The Next Act
Longtime Yukon teacher Mary Sloan and rapper Eminem have something in common. They both got their careers started in Detroit’s notorious 8-Mile district. However, Sloan’s […]
Longtime Yukon teacher Mary Sloan and rapper Eminem have something in common. They both got their careers started in Detroit’s notorious 8-Mile district. However, Sloan’s […]
Pat Ellis first arrived in Whitehorse in the early 1950s. She was a 19 year-old art student from Winnipeg and Whitehorse was a much different
The Good Ol’ Days of Squatting Read More »
Passion, skill and dedication are the main qualities Coach Joe Martin looks for on his Whitehorse Mustangs Midget Rep hockey team. No players may personify
Doing what it takes: Haines Junction’s very own Gretzky and Kurri Read More »
Anyone who has taken part in competitive cycling or running in the Yukon, in these past 20 years or so, has most likely experienced the
She is the face at the finish: She’s a clock-watcher Read More »
George Arcand is known to many Yukoners around the ball diamond as the guy always on the go whether it is flipping burgers, cutting grass
Ready to host the world Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS “We came up last year a bit hesitant and $4,000 in debt,” explains Robin Urquhart, as he sips on an organic juice
Dream North Returns For Season Two Read More »
Busy, hectic and crazy like always,” says Rick Newberry bluntly when asked how preparation is going for this summer’s Atlin Arts and Music Festival. “It’s
Atlin Festival Keeps Growing Read More »
“There are strange things done in the land of the midnight sun…” -Robert Service Truer words may have never been written by that famous Bard
Yukoners Are Different Read More »
Ray Mazurak was studying at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver when the idea of owning and operating his own portable food stand first
Burrito Business is Booming Read More »
Standing in front of the large crowd of Yukoners that had gathered earlier this month at Sport Yukon for an Olympic pep rally, Greig Bell
Raising an Olympian Read More »
Be warned: if you are travelling along the Klondike Highway on the evening of Sept. 5 or into the wee hours of Sept. 6, you
Klondike Road Relay Popular As Ever Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS Joseph Graham was volunteering on an archaeological dig near Beaver Creek in 2003 when he first heard the story, Timber Rabbits –
Timber Rabbits On Stage At Last Read More »
When I first came to the Yukon in the summer of 2002, I lived for free for six weeks. It was a refreshing and liberating
Hello Stranger, Can You Look After My Home? Read More »
OK, be warned … in this article I will be talking about drinking. Please don’t judge me and, if offended, simply turn the page. It’s
What? No Hangover? Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS “Whenever I saw an exploded piece of tire on the road, it reminded me of the 10 to 20 million polio survivors
Life after Cycle to Walk Read More »
Toque: [tohk] of Celtic origin; A kind of cap worn in the 16th century, and copied in modern fashions; — called also toquet. Believe it
What’s On Your Head? Read More »
Did you ever hear the one about the guy from Toronto who would complain about the tedious 15-minute commute to work he would have to
Play Makers: Patience Is A Virtue Read More »
Talk to Yukon Squash Pro Marie Desmarais and you quickly get the sense that a perfect world for her would be one that has every
The films are heavy, intense and, more importantly, thought provoking. Tory Russell makes no attempt to sugar coat the fact these films are “super-heavy” as
Shedding Light Through Film Read More »
I’ll admit it. When I was preparing to move to the Yukon I was very naïve about what exactly Whitehorse was all about. I knew
The Yukon is So Stereotypical Read More »
Winterval, “It’s the new Santa Parade,” explains McFarlane “I remember … thinking, ‘This is the saddest parade I have ever seen’.”
