Growing Home
In the 1990s decade, about 6,000 Grow Homes were built in Montreal, and as many across Canada and the USA. For Montreal architects…
In the 1990s decade, about 6,000 Grow Homes were built in Montreal, and as many across Canada and the USA. For Montreal architects…
This sighting took place at Marshall Creek in the early evening of Wednesday, July 20, 2014, by four ladies…
The Curious Sasquatch Read More »
The extreme focus on the drama of the Klondike Gold Rush tends to obscure the stories about the gold seekers…
Tales From Before And After The Gold Rush Read More »
By the 1890s, local traders were growing vegetables to supplement a monotonous diet of beans, bread and mouldy bacon.
Celebrating Dawson City’s Historic Gardeners Read More »
He’s coming to the end of his first visit to the Yukon, but Tom Griffin will have spent a total of three and a half months in the territory.
Visiting the North Read More »
On a winter afternoon, Montana and Delaney Prysnuk are hanging a caribou hide to dry in the sun. It has taken months of work…
Community, Connection and Caribou Read More »
Do you enjoy the Yukon as I do? Going out and breathing the fresh air. Seeing the clear water of streams and lakes…
Dear Litterbugs (wherever you may be) Read More »
In 2005, I was talking with a gentleman of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation who described an encounter he and his brother had with a sasquatch…
The Fish Camp Visitors Read More »
As a professional trail builder, Bill McLane spends a lot of time digging earth, moving rocks and finding treasure.
Stolen Loot Or Hard-Earned Savings? Read More »
There’s only one way in the North to deal with an arrogant prick (Lord knows we’ve had our share) and that’s a damned-good practical joke.
Never Show Up An Elder Read More »
Christopher Ross writes about his journalism experiences at the Dawson City Insider from 1997-1999 and what happened after.
Looking Inside the Insider Read More »
The move a southeastern Ontario city to small & isolated Old Crow, Yukon had an unexpected positive change on my ADHD and mental health.
ADHD & The Great Outdoors Read More »
Celebrating Discovery Days in the Yukon goes back over 100 years. After the Klondike Gold Rush, the Yukon Order of Pioneers convinced the Yukon Territorial Council to celebrate Discovery Day, as a public holiday, in 1911.
Celebrating Yukon’s Unique Holiday Read More »
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 »
Augusto! Children’s Festival will offer three days of dance, parties, crafts, music and more from August 12–14 in Haines Junction.
Augusto! Children’s Festival: A Fun-filled Family Weekend Read More »
Who drank the 100,000th Sourtoe Cocktail? Well, now we know. The famous drink (also known as The Toe), was created by the equally famous Captain
Premier Puts His ‘Best Foot Forward’ and Makes a Little Yukon History Read More »
About eight or nine years ago, my dad’s cousin’s widow called out of the blue to berate me (in her high-toned British accent) because I
New Adventures, Old Heirlooms Read More »
Fridays are live music days in Dawson, this summer, with concerts at Riverside Park Gazebo and at the KIAC (Dënäkär Zho) Ballroom.
Dawson’s Fridays Are A Time For Music! Read More »
Back in the late 1800s, Dawson City was the most-populated northern town, the “Paris of the North.” The famous Klondike Gold Rush started in 1896,
Exploring the Yukon’s ‘Paris of the North’ Read More »
In a previous edition of the KK, I commented on the amount of snow we received here this winter, how it narrowed and raised the
Spring Reflections in Dawson City Read More »
History of Diamond Tooth Gerties? It was for the Arctic Brotherhood 1901 – 1925, opened in ’71 as a casino by Klondike Visitors Association.
Diamond Tooth Gerties built in 1901 Read More »
On a beautiful Sunday in early May, my partner and I headed down to Carcross and noted the signs of spring: the rapidly evaporating snow,
Bringing Joy, One Cup of Coffee at A Time Read More »
Johnson puts cultural history and the ways of The Force together. “we are Jedis!” he says, “look at an Elder and that’s a Jedi council member”
The Force Is Strong With This One Read More »
Dawson City is getting ready to host its annual Thaw di Gras Spring Carnival. Get Ready for Some Outrageous Winter Fun!
Dawson City is getting ready to host its annual Thaw di Gras Spring Carnival Read More »
From background extra to the big screen. KDFN Citizen Kiri Geen builds a career. Kwanlin Dün First Nation Citizen success stories.
