From Mogollon Cliff Dwellers to Geronimo and Billy the Kid to this author, we have all made our mark on western New Mexico. Well, maybe I haven’t made a mark on western New Mexico. But western New Mexico has certainly left its mark on me.
Western New Mexico Read More »
In the Yukon, we are spoiled with our abundance of water. Sadly, here and throughout most of North America, we use it (read “waste it”) as if the supply is infinite.
Taking water for granted Read More »
Have you managed to adjust to the shortened daylight hours? In our family, we have our own tradition of a solstice fire on Dec. 21. It is a time to reflect on the past year, burn away the old and make wishes for the new.
Light and reflections Read More »
The Porcupine Caribou Herd is one of the largest barren-ground caribou herds in North America. It numbered approximately 220,000 when it was last counted in 2017, a record-breaking high. Despite this, the herd faces challenges.
Learning from the land Read More »
Here we are, much older than we used to be and almost all of us suffer from the discomfort of arthritis in various places.
Even at a moderate level of pain we find ourselves avoiding lifting, bending, and reaching, as all of those movements – and especially something sudden – hurts.
Arthritis: Minimize the difficulty Read More »
Embrace Mentorship Month as a time of growth, perseverance, and early morning dedication for young athletes in training.
What builds our youth? Read More »
Bow Arrow Tarot- guidance for this holiday season through a collective reading to cope with change.
Do not drown in nostalgia this holiday season Read More »
November 1 heralds the start of DiNovember, when my daughter’s pet dinosaurs, full of mischief and hijinks, take over the house for a month.
It’s tough to sit on Santa’s knee from a distance of two metres, but many of our seasonal traditions have required a pandemic-appropriate makeover this year.
Farming in the Yukon comes with a few other unique obstacles, including producing food with wildlife at the doorstep.
Bringing local food to Yukoners Read More »
Yukoners at large in the Badlands of South Dakota.
Escape to warmer weather and a unique landscape Read More »
Polarity Brewing, the latest addition to the Yukon craft beer scene, is a labour of love.
After years of dreaming and scheming, this is finally the summer whole-heartedly dedicated to building a cabin.
How to build a cabin Read More »
Hi all! As the seasons and colours change, inspiration is everywhere. Last time we explored complementary colours; this time we will explore monochromatic colours, or
Colourful trees in changing seasons Read More »
This Smoked Salmon Patties with Wasabi Mayo recipe is a stepped up Fish Cakes recipe. Dig in the freezer for summer fish and whip up a batch
Tall tales and fish cakes Read More »
We are in the third season of a mammoth upgrade project to deal with the deficiencies in the town’s sewer and water infrastructure. That has meant that getting around town has been interesting enough for those of us who live here. For visitors, it’s probably been a mite of a mystery.
Navigating Dawson’s streets last summer Read More »
Of all the things I miss each year as the summer spills over into autumn, the one I hang on to the longest, and feel most wistful letting go, is laundry. More specifically, hanging clothes outside in the sun.
The simple pleasure of hanging laundry Read More »
Shine Your Light is a weekly radio show featuring live music, poetry, comedy and conversation, spearheaded by Matthew “Toots” Toothill.
My father had a favourite expression when he came home from work late because he’d stayed downtown for a drink with his friends. “I fell
Morels and rascals Read More »
The Tarot continues to fascinate and amaze. Sometimes we ask a big question, and brace ourselves for a challenging or lofty answer, yet the advice given feels surprisingly achievable.
Recognize one another and act in ways worthy of recognition Read More »
Anxiety can’t be avoided completely, but with the right tools and the right aids, no one needs to live a life destroyed by it.
The poppy was originally worn by Americans. Madame Guerin convinced Canadian veterans to adopt the poppy in Canada.
There are days that are designated to remind us of where we should direct gratitude. What makes a difference in our lives are the small acts.
Lessons in gratitude from my life in the Andes Read More »
You may have heard, we have a winery in the Yukon now. This winery comes from the team at Yukon Berry Farms. They were looking for a way to use their haskap berries to create secondary products that have a long shelf life and good margins – fruit wine.
Fruits of the wine Read More »
If spring brings Monkeyflowers, what do monkeyflowers bring? Springs! Seep monkeyflowers indicate the locations of underground freshwater springs.