Winterval is Santa Parade with Spice Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS It is being described as Jack London meets Stephen King, an original northern mystery of man, murder, mutilation and mayhem. It begins
The Shock and Awe That is ‘Timber Rabbits’ Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS On Dec. 1, art lovers are being encouraged to come to the Yukon Artists @ Work studio, 15 minutes south of Whitehorse,
Art for AIDS Keeps the Flame Burning Read More »
June 14, 2002. That is the day I first arrived in Whitehorse. To be exact, it was the evening, 20 minutes before midnight, just me
My First Day as a Yukoner … I Remember It Well Read More »
Let me begin by saying happy holidays to each and every one of you. I know that gets said a lot this time of year
Extreme Christmas Shopping Read More »
“Not well, she’s shell shocked and very concerned, incredibly concerned.” That is how Kevin Rumsey describes his wife’s reaction when he informed her that he
Risking Life to Fulfil a Calling Read More »
You have seen them on stage, heard them on the radio, listened to their music, looked at their art and viewed their photography. They are
The Dark Side of Red Wagon Read More »
Does this happen in other places? I find I’m asking myself this all the time living up here in the Yukon. Most recently it is
Unlocking the Tickle Trunk Read More »
“Like all actors, I enjoy the spotlight. So if there’s an opportunity, I like to break out.” That is how 21-year-old Winluck Wong explains his
Living Another Life Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS Eric Bass takes a long pause when asked how he first got his start in theatre. “High school theatre,” he eventually says,
Puppets, Ragtime and Blood Take On Shakespeare Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS As a high school student in Victoria, BC, Moira Sauer dreamt of rowing for Canada’s Olympic team. So, each day she would
Puppet Workshop Leads to World Domination Read More »
You know that feeling you get when you go through your old yearbook or look back at school photos from the high school glory days?
Yukoners of No Fixed Address Read More »
The Guild Hall aims to dazzle audiences with popular musical The longest running American musical in Broadway history opens this week at the Guild Hall’s
Chicago Comes North Read More »
Being a comic from the Yukon, currently living in the “Big Smoke” in a bunk bed (the sacrifices of fame), I’ve been getting an amazing
Play Makers: Naive Gullibility = Comedy Gold Read More »
“Watch out, them Toronto people are cold.” Time and time again, that is what people would tell me when I informed them I was heading
Play Makers: Are Torontonians Cold? Read More »
Brace yourself, Yukon. There are strange things coming to the North this summer, and I am not just speaking of the various transients descending shortly.
Everything Old is New Again (or, ‘Pump It Up’) Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS Prepare for madness and mystery from some of the Yukon’s youngest and finest performers. So says the news release regarding True Stories,
Play Makers: Stories That Are All About Collaboration Read More »
Can you feel it in the air? They are coming. Not the dust, the puddles and the late-spring flurries – no – they have already
Play Makers: The Transients are Coming! The Transients are Coming! Read More »
Andrea Simpson Fowler’s pride, passion and excitement beam throughout our half-hour interview. Even though we are speaking over the phone, the long-time managing director of
Leaping Feats Celebrates 10 Years Read More »
I want to begin by saying that I don’t think Whitehorsians are hobbits. I feel obliged to clarify that. I will tell you, though, that
Play Makers: Hobbit Homes and Garage Dwellers Aplenty Read More »
I consider myself to be pretty athletic. I try to stay active, whether it be playing soccer or softball or the odd game of squash,
Play Makers: Must Be Summer … I Feel Lazy Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS “Lots of bad things happen when people drink, and driving is one of them.” Those are the sentiments of Jamie Popper. The
Play Makers: Facebook & YouTube Deliver a Vital Message Read More »
I’ve seen lots of strange things in my seven years of living up here in the Yukon, but one of my fondest is still the
Play Makers: Wal-Mart Barbecuers … I Miss You Read More »
The Whitehorse shopping experience is one of a kind. So much so that it really is hard to know where to even begin the dissection.
