeal Board

Deadline: Ongoing

Contact: Kimberly Widdis, 867-332-6019, boards.cs@yukon.ca

■ Yukon University Board of Governors

Deadline: Ongoing

Contact Yukon University Secretariat at 867-456-8583

■ Education Appeal Tribunal

■ Yukon Child Care Board

Deadline: Ongoing

Contact: clare.daitch@yukon.ca or phone 867-332-7337

■ Student Financial Assistance Committee

Deadline: Ongoing

Contact: megan.foreman@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5129

■ Alsek Renewable Resources Council

Deadline: July 18, 2024

Contact: env.ia@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5336.

■ Dawson District Renewable Resources Council

Deadline: June 7, 2024

Contact: env.ia@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5336.

■ Carcross Tagish Renewable Resources Council

■ Dän Keyi Renewable Resources Council

■ Laberge Renewable Resources Council

■ Mayo District Renewable Resources Council

■ North Yukon Renewable Resources Council

■ Selkirk Renewable Resources Council

Deadline: Ongoing

Contact: env.ia@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5336.

■ Yukon Arts Advisory Council

■ Yukon Arts Centre Corporation Board

Deadline: June 1, 2024

Contact: Suki.Wellman@yukon.ca

■ Yukon Tourism Advisory Board

Deadline: May 15, 2024

Contact: eduardo.la orgue@yukon.ca

■ Corrections Community Advisory Board

Deadline: June 28, 2024

Contact: carla.braun@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5959

■ Law Foundation Board of Directors (Yukon) – vacancy and upcoming vacancy

■ Law Society of Yukon – Complaint Dismissal Review Committee – vacancy

■ Law Society of Yukon – Discipline Committee

– vacancy and upcoming vacancy

Deadline: until lled

Contact: carla.braun@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5959

■ Yukon Housing Corporation Board of Directors

Deadline: May 1, 2024

Contact: maryanne.clarke@yukon.ca

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

COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS

ATLIN

Sat Apr 20 Muster Point plays Atlin 7:30 PM Atlin Teen Centre Muster Point is coming to Atlin. Muster Point plays original music that blends and extends genres into sweeping journeys of groove.

Sat Apr 27 Kim Beggs Plays Atlin 7:30 PM Atlin Teen Centre As a part of the Teen Centre Monthly Concert Series. Yukon musician Kim Beggs plays live.

Sundays

St. Martins Anglican Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM St. Martins Anglican Church 10:00 AM Everyone is welcome. Atlin Christian Assembly 11:00 AM St. Atlin Christian Centre 10:00 AM Everyone is welcome.

Mondays

Caregiver & Tot Drop-in 10:00 AM

Atlin Recreation Centre This is an unstructured hour for You and your Littles to get social and run wild. This IS NOT a drop off, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Call or email 993-4102 atlinarc.coordinator@gmail. com for more info.

Yukon Communities:

Wednesdays AA Yukon Unity (OM) 3:00 PM Online Yukon Health Centers, Live Video Meeting Beaver Creek, Carcross, Carmacks, Dawson City, Destruction Bay, Faro, Haines Junction, Mayo, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing, Ross River, Teslin, Watson Lake. Online users’ sign in info: yukonbcdistrict52@gmail.com

CARCROSS

Sun Apr 28 Inspire 3:00 PM Haa

Shagóon Hídi (Our Ancestors House) Carcross/Tagish Learning Centre An evening of beautiful music featuring members of the Problematic Orchestra, with Gwen Hoebig and Jeremy Brown. Tickets online. https://longestnight.ca/

Second Sunday of Every Month St. Saviour’s Church Services 2:00 pm St. Saviour Church 867-668-3129

First Friday of the month Mother Goose

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

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

CARMACKS

First & Third Tuesdays of Every Month Carmacks Regular Council Meeting 7:00 PM Carmacks Municipal Building

DAWSON CITY

MONTHLY

1st Saturday of every month Coffee House & Open Mic Night Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) 7:00 PM family-friendly open mic night at KIAC. Admission by donation with all funds raised donated to a different community group each month.

Weekly

Mondays

Handbuilding Pottery Drop-in 6:309pm 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.

Ecumenical Mothers’ prayers gathering 7pm St Paul’s Anglican Church

Tuesdays

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

Wednesdays

QYS Drop-in 1:00 PM DCMF Office

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.

Screen Printing Drop-in 6:00 PM

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

CFYT Trivia Night The Drunken Goat Fun filled night of Trivia. Every other Wednesday. A variety of trivia categories! Come with your team or join a team when you arrive!

Thursdays

CDC Toddler Program 10:00 AM

Klondike Institute of Arts & Culture KIAC Free drop-In for kids 5 & under with parent/guardian Story time & free play!

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.

Fridays

Cards & Conversation 1:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1 Dawson City Free! Drop-In! No registration necessary. whatsupyukon.events/dawson-legion8336c3

Open Studio Drop-in 1:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Enjoy KIAC’s bright, air-conditioned space to create and focus on your artistic practice. Even better- we’ve waived the drop-in fee this day.

Saturdays

Open Studio – Drop In 1:00 PM

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

AA North Star Group Dawson City 7:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion In person or Videoconference option available Call 867-993-5095 or 867-9933734 for more information

Sundays

Anglican Church Service 10:30 Anglican Church Service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Dawson City. Corner of Front and Church Streets at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Dawson City

FARO

First and Third Tuesday of every month Faro Council Meeting 7:00 PM Town of Faro

Tuesdays

Parent & Tot 10:00 AM Faro Recreation Centre

Open Gym 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Kids Club Faro Recreation Centre Adult Floor Hockey 7:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Wednesdays

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

Fitness Fun for Seniors 2:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Pickleball 2:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Volleyball 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Thursdays

Parent & Tot 10:00 AM Faro Recreation Centre

Open Gym 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

PM Faro Recreation Centre

Saturdays

Pickleball 2:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Open Court Basketball 3:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Open Gym 4:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Sundays

Open Court Basketball 3:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre HAINES JUNCTION

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

Mondays

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

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

Tuesdays

Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster

Arena Drop in. Programming is for kids 4 and under and their parents/caregivers.

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

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

BGC Game Night 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School Play, have fun, build skills and challenge your friends

Wednesdays

Seniors and Elders Refreshments and Games 2:00 PM Haines Junction

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

AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 3:00 PM Haines Junction Health Centre

BGC Rec in the Gym 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School

Art Journaling Group 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School Bring your own creative supplies that you like to use. This can be scraps of paper, magazines, glue, paint, pen, markers, stamps, ink etc. and a book or journal to create

Thursdays

Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster

Arena Drop in. Programming is for kids 4 and under and their parents/caregivers.

Seniors Activities 2:00 PM St. Elias Community Centre Floor curling, carpet bowling and indoor walking group. Haines Junction Thrift Shop 2:00 PM St. St. Christopher’s Thrift Shop is a great place to pick up items. Prices are low and numerous adult items are available for $2, and most items for children are $1.

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

Fridays

Stories and STEM Activities 10:00 AM Haines Junction Library

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

Saturdays

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

Sundays Anglican Church Service St. Christopher’s Church 10:30 AM Anglican Church Service at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church in Haines Junction https://anglican.yukon.net/services.html

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

MARSH LAKE

Until April 30 A Celebration of Swans 2024 5:00 AM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Visit the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre to welcome spring and witness the mass migration of thousands of swans, ducks and geese. https://yukon. ca/swans

Wed Apr 17 Cake-Walk 6:30 PM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre An interpretive walk along the shore ice, followed by a slice of cake back at the centre to celebrate the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre and A Celebration of Swans. https://yukon.ca/swans

Sat Apr 20 Live Music: Swan (and other animal) Songs 1:00 PM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Folk/roots singer-songwriter Logan McKillop for a fun, all-ages outdoor show. Outdoor performance with limited seating and lots of standing room. https://yukon.ca/swans

Sat Apr 20 - 22 A Celebration of Swans 2024 - Family Weekend 5:00 AM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre The whole family is welcome to attend a day of swan watching and fun activities. We’ll have games, crafts, bird viewing and more. Bring your own food or purchase lunch. https://yukon.ca/swans

Tue Apr 23 Bird Banding and Research 5:30 PM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Counting birds and learning about their migratory patterns is important for the conservation of birds. A free indoor/ outdoor event. https://yukon.ca/swans

Wed Apr 24 Senior’s Tea 1:00 PM Swan Haven Interpretive CentreThe Marsh Lake Community Society invites all seniors and Elders to enjoy tea, coffee, sandwiches, homemade goodies and swan viewing. Come, mingle and enjoy!