Meet the seep monkeyflower Read More »
As leaves start to fall and I swaddle my garden in rows of spun plastic to protect it from night frosts, I am exploring my family connection to gardening. Perhaps it’s because I feel a little alone sometimes, a spur way out on the family tree with little connection to roots that lie in other countries and cultures.
Gardening in the blood? Read More »
History of bloodshed has led some to associate firearms in war with hunting. There are misconceptions and misunderstandings about firearms.
Anti-hunting lives on Read More »
It was COVID-19 and the timing of the lifting of the restrictions that brought my daughter Rebecca and I together to go to Dawson.
Staycation, Yukon-style Read More »
Let’s face it–being a senior means being closer to the end. That is, we are closer to death. When I was born, life expectancy for
Getting closer to the end Read More »
This is a story about an Ontario Northern pike that was caught twice on the same day by two different anglers.
The twice-caught fish Read More »
As Yukon students head back to the classrooms, schools and teachers are not the only groups working out how to deal with the new normal imposed by COVID-19.
Falling back into programming Read More »
With the Full Moon in Pisces, I decided to cast our collective Tarot reading about compassion. In Astrology, Pisces is the soul of compassion and represents (among other things) an expansive sea of empathy and understanding for others.
Rhubarb often goes straight into pies, cobblers and crisps, often the freezer first. Here are two amazing canned rhubarb recipes.
Tackling the Monster Plant Read More »
Little did we know that this Friday was our last day of pre-COVID normalcy for the rest of our university experience.
Back to (online) school Read More »
Sick of buying the bland garlic from outside? It’s possible in the Yukon to plant in the spring and have a cured bulb by mid August!
Garlic in the Yukon: It’s a Thing! Read More »
Hercule Poirot, the famous Belgian detective of Agatha Christie’s novels, said “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I was a bit surprised recently,
Old dog, new tricks Read More »
Scenes from the August 1, 2020Great Klondike International Outhouse Race in Dawson City ABOVE: Yes You Can On The Can came in 4th place And
Race to the Finish! Read More »
Quilters Without Borders has been going strong for 14 years, based in Bear’s Paw Quilts on Second Avenue. I had the pleasure of chatting with
Quilters Without Borders Read More »
I don’t believe I’ve ever seen so many berry pickers as this year in the White Pass near Fraser, B.C., southern Yukon’s favourite place to
Blueberry Pilgrims Read More »
I have a confession. I work for CPAWS Yukon and I’ve never been into the Peel Watershed. (The small exception is the time I canoed
Conservation Photography Read More »
Whitehorse is not a world-renowned fishing destination, but it is the entrance to the Yukon, which is one of those places on many people’s fishing “bucket list.”
Local fishing in Whitehorse Read More »
Looking back, I did not know how important bubbles would become in my life. As a child I have no recollection of blowing bubbles.
The haskaps are ready and that is one of the best things about summer in the Yukon. We pick and pick and it feels good. The haskaps are big, juicy, and beautiful. I can’t get over how perfect these berries are. Our buckets are full, our knees ache from kneeling and we’re happy to be surrounded by haskaps under the midnight sun.
Haskaps under the Midnight Sun Read More »
Kluane National Park and Reserve protects the northernmost population of kokanee, sockeye salmon that became land-locked.
Whitehorse is home to a tiny fly shop with a big heart Big fish. Tiny fly shop. At just 10 feet by 12 feet, and
Blackcurrants grow wild in the Yukon, sparsely. Find Ribes hudsoniam in damp forests at the base of mountains, like the King’s Throne hike.
Currant-ly Available Read More »
This reading is for all of us, collectively and as individuals, with a special dedication to all the Earth signs out there – Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn.
Let The Sun Shine on Your Work Read More »
The 2019 crop of honourees continues this trend, despite COVID-19 necessitating the distribution of the awards to take place at a distance.
Yukon athletes honoured by Sport Yukon Read More »
Since writing a column on wetlands, a question has come up for me—is a beaver pond considered a wetland?
Are beaver ponds wetlands? Read More »
The Yukon River Quest goes virtual It’s hard to imagine a summer without the Yukon River Quest. For 21 years, the annual event brought paddlers
Racing in cyberspace Read More »
Summer is generally the time for two major parades in Dawson: Canada Day in July and Discovery Day in August. The latter is the larger of the two events, but neither one takes any longer than 15 or 20 minutes to pass any given vantage point.