Play Makers: Fourteen Shops and Services??? Read More »
BIt will have to be chirping birds, ripping muscles, cheering teammates and perhaps even grazing grizzly bears that make up the soundtrack for competitors in
No Tunes for Cyclists Read More »
Where do you go after Yukon? It is a question iconic Whitehorse musician Hank Karr asks in one of his most popular songs. After more
‘Old Friends’ to Play at Arts Centre Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS Jean-Francois Latour has seen his fair share of strange things while participating in the Yukon River Quest. From an oversized can of
Play Makers: Hallucinating to the Midnight Sun Read More »
Are you ready? Have you done your lunges? Assembled a method of attack? Bought your tickets? Studied the various MySpace sites? Another music-festival month has
The Music Fest Two-Step Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS George Arcand stands just beyond the pitcher’s diamond on the Takhini’s No. 5 ball field, on a sunny Monday afternoon, late last
Play Makers: 220 Games To Be Played During Dustball Read More »
The Yukon music festival first funded by Mel Orecklin’s credit card in 1979 is set to celebrate its 35th annual event later this month and
Play Makers: Frostbite turns 35… Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS “You don’t need to be wearing spandex and tons of armor to come out.” Those are the sentiments of Marsha Cameron when
Play Makers: Slamfest Bigger and Better Read More »
On August 7 and 8, Yukoners will have not one, but two opportunities to tee up for great causes. On Friday night, Special Olympics Yukon
Some very-familiar art is now on display at the Old Fire Hall in downtown Whitehorse. Art that every Yukoner can say at one point was
Play Makers: Phone-book art Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS In August of 1896, three sourdoughs – George Carmack, Dawson Charlie and Skookum Jim – discovered gold in what is now called
Play Makers: Plenty of Art to Discover Read More »
Yukoners, be warned before you sell that truck and go hybrid: keep in mind that Whitehorse is a truck town. I learned that my first
Play Makers: Whitehorse Is A Truck Town Read More »
I still remember it clearly. February 2003 and there I found myself at the airport restaurant, picking away at my hash browns as I prepared
Play Makers: The Season of Goodbyes Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS Glancing at the more than century-old black-and-white photos that adorn the walls of the Arts Underground Gallery, in downtown Whitehorse, the subjects
Play Makers: The Oh-So-Mysterious 36 Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS “Quiet on the set, please … Roll sound … action … cut … nice … done …” Those are just some of
Play Makers: Pool, Rock ‘n’ Roll & the Legacy of the Sun-Rock Read More »
We have all heard the stories from our parents and grandparents – the glory days of yesteryear, the good ol’ days, the “remember when” times.
Play Makers: Remember when … Read More »
When I was a kid, one of my dream holidays was a trip to Disneyland, specifically to ride the Matterhorn, buy an oversized lollipop and
Play Makers: I Dream of Produce Read More »
Hockey players can craft, too. That is the message from Arlin McFarlane, artistic director for Yukon Educational Theatre’s Inzanity Wing, the backbone behind this year’s
Play makers: Get your craft on Read More »
I am back in Toronto and a recurring thought during my near two weeks here is how good we got it in Whitehorse when it
Play Makers: The Joy of Transport Read More »
As I was driving throughout Whitehorse’s downtown core recently I began to realize that things in this fine northern city are starting to change dramatically.
Play Makers: Our Community is Changing Read More »
If the recent ski swap at the Mount McIntyre Centre is any indication the 2010/11 Whitehorse cross country ski season should be one of the
Play Makers: Gearing Up for the Cross Country Ski Season Read More »
Halloween Smackdown! A thrilling night of burlesque and rockabilly at the Yukon Convention Centre on October 30, 2010
A No-Holds-Barred Halloween Smackdown! Read More »
When I first moved to the Yukon, like many, I thought it would be temporary — a fling if you will — not a steady
Play Makers: You like me! Go on, admit it! Read More »
“It’s a boxing match for people who can’t fight but like to joke!” That is how comedian Steve Patterson describes The Debaters, the hugely successful
Play Makers: CBC’s The Debaters Finds a Northern Following Read More »
Something terrible is happening to me. I’m not sure why, but it is, and it’s scaring me. I think it must have to do with
Play Makers: Summer Memories Read More »
Pin-striped baseball pants being worn at the slo-pitch AGM. That’s when I knew for sure that when it comes to slo-pitch, Yukoners are die-hard. No
Play Makers: Slo-Pitch is Serious Stuff in the North Read More »
Two of the world’s best women’s fast pitch teams are in Whitehorse this week to play what promises to be two highly competitive exhibition games.
Play Makers: North America’s Top Female Fast Pitch Players Set to Invade Whitehorse Read More »
First off, let me express sincere apologies to any cats reading this article. In no way am I meaning to disrespect to you. Walk away
Play Makers: The Yukon’s Gone to the Dogs Read More »
Something terrible is happening to me. I’m not sure why, but it is, and it’s scaring me. I think it must have to do with
Play Makers: Summer Memories Read More »
American liquor connoisseurs have Canada to thank for keeping their palates wet during Prohibition, as it was Canadians who made sure they didn’t go thirsty.