KDFN Citizen Kiri Geen builds a career in Hollywood North Read More »
When the Tuktoyaktuk (Tuk) highway officially opened Nov. 15, 2017, I wanted to drive it to the Arctic Ocean.
The road trip begins: Tuktoyaktuk on The Dempster Highway Read More »
A trip to Haines reveals things have been far from quiet in the small town of 2,500. The food and beverage scene is thriving.
Haines, Alaska: Food scene still vibrant even during a pandemic Read More »
When you enter the Canada Post office in Haines Junction, rest assured Marliese Whelan will greet you with a smile
Meet Marliese: Postmaster of Haines Junction Read More »
Sometimes art imitates life. Sometimes life imitates art. There are two really clear illustrations of this idea in Dawson City at the moment.
A Klondike Korner: Sometimes life imitates art Read More »
I’d moved 2,000 kilometres north, alone, for a 4-year term in a little place called Haines Junction. At Kluane National Park and Reserve
New kid in the park: Hello, bonjour! Welcome to Kluane National Park and Reserve Read More »
If you’re looking for an adventure day hike with rewarding views at top, look no further than the Sam McGee trail near Conrad Campground.
Sam McGee Hike from Conrad Read More »
Yaxkasei’s Hoo Haa commemorative totem pole unveiling. Stories, exhibit opening and performances by the The Dakhká Khwáan Dancers.
A momentous community event Read More »
September 10 to 12. DCMF is a bite sized three day event spending days in the Waterfront Park Gazebo and nights in the Palace Grand Theatre.
Klondike Korner: DCMF 2021 is reborn in a smaller, later version this COVID year Read More »
Beaver castoreum found on an ancient throwing dart has led to new discoveries on traditional hunting technology in the North
In the North, we measure distance by the amount of time it takes. A way-post is an item that marks your progress along a road or trail.
Moose Bush: The way-posts home Read More »
bringing experts and aspiring citizen scientists to one location for a day of counting and identifying as many species as possible.
Bioblitz is back & going to Dawson City Read More »
In the future we won’t need snowshoes, In the future we won’t go ice fishing. In the future we won’t need winter roads.
Didee & Didoo: Global Warming Read More »
Most Fridays this summer, whether there is rain or shine, it will be concert time at noon at the Front Street Gazebo, in Dawson City.
Friday is Concert time at the Gazebo Read More »
Odile: Look at the beautiful trees! Allan: Where’s my chainsaw? Odile: Look at the cute fox! Allan: Where’s my trap? Odile: Look at the adorable
If you visit Old Crow Sadie will take you to the mall Mason will show you the traffic lights Abbie will take you on the elevator…
If you visit Old Crow Read More »
I used to eat smarties with Stevie I used to eat jelly beans with Adeline I used to eat jawbreakers with Ernest I used to
Old Fashioned Candy Read More »
Dredge No. 4 was built in 1912 and operated until 1959. It was designated as a national historic site in 1997.
Modern tech meets heritage conservation in Dawson City Read More »
As the Ice Melts is a project that takes the form of two videos which present stories and poetry on the theme of our changing environment. The work has been put together by Bielawski, Lilley and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations storyteller, Ron Chambers.
The pandemic creates the space to share stories in a new way Read More »
In some ways, our streets are better in the winter. Spring makes it harder to get from the street to the boardwalks. Dawson is not a friendly town for people with mobility issues.
Spring clearances in Dawson Read More »
If Goldilocks is my mother Charlie Brown is my father Jack Frost is my grandpa Gingerbread Man is my brother Jack and Jill are my
Didee & Didoo – My Family Tree Read More »
COVID-19 pretty much shut down live music in Dawson in 2020. This year the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (Dënäkär Zho), in partnership with the Dawson City Music Festival, has been trying hard to bring some of it back over the last few months.
Live music returns to Dënäkär Zho Read More »
The Ice Pool Lottery, officially known these days as the Dawson IODE Ice Guessing Contest, has been around in various forms since 1896. The Dawson Chapter of the IODE officially took over running the event in 1940 and has managed to keep it going in spite of pandemics and other natural disasters.
The Ice pool Contest is a go for 2021 Read More »
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 »
I was driving back to Red Deer from Calgary the other day and got a speeding ticket in a blinding snowstorm. The cop told me
Ice road woes (and whoas) Read More »
Artists Jared Klok and Bennie Allain collaborated on their sculpture “A House You Can Finally Afford.” It was displayed as part of the Riverside Arts Festival.
