What's Up Yukon, May 22, 2024

THE BOREAL FLORIST

Yukon-grown tulips and other local floral treasures

Rowan Brown is currently finishing her third season as a tulip farmer in the Yukon. Yes, you read that correctly: Brown grows local and sustainable tulips in northern Canada. What started out as just a dream, a few years ago, has since grown and blossomed into her very own business: The Boreal Florist. It all began back in 2021 when many people were reassessing their career and life choices. Although Brown didn’t come from an agricultural family, never worked on a farm and had no formal farming or floristry training, what she did have was a very strong desire to dive into local, ecologicallyminded flower farming and to have sustainability be at the heart of every business decision she made.

“Local flowers have a myriad of benefits,” Brown said. “A low carbon footprint, an improved vase life, they support our local pollinator populations and it’s completely safe to bury your face into our bouquets since we don’t use any pesticides, herbicides or chemical preservatives.” Like almost every industry in this era of globalization, the commercial flower industry has many negative externalities, including heavy use of toxic pesticides, carbon emissions associated with vast transportation lengths and extensive plastic use in packaging. Brown decided that she wanted to try to do things differently.

In December 2021, Brown received a funded scholarship for The Tulip Workshop, an online course that is specifically targeted at teaching flower farmers the ins and outs of forcing tulips. This laid the groundwork for what

would eventually become The Boreal Florist. In terms of learning about running a flower business, she said that she’s mainly learned from the free expertise of florists and flower farmers on YouTube, online floristry and flower-farming courses, her little library of flower farming and sustainable florist books, as well as from several years of trial and error.

Growing up just outside of Whitehorse, in the Takhini River Valley, gave Brown a foundation of connection with the land as well as with the local community. One of the big reasons why she was willing to even try becoming a flower farmer, in a place where the average growing season is only about 70 days long, was knowing just how supportive Yukoners are of local small businesses. “I figured if Yukoners saw and understood the value of locally-raised meats, locally-grown produce, locallyroasted coffee and locally-brewed beer, they might just be able to see and understand the value of locally-grown flowers,” she said.

Luckily, she hasn’t been disappointed; and although jumping into all of this (as a complete new-

bie) has brought with it its challenges, the community support has been fantastic and very encouraging. “What keeps me going really is the excitement and delight of my wonderful customers. Seeing how much joy and beauty flowers can bring into people’s lives is really motivating to push through the difficulties of being a small business owner in this economy,” she said. When Brown talks about her work you can clearly feel her enthusiasm and positivity. Her motto seems to be “You’ve got to work with what you have,” and that’s exactly what she’s so impressively done as The Boreal Florist. When she decided to try growing specialty tulips in the Yukon, necessity and some creative thinking inspired her to convert her crawl space into her very own growing space where she now grows tulips hydroponically under LED grow lights, utilizing only the ambient heat of her home above. Her basement is so well insulated that she needs no additional heat inputs. From January to early May, Brown’s energy is focused on forcing successions of tulips under her home, while the world outside is frozen

PHOTO: Courtesy of Émeraude Photography & Design

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

Rowan Brown at the Fireweed Community Market

solid, and then getting them out to her customers via partnerships with a handful of local businesses.

“I’m eternally grateful for the wonderful business owners that have become my retail partners: Marlene from Behind The Barn, Larra from Cultured Fine Cheese, Michael from Landed Bakehouse, and Tom and Simone from TumTums Black Gilt Meats. I couldn’t be doing this without them!” she noted. Now that her indoor tulip season has ended, she’s redirecting her attention to the flowers growing outside. Since the only land she owns is the tiny yard space at the back of her condo, she relies on the yards of family and friends to grow her summer crops. One day she hopes to have her own little slice of farmland where she can buildup a small-scale flower farm with lots of Yukon hardy perennials—but, for the time being, she’s once again working with what she has access to right now. The main focal flowers that she’s growing this season are lilies, sunflowers and dahlias, along with a whole smattering of other annuals like snapdragons, sweet peas, cosmos,

zinnias, larkspur and some ornamental grasses, to name just a few.

This year marks Brown’s third summer, as a vendor at the Fireweed Community Market, selling local, seasonal and sustainable flowers.

“I’m still in the process of figuring out what does and doesn’t work for me, with the infrastructure I have access to and our limited growing season,” she explained.

One thing is very clear, though: she’s holding firm to her dream of only offering Earth-friendly flowers grown in the North.

“I choose to work exclusively with Yukon-grown materials; any of my flowers you see for sale in shops around Whitehorse, or at the Fireweed Market, will always be one hundred percent Yukon grown. This means that unlike conventionally available flowers, which are being transported from Vancouver, at the closest, or more commonly South America [and] Europe, for many popular flower varieties, the flowers I sell are transported an average distance of twenty kilometres (the distance from my garden spaces to downtown Whitehorse).”

And it’s not just with her flowers that she’s attempting to cut down as much as possible on her business’s negative environmental impact.

“As a business offering physical goods, I am really conscientious of the end life of my products. I want my customers to be able to easily reuse, recycle and compost all the components of my products. This means using paper packaging rather than plastic, never using floral foam in my floristry work and not using pesticides or chemical preservatives on my flowers.”

Each year, Brown also does a handful of weddings. “I’m careful about how much I take on, just because I like to stick to my commitment of using one hundred percent Yukon-grown florals. The couples I often work with are doing smallscale weddings or elopements and want their florals to have a bit of a Yukon flavour to them. My designs are seasonal, by nature, and I often incorporate native Yukon materials so that the florals blend harmoniously with the scenery.”

At the end of 2023, Brown turned 28 years old, and her

(slightly terrifying) birthday gift to herself was to leave behind the job she had worked at for seven years and to pursue The Boreal Florist full-time. Life as a small business owner isn’t easy, and growing flowers north of the 60th parallel can be a gamble, as well. For example, last fall Brown planted 3,000 tulip bulbs in outdoor beds, as an experiment, and she’s still waiting on signs of life.

While she doesn’t know yet if those bulbs survived the winter, what she is sure of is that she’s going to keep going, carried by her willingness to try, and to fail, and to keep at it until the successes outnumber the failures. And, who knows, if we’re lucky, those tulips planted outside last fall will emerge from the cool ground, soon, and be turned into some gorgeous bouquets for sale on an upcoming, sunny Thursday afternoon at the farmers’ market.

