Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs
Next week (March 25 to 27), we’re going to have the second instalment of last year’s popular Doors Open Dawson event, in which locals and […]
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Mount Maichen Ski Hill: A Tradition of Kindness
I was disturbed to see a local writer publicly disapproving of how the Mount Maichen Ski Hill is operated. Her article depicts this hill as
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Police”
Police Their job is to keep the peace, that’s why we have police. They put their lives on the line, to protect yours and mine.
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Hot Water Never Felt So Good
Oh the Liard Hot Springs, a true treasure of the North. And what could make a hot spring better than the scenic cold of the
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Boardwalk Users Take the High Road
Dawson’s council got to talking about bylaws and boardwalks the other day and one councillor made the comment that there didn’t seem to be any
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Edith Josie”
Who Will Write Her News? She only went to Grade 4, but she didn’t need more. ‘Cause she used verb and noun, and she wrote
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Hurry Up and Relax!
If anyone deserves an equatorial break from winter, it is us, the North-of-60ers. Other than those living above treeline, we have been darker and colder
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About the Rising of the Sun
The Klondike Sun, to which Berton was referring in his guest editorial in that first issue, has made it through its 21st year. Last issue,
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Canine Communication and the P-Mail Network
Dogs really need to get out and check their messages on a daily basis, in the same way that we humans need to go to
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Dead Planet vs. Tolerable Winters
Rhythmic drips from the roof flash by the window, something other than the raven calling in the morning, and the occasional whiff of thawed soil.
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Old Fashioned”
OLD FASHIONED Maybe it’s just his passion, but Uncle is just old fashioned. I can’t say Uncle is wrong, but in this age he doesn’t
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The Marvelous Tale of Musher McHugh
There are strange things done on the Percy run when the mushers hit the trail. There are tales that are told of the ice and
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Word Fun”
How come eggs, don’t have legs? My poodles, eat noodles. Are those horns, or thorns? Lots of butter, makes me stutter. There’s a spider, in
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Lottery Ticket”
“Lottery Ticket” When I went to buy a lottery ticket, the friendly lady said, “Pick it!” With no luck, I lost one buck. When I
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Dawson Buttons Up for the Coming Winter
So the Outhouse Race is over and the last ball tournament of the season has played its final innings. Later today the Goldrush Campground, whose
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Klondike Korner: When Life Influences Art and Vice-Versa
There are times when life influences art, and times when art influences life. At the Jack London Interpretive Museum in Dawson you can experience both
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Michio”
Michio He came from Japan, and he liked our land. He even looks like a Gwitchin, Maybe he’s our next of kin. Up to Old
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “One Buck (No Luck)”
“One Buck (No Luck)” When I went to buy a lottery ticket, the friendly lady said, “Pick it!” With no luck, I lost one buck.
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When Plaque is a Good Thing
Plaque is the subject of this week’s visit to A Klondike Korner. I’ve visited this subject before, but another one of our buildings is due
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“Accessible” is the Word for this Year’s DCMF
Producer/artistic director Tim Jones is feeling satisfied with this year’s Dawson City Music Festival. 2010
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Growing a festival, grows the community
Teslin Concert in the Park is a three-day event, July 9 to 11. Last year, it was a one-day event. Two years ago, one evening.
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Idle Talk”
I know it is just idle talk, but I wish I can turn back the clock. If the years I can rewind, my time will
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Didee Didoo – Poem “Prop”
PROP A boat is not like a car, ’cause I can hit a sandbar. When the water starts to drop, I can seriously damage my
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Story By Hawk”
Story By Hawk This story was told by Hawk, when birds an’ animals used to talk. There was Loon and Crow, with no colours to
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Our Ladies”
OUR LADIES Their title they always defend, and they always beat us men. Tug of War is a contest, to see who’s the best. The
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The music moves to Haines
Once again, the streets of Whitehorse will be bare as its citizens flock to the next big summer weekend event. On this weekend, July 29
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Health is Wealth”
Health is Wealth Put a stop, to drinkin’ pop. If you drink Coke, you will be broke. Put a halt, to food with salt. Don’t
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Golden Words Helped the Klondike Survive
For all that Dawson City is celebrated in lore and in history for the Klondike Gold Rush, I venture to say that the place would
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Winter Snow Dropped Early this Year
My experience in Dawson says we first snow before Thanksgiving. But there are exceptions. One memorable year we had snow early in September
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Gerald”
His name is Gerald Nukon From Old Crow Yukon. He always says “Hi!” An’ he’s a pretty cool guy. Gerald is such a great lad
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “How Bear Lost His Tail”
“How Bear Lost His Tail” This is a long time ago tail about how Bear lost his tail. At first Bear’s tail was long then
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Terry Fox”
“Terry Fox” If you feel like giving in, and you’re not likely to win, just remember Terry Fox, and his wise talks. He is an
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Ancient Treasures in the Muck of Dawson
Dawson City is no stranger to a flurry of summer activity, but this summer a group of researchers arrived in town looking for something other
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “The Great Outdoors”
“The Great Outdoors” Animals on all fours, live in the great outdoors. Animals give birth, on their Mother Earth. This is their home, where they
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Dawson Poised for a Dramatic Comeback
Caili Steel is full of good news when we meet at Klondike Kate’s for coffee and a chat during that restaurant’s opening afternoon. “I just
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When the Outhouses Get Running
Poetry à la Commode If you’re looking for good weekend sport then Dawson’s still holding the fort. Be real spiffy and bring your own biffy
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Going Green”
GOING GREEN You’ll know what I mean, when I say he’s going green. Uncle’s house was brown, when he left town. But when he came
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The New Faces of Dawson
While it’s rare to find a weekend in the Dawson summer when there’s not a major event, things do tend to slow down a bit
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Canada Day”
Canada Day On Canada Day, an Elder will pray. Our Gwichin Nation, put on a celebration. O Canada we sing loud, because Canadians, we’re proud.