A house you can finally afford 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 »
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 »
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 »
Each year, the Yukon Order of Pioneers (YOOP) selects Mr. and Mrs. Yukon in recognition of two longtime Yukoners who have made lasting contributions to their communities. This year they have named Valerie Drummond (born Wakefield) and Dan Drummond of Haines Junction as the worthy representatives.
Representing Kluane Read More »
Her name is Wolf Mother, Ghoóch Tlâ in Tlingit, and Colleen James in English. She grew up in Cowley, about halfway between Whitehorse and Carcross. Her mother was Tlingit and her father was English.
A favorite story by Johnnie Johns pf being trapped inside a moose and nearly freezing to death, told often at the Caribou Hotel in Caccross.
My favourite Johnnie Johns hunting story Read More »
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 »
The next 40 years of the Dawson Invitational Volleyball Tournament (DIVT) kicks off on Oct. 25 in Dawson City. The DIVT celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018 with a special mass assembly to honour the years of success and the two teachers who started the whole thing.
hàtìnas.àxh Community School won 2019 Canada’s Coolest School Trip. A photo essay shares Tlingit culture & promotes Tlingit language.
Teslin students win national award Read More »
Check out how communities across the Yukon Territory celebrate Canada Day! With activities such as the Mayo Arts Festival and more!
Celebrate Canada your way Read More »
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 »
Building trust between a community and police is essential to addressing the extraordinarily high numbers of sexualized assaults and violence in the Yukon. Without this
Creating a safer community through relationship-building Read More »
The melting season is upon us with a vengeance, spoiling all the plans I had for a series of columns about street clearances in Dawson.
The saga of Dawson’s street clearances Read More »
At this year’s Ride For Dad, Callieou will share the three-night bill with the bilingual Seguin, one of Canada’s hottest comedy commodities.
Donna found peace, happiness and calmness during her first simpler Christmas in the North.
My first Christmas in the North: 1961 Read More »
What image appears in your imagination when you think about Christmas? There re amny, however, the brightest and most magnificent picture that comes to mind is of Santa Claus and the sounds of the bells.
Thank you for bringing the magic of Christmas to life in Whitehorse Read More »
The cast including shepherds, angels, wise persons and citizens. PHOTO: Dan Davidson What would Christmas Eve be without carols and a pageant. All are
Ready for Christmas Eve Read More »
When you see Allan Benjamin, If you could please mention to him, I’d like to hear him play again. Tell him to come our way
Didee & Didoo: Message to Allan Benjamin Read More »
One of the most annoying things about the fall and spring seasons is the need to scrape the frost off your vehicle’s windows before you
Nature’s little automatic defroster Read More »
We’re past the halfway mark in October as I write this. The sun rose today at 9:16 and will set at 18:49 (6:49 for most
Autumn sunlight and shadows Read More »
I know this man from Old Crow Who’s a kind and gentle soul. He was raised by his Didoo She taught him all that she
Didee & Didoo: Allan Benjamin Read More »
The Haines Junction Mountain Festival is in its third year and is a celebration of the United Nations (UN) International Mountain Day (IMD).
A junction of mountain film, culture and science in Kluane country Read More »
The small town of Haines, Alaska, lies near 72 miles of glacier terrain and 15,000 feet below the icy summit of Mount Fairweather, which is
When I train, I tolerate pain. Sometimes I feel lazy And a bit crazy. When I’m sore, I feel poor. Sometimes I get hurt An’
Didee & Didoo: Blood, Sweat and Tears Read More »
Pre-Christmas in the Klondike, It’s a season of bazaars and open houses that lead up to the actual holidays.
It’s beginning to look a lot like … (you know) Read More »
Whether it’s for the annual bike race or a fishing holiday, Yukoners love Haines. The small southeast-Alaska port is a special destination for many. Come
The famous White Pass & Yukon Route (WP&YR) Railway is a busy and beautiful journey through the White Pass of Alaska and the Yukon. Every
Keeping the trains on track Read More »
The 2018–19 season of Home Routes Concerts kicked off in September with a tour by country singer Tim Hus, accompanied by his sideman of 15
Home Routes provides a cozy evening of music Read More »
I won’t saw wood. I won’t go snowshoeing. I won’t go skiing. I won’t go running. I won’t go walking. I won’t pack water. I
Didee & Didoo: When It’s 100 Below Read More »
For a two-night gig this past July in Beaver Creek, Larry Berrio and his band shut the town down! Berrio, from Sudbury, Ontario, travelled 5,000 kilometres with his bandmates to the most westerly community in Canada. With open arms, the town of Beaver Creek welcomed the band.