More information and updates about The Boreal Florist can be found on Facebook and on Instagram, as well as at theborealflorist.square.site. ■

Tulips growing hydroponically in Brown’s basement

crawl space turned into a growing space Speciality tulips grown in the Yukon

PHOTO: Mike Thomas: Yukon Arts Centre

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

THE SILVER HART ROAD ‘WATCHER’

former resident of Yukon contacted me by email in October of 2020, to share a couple of encounters with a sasquatch. The first one took place in 1995; the second one in 1997— both along the same road.

At the time, the gentleman worked at the old Swift River Lodge, located along the Alaska Highway at historic mile 733. On his days off, he would venture out and explore the nearby countryside, driving his ATV along trails and side roads.

On September 25, 1995, which he remembers well as it was his 25th birthday, he was driving along the Silver Hart Road, just east of the Alaska Highway Continental Divide at km 1120. Close to the north end of Edgar Lake, some 40 kilometres along the road, he had stopped to look around and, as he was doing so, heard a loud Snap! coming from the nearby forest. It sounded like a large branch being broken off, he told me.

Now, focusing on the source of the noise, he observed a tall and large hair-covered creature, which he judged to be at least 210 centimetres tall, in the process of crouching down in an attempt to hide behind some trees. This creature was only 30 metres or so away from the road, where he had stopped his ATV, and seemed to focus on him, as well. They were basically looking at each other.

The encounter lasted for a couple of minutes, the witness said, explaining that the creature stood at about 190 centimetres and weighed about 110 kilograms. Then he said, “That creature had to actually be at least 275 kilograms … just humongous. I got scared, big time. I did not have any weapon, so I just peeled out of there.”

On his way back to the lodge, it dawned on him and he said, “I just saw a sasquatch!” He did not

say anything to anyone as he was scared of being ridiculed.

In September of 1997, he experienced a second sighting, again on the Silver Hart (mine access) Road. This time he was out moose hunting and had a rifle with him. He had driven as far as the mine site, not seeing any moose, and was on his way back to the lodge.

He drove slowly and stopped frequently to look around. In an area close to Daughney Lake, which empties into the Rancheria River, he noticed an upside-down tree, a pine tree firmly planted in the ground, sticking some three metres above ground with its root system up in the air.

I have heard of these inverted trees in Alaska, but not in the Yukon. Some sasquatch researchers have mentioned that sasquatch would plant these inverted trees as a sign. However, they have never shown anything that could prove it and I personally still have my doubts.

Farther on, on the east side of the road by a swampy ground area, he noticed movements around 100 metres or so on his left and across the road. This was taking place at about km 11 of the

Silver Hart Road.

As he explained to me, he observed a large entity moving about. He knew right away that it was a sasquatch. The creature was tall, about 200 centimetres, he said, and covered with darkbrown hair. He could not make out the details of the face, however but mentioned that he thought it was a female,because it was smaller than the creature he had observed a couple of years earlier, even though he could not see any breasts. When I asked him what he figured its weight would be, he said the sasquatch probably weighed in the neighbourhood of 200 kilograms.

When queried about the actions of the sasquatch, he mentioned that at first the sasquatch did not move; then, after about a minute, it began slowly moving closer to a bunch of trees to its right and eventually moved away. During this time, the witness stayed by his ATV and watched the actions of the sasquatch.

I asked him why he did not shoot it, since he had a rifle with him. He said the sasquatch looked too much like a human being; “He looked just like us.” ■

YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP (AGES 13-16) Sunday, June 23 (4pm) to Friday, June 28 (3pm)

PEEWEE/JUNIOR 1 (AGES 6-11)

Monday, July 1 (4pm) to Thursday, July 4 (6pm)

PEEWEE/JUNIOR 2 (AGES 6-11) Sunday, July 7 (4pm) to Thursday, July 11 (6pm)

JUNIOR/TEEN CAMP (AGES 9-14) Sunday, July 14 (4pm) to Friday, July 19 (3pm)

The road to the Silver Hart Mine site

PHOTO: Red Grossinger

A MEMORY OF HIGHWAY SIGNAGE

Framework

Today, we are advertising cloudy blue skies, gravel and shrubs. Yesterday, we were someone’s dream of success, prosperity on a billboard. Some called us progress; some, eyesore, then. Now, we frame the landscape and invite random speculation, art seeking commerce with economy.

When Our Signs Come Down

The land has its own agenda. Plants find purchase in the disturbed earth and overcome humanity’s intrusions. We are a hiccup in the breath of the planet, a slight flutter in the heartbeat of creation. Our vision frames the world we want to see, instead of letting us see what there is. When our signs come down, the world is there, waiting for us to leave.

• Excavators (Cat 315 to Cat 330)

• Telehandlers

• Loaders (Cat 950H)

• Skid Steers (262C to 289D3)

• Single Drum Packer (XCMG CV123)

• Frost fighters 350K BTU

• Heat Trailers, Ice fighter 700K BTU

• Enclosed Trailers

• Car Hauler Trailers

#3: Picture This

Picture this: a journey through time marked in artifacts, some past, some present.

On the wormtrail of the tailings, rusted machinery; a memory of dredges and cats combined. On the gravel below a Parks Canada sign offers an explanation, while two cables offer support to a power pole. All this is framed by an empty sign that once offered support to a business, and now provides a glimpse into the past which supports our future.

#4: A Window on the World

This frame once served as a sales pitch to the world. Now, stripped of its painted enticements and weathered to a natural grey, it offers another kind of frame, a way of picturing the world, a means of focusing attention on the interplay of light and shadow, blue, white, green and brown, the image sliced by the wires that connect us all with power and light.

• Gooseneck/5th Wheel Trailer with winch

• Generators, 30KW to 500KW, Propane and Diesel

• Transformers 750 Kva 480:4160V, 750 Kva 480:600V, 600/480 300Kva

• Load Bank (100KW @ 120/208)

SIGN #1:

SIGN #2:

SIGN

SIGN

PHOTOS: Dan Davidson

COMMUNITY EVENTS

ATLIN

Tue May 28 Paint Your Partner Night 7:00 PM Atlin Recreation Centre Silly or serious, come show off your skills or lack thereof... paint your partner, bestie, mother, father, sister, brother, neighbor... Sign up at the members lounge, supplies provided.