Sat Apr 27 Watercolours Workshop 1:00 PM Swan Haven Interpretive Centre Artist Daphne Mennell will guide you through watercolour techniques as you create your own painting. All materials are provided and no experience is necessary. https://yukon.ca/swans

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

Tuesdays

Play Bridge 1:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

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

Wednesdays South of 6 10:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre 10:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Thursdays

Shuffleboard Marsh Lake Community Centre 6:00 PM

Fridays

Beginner Yoga Marsh Lake Community Centre 10:00 AM

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

Saturdays

Pickleball Outside Marsh Lake Community Centre 11:00 AM

Sundays

Pickleball Outside Marsh Lake Community Centre 11:00 AM

MAYO

Mondays

Morning Video Workout 6:15 AM Mayo

Recreation Centre

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

Teen Workout 12:00 PM J.V Clark

School

Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo

Recreation Centre

Art/Entrepreneur Club 3:30 J.V Clark

School Held in the Lunchroom

Dinner and Movie Night 5:00 PM Mayo

Community Hall And Recreation Centre

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

Tuesdays

Morning Video Workout 6:15 AM Mayo

Recreation Centre

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

Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo

Recreation Centre

Youth Archery 3:30 PM Mayo

Community Hall And Recreation Centre

Tabata Training 5:00 PM Mayo

Recreation Centre

Disc Golf 7:00 PM Mayo Recreation

Centre And Recreation Centre

Curling 7:00 PM Mayo Recreation

Centre And Recreation Centre

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

Morning Video Workout 6:15 AM Mayo

Recreation Centre

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

Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo

Recreation Centre

Teen Workout 12:00 PM J.V Clark

School

Pottery Class 3:30 PM J.V Clark School

Rec Volleyball 7:00 PM Village of Mayo

Pool

Thursdays

Morning Video Workout 6:15 AM Mayo

Recreation Centre

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

Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo

Elementary Soccer 3:30 PM J.V Clark

School

Tabata Training 5:00 PM Mayo

Recreation Centre

Teen/Adult Floor Hockey 7:30 PM J.V

Clark School

Fridays

Morning Video Workout 6:15 AM Mayo

Recreation Centre

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

Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo

Recreation Centre

Teen Workout 12:00 PM J.V Clark

School

Sundays

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

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

Sat Apr 20 Plant Encounter - Poplar 1:00 PM Annie Lake Road An afternoon with Poplar at our off-grid property on the Wheaton River. Herbal samples, harvest and herbal preparation will all be part of this special 3-hour journey. Register online. https://nomadicharvests.com/ learn/wildcrafting/#encounter

Fri Apr 26 Hot Biscuit Stringband 8:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Hot Biscuit String Band featuring local musicians Lina Halimi, Thuya Boyvin, Ryan McNally & Sarah Hamilton. Tickets online in advance or at the door.

Sat Apr 27 Lorne Mountain Repair Fair 1:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre For more info please contact Ava by email avapchristl@gmail.com or text 250-883-2850.

1st Tuesday Monthly LAC Meeting Lorne Mountain Community Centre

Mondays

Run Club 6:00 PM Lorne Mountain

Community Centre

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

Yoga with Jess 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Beginners welcome, all equipment provided. To register or for more info email yogajessyukon@gmail. com.

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

Thursdays

Community Drop In 11:00 AM Mount Lorne Community Centre

Drop-In Skating Lessons – Kids 5:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre

Learn to skate and improve your skills. Coached by Lyndi Proudfoot - Free to Members. Must bring your own skates & helmet.

Run Club 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre

Drop-In Skating Lessons – Adults 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre

Learn to skate and improve your skills. Coached by Lyndi Proudfoot - Free to Members. Must bring your own skates & helmet.

OLD CROW

Mondays

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

Tuesdays

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

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

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

Wednesdays

Stroller Walks 10:00 AM Kih Tsal

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

Adult Card Game Night 6:00 PM John

Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Sundays

St. Luke’s Church Service 11:00 AM St.

Luke’s Church 867-993-5381

ROSS RIVER

Tuesdays

Sewing Night 7:00 PM The Hope Centre

Wednesdays

Family Bible Study 8:00 PM The Hope Centre

Fridays

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

Sundays

Church Service 12:00 PM The Hope Centre

SKAGWAY Alaska

Mondays

Live Music Red Onion Saloon 6:30 PM

Live music every Monday

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.

Windy Valley Babies 10:30 AM

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

Fridays

Skagway Teen Night 6:30 PM Skagway Public Library

Sundays Sunday Worship 10:00 AM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway\

Sunday School 4:00 PM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway

TAGISH

First Monday of every month Carcross Tagish Renewable Resources Council 1:00 PM Tagish Community Centre

First Monday of every month Tagish Advisory Council 8:00 AM Tagish Community Centre

First Tuesday of every month Tagish Community Association 7:00 PM Tagish Community Centre

Second Thursday of every month Tagish Local Advisory Council 7:00 PM Tagish Community Centre

Wednesdays

Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon Yukon Learn at Tagish Library 2:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Targeted literacy programming by Yukon Learn at the Tagish Library. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon.

Coffee And Chat 2:00 PM Tagish Community Centre

Thursdays

Carpet Bowling 10:00 AM Tagish Community Centre

Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon Tagish Local Advisory Council Meeting 7:00 PM Tagish Community Centre .

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

Tuesdays

The ‘Big 4-6’ Sports 4:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Group Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Outdoor 3D Archery 7:00 PM Sambow Archery Course – Meet at the ball diamond

Wednesdays

Dominos 1:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Drop in seniors

Pickleball 6:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Thursdays

Group Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Girls Volleyball 3:15 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Fridays

Public Skating 4:00 PMTeslin Lake Recreation Complex

Basketball Drop-in 7:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Saturdays

Parent & Tots 12:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Sundays

Ball Hockey 7:00 PM Khàtìnas.àxh Community School 12+ Drop in WATSON LAKE

Sat Apr 20 Paint the Spring 12:00 PM

Northern Light Centre An afternoon of birdhouse painting, all supplies will be provided, light snacks and refreshments. Everyone is welcome. To register email austria@queeryukon.com or text 5365103.

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

Second Saturday of the month

Watson Lake Direct Aid 2:00 PM Northern Lights Centre

Tuesdays

Smart Recovery Meetings 3:00 PM

Wye Lake Cabin Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services For more information, email joey.mitchell@yukon. ca or call 332-3187

Pickleball & Badminton Watson Lake Secondary School 7:00 PM

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 3357979 to register

Saturdays

Disc Golf 6:00 PM Raven Pines Rent discs at the Rec Centre or bring your fave. All welcome from expert level to beginner.

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

Sundays

St. John’s Church Service 10:00 AM

St. John’s Church Service (867) 5362932

Sunday Nite Volleyball 11:00 AM

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TESLIN

Mondays

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

Recreation Centre

DIAPER DILEMMA

This time last year, my family was beginning our potty-training journey

And this journey was filled with highlights, lowlights, setbacks, long stretches of greatness, occasional meltdowns and eventual success. The funny thing about it is that it seemed to be much harder on us as parents than it was on our kid. After all, he didn’t seem to feel pressure about it like his mom and dad. He just did what he did until one day he just didn’t want to wear diapers anymore. Once he made that decision, that was that.

And as I look around my Diaper-Genie-less bathroom and fill the shelves of the change table with regular blankets and excess stuffed animals, I can’t help but look back at the last few years of diapering—because (and I know it’s strange to admit) there are moments when I kinda miss it.

Let’s be clear. I do not miss all

of it. I do not miss the smell or the constant planning of any type of activity around when the next diaper change would be needed. I certainly do not miss the expense of buying diapers and wipes on a regular basis. But the fact that I no longer have any need to browse the diaper aisle in stores is often a jolting reminder that my son is growing up and out of a significant part of his life (up until this point).

I’m reminded of being pregnant with him and making the decision about whether we were going to use cloth or disposable diapers. The choice was a tricky one and one that most parentsto-be tackle in the lead-up to the due date of their little one. Both offer pros and cons and I’m not in the habit of deciding one is better than another. However, the fact of the matter is that each parent has to decide what they think will work best for their child and their family.

I remember hearing both sides of the debate from friends and family. One friend of mine swore by cloth diapers—not only for the environmental aspect of it, but also because they were assured that the larger upfront costs would pay for themselves rather quickly and end up saving quite the pretty penny in the long run.

•

Ashley, another friend and local mother of two adorable boys, doubled down on this as she found that cloth diapers led to less diaper rash for her little one who had very sensitive skin.

In the end, we wound up going with disposables, as it was something I was more familiar with (and, honestly, as a first-time mom,” familiar” sounded great). Plus, it helped that we had loving family members who sent us enough diapers so that we were sure not to run out any time soon. It worked for us—and, as I said before, you just have to do what works for you.

And for the most part, I think my husband and I were lucky. We didn’t have many “blowout” situations (I thanked my child for that each and every day), and the process of a diaper change quickly became something I could do in less than two minutes.

I have to admit I became pretty cocky with my ability to change a diaper. Nasty stuff aside, it became a moment of connection where I could chat with my little boy, make him giggle and sing a song. I didn’t get the fight I had around meals or bedtimes. He was usually pretty relaxed until those few months when, as a toddler, my child suddenly became the equivalent of a gator on steroids during diaper changes. My goodness, that boy was strong. And when he wanted to roll, he rolled. Being about five feet tall, with a toddler nearly half my height, doing changes on anything but the floor became dang near impossible. Luckily, it was a phase that didn’t last too long. I don’t think my back could have handled anylonger than that.

And as we finally moved into the potty-training phase, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I long for the ease of diapers. There wasn’t the worry of accidents in the car, and I didn’t see the irritation in my son’s face every time I asked him if he wanted to try the potty again. I suddenly had to take a back seat and learn to trust my child to take control over this part of his life. And, in his own time, at the right time, he did just that. So, do I really want to go back to the good ol’ Diaper Daze? No,

To apply, please email hr@g-pdistributing.com

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

of course not. I gave the Diaper Genie away, with a smile on my face and, with glee, donated the last of the nighttime diapers to my son’s early-learning program. We’re moving on. He’s growing up, and I’m happy to leave all of those diapering dilemmas behind us. n

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.

Jordan

p Diaper Daze - from the diaper supplies of old

SIX THINGS TO DO ON THE LOO

No matter how busy life gets, how chaotic your job is or how demanding parenthood becomes, there is one place where you can still have a moment to yourself

As anyone who has had to make a quick trip to the outhouse on a mosquitoy Yukon summer evening or as anyone who has had to dash into a smelly rest-stop porta-potty knows, there are places that one would rather not spend more time than absolutely necessary. Airplane bathrooms, for example, with their horrible sucking noise, terrified me as a kid (and quite honestly, still kind of do).