Pandemic Parades Take to the Streets Read More »
Yukon-brewed beers for the season from Yukon Brewing, Winterlong Brewery, and Woodcutter’s Blanket.
Chill, it’s summer Read More »
One of the summer’s most popular fundraisers, the Ride for Dad, has undergone some changes in response to COVID-19.
Riding Alone Together for Dad Read More »
I sought a message for us, collectively and as individuals, about our relationships to the some of the current events in the world. My heart was lifted by the card we were given. The Empress.
The Empress Will Lead the Way Read More »
The Klondike Visitor Association (KVA) is hosting one of its most beloved and ridiculous events, The Great Klondike International Outhouse Race on August 1 in Dawson City.
Heading out to hit the outdoor head Read More »
We’ve all been going through the COVID adjustments. I’ve had more time to pursue some of my interests such as writing, painting, gardening, and hiking
An old skill, relearned Read More »
Over the last four years Claire Ness has been pulling inspiration from her childhood memories and her time as a mother to create her new
Childhood memories for children and parents alike Read More »
I LOVE textures and colours in nature! So next time you’re on a walk, start looking at the different colours around you.
Drawing flowers in complementary colours Read More »
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 »
For those as yet uninitiated, spruce tips are one of those truly magical wild northern foods. They’re packed with Vitamin C and have been used by Indigenous people to soothe sore throats and combat flu for centuries.
It’s Spruce Tip Season! Read More »
Yukon Brewing will appeal to IPA-warriors who like their hops with a moderate citrus tang.
Locally-produced beers for your socially-distanced summer chill Read More »
A man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest” One of the advantages of being both hard-of-hearing and slightly daffy is the
Having my kids home all day isn’t a new thing, as I was a stay-at-home parent for the last six years of my life. But being home all day with my kids while simultaneously watching the world fall apart around us is a new thing, however.
Parenting in a Pandemic Read More »
Wayfarer Oyster House provides takeout and off-sales during the time of COVID-19 COVID-19 has dramatically changed things for Yukon’s restaurant community, including Wayfarer Oyster House.
Putting delicious food into the hands of Yukoners Read More »
It all started with a dandelion. Funny how small things can make a difference.
And funny too how, when I have time, I can actually realize that.
Dandelions and rituals Read More »
The Special Olympics Yukon Team continue to create weekly virtual content to keep athletes and the community engaged in fun and healthy ways.
The Yukon Chef Collective is a group of local culinary professionals giving back by creating meals for the Whitehorse Food Bank
Cooking up some good Read More »
Making sure Yukoners can still get their pho-fix is not the only way Lan Tang, owner of Pho 5 Star Restaurant, is contributing during the pandemic.
This series, The Radical Gardener, will look at ways in which working class people (or people who just want to save some scratch) can approach creating, caring for and maintaining a food garden — something which, given the uncertainty of these times, seems like a pretty good idea.
Gardening on the cheap Read More »
Antoinette’s Restaurant decided they would work through the pandemic by providing their fellow Yukoners with frozen meals so they could stock their freezers and enjoy the dishes when they wanted.
Stock your freezers Read More »
The COVID-19 lockdown has left fitness studios empty, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay in shape
Bring the community together through fitness Read More »
With the circumstances of the COVID-19 lock down, many are thinking about a garden this year, perhaps, for the first time in their lives.
Great Thumbs, Great Ideas Read More »
Impressed by the creativity the artists in the program have brought to re-imagining their workshops for online delivery.
Artist in the School Adapts Read More »
Since 2000, a small group of Yukoners have been uncovering, researching and writing about the history and stories of Asian and Black Yukoners.
May is Asian Heritage Month Read More »
Go outside for inspiration, then we’ll take our ideas inside, and, using some of that recycling that’s been piling up around the house, make some colourful art!
Recycled mixed media art cards Read More »
Ever have dreams about homeschooling your kids, but never got the opportunity to? Now that you have no choice because of school closures, are you constantly fighting with your kids to get their work done?
Cool schooling for homeschooling Read More »
Welcome to the first edition of “Traveling Light,” my new column for What’s Up Yukon. To begin, I’d like to launch the column by drawing one Tarot card for the human community of the Yukon, and beyond, at this moment.
