Joint Task Force North (JTFN) will once again participate in the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous (YSR). The Canadian Armed Forces have a long history in the North (harking back to the Yukon Field Force in 1898), and JTFN is honoured to take part in YSR and celebrate Yukon Heritage Day events.
For those who don’t know, JTFN reaches out to southern units to provide support to northern operations and activities. The participation of these southern resources is crucial to the success of Canadian Armed Forces operations in the North.
Every year, members of JTFN are joined by Canadian Armed Forces members from across Canada to take part in YSR.
In addition to JTFN, participants include Area Support Unit (North), 440 (T) Squadron, 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Band, Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Pacific, the Royal Canadian Navy and 2685 Yukon Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps.
Concurrently, The Royal Canadian Air Force will have aircraft at the Eric Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport for the Kingscote Air Display.
Taking part in YSR offers JTFN an opportunity to strengthen relationships with the people of the Yukon, to demonstrate the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces, to compete in challenging events and to celebrate the best that a winter north of 60 has to offer.
During Rendezvous, Yukoners can connect with members of the Canadian Armed Forces in and around the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre (KDCC). There will be displays adjacent to the CKRW snowpad near Lumel Studios, including one from JTFN, as well as the Royal Canadian Navy display bus, displays from the Canadian Rangers and the Army Cadets, and recruiters for the Canadian Armed Forces. As there are no recruiting centres in the Yukon, this is a great opportunity for interested members of the public to connect with recruiting personnel. Canadian Armed Forces members will also participate in various events, including the Community Challenge.
The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Band will perform for the first time on the main stage at the KDCC.
At any given time, there will be approximately 25 military members in the vicinity of the KDCC, displaying, competing and engaging in activities. To finish the festival, the Canadian Armed Forces will have a contingent in the YSR Parade.
“I think the parade is one of the most enjoyable moments for visiting Canadian Armed Forces members, as it provides an opportunity for all who took part in the festival to celebrate in the streets of Whitehorse,” said Major Alex Trousdale, detachment commander for JTFN. “It is a great way to wrap up a very enjoyable weekend.”
JTFN would like to thank local First Nations, the City of Whitehorse, and the Yukon for its ongoing support and warm welcome.