However, it’s also true that if you’ve ever had to use a public washroom, with a long line of impatient people waiting outside, or have tried to break a world record in how fast you can go to the bathroom while your teething baby is crying, you know that it’s a luxury to not have to rush. Some washrooms are actually places you might like to stay in longer, like a friend’s clean and warm guest bathroom after a chilly winter day outside, or maybe your own bathroom when you finally have the whole house to yourself. I once used the lavatory in the Trockener Steg cable-car station in the mountains above Zermatt, Switzerland, and the view of the Alps from the bathroom window was worthy of being featured in a guide book.

The internet doesn’t fully agree on exactly how much time the average human will spend on the toilet in their lifetime (estimates I found range between 92 days and three years), but however long it is, why not make the most of it? Here are a few ideas of what you can do the next time you have to use the loo.

1. Clean your phone: Let’s be honest, the majority of us have, at one point or another, gone

into the bathroom with our cellphone. Life is hectic and we really don’t know what to do with ourselves anymore if we can’t have our phones with us. Catching up on emails, scrolling Etsy or Amazon, updating your online dating profile, reading the news or watching videos of cats—whatever it is that you like to do, remember to clean your phone with a microfibre cloth and maybe a combination of water and rubbing alcohol every so often. Scientists at the University of Arizona found that cellphones carry 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats (time.com/4908654/cellphone-bacteria).

2. Do some yoga: Whether you often feel like a bear coming out of hibernation, in spring, or simply carry a lot of tension in your body, why not use the time you have in the bathroom to do some light stretching and relaxation. According to John Johnston’s book Toilet Yoga (Because Sometimes Sh*t Doesn’t Happen), there are several movements you can do that can help. Getting a toilet stool/squatty potty may also help improve your position in order to ease constipation, prevent hemorrhoids and protect your pelvic floor muscles; after all, toilets are a relatively new and not all that physiologically natural invention.

3. Make a list: Whether you just remembered something for your grocery list or are pondering what you still want to do with “your one wild and precious life,” why not write it down before you forget? Work on your to-do list, gratitude list, bucket list, packing list or your list of movies to watch and books to read.

4. Read something: Reading for a few minutes each day can make you feel more accomplished, lower your stress levels, improve your vocabulary and make you feel happier (wordsrated.com/benefits-of-reading-every-day). A few relevant recommendations: Toilets of the World by Morna E. Gregory and Sian James; A Stinky History of Toilets: Flush with Fun Facts and Disgusting Discoveries, by Katie Nelson and Olivia Meikle; and, the classic, Everyone Poops, by Tarō Gomi.

5. Challenge your brain: Spend a bit of time each day working on a crossword puzzle, doing some sudoku or learning a new language with an app. Incorporating small habits such as these can improve memory and recall, boost concentration and stimulate your thinking capacity.

6. Meditate: Clear your mind, let your thoughts wander, reflect on the things you’re grateful for, repeat some positive affirmations to yourself or try some toilet meditations. Yes, you read that correctly! Mindfulness practices come in all shapes and sizes and you can even do them while on the toilet. The time you spend in the bathroom every day can become an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, tap into your awareness, visualize tension leaving your body, and to breathe (although maybe not too deeply). A whimsical outhouse on Salt Spring Island

In honour of Earth Day: A few ideas on how to use your empty toilet-paper rolls

Recycle your empty toilet-paper rolls in honour of Earth Day

Before you throw away that next finished roll of toilet paper, consider these creative and practical uses for this simple cardboard tube.

• Fill a few tubes with soil and start seeds inside of them. Plant them directly in your garden once the plants are ready to go outside. The cardboard will deteriorate on its own.

• Make a pencil holder for your desk (there are a bunch of really cool ideas online).

• Turn them into an Advent calendar for next Christmas, or make some Christmas tree decorations (Google “toilet-paper roll decorations”).

• Use them to store and organize cords and cables, as well as for storing wrapping paper and leftover yarn.

• Make a bird feeder by coating the outside of a toilet-paper roll with your choice of nut butter and then rolling it in birdseed. Hang it outside by a piece of spring, then wait to see who shows up.

• Turn a few into napkin rings or make decorative lanterns.

• For the little ones in your life, get them to cover the ends of a tube with paper or fabric, put some dry rice or beans inside and, Voila!—you’ve made a musical instrument. n

PHOTO: Jessica Surber

Jessica Surber is a writer who loves being in the mountains and working with plants. She divides her time between Peru and the Yukon.

PHOTO: Pixabay

RIDE WORRY FREE

A simple blood test could lead to early detection of prostate cancer before it’s too late.

SAVE THE DATE Saturday, June 8th.

Yukon Motorcycle Ride For Dad

To registration or make a donation to the fight against prostate cancer visit www.RideForDad.ca

HAVE YOUR CAKE AND VIRTUE TOO

April is a month of birthdays for my immediate family, most of whom are scattered in the semi-wilds of Ontario

One of them was my dear old dad, who passed on many years ago. This year I decided to make a cake here in Whitehorse, stick it with birthday candles and send a video of my roommate and I singing “Happy Birthday” to all those April celebrants in Ontario.

We used to make a cardamom coffee cake at the Chocolate Claim, 30 years ago. It doesn’t have too much fibre in it (i.e., doesn’t fit that well with the annual, themed “Poop” issue), but it does have walnuts (high in Omega 3), vitamins B6 and E, and a host of minerals; it’s substantial, and it stays fresh for many days.

There’s a little northern bonus, too. During the brown-sugar shortage this winter, I learned from a friend on the ski trails that she substituted one cup of granulated sugar mixed with molasses for brown. I didn’t have molasses, so I tried it with birch syrup for the walnut filling/topping in this cake and it was out of this world. The brown sugar is back in stock (or it was last time I visited the grocery store) but I suggest trying this filling. I don’t think you’ll be sorry. The recipe here is a mash-up between the Chocolate Claim original (derived from the Moosewood Cookbook) and a Swedish coffeecake recipe that doesn’t use quite so much butter and dairy.

I borrowed a bundt pan, but I seem to remember making it in a 10-inch cake pan with a removable bottom, long ago, so that’s worth a try too. As Whitehorse chef and instructor Cat McInroy of Well Bread Culinary Centre once said, you don’t want too many pieces of equipment in the kitchen that are

only good for one task.

Happy Birthday to all those who celebrate in April. Do eat some fibre for supper before your cake, for virtue’s sake.

CARDAMOM COFFEE CAKE

INGREDIENTS

Batter

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 2 Tbsp ground cardamom

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or whey)

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

• 9 oz butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla

Filling/Topping

• 1 cup chopped walnuts

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 Tbsp birch syrup

• 1 Tbsp cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease and flour a 10-cup-capacity bundt pan.

2. Whisk flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cardamom together in a medium bowl.

3. Pour buttermilk into a small bowl and stir in lemon juice.

4. In a large bowl, beat butter with a wooden spoon or a mixer until smooth, then beat in sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Whisk in the vanilla.

5. Stir the butter mixture into the flour mixture in a few strokes, then add the buttermilk. Mix and fold until thoroughly combined, but be careful not to overmix.

6. Spoon one-third of the batter into the pan and smooth with a spatula. Sprinkle one-third of the walnut mixture overtop. Repeat two more times so that you end up with a good sprinkling of walnut mixture on top.

7. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

8. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes. Loosen the cake from the pan by running a slim knife around the edges of the cake, including the circle in the middle. Place a 10-inch plate overtop of the cake and invert it onto the plate. Remove the plate.

9. Next, place a wire cooling rack over the cake and invert the cake onto the rack so the side with the topping is facing up.

10. Cool the cake to room temperature before transferring it to a serving plate. Serve with a scoop of ice cream or just as is. n

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

Cardamom Coffee Cake

PHOTO: Michele Genest

Adding the butter

FSpreading the mixture over the fruit

ruit and oats and whole-wheat flour will all help you towards the goal of producing a perfect poop. Use any sort of frozen fruit mixture you’d like, but if you’re really in pursuit of the perfect movement, choose one that is berry heavy. Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

❑ 4 cups mixed frozen fruit

❑ 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour

❑ 1/4 cup sugar

❑ 1/4 cup oat flakes

❑ 1/2 cup butter

METHOD

1. Set the oven to 350 F. Place fruit in an 8-inch-square baking pan. In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar and oat flakes. Then, using

your fingers, mash the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand.

2. Spread oat mixture evenly over the frozen fruit, then place the pan in the oven and bake until the oat mixture is brown and the fruit is bubbling, about 35 minutes.

3. Allow to cool slightly before serving. n

Sydney

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Sat Apr 20 Ball Hockey Tournament 8:00 AM

Whitehorse Curling Club Rally your friends, and prepare to showcase your hockey prowess. Register online. https://whatsupyukon.events/bm8

Fri Apr 26-28 Yukon Open Tournament - Squash 5:00 AM Better Bodies Guaranteed 3 matches, tournament t-shirt, Friday pizza supper, Saturday social, door prizes, and prizes for the winners. Register in person or online prior to April 20. https:// www.sportyhq.com/

Mondays

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

Morning Strength and Conditioning 7:30 AM

Northern Strength Academy Functional fitness training to be stronger and injury-resistant. All levels are welcome. Train ‘functionally’ with NSA Coowner Jeremy McCulloch. https://northernstrength. ca/

Move & Meditate - Slow Vinyasa Yoga 8:30 AM

Avalanche Athletics Immerse yourself in a tranquil journey of movement and mindfulness with our Moving Meditation - Slow Vinyasa Yoga. http:// amitieyoga.c

Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00 AM Canada

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

Elderactive Pilates level 1/2 9:30 AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement! Register online.