Face it, Yukoners Like Booze Read More »
Late Saturday afternoon, Canada Games Centre. About 20 people of various ages, sizes and genders tumble over the boards at the Olympic-size ice oval and
Play Makers: Yukon Broomballers Set to Take the World Read More »
”It’s a boxing match for people who can’t fight but like to joke!” That is how comedian Steve Patterson describes The Debaters, the hugely successful
Play Makers: CBC’s The Debaters Finds a Northern Following Read More »
Yukon musician Gordie Tentrees has come a long way from his first music gig. It was 2002, and the venue was Steve’s Music Store in
Play Makers: Ambassador Tentrees Prepares for Northern Tour Read More »
Yukoners, it seems, sure do like to blame a lot on the cold, wintery weather. Don’t get me wrong. In many cases it is fair
Play Makers: Whitehorse Winter Weight Read More »
The following is a recap of a recent excursion to Boston. While no suntans were had, it is a trip that ranks as one of
Play Makers: Better Than the Beach Read More »
Another Christmas season is upon us and with that comes a time for each of us to give thanks for all that we have and
Play Makers: Yukonisms: Yukon’s Letter to Santa Read More »
After months of isolation in this frigid land north of 60, finally the much-anticipated Yukon summer is nearing. Sure, there are the obvious signs, like
Play Makers: Hikers, Hippies and Germans Oh My! Read More »
I’m in Dawson City, Yukon. It is 10:30 pm on a Sunday night and I find myself walking the icy boardwalks as a few brave
Dawson City: A Town Full of Heart Read More »
Sometimes when I write these articles, and I’m experiencing a little writer’s block, I start to picture life in the North through the eyes of
Play Makers: Lot Shortage What Lot Shortage?! Read More »
We are in the midst of winter now. Already we have endured record snowfalls, frigid temperatures near minus 40 and, for some, the reality that
Play Makers: Yukon Winter Survival Tips Read More »
With a flourishing co-ed league in place, an over-35 men’s league growing by the season and a competitive men’s league established, adding another adult soccer
Play Makers: Footie Fetish Read More »
Is the SS Klondike gone?” It’s when I find myself asking such questions that I know we are definitely earning every cent of our northern
Play Makers: Earning That Northern Allowance Read More »
Trevor Twardocleb’s eyes light up when he recounts his own first experience at the Arctic Winter Games. It was 1980 in Fairbanks, Alaska. Twardeochleb, then
The Best Job in the World Read More »
Boredom can be a terrible thing. No one likes being bored. Who wakes up and says, “Today I hope I have nothing to do. Today
Play Makers: Bored? Try Weeding Read More »
They are the strangers, the glorious strangers, who have finally arrived north from all over the world, giving the territory a jolt of excitement. Some
Play Makers: The New People Are Here Read More »
I feel lazy. I think most of us do – at least the ones who have been following the part brave, part ridiculous winter antics
Play Makers: A Salute to the Hardcore Read More »
Wash your produce. We are taught this from a very young age, but it particularly holds true up here in the North. Some of the
Play Makers: Produce pains Read More »
The Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t in the playoffs, brown is once again the most popular automobile color and ambitious motorcyclists are being pelted in the
Play Makers: Has it Finally Sprung? Read More »
A few weeks ago, in a small cabin south of Whitehorse, just after 10 pm, I hugged a grown man in an emotionally charged way
Play Makers: Stanley Brings Out the Kid Read More »
Dust off the Easton’s and grease up the mitts: the 2011 Yukon slo-pitch season is officially underway. Believe it or not, the inaugural game took
Play Makers: Slo-pitch on Ice Read More »
Rroy Henry was just seven years old when he first fell in love with speed skating. Today it’s his life. Literally. Up at 6 am
Play Makers: Giving Back to the Sport Read More »
Sure, he teased us all with an above average fall, but once again Old Man Winter has settled in. Every year there is a hope
Unsolicited Winter Tips Read More »
Compared to that first roundabout, the sternwheeler was far less confusing and less prone to inducing unnecessary bouts of anxiety.
Play Makers: Roundabouts 101 Read More »
Is Prince George nice? It’s the classic question many previous Yukon Selects rookies have asked prior to embarking on the 20-hour road trip. Along with
Play Makers: The Prince George curse Read More »
Suzanne Bertrand has a relatively calm tone to her voice as we chat over the phone. It is a bit surprising considering the list of
Past Curlers Sought for Cash Spiel Weekend Read More »
BY GEORGE MARATOS When Torontonian Vanessa Martin came to the Yukon in early May of this year, she never imagined that four months later she
Unleashing the Artist Within Read More »
I had the privilege of organizing the 2008 Terry Fox Run held in Whitehorse. It was my first experience organizing a large event in the
A Closer Look at Community Read More »