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

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

Sun June 2 Commissioner’s Family BBQ 4:00 PM Dawson City, YT Join Yukon Commissioner Webber for a Family BBQ, games, and celebration! For more information or to volunteer, contact CommissionersOffice@Yukon. ca www.commissioner.gov.yk.ca.

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. Last coffee house of the season May 4 to resume in the fall of 2024.

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) Self-guided 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-legion-8336c3

Open Studio Drop-in 1:00 PM

Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Enjoy KIAC’s bright, airconditioned space to create and focus on your artistic practice. Even betterwe’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 867993-3734

Sundays

FARO

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 home!

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

Tuesdays

Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster

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

Tea & Bannock – Haines Junction 1:00 PM https://whatsupyukon. events/tea-bannock-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

Water Wednesdays 1:30 PM Pine Lake Come Join us every Wednesday for an afternoon of paddling in the traditional cedar dugout canoe! Da Kų Cultural Centre.

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

Wed May 22 Grief and the Frontline Professions 9:00 AM McClintock Bay Adventures A two-day workshop, geared towards professionals who support others in their work… nurses, therapists, teachers, counselors, and others. Call 668-8710 ext. 2 to register. https://hospiceyukon.net/ en/2022/04/04/grief-and-the-frontlineprofessions/

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

Tue May 28 Mapping with Drones

Training Mayo This course is designed to foster a new generation of Indigenous drone operators and mappers. Knowledge of drones will be useful but not necessary for this course. https://6w5dcxu0uii.typeform. com/to/k0nkXgX5

MOUNT LORNE

Sat May 25 The Poetry of the Guitar 7:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Copenhagen based classical guitarist, Mikkel Andersen, will present works by J.S. Bach and poetic music from Spain and South America. Tickets online. https://www.mtlorne.

ca/lmca/

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

Run Club 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre

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

TESLIN

Mondays

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

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 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

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

WARNING: BUMPS AHEAD!

Navigating fouryear-olds, scooters and road safety

We’re getting there, folks! Everywhere I look I see families taking advantage of the warmer weather and longer stretches of sunshine. It’s a sure sign that summertime is approaching, and with that comes a ton of fun and exciting family-friendly activities.

For my little guy, who is about to turn four, being outside right now means hopping onto his scooter and zipping around the block. He simply cannot get enough of getting out on the “open road” these days.

It’s quite a bit of fun watching him go at it, too. His little legs are

getting stronger with each push as he continues to improve on his coordination and balance. And while his method of stopping currently consists of just hopping off each time he takes a ride, I can see his steering and control getting a little better.

However, with his newly emerging motor skills comes more of a need for my husband and I to discuss the rules of the road and how he can stay safe.

Sure, we’ve gone over things like holding our hands in parking lots, not running onto the road, and looking both ways before we cross the street. However, as our son is growing and gaining much more independence, the number of rules and safety tips he must learn and follow is increasing, as well—especially now that he’s on wheels.

I can feel my heart stop every time we approach a stop sign or

an intersection. I have told him to stop there. He knows he should stop there. But will he stop there? Should I run and put my hand on his shoulder? Should I remind him over and over again? Should I trust him?

Usually, I remind him. Or I call out and get a little closer so I am within arms reach should he forget to stop, or slip and fall as he slows down. Usually he stops just fine, turns to face me with his magical grin and gives me a big thumbsup, knowing he did a great job.

I’m proud of him. He’s growing up so fast and he’s doing so well. But I also know we still have a ways to go.

After all, a preschooler’s coordination is still developing, and my son’s awareness of his surroundings is developing too. He is so excited to be out on his scooter that he often forgets the little things, such as keeping his hands

on the handlebars. He has, on occasion, forgotten the scooter, itself, when he turns around to ask me if I’m watching him.

“Did you see me?” he asks enthusiastically, as he hops off the scooter and runs back to give me a hug.

“Yep, I saw you, Buddy,” I reply, with a laugh. “I also see that your scooter is leaving without you.” He looks confused before turning back and seeing the sight of his scooter continuing on down the sidewalk.

“Hey, come back here, you silly scooter!”

Our outings are usually a lot of fun. But I have to admit to having a scare or two—usually the result of my child not recognizing a driveway as a place to check for cars before he crosses. This is why I am still very hesitant to let him get too far ahead of me. I know eventually it’ll all click, but in the meantime, we just keep going over the rules and I’ll keep my eyes on him at all times. Teaching my son about being safe on the road (whether he’s on the scooter, bike, or just running about) makes me think back to my own childhood and my dad teaching me to ride my bike. I remember learning to ride without

training wheels, and I remember being nervous and falling down. But I don’t recall the same fear in the faces of my parents that I feel overcoming mine, though. They must have hid it well because there is no way that, with my clumsiness, they didn’t worry about me.

Whether they worried or not, they did a good job. I learned quickly how to stay safe on the road, and family bike rides became a favourite part of my childhood. This is why it’s become so special that I’m moving towards similar moments with my own child.

I do look forward to the days to come when we’re out together and I’m not so worried about him. However, I guess as a parent, worrying about your child’s safety is something that will never fully go away. Plus, as a friend of mine recently pointed out (much to my horror), this is just a scooter he’s riding right now … Just wait until he’s driving.

Oh dear! At least I have the next 12 years to prepare. I’m going to need it. ■

PHOTOS: Elsie Jordan

VOICES INFLUENCING CHANGE

“Voices Influencing Change: Our Story” is a booklet highlighting the importance of involving people, with lived experience, in policy and decision making

The members of Voices Influencing Change hope their new booklet will be a source of inspiration that highlights the need for equality and inclusion in policy and decision making. Released in partnership with the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition (YAPC), the booklet was launched in April and features stories from its members detailing their lived experiences with poverty and other social issues.

“I have always wanted to give back to the community,” said Voices member Jason Charlie. “Monetarily I am not rich, but I am rich in knowledge and life experience. So, I am using this opportunity to help, using my voice to make, to bring about change within the system—the colonial system. Right now, the system is, in my view, not working. We

have high food inflation, opioid crisis, housing crisis, high suicide rates, more people living below the poverty line, etcetera. I am interested because I want to use my lived experience to create awareness and bring light to these issues.”

Charlie got involved with Voices Influencing Change in 2017 after seeing an ad in the paper for a safe space to share his story. He said he was not in a good place at the time, and the lived experiences of Charlie and his fellow Voices members have many parallels.