Babynastics with Coach Stephanie 9:30 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club A semi-structured parent and tot class for new movers, all the way to age 5. Immerse your little one in song, socialization and a very colorful and stimulating environment. Free with membership. https://www.polarettes.org/ babynastics

Tai Chi for Seniors 10:00 AM Golden Age Society Come early, bring water, and wear comfortable, smooth soled indoor shoes. Call 668-5538 for more info.

Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40 AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement! Register online. http://cuts2.com/jiacg

Noon Strength and Conditioning 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy Functional strength class teaches compound multi-joint lifts that improve athleticism, strength, coordination, power and more. https://northernstrength.ca/

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

Kids Muay Thai 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

KIDS MUAY THAI a dynamic and engaging martial art that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. Open to ages 8 - 12. Zumba with Bonita 5:45 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Register online

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.

Move & Meditate - Slow Vinyasa Yoga 6:45 PM

Avalanche Athletics Immerse yourself in a tranquil journey of movement and mindfulness with our Moving Meditation - Slow Vinyasa Yoga. http:// amitieyoga.ca

Spirit Bear Karate 7:30 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre http://spiritbearkaratekobudo.ca

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 7:30 PM Rest & Restore-Meditative Yin 8:30 PM

Avalanche Athletics Suitable for all levels, offering variations and props to support individual needs. Bringing a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, water bottle and block are recommended.

Tuesdays

Strength for the Endurance Athlete 6:00 AM

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

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM

Séances de yoga 8:00 AM

Flow and Fly – Vinyasa Yoga 8:30 AM Grace Space This dynamic and invigorating practice is designed to awaken your inner strength and leave you feeling revitalized and empowered.

Elderactive Yoga with Richard until Oct 24 9:30 AM Northern Lights School of Dance explore the great variety the IYENGAR Yoga method has to offer

Yoga with Barbara until Feb 20 10:00 AM

Whitehorse United Church Use side door All Levels Yoga. Email bfraingower@gmail.com

Babynastics with Coach Naomi 10:15 AM

Polarettes Gymnastics Club A semi-structured parent and tot class for new movers, all the way to age 5. Immerse your little one in song, socialization and a very colorful and stimulating environment. Free with membership. https://www.polarettes.org/ babynastics

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

Yoga-Yoga Nidra 5:45 PM 7th Ray Studio Awaken and then release as we delve into a one hour yoga class that will prepare us to melt into the 30 minute Yoga Nidra experience. Register online.

Strength for the Endurance Athlete 12:00 PM

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

Lunchtime Fitness Classes 12:15 PM Northern

Strength Academy Tuesdays classes are more resistance and strength focused and Thursday classes more HIIT cardio. Drop in & passes are available.

Elderactive Leisure Walking 12:30 PM

ElderActive Recreation Association Leisure Walking is similar to Nordic walking but is suitable for those who prefer a slower, more relaxed pace

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

Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy Exercise to suit your fitness level and Strength & Conditioning Goals. Learn to Squat, Deadlift, Bench Press, Row and Olympic Lift https:// northernstrength.ca/

Midnight Sun Fencing Club: Learn to Fence 6:00 PM Grey Mountain Primary School This class introduces the fundamentals of fencing to kids who have never tried fencing. All classes are at Grey Mountain Primary.

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

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

Spirit Bear Kobudo (Weapons) Karate 7:00 PM

The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre http:// spiritbearkaratekobudo.ca

Midnight Sun Fencing Club: Intermediate 7:30 PM Grey Mountain Primary School This class picks up from where Learn to Fence ends. In this class students are taught fencing technique, strategy, and fitness.

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

Stretch and Stabilize – Functional Conditioning 7:45 PM Grace Space Purposeful movement with our Functional Conditioning non-yoga movement class.

Wednesdays

Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.

Morning Strength and Conditioning 7:30 AM

Northern Strength Academy

https://northernstrength.ca/

Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00 AM Canada

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

Elderactive Pilates level 1/2 9:30 AM Northern

Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement! Register online.

Zumba with Bonita 10:00 AM 7th Ray Studio

Zumba routines incorporate interval training — alternating fast and slow rhythms — to help improve cardiovascular fitness. Register online.

Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40 AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement! Register online. http://cuts2.com/jiacg

Ladies Kickboxing 12:05 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.

NSA Spin Classes 4:15 PM Northern Strength Academy NSA offers Indoor Cycling classes with certified instructors Adrienne Marsh and Maria Wise. Improve your conditioning and strength on the bike! https://northernstrength.ca/

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM

Spirit Bear Karate 6:25 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre http://spiritbearkaratekobudo. ca

Muay Thai Kickboxing 7:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Stretch & Stabilize - Functional Conditioning 8:15 PM Avalanche Athletics Purposeful movement with our Functional Conditioning non-yoga movement class. Stretch & Stabilize - Functional Conditioning http://amitieyoga.ca

Thursdays

Insanity Live! Get Fit For Winter – 6 Week Winter Series 5:30 AM Riverdale Subdivision –Whitehorse Incinerate fat and calories in 50 minutes with the ultimate cardio-conditioning program that is tailored to ALL fitness levels. Register online. https://whatsupyukon.events/b7o

Strength for the Endurance Athlete 6:00 AM

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

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM

Tai Chi for Seniors 10:00 AM Golden Age Society

Come early, bring water, and wear comfortable, smooth soled indoor shoes.

Lunchtime Fitness Classes 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy Tuesdays classes are more resistance and strength focused and Thursday classes more HIIT cardio. Drop in & passes are available. https://bit.ly/3oiTBVz

Strength for the Endurance Athlete 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels

Noon Hatha Yoga until Dec 7 12:00 PM Grace Space Relax, energize and leave with more mental and physical space and capacity! Register online. http://cuts2.com/gmGhI

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM

Babynastics with Coach Ewan 1:00 PM Polarettes Gymnastics Club A semi-structured parent and tot class for new movers, all the way to age 5. Immerse your little one in song, socialization and a very colorful and stimulating environment. Free with membership. https://www.polarettes.org/ babynastics

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

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

Midnight Sun Fencing Club: Adult Beginner 7:00 PM Grey Mountain Primary School If you are looking to learn fencing as an adult. In this class students are taught fencing technique, strategy, and fitness.

Fridays Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM

NSA Spin Classes 6:30 AM Northern Strength

Academy NSA offers Indoor Cycling classes with certified instructors Adrienne Marsh and Maria Wise. Improve your conditioning and strength on the bike! https://northernstrength.ca/

Yoga Classes at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs 9:30 AM Yoga mats are provided. Booking options that include yoga classes alone and yoga with discounted entrance to Eclipse are available. eclipsenordichotsprings.ca/yoga-classes

Thursdays Noon Hatha Yoga 12:00 PM Grace Space Energizing blend of Hatha and Kundalini

Saturdays

Flow & Fly – Vinyasa Yoga 8:30 AM Avalanche

Athletics A dynamic and invigorating practice is designed to awaken your inner strength and leave you feeling revitalized and empowered. All levels, Bring yoga mat, comfortable clothing, water bottle and block are recommended. http://amitieyoga.ca

Saturday Morning Strength and Conditioning 10:15 AM Northern Strength Academy Full-body movements to improve functional strength. Suitable for all levels and aligns with NSA’s strength programming. https://northernstrength.ca/

Yoga Classes at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs 10:15 AM Yoga mats are provided. Booking options that include yoga classes alone and yoga with discounted entrance to Eclipse are available. eclipsenordichotsprings.ca/yoga-classes

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM

Open Mat Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM

Sundays

Circus Sundays 10:00 AM Avalanche Athletics We will have equipment for people to try out, including stilts, juggling stuff, aerial silks, aerial hoop, static trapeze, spinny things, balance things…

NSA Spin Classes 10:00 AM Northern Strength Academy NSA offers Indoor Cycling classes with certified instructors Adrienne Marsh and Maria Wise. Improve your conditioning and strength on the bike! https://northernstrength.ca/

Yoga Classes at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs 10:15 AM Yoga mats are provided. Booking options that include yoga classes alone and yoga with discounted entrance to Eclipse are available. eclipsenordichotsprings.ca/yoga-classes

WELLNESS LISTINGS

Fri Apr 19 Ambrosia for the Mind - Buddhist teachings 7:00 PM NorthLight Innovation Lama Padma from Chagdud Gonpa Foundation returns to Whitehorse for general buddhist teachings. All are welcome.

Sun Apr 21 Vajrayana teachings and practice with Lama Padma Gyatso 9:00 AM Yukon University Lama Padma from Chagdud Gonpa Foundation returns to Whitehorse for general buddhist teachings. All are welcome.

Wed Apr 24 Living Well with Heart Failure 10:00 AM Chronic Conditions Support Program (CCSP)

A comprehensive review of what heart failure is and how it can be managed through different interventions. To register call 667-8733 or email ccsp@yukon.ca https://yukon.ca/en/events/livingwell-heart-failure-3?date=2024-04-24

Sat Apr 27 Past Lives, Dreams and Soul Travel Workshop 2:00 PM Whitehorse Public Library Past life recall for a better day. Where do we go in our dreams? Soul travels for divine love, wisdom, and freedom. Free workshop. https://www. eckankarcanada.ca/nunavut-nwt-yukon-spiritualevents.html

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

Monthly

1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month The Prenatal Lunch Network 12:00 PM NVD Place (Old Canadian Tire Building) A free prenatal lunch network. Each week will feature a different activity. Call 332-5054 or 332-6476 for more info.

1st and 3rd Wednesday QYS Peer Support Nights 5:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache We want to provide a space where parents and guardians of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth can find connection and support from their peers.

