The Bookshelf: When Dawson Made Hockey History
The Dawson Challengers had a dream to contest for the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup (better known as the Stanley Cup.
The Bookshelf: When Dawson Made Hockey History Read More »
Fly Straight Like a Honeybee
The idiom make a beeline for is a bit of a mystery as we watch the erratic dance of bees – So, what’s with bees and beelines?
Fly Straight Like a Honeybee Read More »
A ‘fish’ called (insert your name here)
Living in your comfort zone feels better than feeling like “a fish out of water.” Do you know the idiomatic origins of the phrase?
A ‘fish’ called (insert your name here) Read More »
Didee Didoo: If I Build an Airplane
If I Build an Airplane: I’m going to use rope Instead of seatbelts. I’m going to use snowshoes Instead of airplane skis
Didee Didoo: If I Build an Airplane Read More »
Didee Didoo: Construction Site
Construction Site: I always pick up nail and screws I always pick up boards I always pick up plywood I always pick up insulation
Didee Didoo: Construction Site Read More »
I’m not even an animal yet …
I’m not even an animal yet …‘Cause I’m not as strong as a grizzly bear ‘Cause I’m not as big as a moose ‘Cause I’m not as fast as a fox‘
I’m not even an animal yet … Read More »
She Mooned the Poor Bear
The lady mooned the poor bear And he bit her in the rear The bear bit the poor spouse When she went to the outhouse
She Mooned the Poor Bear Read More »
Discovering the origin of the poop emoji
most emojis are straightforward, but there seems to be a lot of speculation surrounding the poop emoji. Is it actually poop?
Discovering the origin of the poop emoji Read More »
Idiomatic Origins: Bye-bye, birdie!
Never would a canary be seen in a coal mine, unless under duress. Find out what canaries under duress have to do with “bye-bye, birdie”
Idiomatic Origins: Bye-bye, birdie! Read More »
Didee & Didoo: Ronald’s Liquor Cabinet
Allen Benjamin’s Didee & Didoo: Ronald’s Liquor Cabinet…I think he has a big bottle of…
Didee & Didoo: Ronald’s Liquor Cabinet Read More »
Didee Didoo: When It’s 46 Below
When It’s 46 Below: Your ice cream won’t thaw out. Mosquitos won’t bite you. You won’t suffer from heat stroke.
Didee Didoo: When It’s 46 Below Read More »
Didee Didoo: Due To Covid 19
Didee Didoo: Due To Covid 19. Walmart will be closed in Old Crow Canadian Tire will be closed in Old Crow McDonald’s will be closed…
Didee Didoo: Due To Covid 19 Read More »
Didee & didoo:
Didee & Didoo: The caribou wades the creek in silence. Through the river, rocks and barely a ripple mark the caribou passage.
Meanderings: The Steeles wandered at random around the world
Peter Steele begins by defining his terms: “’Meander’ reads ’To wander at random’” This is very definitely what happens in this book,
Meanderings: The Steeles wandered at random around the world Read More »
Searching for the Yukon at the Frankfurt Book Fair
This year some Canadian writers finally made it to Frankfurt, but where is the Yukon? No Yukon writers made it to the Frankfurt Book Fair.
Searching for the Yukon at the Frankfurt Book Fair Read More »
Memories of the Yukon’s only psychiatrist: Still a Yukoner in his heart
From 1995 to 2001 Dr. Jaime Smith was the territory’s only psychiatrist. Jim Robb devotes page 38 in The Colourful 5% V:III to this Yukoner.
Memories of the Yukon’s only psychiatrist: Still a Yukoner in his heart Read More »
The Bookshelf: Seeking Redemption on the Yukon Quest Trail
Journey of 1000 Miles chronicles Hank DeBruin and Tanya McCready-DeBruin’s attempts at the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest.
The Bookshelf: Seeking Redemption on the Yukon Quest Trail Read More »
And the winner is … Commissioner of Yukon Award Joanna Lilley
Whitehorse author Joanna Lilley has won this year’s Borealis Prize: The Commissioner of Yukon Award for Literary Contribution.
And the winner is … Commissioner of Yukon Award Joanna Lilley Read More »
Love your local library!
October is national library month! Libraries across the territory are celebrating Yukon Public Libraries Week October 18-23.
Love your local library! Read More »
Robert Service’s great-granddaughter honours her ancestor
Robert Service’s great-granddaughter honours her ancestor. Charlotte Service-Longépé wrote Robert W. Service La Piste de l’Imaginaire.