Kerry Nolan has been with Voices Influencing Change since the beginning, working with YAPC prior to that, and said she knew that joining forces with Voices was an opportunity she had to take as she understood its mission from personal experiences.

positive change on these topics in the Yukon community.

“I’m proud of the group and I don’t see us ever not moving forward,” Nolan said. “We’re strong. We’re not just a community now; we’ve become a family. We support one another and we get the word out that change needs to happen.”

Charlie echoes Nolan’s feeling of gratitude in what the group has accomplished, so far, and said he has found the community he had searched for among his fellow members.

“It feels awesome to be a part of this special group,” he said. “We have so much valuable lived experience to offer. I am very happy about our booklet making it out into the world. I am proud of our group because we are still here and we have done a lot of

“We need to support one another to be the best that we can be.”

Kerry Nolan

“I had been on the street. I knew the people we were trying to reach to get them to tell their stories,” she said. “I, myself, am somebody with lived experience.”

Voices started in 2017 as a storytelling, advocacy and leadership training program, supporting people who had or were dealing with homelessness, poverty, social exclusion and other issues.

Omi Levins (née Ulrike Wohlfarth) graduated from the second Voices training group in 2018 and is still involved with the program, sharing wisdom she has gathered from her own personal, financial and familial challenges.

“Lots of great opportunities have presented for me, personally, and for other Voices, as well as for Voices as a group, since launching the booklet. People are taking us far more seriously now,” she said. “I get copies of the booklet out, wherever possible, to family, friends and personal contacts.”

Years on from those early days, Voices has evolved into an advocacy and support group with a goal of raising awareness and bringing

good work. I believe we have made a difference within ourselves and within the community.”

With massive issues to tackle, the need in our community for programs like Voices Influencing Change is ever-present. Nolan pointed out that during COVID, lots of people who previously had not relied on things like social assistance and food banks found themselves in that position, and understanding that this can happen to anybody is a key part of Voices’ mission.

“My full belief, from the bottom of my heart, is that all we need to do is take the time to listen to one another, and we need to do this as equals, without judging one another or having misconceptions,” she said. “We need to support one another to be the best that we can be. I feel that would make a much better world and a much better community here in Whitehorse, in the Yukon, and everywhere.”

To learn more about Voices Influencing Change and YAPC, visit yapc.ca/actions/detail/voice-influencing-change ■

PHOTOS: Courtesy of the Voices Booklet Launch, Keitha Clark

Manus Hopkins

Freelance with Manus Hopkins

 Kerry Nolan with Maureen Johnstone holding the Voices booklet, “Voices Influencing Change: Our Story”

 Omi Levins speaking to the crowd  Jason Charlie being interviewed by CBC 

DOG CULTURE

Photographer: Morgan Smarch

~ Robert H. Schuller

What Mom Calls Things

You call it bunny

Mom calls it rabbit

You call it sofa

Mom calls it couch

You call it throw

Mom calls it blanket

You call it jerky

Mom calls it dry meat

You call it mittens

Mom calls it mitts

You call it parka

Mom calls it parky

You call it mukluks

Mom calls it boots

You call it mug

Mom calls it cup

You call it thread

Mom calls it sinew

You call it bucket

Mom calls it pail

You call it twine

Mom calls it string

You call it oats

Mom calls it mush

You call it lantern

Mom calls it lamp

You call it barbecue

Mom calls it cookout

You call it raven

Mom calls it crow

You call it trousers Mom calls it pants

You call it container Mom calls it box.

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

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

ONION JAM

Onions, shallots and green onions

Sprinkle with sugar

OCook until the sugar caramelizes

nion jam is sweet, tangy and savoury. Serve it as a condiment, with grilled meats or on a cheese plate. Makes one small jar.

INGREDIENTS

❑ 1/4 cup butter

❑ 2 shallots, finely chopped

❑ 2 green onions, finely chopped

❑ 2 onions, finely chopped

❑ 1 bay leaf

❑ 1/2 cup white wine

❑ 3/4 cups sugar

❑ 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

❑ Salt, to taste

METHOD

1. Melt the butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the

shallots, green onion, onion and bay leaf and cook, stirring often, until onions are soft, about 10 minutes.

2. When the onions are soft, add the white wine and continue to cook until the liquid has evaporated. When the liquid is gone, sprinkle the sugar over the onions and cook without stirring, until the sugar turns to a brown caramel, about 15 minutes.

3. Add vinegar and continue to cook, while stirring, until the jam is thick, about 10 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt.

Sydney [Oland] Keddy is a recipe developer who lives in Whitehorse. Her work

Globe, Seriouseats.com

Onion Jam

PHOTOS: Sydney Keddy

Chopped onions

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 multijoint 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

6:00 AM

and Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy Functional fitness training to be stronger and injuryresistant. All levels are welcome. Train ‘functionally’ with NSA Co-owner 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.

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 semistructured 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/

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 semistructured 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 with Pranayama (breathwork), Friendly and Community oriented space! Register online. http://www. gracespaceyukon.com

Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight & Mondays

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 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 4:45 PM

Tai Chi Yukon outdoor practice 5:30 PM On the Wharf at the foot of Main Street. Call 335-4813 for more info.

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

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - teen classes Eight Days

Martial Arts 6:00 PM

Muay Thai Kickboxing 7:30 PM Eight

Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.

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

Tue May 21 Spiritual Yoga and Meditation 6:00 PM Canada Games Centre Yukon Join Acharya Shilabhadrananda Avadhuta for a spiritual yoga and meditation series with 4 sessions. Sessions are free, all welcome; bring your own yoga mat. For more info email ivanskofenko@gmail.com. https:// whatsupyukon.events/qco

Wed May 22 Diabetes Management –Insulin 101 6:00 PM Chronic Conditions Support Program (CCSP) Learn how to safely and effectively use various types of insulin, while connecting with your peers and increasing your confidence in insulin use. To register call 667-8733 or

email ccsp@yukon.ca https://yukon.ca/en/ events/diabetes-management-insulin-1013?date=2024-05-22