2nd Wednesday and last Friday Blood Collection and Lab Work 9:00 AM Queer Yukon Society The Cache Blood Work and Lab Collection Clinic! We will provide regular clinics for blood collection & lab requisitions

1st Thursday of every month Men’s Gathering 5:00 PM A safe place for men to connect with each other and learn traditional teachings. For more info contact Rob at 332-5708 or Rob.McLean@kdfn.net

Every other Tuesday Sharing Circle 12:00 PM Old Justice Building KDFN Every other Tuesday for recovery focused sharing circles. Connect, share challenges and gains, and access support and wisdom. Snacks and refreshments served. https:// whatsupyukon.events/4en

Mondays

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

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House Infant Feeding Mondays 1:00 PM Yukon Midwifery Program Yukoners who are pregnant or have a baby under 12 months are invited to learn about feeding their infants and get support with challenges. Call 393-7120 to book a private appointment or drop-in.

AA Life Ahead (O, A) 7:00 PM 509 Hanson St. Held in person or by zoom – ID 251-363-5766, call 778-907-2701 for more info.

AA New Beginnings Group (O, A) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral (Hellaby Hall)

AA New Beginnings Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM

Christ Church Cathedral

Tuesdays

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

Healthy Babies Healthy Futures 12:00 PM

Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre An inclusive Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program for parental & infant support. Enjoy a Drop-In lunch and connect with other families. https://whatsupyukon.events/8kd

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305

Wood St. Captain Martin House

ARKA Brotherhood Men’s Circle: Porcupine Squad 6:30 PM Whitehorse A confidential, structured space that empowers men to transform themselves into self-aware, self-disciplined, empowered and trustworthy leaders. Email mjvernon@gmail.com for more info. http://www. arkabrotherhood.com

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

Ugly Ducklings Group (O,A) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Held in person or by zoom – ID 251-363-5766, call 778-907-2701 for more info.

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 6:00 PM 100 25 Firth Rd Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Join us! Every Wednesday morning. Call or text 867-334-1725 for more details

Wednesdays

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 8:00 AM Closeleigh Manor Common Room Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Call or text 867-3341725 for more details

Community Kitchen 11:30 AM Victoria Faulkner

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

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305

Wood St. Captain Martin House

Al-Anon 12:00 PM Sport Yukon Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings 7:00 PM

Inclusion Yukon

Art Therapy for Grief 5:30 PM Hospice Yukon

Learn more about living with grief and selfcompassion in a supportive space with others who are grieving the death of a loved one

Overeaters Anonymous Meeting 7:30 PM

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

AA No Puffin Big Book Study (C, A) 8:00 PM

Christ Church Cathedral (Hellaby Hall) Porter Creek Step Meeting (C) 8:00 PM Our Lady of Victory

Thursdays

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

Healthy Babies Healthy Futures 12:00 PM

Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre An inclusive Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program for parental & infant support. Enjoy a Drop-In lunch and connect with other families. https://whatsupyukon.events/8kd

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305

Wood St. Captain Martin House

Connect to Culture - Drop-In 1:00 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In, Open to ALL! Weekly cultural activities from beading to sewing, healing camp trips, elder visits and more. For more info call 667-2093 or email info@ vfwomenscentre.com https://vfwomenscentre.com/ events

Polar Group (O, A) 7:30 PM 311 Elliott St. & 4th Ave. Held in person or on zoom, Zoom ID 251-3635766, call 778-907-2701 for more info.

Fridays

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

AA Yukon Unity Group (O) 1:30 PM Online Zoom

ID 482-518-9588 PC 334796 call 778-907-2971 for more info.

Community Kitchen 4:00 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693

April 15

YWITT MAKERS CLUB: GARDEN BOX 5:00pm - 8:30pm

April 23

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION 5:00pm - 6:00pm

WOODSHOP ORIENTATION 6:30pm - 9:00pm FORGE A TITANIUM

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Open Hours: Wed-Sun 1pm-9pm

April 17

WELCOME WEDNESDAY NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION 11am

Open Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Please

Saturday, April 27, 2:00 - 3:30 pm. Whitehorse Public Library Meeting Room

Explore Past Life Recall for a better today and understand valuable lessons from past lives.

Have you ever wondered where do we go in our dreams? Dive deeper into the spiritual purpose and meaning of your dreams.

Soul Travel for Divine Love, Wisdom, Freedom. Easy techniques to expand awareness.

For information call 867-668-7065 or visit www.eckankar-yt.ca

Presented by Eckankar Canada in Yukon

Lama Padma Yontan Gyatso

Training the Mind in Wisdom and Compassion

April 19 to 21, 2024

Meditation and teachings on the key points of training the mind in wisdom and compassion according to “Ambrosia for the Mind”, a text by the great Tibetan master Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. Suitable to newcomers and to those already engaged in mind training.

Friday evening, April 19 General Introduction

7pm to 8:30pm at Yukonstruct

Suggested donation $20 General introduction to training the mind (for anyone who thinks they have one).

Saturday, April 20 Detailed explanation and meditation

9am to 1pm at Yukonstruct

Suggested donation $75

Detailed explanation and meditation (the idea behind the training, the training itself, and the results and conduct).

Sunday, April 21 Vajrayana Teachings and Practice

Required prerequisite: having received a Vajrayana empowerment

9am to 2pm at Yukon University, Common 1530

Suggested donation $80

TURNING SHIT INTO ‘GOLD’ DISPATCHES

Today

I did my small part for a sustainable environment—a small step, and it wasn’t even smelly: I left my poop in a compost toilet, which I discovered in Switzerland during a hike

It’s different from a typical outhouse. In one corner of the small wooden bathroom, there is a basket with sawdust hanging on the wall. There is a urinal and a toilet, and feces and urine are

composted separately. This is how the compost toilet works: after you do a number two, you take a bit of sawdust and throw it in the toilet. That’s it. Sawdust is why the toilet doesn’t smell like poop.

Kompotoi is a company that rents and sells compost toilets all over Switzerland. The toilets are close to sites like old castles in the forest, and playgrounds.

Kompotoi is not the only company doing this: Finizio, a German company, is also renting and selling compost toilets, especially for music festivals and events. The poo of one human could produce 150 litres of compost per year, Finzio states on their website. The company was founded by Florian August, in 2019. He was studying International Forest and Ecosystem Management when he had the idea of turning human feces into fertilizer—also called Night Soil, a historical euphemism for human waste used in agriculture.

The idea isn’t new: two hundred years ago, it was common to use human excrement to grow plants. Back then, people didn’t have water closets; they were farmers and added human excrement to animal dung. It was

natural to put back into nature what was once food, to help grow new food. It was a cycle that was broken when sewage-treatment plants were invented. Humans in the modern world don’t have to smell or even look at their own poop. With one flush it’s all gone. But, rarely, one thinks about the three or four litres of drinking water that is wasted with that one flush.

Nutrition that is needed for plant growth occurs in human feces—phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. A study in Frontiers in Environmental Science showed that human fertilizer has the potential to replace up to 25 per cent of synthetic products. The problem: Human feces contains the remains of pharmaceutical products. Authors of this study screened human excrement for 310 chemicals, such as medicine and insect repellent, which were found in low concentrations in 6.5 per cent of the samples examined. And it’s not harmful for humans to use fertilizer based on feces, the study showed.

Scientists developed a test and grew different plants using human fertilizer, but the German government has a different opinion: it is illegal to put fertilizer made of human feces on the market in Germany and Switzerland. Companies such as Finizio are fighting to legalize the use of human excrement as fertilizer. They are publishing studies and a so-called

fertilizer approval, to help make it legal, which means getting a permit to use human feces as fertilizer. According to these companies, it would solve many problems to switch from a linear system to a circular system where people wouldn’t waste as many resources on sewage-treatment plants.

From feces to fertilizer Companies like Kompotoi and Finizio are collecting poop and urine separately. Human poo is treated by high temperatures of about 75 C, to get rid of bacteria, viruses and medical remains. After that, compost such as green leaves and grass are added, a machine stirs the compost every day for a few weeks so oxygen can get into and, in the end, the humus is strained to get rid of the remains of toi-

let paper, tampons and other garbage.

The fertilizer is used for studies and experiments. While it is illegal to put compost made of human feces on the market, it is legal to create it at home for your own garden. Compost toilets are not only made for the outdoors, but some types are also made to install in the bathroom, with rules and regulations.

It seems that 200 years ago, humans were more environmentally friendly than we are now. n

PHOTOS: Elke Reinauer

Sawdust in action

Sawdust is used to help break down human waste quickly and environmentally

Fertilizer made from human feces

Elke in a composting outhouse

Indoor composting toilet

PHOTO: Courtesy of Finizio

PHOTO: Courtesy of Finizio

PHOTO: Elke Reinauer

to all the wonderful artists, businesses and community for the support of our auction in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month.

2 Busy Bees Creative - Amy Taylor

7th Ray Studio

A Good Night Co - Shayla Roulston

A Pocket of Posies

Advanced Auto Glass

Air North, Yukon’s Airline

Alpine Health Supplies

Eileen Henry

Arctic Motorcycle Adventures & Apparel

Aroma Borealis

Atlin Cabin & Houseboat Rentals

Atlin Mountain Coffee Roasters

Audrey Twardochleb

Aurora Wellness Group

Badger Bobcat Services

Barbers II

Beaded Beauties by Barb

Behind the Barn

Big Bear Co.

Black Sheep Enterprises

Briar Rose Photography

Carlie Beads!

Ceci Twigg

Checkered Flag Recreation

Chris Sheaden - CS Woodsmith Custom Furniture & Cabinets

Christine Kopan

Cold Snap Chippery

Copper Caribou

Crocus Botanicals

Cultured Fine Cheese

Dana Hoogland

Danielle Payne Beadwork

Dawn Cervo, Norwex Canada

Consultant

Devan Landry Art

Due North Maternity and Baby

Duncan’s Ltd.