Robert Service’s great-granddaughter honours her ancestor Read More »
A Yukon Horror Story, So Far
Graphic novels are Gallagher’s favourite art form. This exhibit is an artistic journey to produce a horror graphic novel set in the Yukon.
A Yukon Horror Story, So Far Read More »
Christopher Tse: Unraveling roots on the page
Slam Poetry allows the creative license that he found journalism lacked. At Jenni House Tse will interrogate being a Yukon settler of colour.
Christopher Tse: Unraveling roots on the page Read More »
Theatre in the Bush 2021
Ramshackle Theatre in the Bush “I’m already out in the yard,” Fidler says. “I’ve got my chainsaw out and I’m clearing the paths.”
Theatre in the Bush 2021 Read More »
The Bookshelf: A poetic memoir of northern travels
Poetry with a bit of a difference, it has a strong ecological bias. Goodbye, Ice: Arctic Poems by Lawrence Millman
The Bookshelf: A poetic memoir of northern travels Read More »
Idioms that irk me (and I’m not easily irked)
There are two idioms that have been bothering me for weeks, months even. But let’s talk about something more pleasant—cookies.
Idioms that irk me (and I’m not easily irked) Read More »
Learning how to cope with fear in overdrive
By the time you’re reading this column, the paperback version of Eva Holland’s fascinating study of fear will be out from Penguin Canada.
Learning how to cope with fear in overdrive Read More »
Regulars and Rooms for Rent
Compared to the Klondike-era poems we’re familiar with, it seems that Tara Borin’s poetry breaks ground by presenting a post-gold rush, post-Robert Service perspective of Dawson.
Regulars and Rooms for Rent Read More »
Learning to be a good person through fishing
In 2017 Paul Rath attended the North Words Symposium in Skagway. He joined an early morning session in the library hosted by Deb Vanasse, an
Learning to be a good person through fishing Read More »
Spring Cleaning
I shovel dog poop. I shovel moose poop. I shovel caribou poop. I shovel rabbit poop. I shovel wolf poop. I shovel squirrel poop. I
Didoo survived without these things
Didoo survived without an electric knife. Didoo survived without an electric kettle. Didoo survived without a microwave. Didoo survived without a toaster. Didoo survived without
Didoo survived without these things Read More »
Fall in love…
Love reading? Your local public library would like to make you a proposal – more free access to ebooks, audiobooks and online learning tools.
Throughout the month of February, the Yukon Public Library (YPL) system will be highlighting these new resources, along with ways for Yukoners to access them, with the New Reasons To Love You Library Campaign.
It’s raining, it’s pouring (but it’s still all right)
If it’s right as rain, it’s as it should be; it’s normal and expected; it’s right on track, exactly as anticipated. It also refers to a congenial frame of mind, or even a state of physical comfort.
It’s raining, it’s pouring (but it’s still all right) Read More »
Dublin Gulch
The present book, one of several projects Michael Gates has had on the go since he retired, is one he was commissioned to write by Victoria Gold, the owners of the Eagle Gold Mine.
A Parade of Dreams
Christopher Wheeler has had a long-standing dream to become an author. When COVID-19 arrived, it brought with it the opportunity for him to pursue this
A Parade of Dreams Read More »
The Stairs
Thirteen year old Isaiah Silas has had a love for comic books from a young age. This admiration inspired him to teach himself to draw, and has since grown into a talent that he hopes to expand into a successful business, making and selling comic books.
I Always Get High
I get high when I snowshoe. I get high when I canoe. I get high when I mush dogs. I get high when I bike.
Why did it have to be snakes?
Book Review: Bury Your Horses by Dan Dowhal
Why did it have to be snakes? Read More »
They outlived their husbands
Mary Kay outlived Big Joe. Sarah Baalam outlived Baalam. Eliza Steamboat outlived Robert. Annie Fredson outlived Daniel. Sarah Abel outlived Abel. Mary Thomas outlived John.
They outlived their husbands Read More »
Jack London imagined a virus
What’s of particular interest to readers in this year of the COVID-19 pandemic, is that London managed to predict the spread of a virulent disease three years before the so-called Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918.