Mon May 27 Grief Walking Group 6:30

PM S.S. Klondike National Historic Site

A walking group to help you get outside and connect with others who are grieving. Moving the legs and breathing a little deeper can help shift our emotions. https:// hospiceyukon.net/en/2023/08/11/griefwalking-group-sept/ Wed May 29 Atrial Fibrillation: A Deeper Dive 12:00 PM Chronic Conditions Support Program (CCSP) Learn exactly atrial fibrillation from a Chronic Conditions Nurse Educator, and a review of some of the lesser known facts about it. Call 667-8733 or email ccsp@yukon.ca to register. https:// yukon.ca/en/events/atrial-fibrillation-deeperdive-0?date=2024-05-29

Sat Jun 1 M.O.R.P.H 2:00 PM Teen Parent Centre Live butterfly release for infant & pregnancy loss. Sit, support and gather with others who have walked the unimaginable path of grief and loss of a child. Light snacks and beverages provided. https:// whatsupyukon.events/yh6

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 Wednesday QYS 2SLGBTQIA+ Parent & Guardian Peer Support Nights 6:00

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 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

Last Monday 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

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 251-3635766, 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 778-9072701 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 867-3341725 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 867-334-1725 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 self-compassion 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

JAPAN WITH MAVERICK

お誕生日おめでと う, dear Maverick!

お誕生日おめでとう to you!

Japan is a different world— especially for the one-yearold we travelled with for two weeks.

Ryan and Maverick arriving in Tokyo

Tokyo

It is strange to think that we would be leaving a country that has a smaller population than a single city in Japan, but we left Whitehorse for Tokyo for two weeks. The 10-hour flight over was pretty awful, but that was expected. Even though we had a bassinet seat for Maverick, the drastic time change made it challenging to ensure that sleep was obtained, so we decided our first night to stay at the airport to minimize this.

From the airport, we had to take public transit to our hotel. Even with Google Maps instructing us where to go and what to do, everything was in Japanese (I know, a shock right?). Trying to navigate the busy station with all of our luggage was difficult; however, once we figured out

the system, it was relatively easy and very cheap to transit around Japan.

We explored Tokyo for a couple of days, visiting famous landmarks such as the Shibuya Crossing, the Tokyo Skytree and, in general, the chaos of the largest city in the world.

No matter what time of day it was, there were hundreds or thousands of people in any one spot. On 4 a.m. walks with Maverick. we saw the drinkers; at 8 a.m., the workers; and everything inbetween.

While in Tokyo, Maverick had his first birthday! And a highlight on our last day was to visit Tokyo Disneyland. Surprisingly lots to do there with an infant.

Kyoto

After Tokyo, we visited the extremely beautiful and green (though not as much as Whitehorse) Kyoto. This is the city of forest and temples. We stayed in a traditional Japanese house with a shared bathroom, which I would not recommend with a baby. Nonetheless, we explored the bamboo forests, the monkeys and the endless temples and shrines in Kyoto.

Osaka

The last stop was Osaka: not quite as impressive as Kyoto. First we stopped in Kobe, to eat Kobe beef, then we visited rather boring Osaka. It is known for its food, but for us, the food in Tokyo was much more interesting and better. Osaka is a street-food place and not very pretty. We visited the aquarium and Ferris wheel, but otherwise wouldn’t recommend this on a visit bucket list.

Overall, the trip was good.

DID YOU KNOW...

Travelling with a baby was a challenge, but we survived the weirdness that was Japan!

Time change

By far the hardest transition to Japan was the time difference, and with a baby, this is even more so because babies and sleep are the priorities. We managed to adjust to Japan’s time relatively easily by not setting Maverick down for bedtime until it was Japan’s bedtime on the plane. This ruse actually seemed to work.

Baby friendly (?)

Japan seems to be child friendly, but I wouldn’t say it is baby friendly. Not one single place had a crib, so it resulted in us having to share our bed with the Maverick for two whole weeks. This is a rather exhausting endeavour to undertake. In addition to the lack of cribs was the lack of baby high chairs in restaurants (lucky to have space at a table, let alone room for a high chair).

Eating

Eating involves a lot of rice; like seriously, I need a break from rice. But everything and everywhere was fast-paced eating. From convenience food, to booth settings, it was actually difficult to find places you could sit with a baby and eat. Restaurants often

couldn’t physically accommodate us. And the food was often strange (to me, at least); I’m not a fan of raw fish. So things like sushi, which in Canada I quite like, were all raw fish in Japan.

Toilets

I still have no idea why, but Japanese people love a warm toilet seat. Yes, the toilets will open upon arrival, sing as you do your business, and self flush all while being toasty warm. It’s weird.

Translation

Generally, most important things were in English; however, you were often met with the dif-

ficulty of not understanding what was on the menu. Our translation device would translate a menu, but what does “happy food” mean? Even the translations didn’t make sense to us. I’d highly recommend a translation device that can translate a picture, as well as translating speech.

Teeny-Tiny Spaces

I’ve never stayed in such small hotel rooms before. Literally, our room in Japan was not much bigger than the bed. This can make it rather challenging when taking a baby who likes to walk and play. Where does he do this? I often spent time in the lobby with him.

Transportation

Strollers seem to be the worst idea ever in Japan, and lucky for us, we had a hiking backpack. This made travelling, particularly in the metro, very easy. It’s a hustle-and-bustle place that requires moving out of the way.

Convenience Food

Yes, 7-Eleven is actually a place where you get food! Their 24/7 convenience stores are places of quick, tasty and affordable food options, and they are everywhere ■

PHOTOS: Kylie Campbell-Clarke

Kylie Campbell-Clarke

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

Colourful paper lanterns

2024 Special Olympics Festival

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With so many people to thank, it may have happened that we overlooked someone... We did not do it on purpose and we of course thank you! GOLD SPONSORS

Having

MAKE IT A HABIT

ART SHOWS

Until May 24 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 24 Shii’itsüh - Crying in the Heart by Teresa Vander MeerChassé 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 Jun 1 Mountains in the Morning - Outdoor Landscapes in the Yukon by Jane Fergusson Storey Arts Underground New compositions in all seasons and respond to the changing light in the morning sky.

Until Jun 1 Beyond the Page, Panel, and Gutter - Experimenting with Ellipses in Comics by Esther Bordet Arts Underground Highlighting the narrative choices made by the author, and how these choices affect the way the reader understands the story.

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

Fri May 24 Pat Keenan and the Booters 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well Pat Keenan and the Booters will be taking the stage at Lefty’s with special guests Kim Rogers and Gemini Fire! Cover charge at the door! https:// whatsupyukon.events/xk2

Sat May 25 Dylan MacNeil Band with Ben Mahoney 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well It’s Ben Mahoney’s birthday and Dylan’s family are in town so why not throw a lil humdinger.