Pace Yourself, You Animal Read More »
Things are different for everyone in the new COVID-19 world and companies everywhere are having to change their business models to adapt. Nowhere is this
Support local with a beer and some Indian food Read More »
It all started when Yellowknife-based photographer Pat Kane posted a tongue-in-cheek Instagram post in response to the new reality of social distancing associated with COVID-19: “So much for my photography business, I guess I’ll have to start taking photos of people through their windows.”
Capturing a significant moment in history Read More »
I recently challenged myself to publish a cocktail recipe every day, for 14 days, I had to use spirits I already had at home.
Quarantinis: Or, When Life Gives You Lemons Read More »
Kids Kreate, the Yukon Arts Centre’s education program, needed to bring art into the lives of Yukon’s youngsters. The solution, go virtual.
Art education wherever you are Read More »
There’s a big difference between cooking the meat of wild animals and cooking the meat of domestic animals. Domestic meats contain a wide variety of chemicals, including growth hormones, while wild meat has none.
Know the age of fowl meat when cooking Read More »
In my nearly 77 years, I’ve never spent an extended period of time in prison. Neither have I been marooned on a desert island with
Hand washing and hand wringing have much in common Read More »
After considerable thought, I can’t come up with any similarity between black bears and pike except that a lot of people won’t eat either. That is sad, as both are delicious and easy to prepare.
Black bears and pike Read More »
Celebrating Neurodiversity – Autism Spectrum Disorder [one_half] Just like no two snowflakes are alike, no two people—and no two brains—are alike. What do the following
April is Autism Awareness Month Read More »
For every Yukoner who has ever felt intimidated by a new recipe or technique in the kitchen Chef Catherine (Cat) McInroy is here to help. She is the owner/operator of the only privately-owned culinary education centre in the Canadian North.
Bringing the world of the culinary arts to Yukoners Read More »
A kidney for the giving. I was semi-retired, had the time and, I hoped, the health. I figured why not try to help out?
Sticking together, even when you’re not Read More »
We rely on our brains, but how much do we know about them and their inner workings? Seeing your own brain when a doctor illuminates an X-ray is not an experience one may ever forget, especially if the doctor points to it.
Seeing your own brain Read More »
The most annoying thing about being fully dressed to walk outside at -45 degrees Celsius is that I can’t see my feet.
Dawson in the deep freeze Read More »
In its present form, the Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Race is a 210 mile (338 km) run from Dawson to Eagle, Alaska, and back. If you can do that, then you can try your hand at the Yukon Quest or the Iditarod.
The Percy DeWolfe committee is ready for its last race, but the event will carry on Read More »
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 »
North Yukon is honeycombed with routes. It’s an intricate network of trails and waterways that the Gwich’in people have used to move through the area for thousands of years.
Revitalizing the routes that connected the people of North Yukon Read More »
If you ever have the opportunity to get to Japan, I strongly encourage you to take it. It’s safe, easy to navigate and the accommodations were all so nice it has effectively ruined me for backpacking other countries.
I think there is someone who deserves some recognition. Her name is Mrs. Beemer and she’s a kindergarten teacher at Jack Hulland Elementary School. More than a teacher though, this woman is a superhero.
Learning so much more than just reading, writing and arithmetic Read More »
I started to develop cataracts. With all the other eye problems, surgery was the best option. I adjusted to enduring more decline in my eyesight until my spot in line came up, but thanks to a cancellation I got to have the surgery done in both eyes this past month.
Dawson celebrates almost spring, sort of end of winter, with a local event called Thaw di Gras. An obvious play on New Orleans’ Mardi Gras.
Dawson’s Thaw di Gras Read More »
I’ve lost all control of my indoor-growing habit. No sooner has one batch of oregano or rosemary emerged shyly from its earthy grave than I’ve planted three more to keep it company.
Somebody, please turn out the lights and rescue me Read More »
I had high hopes for Japan and my expectations were still blown out of the water. I don’t think I could be more in support of absolutely everyone making time to go explore this very special place.
Japan in a nutshell Read More »
In the early 1900s, when she was a teenager, Bobbi Rose Koe’s great-great-grandmother and her friend paddled a moose skin boat through the dangerous stretch of fast-flowing high water at Peel Canyon. More than 100 years later, Koe joined a group of five youth from First Nations in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories on an 18-day canoe trip. Along the way they passed through the treacherous Peel Canyon.
Paddling in the Peel Read More »