Landing in Whitehorse for the first time, Henry Navarro Delgado arrived in the Yukon knowing nothing about the place. Delgado wanted to remain as open-minded as possible when he settled into the coveted Junction Artist in Residence (JAR) Program in Haines Junction.
The Junction and JAR (Junction Artist in Residence) Read More »
‘Cause I can use my bass fiddle for a canoe. ‘Cause I can use my fiddle for a paddle. ‘Cause I can use my fiddle
Didee & Didoo: Good to be a Musician Read More »
Driving the Dempster Highway to Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T. (located on Kugmallit Bay of the Beaufort Sea of the Arctic Ocean), is no big deal..
To ‘Looks Like a Caribou’ and back – Part 6 of 6 Read More »
Jesus Christ shat’in iindhan—Jesus loves me. Nichih gwanat’in—looking forward Nohjuu Ts’an—looking back Ohtsii Kwaa—Don’t waste. Ch’iitsii gwadal—hardware Taih kak zheh gwichoo—mansion on the hill Diiti’
Let’s learn Gwich’in: Dagoo Gwich’in Ginjik Read More »
It’s May long weekend and we’re driving to Skagway, and it seems as though most of Whitehorse has decided to do the same with a
Skagway: A ‘bluebird day’ with blue skies… Read More »
‘Cause I’ll save the psychiatrist. ‘Cause I’ll save the psychologist. ‘Cause I’ll save the professor. ‘Cause I’ll save the counselor. ‘Cause I’ll save the scientist.
Didee & Didoo: They Won’t Survive in the Bush Read More »
Now that the Moccasin Telegraph has run its course after 15 years of providing an opportunity for folks to share history and reconnect, we have stopped preparing more editions.
How an email exchange became a 15-year blog project Read More »
The longer I have lived in Whitehorse, the more I have grown to understand that Yukoners crave Thai food and many will drive to Skagway just to taste the delicacies it offers.
When “Arizona” Charlie Meadows built his Palace Grand Theatre, in 1899, it probably never occurred to him that some version of the place would still exist in 2018.
The Palace Grand Theatre is back in business Read More »
Our long time “Didee and Didoo” cartoonist and poet Allan Benjamin from Old Crow is excited to introduce his new Shoo’ii and Sheek’aii cartoons and poems. These new characters will appear in Gwich’in and English.
Shoo’ii and Sheek’aii – Dinjii Zhūh Dinētl’eh — ChiH Ahaa Read More »
Fun fact: Elvis Presley drove a 1958 red MGA, just like this one, in Blue Hawaii.
South to Alberta (a.k.a. Sid’s trip down memory lane) Read More »
I like to see animals on all fours
And I see their tracks outdoors
Didee & Didoo: Animal Tracks Read More »
Sometimes I can’t think And I can’t write in ink. When my mind is not bright I have nothing to write.
’Cause Writer’s block Read More »
Each summer the Klondike Visitors Association (KVA), honours the memory of four writers who have meant a great deal to Dawson City and the Klondike: Jack London, Robert W. Service, Pierre Berton and Dick North.
Authors on Eighth celebrates Klondike literature Read More »
“Art Magic in Tombstone” is a series of workshops hosted by the Friends of Dempster Country society, and Yukon Parks, and will take place in Tombstone Territorial Park/ Ddhäl Ch’èl Cha Nän, throughout the summer.
Magic in Tombstone Read More »
Pride is back in Dawson City! Pride Week is happening from July 9–15 and, as part of the celebrations, a parade will be taking place on July 14 at 5 p.m.
Pride in Dawson City! Read More »
’Cause I remembered William Chitze (Fort McPherson).
Didee & Didoo: I’m a time machine Read More »
The Mayo Arts Festival and Canada Day celebrations are highlights. Everybody is looking forward to the celebrations. 2018
It’s a cultured Canada Day in Mayo Read More »
The biggest change in the Canada Day Parade in Dawson City, this year, is where it will end.