Sat May 25 Sign-On with Whitehorse Community Choir 7:30

Wednesdays Ginger Jam 7:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Saturdays

Live Music at Whiskey Jacks 7:00

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

GENERAL EVENTS

Tue May 21 Hand Building Fairy Houses with Lisa Moore 5:30 PM Arts Underground Play in the clay and build a fairy house for your garden. 2-session class, learn ceramic hand building techniques including coil, pinch pot, extruder and slab techniques. Tickets online. https:// arts-underground

Tue May 21 Northern Dialogues Conference 2024 6:00 PM Yukon University The conference will bring together perspectives on remoteness and sustainable livelihoods in rural, northern, and Indigenous communities. Register online. www. krichsportandrec.com/ndc

Tue May 21 Coping with Wildfire Risk in Whitehorse 5:00 PM Church of the Northern Apostles It’s wildfire season. Please join us for an informative session on coping with wildfire risk in Whitehorse. Presentation will start with a barbecue hosted by FireSmart Canada.

Wed May 22 Community Action Leadership 3:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Stories and Strategies from a Three Year Initiative. Food, storytelling, and active discussion on collaborative ways to support tradespeople in the territory. For more info email ed@yukonwitt.org https:// www.yukonwitt.org/

Until Thu May 23 The Fall Guy Nightly Yukon Theatre A new hilarious, hard-driving, all-star apex-action thriller and love letter to action movies and the hard-working and underappreciated crew of people who make them: The Fall Guy. Tickets online. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/ fall-guy

Sat May 25 Trivia Night (Members & Signed in Guests) 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Trivia Night - Topic- 2023 - CASH prizes and bragging rights - Bring your electronic device to play or play from home for free!! https://whatsupyukon.events/ hde

Sun May 26 2024 Wolf Creek Fry

Release 11:30 AM Wolf Creek Campground Annual Salmon Fry Release and Free BBQ, join us while we wait for the fish to arrive at 1:00pm! Parking is limited and we would suggest carpooling. All donations are welcome!

Sun May 26 Africa Day 2024 4:00

PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Celebrate the vibrant diversity of African arts and cultures at the first-ever African Day celebration in Whitehorse City! Experience the rhythm of Africa through captivating performances, colourful exhibitions, and stories. https://whatsupyukon. events/vgw

Tue May 28 T4T Lamp Wiring 5:30 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Learn to drill a hole in a bottle, and wire it to be used as a lamp! All experience levels are welcome! Reach out to coordinator@yukonwitt.org with any questions. https://whatsupyukon. events/52545a

PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Classical and contemporary works, including Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes De Confessore, with Chamber Orchestra and Guest Soloists, also featuring Alvin Lowrey, trumpet. Advanced tickets online, or at the door. https://whatsupyukon.events/uu1

Fri May 31 Bria Rose N’ Thorns

EP & Music Video Debut 6:30 PM MacBride Museum Bria Rose N’ Thorns celebrate the release of their debut EP, Sprout and their first music video! Surprise special guests will be joining the evening. Tickets at the door or pre-sale online.

Monthly

Every Other Wednesday Intermediate Jam – Bluegrass, Old-Time 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion A fun jam of bluegrass and related genres (oldtime, 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.

Until Thu May 23 Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Nightly Yukon Theatre Many years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape goes on a journey that will lead him to question everything he’s been taught about the past and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/ kingdom-of-the-planet-of-the-apes

Fri May 24 2024 Spring Showcase - Nostalgia 8:00 PM The Guild Hall Join us for a nostalgic evening. Our team has combed through their music libraries, and we are bringing you a wild ride of a night. Tickets online. https://velvetantlerproductions.com/ Fri May 24 Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Nightly Yukon Theatre The origin story of renegade warrior Furiosa before her encounter and team up with Mad Max. Tickets online or in-person at the box office.

Sat May 25 Fresh Fiction - New words from Yukon authors 7:30 PM Atlin BC Globe Theatre Listen to Yukon authors Ellen Bielawski, Patti Flather and Joanna Lilley as they talk about their published works, entry by donation or pre-sale tickets online. https://whatsupyukon.events/y05

Thu May 30 Flow 2K - Launch Party 5:00 PM Northlight Innovation Come and celebrate the launch of Flow2k, our new mobile application, born right here in the Yukon! RSVP online. https://whatsupyukon.events/3e378b Thu May 30 Plant Identification 5:30 PM Shipyards Park An exploration of the unsung weeds, pioneers and invasives growing around Whitehorse, every Fireweed Market until July 11. Admission by donation https://nomadicharvests.com/learn/ wildcrafting/#identification Fri May 31 2024 Yukon First Nations Graduation Ceremony 12:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Reception prior to the ceremony, ceremony will be outdoors, please dress for the weather. Graduates must register online. https://forms.gle/ THgVtBGgWnMX4EEDA

Fri May 31 Poker Run to Emerald Lake 5:00 PM Canada Games Centre Yukon Poker Run on the South Klondike Highway, stops at Kookatsoon Lake and Emerald Lake for additional cards. Register day of. https://whatsupyukon.events/wog

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

First Thursdays QYS Craft Night 7:00

PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache

This is a great place to gather and meet other queer crafters. And there will be tea of course. Regular drop-in is still available.

2nd Thursday QYS Movie Nights

5:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache

Last Thursdays Repair Cafe 6:00 PM

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

2nd Thursday Music Trivia 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Come on out and test your music knowledge! Teams of no more than 6 people.

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 tricktaking 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 franco-yukonnaise (AFY) Le Café de l’amitié est un rendez-vous hebdomadaire et une occasion de rassemblement pour les francophones de 50 ans et plus.

QYS Drop-in 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 3336081 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 TrainingToastmasters 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

Fireweed Community Market

3:00 PM Shipyards Park Wonderful aromas, delicious fresh foods, and unique artisans from our approximately 70 weekly vendors. Grab a picnic dinner and get that special gift. Enjoy local live music and other amusements from buskers.

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 633-3463.