Jack London imagined a virus Read More »
A politically-minded family drama
It’s easy to see why Ben Lerner’s The Topeka School (McLelland and Steward, 2019) was among Barack Obama’s favourite reads in 2019. At once a
A politically-minded family drama Read More »
My Bucket List
I have to pack a bucket of water for Eliza Steamboat I have to pack a bucket of water for Robert Steamboat I have to
The Klondike Gold Rush Steamers
In these days of highways and 1000-year level flood dikes, it’s easy to forget that the best way to get to Dawson used to be by sternwheelers. While most of the stampeders made their way here in small boats and rafts in 1898, a sizeable number cruised to the fledgling town from St. Michael’s, Alaska, in riverboats and steamers and, once the White Pass chugged into Whitehorse, still more hopped on boats from there.
The Klondike Gold Rush Steamers Read More »
Running is rocket science
I have to know about gravitational torque I have to know about stride frequency I have to know about running tangents I have to know
Running is rocket science Read More »
Another Silly Poem
If I were a turtle, I wouldn’t need a bulletproof vest. If I were a kangaroo, I wouldn’t need a pocket. If I were a
Another Silly Poem Read More »
Authors on Eighth overcome COVID-19
Each year there is a writing contest called Authors on Eighth connected to an annual walk along the Writers’ Block along Eighth Avenue in Dawson City.
Authors on Eighth overcome COVID-19 Read More »
John Fogerty
I went down to the Victoria Marathon And I got to see John Fogerty in concert John doesn’t need a cane to walk Because he
Facing Your Fears
Everyone experiences fear at some point in their lives. This universal emotion and our response to it forms the core of Eva Holland’s first book, Nerve.
An ABC Aviation Adventure
There are all sorts of ABC books out there, but they are seldom as focussed on a particular subject as this one, which manages to do the job of introducing all the letters while remaining firmly in the air.
An ABC Aviation Adventure Read More »
Howls of the past are echoing again thanks to Joanna Lilley
The England-born, Yukon-based writer has just released her third poetry collection, Endlings, in which each poem is inspired by a different extinct animal species. The passenger pigeon
Howls of the past are echoing again thanks to Joanna Lilley Read More »
From South to North with the Erebus
Let’s begin at the end. “On 9 September 2014, at a press conference in Ottawa, Prime Minister Harper announced to the world that one of
From South to North with the Erebus Read More »
Well Read and Welcome Back!
We will continue to offer curb-side pick-up for those that are not ready to come in and browse or for anyone with a cold or other symptoms. Based on books we have in stock our staff has come up with three book recommendations for people eager for new things to read
Well Read and Welcome Back! Read More »
Social Distancing Perfect Time For A Good Book
Here are three books to thumb through while you wait for the end of the world or a Yukon spring, whichever comes first.
Social Distancing Perfect Time For A Good Book Read More »
Mosquito Report
Let’s surprise Kelly, But not Martha. Let’s outnumber Peter, But not Stephen. Let’s pick on Tracy, But not on Bertha. Let’s hunt for Michael, But
Shoo’ii & Sheek’aii – Gwich’in Ginjik Native Language
Gwich’in Expressions: Ddhah kak vadzaih Tr’anah’in We see caribou on the mountain Dinjik daang nał’in I see four moose Łall tsal nihłàh tsiigīdī’in The pups are playing together
Shoo’ii & Sheek’aii – Gwich’in Ginjik Native Language Read More »
Whitehorse poet’s defiant reading marathon
It was the first time Peter Jickling had read a book aloud cover to cover. He reflected that he got a different sense of the book as a whole than you would putting it down and picking it up, as we usually do.
Whitehorse poet’s defiant reading marathon Read More »
We’re wise & Didoo’s Beliefs
We’re wise I use a frisbee for a plate. I use a parachute for a tent. I use a hardhat for a bowl. Uncle uses
We’re wise & Didoo’s Beliefs Read More »
Meals inspired by literature
Many classic stories have food and drinks intrinsically linked to their narratives. The Whitehorse Public Library has taken this idea and run with it, creating Page to Plate – a series of workshops for youth linking literature and cooking.
Meals inspired by literature Read More »
Seventy tales from the Yukon, Atlin and Tibet
Peter Steele’s book arrived on my desk at just about the time in my cataract affliction when I was unable to read it, the white
Seventy tales from the Yukon, Atlin and Tibet Read More »
Crossing your fingers is more than just child’s play
A promise made is a promise kept, as they say. However, as a child, promises that were made were not always kept. And sometimes, shamefully, promises were made with fingers crossed behind our backs, a move that rendered the promise null and void.
Crossing your fingers is more than just child’s play Read More »
What I Call Things & Gee! Stuff Is Getting Faster!