Exploration, adventure and community are among the most important aspects of living in the North. For many Yukoners, it was the “want” to explore a fantasized part of the world and to seek adventure in discovering Canada’s North, but it was the sense of community that made people want to stay.
South to Alberta – Part I Read More »
Learn a Gwich’in calendar
Let’s learn Gwich’in: Sree Nanh – Month Read More »
A team of facilitators from the Stream of Dreams program was in Dawson this week to promote environmental stewardship and facilitate a community art project.
They won’t detect dry fish
Didee & Didoo: If They Gave Me a Drug Test Read More »
Tamika Knutson is a Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizen who began her art training at the Yukon School of Visual Arts, in Dawson City.
The ODD Gallery showcases Tamika Knutson’s Skin Read More »
Our ancestors made everything…
Didee & Didoo: They Made Everything Read More »
Members of the Haines Junction Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR) attended the annual JCR National Marksmanship Championship in St. Catharines, Ontario, in early May.
Rangin’ off to Ontario Read More »
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Didee & Didoo: Old Crow News Read More »
Enjoy one of the brothel tours with the lovely and knowledgeable Madam Toler Skagway holds its quirky charms with its Klondike-themed buildings and summer staff
Enjoying a ‘Skagway Quickie’ Read More »
“When we first came to Canada in 1953 [from Friesland, Netherlands], we couldn’t read or write. I went down to the local bookstore and found this book.”
Let’s learn Gwich’in: Sreendit (Spring)
Let’s learn Gwich’in: Sreendit (Spring) Read More »
When I Go to Whitehorse, I Always Bring…
Didee & Didoo: When I Go to Whitehorse Read More »
-40 all month? Are you sure?
Do you remember when January was always cold? Read More »
It’s the nature of short Yukon summers for Yukoners to seize every moment and they perhaps forget about things like contributions to the food bank.
The green bags of spring Read More »
The ice pool tripod is in the river, anchored by a cable to the boxed clock on the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, ready for when
It’s ice pool time Read More »
Screenings for the Dawson City International Short Film Festival began in October, with five or six people meeting twice a week to view what would eventually add up to between 400 and 500 submissions for the Easter weekend festival.
Dawson City International Short Film Festival is downloaded for its 18th Year Read More »
We don’t pack water anymore. We don’t vote with our hands anymore. They don’t sign their names with an “X” anymore. We don’t buy from
Didee & Didoo: Times are Changing Read More »
We buy tea and coffee. We buy flour and sugar. We buy rice and oats. We buy beans and bacon. We buy dry fruit and
Didee & Didoo: At the Trading Post Read More »
The annual Youth Art Enrichment program, now entering its 17th year, is an annual four-day intensive art program for Yukon youth, hosted by the Klondike
Thaw-di-Gras, Dawson’s spring-or-late-winter carnival, is adding a day this year, with events beginning on Friday, March 16 and running through Sunday, March 18.
Keeping the weekend weird Read More »
Dawson City is gearing up for it’s annual Thaw di Gras spring carnival. One of the most popular events for families is the annual dog show, held at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s.
Thaw di Gras is going to the dogs… Read More »
Let’s All Learn Gwich’in with Allan Benjamin from Old Crow
Let’s All Learn Gwich’in Read More »
The 25th annual Trek Over the Top snowmobile race will arrive in Dawson City on March 8 and return to its starting point in Tok,
Trek Over the Top Turns 25 this Year Read More »
February 19 to 22 will see the latest edition of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Heritage Department’s bi-annual Myth and Medium week.
We are what we used to eat Read More »
I always bring my piano. I always bring my TV. I always bring my computer. I always bring my microwave. I always bring my fridge.
The Dawson City Music Festival (DCMF) will be holding its annual general meeting on Thursday, January 18, at Yukon College. The meeting was to have
Dawson City Music Festival aims for sustainability Read More »
Aklavik adopted Albert Frost Inuvik adopted Winston Moses Ross River adopted Henry Nukon Fort Yukon adopted Diane Jonas Chalkyitsik adopted Simon Francis Dawson adopted Sharon
Didee & Didoo: Community Adoptions Read More »
I finally found the words to say How long did you intend to stay. I know I’ve wondered now and then How close your love
Picture in a Frame (Auntie Betty) Read More »
After all the bazaars and seasonal open houses are done, and folks are just about ready to settle down at home waiting for Christmas Morning
Getting Ready for Christmas Eve Read More »
Eighteen years ago three sheep hunters discovered the oldest natural mummified body unearthed to date in North America. he story of this mysterious “Canadian ice man” comes full-circle this year with a new book, Kwädąy Dän Ts’ìnchį: Teachings from Long Ago Person Found.