Sunday Gatherings 3:00 PM The Northern Collective Church KIDS & FAMILIES

Fri May 24 The Garfield Movie Yukon Theatre Nightly + Matinees Garfield the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! Tickets online or in-person at the box office. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/ the-garfield-movie

Tue May 28 Baby Pillow Workshop 12:00 PM Skookum Jim Friendship Centre Learn how to make a traditional baby pillow in this 3 day workshop. RSVP by calling 633-7680

Wed May 29 Music and Motion with Babies 10:00 AM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery Free, drop-in 30 minute session of music and movement designed for babies led by Lianne Cranfield. Music and Motion with Babies https://yukonartscentre.com

Thu May 30 Art from the Heart 7:00

PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Art From the Heart is made-up of 4 different performances: Game Over, Inside Ballet, Give a Mouse a Cookie, Matilda Jr. Tickets online. https://www. yukontickets.com/TheatreManager/ Fri May 31 Fridays in the ParkWhere fun meets community! 3:30

PM Whitehorse Various Locations Friday afternoons throughout the summer for an unforgettable experience at our neighbourhood parks. Exciting games and activities, healthy snacks and refreshments and of course fun and learning! Email parks@whitehorse.ca for more info. https://whatsupyukon.events/w8h

Monthly

1st & 3rd Saturdays Grades 5 - 7 Junior Youth Group 7:00 PM Mountainview Church Passionate about giving kids opportunities to have fun & make new friends, while teaching them about Jesus & His great love for our world https:// mountainview.church/connect/youth

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

Weekly

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 register.

Parent-Child Mother Goose 10:30 AM The Child Development Centre Celebrates the power and pleasure of songs, rhymes and oral stories. Bonding time with your little one or to learn for later. Register online. https:// whatsupyukon.events/lj5

Let’s Create - Crafting Together 5:30 PM The Child Development Centre A fun crafting group for families with children aged 2 and up, light dinner will be served, transportation available. For more info call 332-4997 or email donna.light@yukon.ca

Wednesdays

Community Connections 1:30 PM Yukon Family Literacy Centre An intergenerational story time and craft program. Meet local elders, have a coffee, do some crafts, and make a friend!

Thursdays

Babynastics with Coach Ewan 1:00 PM Polarettes Gymnastics Club Babynastics is a semi-structured parent and tot class for new movers, all the way to age 5.

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

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 register.

Saturdays Drop-In 3:00 PM Polarettes Gymnastics Club enjoy the gym as a giant indoor play space. A great place to practise skills or just play and explore! Open gym is for members only

MEETINGS

Tues May 21 Yukon Transportation Museum AGM 6:00 PM Yukon Transportation Museum Held in person in the Bush Pilot room at the museum or online. For more info email to info@goytm.ca

Sat May 25 Yukon R/C Modellers AGM 11:00 AM Flying field 2km south of Wolf Creek campground

Mon May 27 Yukon Trappers Association AGM 10:00 AM

Learn about the Yukon Trappers Association as a non-profit organization which provides Yukon Trappers with education, information, services and equipment for the trapline operation.

Tue May 28 Whitehorse Women’s Hockey Association AGM 6:00 PM Whitehorse Curling Club Give back to the league and contribute your good ideas. Attendees will receive one drink ticket and a pizza dinner. A draw for 1/2 off registration for the 24/25 WWHA season.

Wed May 29 Hospice Yukon AGM 7:00 PM Golden Age Society

Monthly

First Monday Klondike Snowmobile Association Board Meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon https://ksa.yk.ca/ coming-events/

Third Thursday ASAY board monthly meeting Sport Yukon 10:00 PM

Third Thursday Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition Monthly Meeting 5:00 PM ZOOM Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition for regular meeting. Everyone is welcome. Call Kathy 334-9317 or info@yapc.ca for a zoom link or join us in person. https://yapc.ca/actions/ detail/yapcs-monthly-meetings

ONLINE EVENTS

Fridays AA Yukon Unity Group 1:30 PM Online For Zoom Room address Contact 334-7693

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

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

BJUST ONE OF THE GUYS SPORTS BEAT

Morris Prokop is a Whitehorse-based writer and sports editor. He covers a variety of sports in the Yukon, including the Yukon Quest, Yukon River Quest and Yukon Ultra. He enjoys the outdoors, playing soccer and softball, and hanging out with his dog Bandit.

Part Two

eing the only female in the league results in some interesting questions.

Bowden said she doesn’t have a relationship within the league. And she was asked if she uses her own dressing room.

“I did at the beginning. I don’t know how much I want to divulge because I don’t know how many wives know this, too, but the guys are very respectful. I do get to dress [with them] because, as the girl, especially growing up playing with the guys, I dressed on my own and then joined in after, and you don’t get that team unity— the camaraderie. You miss out on that.

“Since I’ve been in the league long enough and the guys know me now, they don’t mind having me … they don’t seem to mind having me hang out with them and dress in the room. They’re respectful, I’m respectful. There’s no nakedness. When and if they use the shower, I’m not right there.”

Being part of the team is very important to Bowden.

“I appreciate being part of the team, to be a part of the group. I don’t want to disrespect anybody and I don’t want to lose that—the ability to be part of the team—because it’s important to me.

“It started out in that situation, dressing in the girls’ dressing room. And I didn’t even know half of the guys’ names. I just missed out on everything.”

When asked if she ever gets hit on, Bowden replied, “I have. I actually did have one of the guys say … this was kind of a very cheeky response, but he said to me, ‘I have to ask … Are you gay?’ I said, ‘That’s a very fair question, but I’m gonna let you know, this would be a very bad pool to choose from if I was.’”

Bowden has a colourful take on relationships within the league.

“I don’t take it seriously because I think it’s kind of like dipping your pen in the company ink. I don’t want anything to go sideways. And like, then where do I go?”

About being in a potential relationship, Bowden said, “I don’t want him to be fodder. I don’t want to be fodder.”

Bowden said she felt good about this past season. She recalled how she was sitting in the stands during the Oldtimers tournament and one of the other players said this is probably one of her best seasons.

“I was surprised to hear that, but I felt the same way,” she said.

Games like the final really illustrate Bowden’s competitiveness. “I felt really good in that game, even though we lost, but [I] can’t stop everything, I guess.” (Michel Dubois scored the only goal on Bowden in the shootout.) “Michel’s deke, I bit too early. I can’t believe I bit on his deke. But that’s OK. It happens. Can’t stop everything. Michel made a really good move.

Bowden said she felt like the team really gelled.