What I Call Things You call it stuff, I call it junks. You call it corral, I call it fence. You call it path, I
What I Call Things & Gee! Stuff Is Getting Faster! Read More »
It’s a Dog-Eat-Dog World & When We Were Hippies
It’s a Dog-Eat-Dog World No one will pay your bills But they’ll ask you for a dollar. No one will buy your food But they’ll
It’s a Dog-Eat-Dog World & When We Were Hippies Read More »
Hiking to Siberia
Lawrence Millman has written 16 books, including Hiking to Siberia. The latter is the subject of this column and the source of most of the stories Millman read to an attentive audience at the Alchemy Café when he visited Dawson City.
On vices and vises
What is in a definition, and what if a word is ill-defined? Have you ever told a joke that just seemed to go too far
On vices and vises Read More »
Let’s Learn Gwich’in: Gwich’in Expressions
Gwich’in Ginjik Native Language Ch’ivēedzyāa at’iinihthān kwaa I don’t like mushrooms Łuh chīl sheenit kanahée Get wood chips for me Ch’igéechān Agwāł’aii I found a shoulder blade Diik’ee
Let’s Learn Gwich’in: Gwich’in Expressions Read More »
If Bob’s your uncle …
The idiom Bob’s your uncle is commonly heard in Britain. Perhaps you’ve heard it watching British mysteries or British sitcoms.
If Bob’s your uncle … Read More »
Didee and Didoo – Gwichin Warrior
There’s a peaceful little townOn the banks of the river.Where the wolf an’ the caribou roamThat’s where he calls his home.In summer there’s no nightsDays
Didee and Didoo – Gwichin Warrior Read More »
Should auld acquaintance be forgot?
Truth be told, I had always thought that “Auld Lang Syne” was some saintly old soul and it was just this year that I realized and appreciated, for the first time, the depth of meaning beneath these lyrics.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot? Read More »
On the Other Side of the Coin
Murray Martin gives WUY permission to share this poem free of charge every holiday. We wish you a safe and Merry Christmas, and please drive responsibly at all times of the year.
On the Other Side of the Coin Read More »
The lost camel of an ancient Persian fairy tale
In Persia, there once was a wise king with three sons. He mock-banished the young princes from his kingdom so they could go out and test themselves against the dangers of the real world. Their journey became a fairy tale known as “The Three Princes of Serendip.”
The lost camel of an ancient Persian fairy tale Read More »
Words are a writer’s tool box
People who write a lot have different perspectives and relationships with words than those who simply read or say them. If the pen is truly
Words are a writer’s tool box Read More »
The writing’s on the wall…
They’re ookey and they’re spooky … and perhaps one of the ookiest and spookiest of the household was Thing T. Thing, the disembodied hand affectionately
The writing’s on the wall… Read More »
What’s your story?
The Walk Between Worlds monthly storytelling event provides Yukoners a chance to hone their craft We’re all tellers of stories. Some are one-liners. Maybe you’re
What’s your story? Read More »
Now you know your ABCs
Tedd Tucker’s apartment looks like a bookstore these days. That’s how it goes when you take on every aspect of publishing your first book yourself
Now you know your ABCs Read More »
Taking flibberties with the (Widdle) English language
How do you solve a problem like “flibbertigibbet?” Unless you had a grandmother like mine, that’s a word you’d probably never heard before Oscar Hammerstein II used
Taking flibberties with the (Widdle) English language Read More »
Didee an’ Didoo were real
Didee’s name was Moses TizyaAn’ Didoo’s name was Martha Tizya.And they both used canes.Didoo Martha wore a hankerchiefAn’ Didee Moses wore Didee’s hat.Didee an’ Didoo
Didee an’ Didoo were real Read More »
Missives from One Bucket Creek
For 20 years, from 1994 to 2014, Al Pope produced a regular column for the Yukon News. It was called Nordicity. He said it started because
Missives from One Bucket Creek Read More »
Literacy is one of the best gifts you can give
Walking past the library on a recent Friday evening, we passed a young woman pushing a stroller with a very young occupant. The baby was
Literacy is one of the best gifts you can give Read More »
Bear words
As I continue my conversations with Joe Copper Jack, I begin to understand that it is not just about the content, or events of the
Let’s Learn Gwich’in: My working tools
Shigwitrit gwidal My Working Tools Ai shi’ii I have snowshoesDii k’ee shi’ii I have a gunSrii shi’ii I have a knifeVah troo tr’it’ii shi’ii I have a sawGwik’ih shi’ii I
Let’s Learn Gwich’in: My working tools Read More »
A stroll along the Writers’ Block
Dawson City would not be nearly as well-known as it is without the writings of three men who lived here for parts of their lives.