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

Erin Holm - Den Designs

Erinn Komschlies Art

FawkesTrot Adventures

Felix Robitaille, Yukon’s Real Estate Connection

Firebean Coffee Roasters

Freedom Trails Therapeutic Riding

Association

Georgianna Craft

Glass Plus

Gloria Andison

Gold Essence

Gotham Beauty

Great River Air

Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon

Heather Anderson - Pampered Chef

Consultant

Home Sweet Home Baking

Hooked on Ewe

Iron Woodworks & Renovation

Isabelle Haggerty Art

Jackie Balsam

JJ Designs

Joseph, Uyanga, Chinobold and Chinozorig Wren

Judy Matechuk

Justine Beausejour, Rezilient Beadwork by Justine

Kamp Yukon

Karen & Christine’s Crafting

Karen Giordano

Karen Macklon

Karen Riemer

Karen’s Krafts

Ketza Construction Corporation

Kim Thompson

KITA Japanese Kitchen & Bar

Kutters Hairstyling

La Cara Tacos

Lalee Paws

Lara Melnik

Leona Marinoske

Lisa Rawlings Bird - Epicure

Little Pizza Heaven

Long Migration Handcrafted Goods

Luna & Aurora

Mac’s Fireweed Books

Maegan Garrett

Maeva Esteva Art

Maple Rush Yukon

Maureen Caron Photography

Midnight Sun Emporium

Millie Marie Designs by Mildred

Penaranda

Monique Levesque

Mount Logan EcoLodge

Mountain Mutt Handmade Dog Gear

Muktuk Adventures Ltd.

Murdoch’s Gem Shop

My Husband’s Idea

Nancy Bliss

Nature Spirit Soaps

Niki Parry

North End Gallery

Northernly Gnome

Nunatuk Designs Custom Laser

Engraving

Paulette Roy

St. Elias Axe & Tool

Stained Glass by Eps

Sylvia Adams

Tagish Rocks

Takhini Black Forrest Cakes

Tamara Carter Handmade

Tangie Fisher, Creations North of 60

Tanner Nicholson

Terry Funk, Pampered Chef Consultant

The Coffee Shop

The Franchise Footwear and Apparel

The Hair Lounge

The Northern Crochet Co.

The Old Bag by Karen Berrel

The Yukon Refillery

Titan’s Tavern and Geek Shop

Top Dog Training Academy

Triniti Technology

Tucker Carruthers

Virsa Crafts

Well Read Books

Whiskey Jack’s Pub & Grill

White Pass & Yukon Route

Whitehorse Woof Natural Dog Treats

Wild Adventure Yukon

Wilfred Johnston of Yéi Nasné North

Winterlong Brewery Co.

Wise Canine Training and Behaviour

Pierre Lacasse, YK Financial Brokers Ltd.

Railwork Lounge

Rambles Kitchen Home & Gifts and Coffee Tea & Spice

Renovation Jewelry

Robert Postma Photography

Sandra Charlie, Elijah & Noah Frost

Shaks Chocolates

Simon Blakesley Photography

Skatemaster’s Mobile Skate Sharpening

Solstice Aromas

Yucanprints

Yukon Art Creations

Yukon Brewing

Yukon Guided Adventures

Yukon Organics

Yukon University Campus Store

Yukon Wildlife Preserve

Yukon Woolies

Yukon, North of Ordinary

Zanti Kamala

Thank you to Whitehorse Motors for displaying our banner for Autism Acceptance Month. We also want to give a HUGE thank you to Karen Macklon who volunteered countless hours soliciting and gathering donations for us! We are extremely grateful for her ongoing commitment to Autism Yukon.

Thank you to Autism Yukon Staff: Rebecca, Sarah, Carlie and Courtney for their work in soliciting, picking up and sorting auction items and to Jody MacGillivray for setting up the auction on Galabid. autismyukon.org

108 Copper Road, Whitehorse Yukon |

867-667-6406 | Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm

COMMUNITY EVENTS WHITEHORSE EVENTS

us: events@whatsupyukon.com EVENTS PROMOTERS What’s Up Yukon is now a local option to sell your tickets on-line! is your best resource for events across the Yukon! Locally online with

ART SHOWS

Until Apr 27 Treasured Textiles – Artistic Reuse Of Thrifted And Gifted Fabrics By Judy Tomlin Arts Underground Held in the Focus gallery - The creation of each piece is a slow, thoughtful process, incorporating various techniques, for example, applique, quilting, free-motion machine stitching, hand embroidery and/or needle felting.

Until Apr 27 Recuerdos Maternos-Maternal

Memories By Phoebe Gonzales Rohrbacher

Arts Underground Held in the Edge Gallery - Phoebe uses art to express and understand the ambiguities, complexities and perceptions of my identity, especially as it relates to my mixed white and Northern Nuevo Mexicana Latina heritage.

Until May 17 Where the Waters Narrow by Violet Gatensby Yukon Arts Centre Gallery Her first solo exhibition, she incorporates these influences into her art, bridging the traditional and contemporary worlds.

Until May 17 Shii’itsüh - Crying in the Heart by Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé Yukon Arts Centre Gallery As a way to process grief and loss, Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé has created a literal and metaphorical shelter that has been reclaimed, reconstructed, and revitalised.

Until Spring 2024 Out in the Open – En Plein

Art The Jim Smith Building An exhibition celebrating the 2023 acquisitions of the Yukon Permanent Art Collection.

Until Jun 29 MacBride Museum’s collection

– Yukon Erotica Arts Underground Yukon Erotica takes viewers on a trip back in time where brazen women toed the line by pushing out their chests and baring their ankles.

LIVE MUSIC

Thu Apr 18 & Fri Apr 19 Break-Out North Music Fest 5:00 PM The Local Bar 2 days of highlighting and honouring incredible Yukon talent, hosted by Jody Peters & Peggy Hannifan! Tickets at the door.

Fri Apr 26 Spring Fiesta Dance Party 7:00 PM Elks Lodge 306 A mix of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Samba, Rock ‘n Roll, Swing, Tango, Hustle, and more! A quick lesson for beginners and a dance party for all levels. Email percheronaudrey@gmail.com for more info. https://audreypercheron.com/en/

Sat Apr 27 Community Barn Dance 7:30 PM Church of the Northern Apostles Community Barn Dance with live band-Megan MacLean (fiddle) and Rick Avery (piano). A variety of contra, square and ceilidh dances. https:// www.facebook.com/events/263765873458208

Sat Apr 27 Inspire 7:30 PM Whitehorse United Church An evening of beautiful music featuring members of the Problematic Orchestra, with Gwen Hoebig and Jeremy Brown. Tickets online. https://longestnight.ca/

Monthly

Every Other Wednesday Intermediate Jam – Bluegrass, Old-Time 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion A fun jam of bluegrass and related genres (old-time, classic country, etc). Medium tempos, lots of opportunities to take a solo if you want, but not required. Contact ian. boyce@northwestel.net for more info.

Wednesdays

Whitewater Wednesday Night Jam 7:00 PM

The Local Bar An 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.

Ginger Jam 7:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Thursdays

Live DJs - Thursday Throwdown 9:00 PM

The Local Bar.

Saturdays

Live Music at Whiskey Jacks 7:00 PM

Whiskey Jacks Pub & Grill At Whiskey Jack’s every Saturday. whiskeyjacks.ca/

Wed Apr 17 National Canadian Film Day: Butterfly Tale 10:00 AM Yukon Theatre A heartwarming adventure about a gutsy and loveable one-winged butterfly named Patrick, who stows away in a milkweed trailer for a journey of a lifetime. https://yukonfilmsociety. com/schedule/butterfly-tale

Wed Apr 17 National Canadian Film Day: Okpik: Little Village in the Arctic 12:00 PM Yukon Theatre An eye-opening documentary about one family’s pursuit to becoming fully self-sufficient, living off the land in a remote location on the north end of the Mackenzie River. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/ okpik-little-village-in-the-arctic2024

Wed Apr 17 National Canadian Film Day: Tautuktavuk (What We See) 5:30 PM Yukon Theatre Uyarak and her eldest sister Saqpinak embark on a difficult journey of personal healing, which highlights the importance of community, culture, and family https:// yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/tautuktavukwhat-we-see

Wed Apr 17 Drinking with Scissors - April Craft Party 7:00 PM The Mini Makerspace A fun evening of crafts and drinks, Space is limited - fee, includes your first beer or glass of wine! Our fun projects will be suitable for all skill levels. All tools and materials are provided. Register online. https://whatsupyukon.events/ e1ae09

Wed Apr 17 National Canadian Film Day: Crime Wave 8:30 PM Yukon Theatre Set in a 1950s fantasy world, this wryly humorous combination of postmodernism, surrealism and genuine affection for old Hollywood films is irresistible for anyone who likes unusual movies with an inventive take on storytelling. https:// yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/crime-wave

Wed Apr 17 - 20 Ride The Cyclone - The Musical 7:30 PM The Guild Hall The lives of six teenagers from a Saskatchewan chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident on a carnival roller coaster. Tickets online. www.yukontickets. com

Thu Apr 18 Home Buyer Applications Launch 4:30 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre After the long haul through final design and financing we are so excited to share our forever affordable homes with you. https://northernclt. ca/project-1096

Fri Apr 19 Book Launch and Open House 1:30 PM Taylor House Commissioner of Yukon Adeline Webber welcomes you to attend the Fort Cudahy to Taylor House book launch & open house.