Of the final, Bowden said, “I was a little bit crushed. Gerald [Tetlichi, the opposing goaltend-

thrive. That’s so lovely to move forward … for the future, because when I was growing up, it was either university … maybe go to Europe. I looked at both. I went to [Wayne State] university [in Detroit]. But it was kind of ‘that was it after that.’ So it’s really nice to see that there’s a place now and something to strive for, even if it’s not attainable—but at least you get noticed now.”

Bowden started playing goal when she was seven years old.

“I guess I always felt at home back there. They’d go around the dressing room [saying] ‘Who wants to try? Who wants to try?’ And every time somebody said ‘No,’ I would raise my hand and I’d get in there.”

This may have been the case where, as Bowden explained, “I’m just gonna keep playing until I get really good. Because there were bad games when I was little, and I kept putting the pads right back on—and so maybe it was perfection. I wanted to get this right and continue, and I proved to myself I could do it.

“When I watched her, I could tell how much she loved being on the ice. I feel very similar to that, even now.”

Bowden then brought up the final game again, which came down to a shootout.

“I felt like I played great, but we still lost. I talked to people who will say, ‘I can’t believe it goes to shootouts, and shootouts are terrible.’ I’m like ‘No no, no, I prefer shootouts’ because anything could go wrong and go sideways in overtime. At least with a one-on-one, I have more control. So I’d rather just go right to a shootout.

“It’s thrilling when you hear the cheers when you make that save.”

Bowden revealed that she didn’t watch what was happening at the other end of the ice during the shootout. “I just never looked because I thought, I’m just gonna wait to hear who cheers. I didn’t want to get out of my head.

“I trusted that he was doing well down there, with the cheers that weren’t in my favour. I didn’t watch any of my guys go down there.” Bowden added, “I haven’t been in a shootout since I was probably twelve.” Bowden then corrected herself, saying she actually played in a shootout in university. “That’s still twenty years [ago].”

In case you’re wondering, Bowden is a diminutive, but solid five foot three.

“I felt really good this year. So I just kind of hope I can keep that going. But every year is different, with different players and different teammates, different opponents. Like next year, I might be playing against Gus [Morberg] and Willy [McKenna], and I might be playing with a team that doesn’t have the type of strength as my team did this year—or the type of gel.”

PRODUCTS SOLD

• Bakery Goods & Bread

• Bar Supplies

• Beef / Chicken / Pork / Seafood

• Cappuccino / Slushie Machines

• Co ee Makers

• Compostable products

• Containers & Bags

• Convection Oven / Roller Grills

• Co on Candy Machine

• Cutlery & Utensils

• Dairy / Eggs / Ice Cream

• Deli Meats

• Fridges & Coolers

• Frozen & Fresh Food

• Frying & Baking Pans

• Plates / Wraps / Tinfoil

• Popcorn Machine

• Sandwich Tables

• Slicers / Mixers / Toasters

• Stoves - Propane & Electric

• Toilet Paper / Tissue / Napkins

er] played really great. They shut everything down in the middle. T heir defensive game was so good.”

Bowden is quite enthused about the new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). “It’s fantastic. It’s about time. I would love to see it continue to evolve. It’s so nice to watch. I kind of wish that there had been something like that when I was [younger]. I think we all think that.

“I hope that continues to

“But I always loved having that hero-or-zero kind of feeling, I guess.”

Manon Rhéaume was one of her heroes growing up. In fact, they both played in a tournament about seven years ago. “She was a pioneer and inspiration,” said Bowden. “With the Canadian women’s team, as well as for her own journey. And incredibly humble. I observed that she just wanted to play and achieve the best she could.

“Maybe five foot four on skates,” she said.

Bowden recalled a goalie, Kurt Kramer, who she played with in the Canyon City league.

“One of the guys took a picture of me and him next to each other. I think he said he was six foot seven or six foot eight on skates. He dwarfed me, and I remember texting him after a game one time and going, ‘When you go down to your butterfly, are you still taller?’” ■

Stacey Bowden with Environmental Dynamics Inc. (EDI). The only female goalie in the Whitehorse Oldtimers Hockey League

PHOTO: Courtesy of Stacey Bowden

COMMUNITY

Victoria Gold’s Commitment to Community

Victoria Gold is committed to supporting Yukoners throughout the territory. The Company and its employees support numerous events and initiatives, which help to improve Yukoners’ health and wellbeing; including some fun for worthy local causes during the Yukon Rendezvous festival in February.

Ben Widdowson, Victoria Gold’s Environmental Coordinator, who has worked at the Eagle Gold Mine since October 2021, was good-spiritedly “voluntold” by some of his colleagues to get “arrested” by the festival’s Keystone Kops as part of his first Yukon Rendezvous experience. Ben’s colleagues had worked together to raise a total of $400.00 for his “bail”, which was then donated by the Keystone Kops to Yukon Special Olympics and the Youth of Today Society

According to Yukon Rendezvous organizers, “The Keystone Kops are a part of Rendezvous you can’t get away from, unless you are wearing a garter, a Rendezvous button or a beard. They can be seen around Whitehorse throughout the festival collecting the ‘delinquent’ and donations.”

Victoria Gold extends a sincere thank you to all those employees who participated in Ben’s “arrest” by the Keystone Kops and most importantly, for raising his “bail” money to benefit local organizations. Victoria Gold also supported the Irene Hutton Memorial Bonspiel in the Village of Mayo held last weekend to honour Hutton, a long-time curling volunteer in the community. And, The Victoria Gold Klondike Gold Ruff Virtual Run or walk was back after resounding success in 2023.  Everyone was invited to participate in this annual virtual 5 km, 10 km and half-marathon event to raise money and awareness for the Humane Society Yukon which could be completed anywhere, and on any surface, anytime during the Victoria Day long weekend between May 17 and 20, 2024.

Gold Environmental Coordinator

Widdowson, getting “arrested” during February’s Yukon Rendezvous festival. Ben’s colleagues raised $400.00 for his “bail”, which was then donated to Yukon Special Olympics and the Youth of Today Society.

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

Victoria Gold is committed to supporting Yukoners throughout the territory. The Company and its employees support numerous events and initiatives, which help to improve Yukoners’ health and wellbeing.

Including the fourth annual Victoria Gold Klondike Gold Ruff Virtual Run or walk to support animal welfare in the Yukon.

Victoria

Ben