A stroll along the Writers’ Block Read More »
A contemporary Yukon storyteller
John Firth’s latest book includes the signature of a ghost. Caribou Hotel, Hauntings, Hospitality, a Hunter and the Parrot.
A contemporary Yukon storyteller Read More »
Lullabies to a northern landscape
Sabrina Parks venture into writing and illustrating children’s books began in 2011. Upon relocating to the Yukon it has grown
Lullabies to a northern landscape Read More »
How I’m Going to Reach 100
I’m going to snowshow. I’m going to ski. I’m going to canoe. I’m going to bike. I’m going to run. I’m going to walk.
How I’m Going to Reach 100 Read More »
Faro writer nabs excellence award
Wise and wordy Sally Lee Baker weaves wicked words in Toni Tanager, the latest instalment in her series of alliterative children’s books. In doing so,
Faro writer nabs excellence award Read More »
I Trapped With Adam Tizya
The year was January 1975 When I trapped with Andrew Tizya. I was just a young man And Andrew was my teacher. We mushed our
I Trapped With Adam Tizya Read More »
Didee & Didoo: Mouth of the Peel
Everyone knows Neil An’ he’s from the mouth of the Peel. Neil is a famous person Who comes from Ft. McPherson. Neil is even known
Didee & Didoo: Mouth of the Peel Read More »
From the cradle to the grave
Well-Read Books celebrates a lifetime of books with its 20th anniversary and it’s a labour of love for the partners that own the store, which
From the cradle to the grave Read More »
This is what I think about that – Just saying
Opinions are like belly buttons. Everybody has one. Except Adam and Eve, reportedly. Even a casual glance at Facebook, Twitter, or similar social media platforms
This is what I think about that – Just saying Read More »
A true telling, unchanged and sacred
I was fortunate enough to sit with Joe Jack, the grandson on Copper Chief, son of Billie Jack and Agnes Boss. Through stories, Jack traces
A true telling, unchanged and sacred Read More »
P and Q can make for some perky Saturday hookups
The last entry in this space provided a platform for a more-or-less true tale of undeserved punishment recalled (and still resented) from the mists of
P and Q can make for some perky Saturday hookups Read More »
Want to win gold for your writing?
The winners of the contest are announced annually at the final stop of the Authors on Eighth Walking Tour, which always concludes at Berton House
Want to win gold for your writing? Read More »
Let’s Learn Gwich’in: My Things
Dinjii Zhùh/ Oonjit Kyuu – Gwich’in /English Words By Chih Ahaa Shiaxe – My axe Shiteapot – My teapot Shitent – My tent Shistove –
Let’s Learn Gwich’in: My Things Read More »
Didee/Didoo: Piece of Mine
My fiddle is a piece of mine. My guitar is a piece of mine. My wheelbarrow is a piece of mine. My snowshoes are a
Didee/Didoo: Piece of Mine Read More »
How real life can inform fiction
In the course of his Massey Lecture series in 2013 (published as Blood: The Stuff of Life, from House of Anansi Press), Lawrence Hill used a
How real life can inform fiction Read More »
Didee & Didoo: My Definition of an Elder
You have to run. You have to snowshoe. You have to canoe. You have to speed walk. You have to ski. You have to mush
Didee & Didoo: My Definition of an Elder Read More »
Didee & Didoo: Ranger Torch Relay
The Carcross sargent flew the torch to Old Crow An’ our job was to take it to Ft. McPherson. The torch will travel to every
Didee & Didoo: Ranger Torch Relay Read More »
Joanna Lilley feels most herself when she’s writing
Joanna Lilley has always loved reading. She’s one of those people that you’ll find in the theatre reading a book before the movie begins. It fits
Joanna Lilley feels most herself when she’s writing Read More »
Didee & Didoo: Bush Kid
His name is Dean An’ he’s not even a teen. He’s not even a man But he knows the land. He’ll teach us older guys
Didee & Didoo: Bush Kid Read More »
Consumed by craft
Heather O’Neill is pleased to be returning to the Yukon this year for another engagement during the Yukon Writers’ Festival and Young Author’s Conference. She