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The Gold Show Blooms this Weekend
It’s Monday afternoon and Evelyn Pollock answers the telephone at the office of the Dawson City Chamber of Commerce. This catches me off stride as
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Hip Hop”
HIP HOP They wear their caps backwards, and they speak new words. I really don’t like to tease, but their pants are down to their
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All That Glitters in the Klondike
Dawson City was founded on the glitter of gold and, so, it is no surprise that the yellow metal gets mentioned a great deal here.
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When will the Ferry Be In?
Write about things that are going to happen about 10 days after you write them, the editor says. Oh, to be a Nostradamus at such
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Mischief”
Mischief We all did it one time or another, but we never told our mother. We never even bother, to tell our father. For the
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The Odd Places Some People Live
Dawson City has long been known for unique answers to its housing shortage, especially in the summer, when the place is flooded with summer people
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Whitestone Trip”
It was 1976 in the spring when the birds started to sing. We built a small wooden ship to go on our Whitestone trip. Peter
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A Day to Remember
Reflect on Remembrance Day 2010. Understand its importance in Canada and the varying celebrations across provinces.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “My Other Brother”
“My Other Brother” We grew up in Old Crow Yukon me and my friend William Nukon. He was like my other brother an’ he was
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Crying”
CRYING I consider myself a strong guy but I always seems to cry. I don’t even have to try ‘Cause I know how to cry.
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Freestylin’ in Pelly Crossing
“Hip hop as a culture is based on freestyle, with a lot of focus on individuality and expression,” says breakdancer Nick Robinson. “So those are
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Choosing sides for the Klondike winter
Twice a year in Dawson City, lives are disrupted, homes are abandoned and the big question is, “What side will you be on?” Is Dawson
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Klondike Korner: It’s a Recycling Depot, Not a Garbage Dump
Conservation Klondike has been trying to assist folks in this region to recycle more and throw away less for a number of years now. It
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Baseball Caps”
Baseball Caps Caps is what we wear An’ it’s part of our gear From morning to night Caps make us look right. We wear baseball
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Dawson City: A Town Full of Heart
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
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Klondike Korner: Visions of Dawson’s Past at the Museum
When you think about historic photos of the Klondike, most of what comes to mind is from the Gold Rush years or not long after.
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “ABORIGINAL DAY”
ABORIGINAL DAY I just couldn’t wait, for the June 21st date. It comes just once a year, so our best we wear. When it’s Aboriginal
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Drinking with the Germans
Iwas honoured when my German friends invited me over for an authentic beer and sausage party. What a treat, an Oktoberfest of sorts, without leaving
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Stealing”
If something looks appealing, don’t even think of stealing. If to you it doesn’t belong, to take it would be wrong. If it’s not your
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When the Fire Hall Got Hauled
Back in Column #2 of this series, I promised you a couple of moving stories about Dawson buildings. My last column should certainly have made
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Elves”
ELVES North Pole is where they stay where they work and play. They work, nonstop in Santa’s toy shop. They make lots of noise Building
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The Mayo Marathon – Running on Guilted Wings
By the time you read this, I will hopefully have completed my first marathon. I say “hopefully” because finishing a whole marathon still seems like
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Guten Tag! Wie Geht’s? Good Afternoon! How Are You?