Fri Apr 19 Yukonstructing Your Own Book 12:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Online or in person, Keith Halliday presents on how digital platforms such as Kindle Direct have removed traditional gatekeepers and economic barriers from publishing. Bring your own brown bag lunch. https://yukonstruct.com/calendar/page/2/

HOW ARE THINGS UNDER THE HOOD OF YOUR CAR?

Have you had a look under your hood, how are your fluid levels, what about your belts and hoses. Most owners manuals show you where to check fluids at, if you have to add any fluids make sure they are the ones for your car. The belts and hoses are sometimes a little harder to check, if you are unable to check them or have any questions, take your car to your mechanic so they can have a look at it for you.

Sun Apr 21 Chapel Series - Anderson, Gwynne-Thompson & Johnston-Urey 2:00 PM Whitehorse United Church The last show of the season features vocalists Sonja Anderson and Micheal Gwynne-Thompson, with Ben Johnston-Urey on piano. Admission by donation. https://whitehorseconcerts.com/ gallery-recital-series/

Mon Apr 22 Jim Cuddy Trio 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Jim Cuddy has one of the most recognizable voices in Canadian music, Blue Rodeo sold over 5 million records worldwide. Tickets online. https://www.yukontickets. com/

GENERAL EVENTS

Until April 28 2024 Awaken Festival 5:00 AM Whitehorse Gwaandak Theatre Fifth Annual Awaken Festival in April in The Yukon for performance showcases, workshops, and more! https://www.gwaandaktheatre.ca/ current-season/

Mon Apr 15 YWITT Makers Club – Planter Boxes 5:30 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Instructors Jessie, Rebecca and Grace, as they support you through the process of building your own planter boxes. Email Jeramy@yukonstruct.com for more info.

Fri Apr 19 Awaken Festival - Rocko and Nakota - Tales from the Land 7:00 PM Old Fire Hall The story centres around Nakota. A young boy who is sick in the hospital and trying to write the greatest story ever. One day, Grandpa Rocko comes over for a visit. Tickets online http://www.yukontickets.com.

Fri Apr 19 Monkey Man Nightly Yukon Theatre An anonymous young man unleashes a campaign of vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimise the poor and powerless.for anyone who likes unusual movies with an inventive take on storytelling. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/monkeyman

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WHITEHORSE EVENTS...

Sat Apr 20 RCAF 100th Anniversary Dinner & Trivia (Members & Signed in Guests) 4:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the RCAF and honour those brave men and women who have served or are still serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Sun Apr 21 Recreation Expo 10:00 AM Canada Games Centre Yukon Sports, recreational groups, service organisations and non-profits will be on-hand. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about programs, services and volunteer opportunities. Free Event https://www.whitehorse.ca/

Tue Apr 23 Forge a Titanium Ring 5:30 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Learn about the physical properties of titanium, how to do cold forging and annealing with an induction forge on titanium. Register online. https:// yukonstruct.com/calendar/

Wed Apr 24 Bird Habitat and Viewing Locations Workshop 7:00 PM Hellaby Hall A workshop to discuss and identify important bird habitat and bird viewing locations in Whitehorse.

Fri Apr 26 Awaken Festival - Omaagomaan 7:00 PM Old Fire Hall Omaagomaan forces us to reckon with the ways the maanaadizi (ugly) and the onishishin (beautiful) collide. Tickets online. https://www.yukontickets.com/

Fri Apr 26 The Old Oak 8:30 PM Yukon Theatre The Old Oak is the last pub standing in a once thriving mining village in northern England, a gathering space for a community that has fallen on hard times. https:// yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/the-old-oak_2

Fri Apr 26 Civil War (A24) Nightly Yukon Theatre A journey across a dystopian future America, following a team of militaryembedded journalists as they race against. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/civilwar-a24

Sat Apr 27 Artist Clothing Swap 10:00 AM Queer Yukon Society - The Cache Find your new favourite costume or performance piece! Clothing donations can be dropped off at The Cache

Sat Apr 27 Introduction to Handbuilding with Chris Scherbarth 1:00 PM Arts Underground Learn how to make ceramic objects without a potter’s wheel. Register online for 4 sessions, all supplies included, ages 14+. https://arts-underground.myshopify. com/

Sun Apr 28 National Day Of Mourning 12:00 PM Shipyards Park Every year, on April 28th, the nation pauses to remember our fallen and injured friends, colleagues and family members. https://bit.ly/3miW15K

Sun Apr 28 Paint in Acrylics with Emma Barr 11:00 AM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre This workshop promises to ignite your passion for painting and leave you with a masterpiece to treasure forever. Register online. https:// whatsupyukon.events/5fj

Monthly

2nd & 4th Mondays Service Officer 7:00 AM

Royal Canadian Legion Whitehorse An invite to all Veterans, Police and First responders for the service hour at the Legion, socialise and find out what is going on. https://bit. ly/3Lm40ZG

2nd & 4th Wednesdays Whitehorse

Photography Club - Meetup 7:00 PM Yukon University - Whitehorse Campus Held in Rm A2204. Discuss photography, share your work, learn new tips and tricks. http:// whitehorsephotoclub.ca/

First Thursdays QYS Charmed Stitches

2:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache Fiber crafts night. Bring your knitting, crochet, beading, sewing, stitching, etc, to The Cache to sit and stitch with other queer crafters.

Second Thursday QYS Movie Nights 5:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache

Last Thursdays Repair Cafe 6:00 PM

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

2nd Thursday Music Trivia 7:00 PM

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

3rd Sundays Messy Church 3:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral church for children and adults that involves creativity, celebration and hospitality. Crafts, singing and food will be the focus.

2nd & 4th Sundays Grade 8 – 12 High School Youth Group 6:00 PM Mountainview Church A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith. https://mountainview.church/connect/ youth Monthly

Weekly

Mondays

Play Pool 1:00 PM Golden Age Society Becoming more limber and agile in your movements through playing billiards is a great benefit.

Play Whist 1:30 PM Golden Age Society Classic English trick-taking card game which was widely played in the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the rules are simple, there is scope for strategic play

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

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

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 Industry Night Lefty’s Well 8:00 PM All are welcome - 20% off everything for our industry family - hot dogs, tunes, games and happy hour all night! https://bit.ly/3L0J3Ce

Tuesdays Café de l’amitié 2:00 PM Association francoyukonnaise (AFY) Le Café de l’amitié est un rendez-vous hebdomadaire et une occasion de rassemblement pour les francophones de 50 ans et plus.

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

Language Skills for Ukrainians 5:15 PM

Yukon Learn A discussion group workshop provides a relaxed and friendly environment where learners can practise and learn English conversation skills.

Weekly Shuffleboard Tournament 6:00 PM

Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For members and signed in guests. A double knockout style competition and games are limited to 6 ends or 15 minutes

Chess Club 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us!

SuperSmash Bros, Mtg: Commander 6:00

PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles 10 Card Crib - Members & Signed In Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254

Whether you are a seasoned crib player or a beginner, come play! Learn tips and tricks and have some fun! https://bit.ly/3KP0B5s

Wednesdays

Multicultural Connection Group 11:00

AM Multicultural Centre of the Yukon – MCY Connect with other parents and caregivers, learn about parenting in different cultures. A free lunch program for immigrants and refugee families. Lunch and transportation provided. Call 332-1803 for more info.

Spanish Conversation Group 12:00 PM

Whitehorse United Church Casual, no lessons, just conversations. Wednesdays noon, info

Louise call 687-7238 or Michele 867-333-6081.

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

Texas Hold’ Em 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For signed in members and guests. Bragging rights!

Spanish Conversation 12:00 PM Whitehorse United Church Call 333-6081 for more info.

Anglican Holy Communion – Whitehorse 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral The Book of Common Prayer, 2nd Wednesday of the month

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

Thursdays Public Speaking Training - Toastmasters 12:00 PM Decora Guests are always welcome. There are many roles to learn at Toastmasters. Practice 2 minute table topics

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

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

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

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

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

Fridays

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.

Tarot Card Readings with Sari Horvath

Baked Cafe 9:15 AM Sari uses her wisdom and guidance through tarot cards to help answer your life questions! Please use email to book appointments treasurebooksyxy@gmail.com

Coffee & Chat 11:00 AM Golden Age Society Coffee and chat is a way to connect with your community, develop friendships, and have fun.

Crib 1:00 PM Golden Age Society Cribbage is an easy game to learn but hard to master. For more info call 668-5538.

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

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

Saturdays

Cribbage - Members and Signed in Guests 2:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Masks are mandatory. Members must have a valid 2021 membership and they may sign in 2 guests MAX.

Pokemon, Mtg: Youth Magic, Lorcana 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Sundays

Mountainview Church Sunday Service 9:30

AM Church In The Building 9:30 AM, 11AM or Church At Home 7 AM, 9:30 AM, 11 AM

Mountainviewwhitehorse.ca/Watch

Clothing Room 10:00 AM Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone

Whitehorse United Church Worship Service 10:30 AM A caring community of faith, based on a foundation of Biblical teaching and spiritual truth

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

Weekly

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

Tuesdays Babynastics with Coach Naomi 10:15 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club Babynastics is a semi-structured parent and tot class for new movers, all the way to age 5.

Story Time 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Join us for stories, songs & rhymes! A free drop-in program for children ages 0-5 and caregivers at Whitehorse Public Library

Native Grad Regalia Sewing Program 4:00 PM Northern Cultural Expressions Free accredited program for indigenous high school graduates of 2024. Call 633-4186 or email executiveassistant@northernculture.org to

MEETINGS

Wed Apr 17 HART Combined Intersection Upgrades 5:00 PM Canada Games Centre Yukon The joint initiative will focus on improving the Hamilton Boulevard & Alaska Highway / Two Mile Hill Road and the Range Road & Two Mile Hill Road intersections. Drop-in and provide your input. https://www. engagewhitehorse.ca/

Thu Apr 18 Softball Yukon AGM 2024 6:00 PM Sport Yukon Held in Sport Yukon Boardroom 2. Please email sarah@ softballyukon.com if you have any questions.

Thu Apr 25 TIA Yukon Spring Conference – Compass Whitehorse Various Locations Explore the vibrant city, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and chart your path to success. With diverse venues fostering movement and networking, get ready to experience the best of the Yukon’s capital. https://tiayukon.

10:00 am Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre

communication skills. Register by email flic@

Clean-up sections are available in all Yukon communities. They are assigned on a first-come, first served basis – so apply today!

BROOMBALL DYNASTY

The family that plays together, stays together:

Part 1

They say the family that plays together, stays together.

Such is the case with the Nadon family of Whitehorse: father, Roch (pronounced Rock); mother, Danièle Rémillard; and sons, Nicolas and Gabriel. They all play together in Whitehorse in the Yukon Broomball Association on the Sports Experts team. In fact, they recently won the 2024 championship together, with captain Nicolas passing to Gabriel for the winning goal in triple overtime. Unfortunately, Danièle was unable to play because of a shoulder injury. What’s Up sat down with the Nadon family recently.

Roch started playing broomball in Québec when he was 12 or 13 years old, in Québec City: “I was introduced to the sport during a gym class and I fell in love with the sport.” He wasn’t a good skater or hockey player, but he could run and stickhandle so broomball was his sport of choice. At 62, he has played the sport for 50 years.

Danièle, 62, also started playing in school in Québec City. They met in college and got married and then moved to Whitehorse in 1992. “Then we heard about this league,” she recalled, “and so we started to play again a few years later, in ’95, for a few years.”

The broomball league in Whitehorse started in 1984, and next season will be the fortieth anniversary of the league.

Roch and Danièle paused when they had Nicolas and Gabriel, but started again later when the kids were older. They had an outdoor rink practically in their backyard, so the family would play broomball with another family with two kids the same age as Nicolas and Gabriel. The boys started playing when they were each about four years old.

Nicolas and Gabriel, now 26 and 24, started their broomball careers as timekeepers. “Nic and Gab would come and watch us, and when there were tournaments, they always needed some timekeepers. So they would do that,” Danièle said.

“It was a great upbringing into the league, or the world of adult broomball, doing the timekeeping and the scoring,” Nicolas said.

“They couldn’t wait to be playing,” Danièle added.

The boys started playing at the Function in the Junction tournament in Haines Junction when they were each 14, and in the league at 15. The league’s minimum age is now 16. They’ve played in the league for about 10 years each. The league started in 1984. Next season will be its fortieth anniversary.

Roch played on a Yukon Masters over-40 team at the world championships in Richmond, B.C., in 2008. They lost every game, but only by one or two goals. “We just survive,” Roch recalled. “They were all the time in our zone, so we were pretty good at defence. It was pretty hard.”

But it was a learning experience. They also played in an international tournament in Austria, in 2010, and brought back a bronze medal in their category, which Roch called “an achievement for the league” here. “This is my moment of glory here,” Roch said jokingly.

run and then shoot again. So it was a run-and-gun kind of thing.

FAMILY OF CHAMPIONS

The boys played in the world championships on Team Yukon, in Minneapolis, in 2018. Gabriel said that 2018 was an eye-opening experience: “It’s definitely a different way of playing our game.”

The brothers always play on the same line.

In the league, Gabriel said, “[We] would be fast enough to get by [the] defence and shoot, then we would lose the ball, run back on defence, get the ball back and

The Nadon-Rémillard family celebrated their Yukon Broomball Association Championship in 2021.

(L-R) Roch Nadon, Danièle Rémillard, Gabriel Nadon and Nicolas Nadon

“But, with more-experienced goalies and more-experienced defence, against other more-experienced teams, that didn’t really work. So we had to really adjust our gameplay. And, since then, that’s reflected [in] how we play back here at home. And that’s definitely helped.”

Roch said there are about 120 players in the Yukon league, 15 of which are of international calibre. Of the international game, Roch

said, “It’s another world.” He also mentioned how he and his buddy Francois LaFortune used to be at the top of their game and formed their version of the “French Connection.” He said, “Francois was the top scorer. I was the third one for a few years. We were pretty good at the time, so the team was pretty strong.

“At the time, the league was more teams, more rough, very rough—sometimes vicious. I play contact, so I know how to deal with it on the ice when some people try to hit you.”

The league is now non-contact, although some contact does exist but not like the old days.

Roch explained that off the ice, they are father, mother and sons; but on the ice, they are basically equals. He said broomball is more conducive to families playing together.

“You can have [a] sixteen- and seventeen-yearold play with their parents that are fifty to sixty,” said Nicholas.

Roch said, “Seeing the boys growing up playing broomball, they’re building their confidence on the ice … leadership. The boys are pretty good actually, also, so I’m proud of it as well. It’s nice to see that they’re growing as young adults, as well.” He added that broomball and sports, in general, make young athletes better people “So, team building, team spirit, leadership, sacrifice.”

Danièle added, “At first we had more experience, but they had the lungs—they had three sets of lungs … It’s very interesting, as parents, to be on the same level as your kids. It’s like going to

school together. It’s just sharing this experience that you have to do your best, try to perform, try to get better.”

Nicolas said, “We have a good relationship. We have a good vibe together.” He added that it would be easier for family members to quarrel on the ice or on the bench. But as the Nadons report, “That’s never happened.”

Gabriel said that held true even when he played two seasons with the Yukon Brewing Grizzlies, since his girlfriend was on the team and then rejoined his family on the Sports Experts team this season.

“There’s always a black sheep in the family,” Danièle said jokingly. “Every time I played against them, it was always fun. I always laughed, running side-by-side with my brother. I have to admit, though, just because my dad and my mom are on defence, I didn’t shoot the ball quite as hard when they were in the way.

“He just needed excuses because he couldn’t score against us,” she added.

Nicolas said he always looked forward to playing against his brother—that “It’s something exciting.”

About her attitude towards the boys, Danièle said, “[It’s] totally different when I’m on the ice.”

Gabriel shared that he was kind of in awe of playing with his parents, at first, and told them, “You guys knew what you were doing. We’re kind of running like a chicken with its head cut loose—not really knowing what we’re doing out there. But after a few years, we got the sense of the game.”

Along with two other youngsters on the team, the brothers did a lot of running around. “Very disorganized, but somewhat effective,” Gabriel said.

It took a while for the boys to develop their broomball game. As Gabriel said, “For me, it clicked probably four years in; just this sense of, like, rotation of the game.”

Danièle said they tell players that it takes at least three years to get the game figured out.

In Part 2, we’ll speak with the Nadons about why they play the game, how competitive the brothers and their parents are, and how long they plan on playing the game of broomball. n

PHOTO: Courtesy of Gabriel Nadon

Going the extra mile

We want to THANK YOU for your support!

Help us Celebrate on April 24 PRESENTATION OF AWARD FOOD AND REFRESHMENT ONE TIME DRAW for $500 in SOF gift cards (with a minimum $75 purchase) for anyone who comes in the shop and celebrate with us this day

Each year at the Pattison Food Group Conferences held in Vancouver, BC, one store is selected for the prestigious award of Store of the Year. This year, store manager Ryan Nesbitt, was honoured to accept this award on behalf of the amazing team in our Whitehorse location.

TEAMWORK

Yukoners At Work and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

At the end of 2023, Victoria Gold employed 605 people of which 471 were direct hires; making the Company a significant socio-economic contributor to the Yukon. Of Victoria Gold’s 471 employees, 181 are under the age of 35 and Yukon (local) hires average 32 per cent positioning it as the largest private sector employer in the territory.

Considering the Yukon’s population is less than 44,000, Victoria Gold’s percentage of Yukoners At Work is substantial.

Victoria Gold directly promotes inclusion and diversity and preferentially considers and hires First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun (FNNND) citizens, within whose traditional territory the Eagle Gold Mine is located, Yukon First Nation citizens, Village of Mayo residents and Yukoners whose qualifications, skills and experiences are applicable. The Company is also represented on the Yukon Women in Mining Board of Directors and its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee.

Victoria Gold employs many women in non-traditional roles at the mine with 22 operating haul trucks, heavy equipment, loaders or shovels including Christina McIntyre, a Yukoner At Work, who has been with the Company at the Eagle Gold Mine since September 2021 working as a Fuel and Lube Technician.

She is now a Millwright apprentice and is well involved in the site equipment’s day-to-day maintenance.

“Being a Millwright apprentice at the Eagle Gold Mine means taking the first steps in history as the first woman from my home territory of the Yukon to be a Millwright,” says Christina. “To pave the way for other women and girls to dream big! This opportunity gives me a chance to gain knowledge and prove that women can find challenging, yet satisfying, work in the Trades.”

GREAT PEOPLE WORK @VGCX

Victoria Gold’s Christina McIntyre, a Yukoner At Work, completing the installation of retaining clips in the Eagle Gold Mine’s Primary Crusher.

At the end of 2023, Victoria Gold employed 605 people of which 471 were direct hires; making the Company a significant socio-economic contributor to the Yukon. Of Victoria Gold’s 471 employees, 181 are under the age of 35 and Yukon (local) hires average 32 per cent positioning it as the largest private sector employer in the territory.

If you have mining experience, the Victoria Gold team encourages you to visit the ‘Work For Us’ page at vgcx.com/contact/work-for-us and submit your resume to greatpeoplework@vgcx.com