I have been learning and speaking German for the past 27 years now. It’s getting there; can’t complain as I am happy with my progress,
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Developing a Painless Pageant
BC Radio One has been running a survey to find out when people think it would be okay to play Christmas music, and a lot
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A Celebration of Northern Words
I’m sitting in my trailer in Whitehorse as I type these words, but I can almost hear Buckwheat Donahue hoowwlliingg with delight all the way
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The Terror of the Toothless Wolf
Fluffy didn’t mind being outside. It was warm these days and the long winter of being cocooned in the house had sparked claustrophobia. At least
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “My Prayer”
My Prayer Thank you,Creator, for giving me another day. Please guide me and show met the way. Always keep me humble and strong, and keep me
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Observer \ Communicator”
Observer \ Communicator I work at the CARS station, where I measure the precipitation. I record the air pressure, and the snow I measure. When
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Where Did You Say That Was
There are lots of people in Dawson who couldn’t give you street directions to save their lives. Part of the confusion is the problem with
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “I wish I were a kid again”
“I wish I were a kid again” Wouldn’t it be just nice if we could live our life twice. To be a kid once more
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Afternoon and Evening Delight on Commissioner’s Day
At the last of the Transients’ Weekly Suppers this year, one of the special speakers at the event made reference to the Commissioner’s Residence and
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Europe: Sasquatch-free
Europe is a fantastic place to visit; not so much for what it has, but rather for what it does not have. Sometimes it is
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Dog Teams and River Walkers Make the Crossing
It’s that season when Dawsonites don’t quite know what to use to get around. As a case in point, I came out of the General
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Klondike Korner: Dancing in the Summer Breeze
The leaves have exploded this week. Two weeks back they were small brown buds huddling against the nighttime frost, waiting for sunlight. Then the buds
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “My health is my wealth”
“My health is my wealth” I put a halt to using salt. Sugar I don’t taste ’cause it’s a waste. Not only that, I don’t
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Newfie”
NEWFIE He’s a funny little man, who came from Newfoundland. He’s always happy like a clown, and Whitehorse is his home town. He’s always goofy,
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Autobiography”
Autobiography I DON’T LIKE TO WRITE ABOUT MYSELF ‘CAUSE SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE AN ELF. I WAS BORN UP IN OLD CROW WHERE THE PORCUPINE
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Hunting for High School in Old Crow
Most teachers prepare for class with chalkboards, hour-by-hour lesson plans, and neatly aligned desks. Stan Njootli, Sr.’s preparation involves jerry cans, tarps and well-maintained boat
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Klondike Korner: Frontiers of Literature
The only disappointing thing about the second annual North Words Writers’ Symposium was that it didn’t take place in Dawson City. It was intended that
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Trimble Gilbert”
My uncle Trimble Gilbert recorded a fiddle CD with Wilbert. Arctic Village is his home town where you’ ll hear his fiddle sound. Rev. Gilbert
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “WINTER IS GONE”
When the birds arrive it’s great to be alive. It’s great to hear the birds an’ to see the caribou herds. There’s lots of sunshine
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “High Tech”
My uncle is a redneck but he’s also high tech. He talks on his cell phone chewing on a caribou bone. When he’s on his
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Klondike Korner: Movie Nights at the Museum
Once upon a time there was a movie theatre in Dawson City. The Orpheum was located just across Front Street from the Waterfront Building where
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Two Old Ladies” Part Two
Slowly their strength grew An’ the winter they made it through. The two old ladies survived the cold weather By working together and sleeping together.
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Klondike Korner: Tourism Promotion Goes Digital
When Klondike Visitors Association (KVA) executive director Gary Parker accepted the Tourism Industry Association of Yukon’s (TIAY) Innovator of the Year award on behalf of
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Klondike Korner: Looking for the Midnight Sun
Down in Peterborough Chris Culgin (guitar, fiddle & vocals) of the band called the Avenues is wondering about the daylight situation when we connect on
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cabin Fever”
All winter trappers trap beaver But then they catch cabin fever. They quit trappin’ for mink an’ squirrels ‘cause they want to see the can
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When the Whistle Blows
It seems only fair to warn strangers to the fair metropolis of Dawson City that there are certain hours of the day when it would
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Klondike Korner: Ice Bridge Jitters
Silly question from summer visitor: “What do you do with your ice bridge in the summer?” Snappy reply from Dawsonite: “We cut it into little
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Didee & Didoo – Poem ” I wish I had wings”
I wish I had wings ‘stead of these arm things. ‘Cause I prefer to fly way up in the sky. Then I don’t have to
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Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Taxi Business”
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Goaltender (Josh)”
If you’re a goaltender you can’t be tender. The puck will go past if your reflex is not fast. You have to flop to make
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They Keep Coming Back
The departure of yet another Berton House writer, Jeanne Randolph, brought to my mind the number of writers in residence who have come and gone
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Self Taught”
Since I was a little elf I’ve been teaching myself. When I was alone I learned stuff on my own. I learned a lot but
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Klondike Korner: Jeanne Randolph Analyzes Everything
Jeanne Randolph may have a different working title for the book project she’s writing during her residency at Berton House by the time she reads
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Remembering the Iron Man
Percy deWolfe, known as the Iron Man Mail Carrier, faced many unpredictable moments during his 38 years (1910-1949) on the trail between Dawson and Eagle.
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Mistakes”
Sometimes I start to shake when I make a mistake. We pretend it’s a fake when we make a mistake. Our hearts will ache ‘cause
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Showcasing the ‘fur’ North
A few weeks before the 2011 Dawson Fur Show, coordinator Miranda Meade isn’t quite sure how many people she can expect to show up for
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “53 Year Old Machine”
This 53 year old machine is still kind of mean. Maybe a bit slow but she can still go. It needs more than one part
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Destruction Bay; Season Opener
The warm weather a few weeks ago had us itching to plan a little motorcycle trip for our first free weekend in months. As it
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A Different Kind of “Break Up”
Is this what they mean by ‘break-up’?” asked the man. It was March of that particular year, so I was slightly nonplussed. He gestured at
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