‘Canadian Ice Man’ tells his story Read More »
It can go in reverse. I don’t need insurance.
Didee & Didoo: My Wheelbarrow Read More »
The Canol Road is easily the nastiest numbered road in the Yukon and why we opened with it. The worst shall be first and the fast shall be last.
The Yukon’s Magnificent 11 – Part 1 of 6 Read More »
I don’t know the word “slow” I only know the word “go” The runners were top notch An’ we raced against the watch. I just
The approaching Advent Season means that it will soon be what I sometimes refer to as Bazaar Season in Dawson City.
Advent season is Bazaar season in Dawson Read More »
I’m the doctor I’m the minister I’m the police I’m the carpenter I’m the cook I’m the gunsmith I’m the blacksmith I’m the butcher I’m
Didee & Didoo: At my camp Read More »
The first snow has settled in the border town of Beaver Creek, Yukon. Sid is preparing his house and museum for a long cold winter.
Dawson City’s Old Court House on Front Street will be the site for this year’s Haunted House event, a yearly offering to the community sponsored
A spooky pre-Halloween evening Read More »
Every two years the Yukon Historical & Museums Association holds a meeting for the entire Yukon heritage community. It moves around the territory, but executive
Symposium to discuss activating history Read More »
She came, she saw, we conquered Grandma’s name is Clara Frost She came, she saw, we conquered. We’re proud to be her rangers. We’re proud
Didee & Didoo: She came, she saw, we conquered Read More »
Didoo’s Trunk That’s where she kept her knife. That’s where she kept her awl. That’s where she kept her file. That’s where she kept her
Didee & Didoo: Didoo’s Trunk Read More »
On a hot day in Dawson City this August, I had the opportunity to speak with the four artists of Weaving Voices: Bo Yeung, Chris
Weaving Willow, Weaving Voices Read More »
Wandering down the dirt roads of Dawson City, you may find yourself charmed by the quirky café nestled right beside a worn-and-torn building straight out
The Alchemists of Dawson City Read More »
It’s September, and as the leaves start to turn and the streets become empty of tourists, transient workers who have lived in Dawson City for
It’s over: Dawson Winter Read More »
Despite the romantic image of the grizzled miner panning by the creek side in search of gold, that phase of the Klondike’s mineral saga was
A Tale of the Klondike Tailings Read More »
Let’s All Learn Gwich’in With Allan Benjamin from Old Crow Gwich’in Expressions: Gwich’in Ginjik Native Language Dinjii zhuh ginjik jihtth’ak I understand Native language Lée
Let’s All Learn Gwich’in Read More »
I was sitting comfortably amongst blankets and a beaver pelt on Sid’s living room couch, visiting with Jill. She pours us a warm cup of
This beauty even has adjustable suspension Read More »
It is easy to laugh at the antics of ravens. They are quirky, curious and yes, funny. A well-known title they carry among First Nations
An Unkindness of Ravens Read More »
Gwich’in Expressions: Gwich’in Ginjik Native Language Dinjii zhuh ginjik jihtth’ak I understand Native language DZHii. BIRDS Jidìi nah’ìn? What do you see? Jii viiʻidzèe tʼiinchʻuu.
Let’s All Learn Gwich’in Read More »
Twice answered the call to cycle the Dempster Highway. She hasn’t succeeded quite yet, she’s ready to give the 740 km journey another go.
Third Time’s the Charm Read More »
Every few years the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon brings either its spring or fall conference to Dawson City. TIA Yukon Executive Director Blake
TIAY Picks Dawson to Showcase Sustainable Tourism Read More »
Vadzaih… CARIBOU Jidìi Kàgwanah’in?… What are you looking for? Vadzaih eenjit nahālzrīi… I’m hunting for caribou Ddhah kak vadzaih Tr’anah’in… We see caribou on the
Let’s All Learn Gwich’in Read More »
It’s been a long time since mammoths have been in the Yukon valley, but a new one just appeared August 9, albeit in the form
Red Mammoth Comes to Dawson Read More »
Our long time “Didee and Didoo” cartoonist and poet Allan Benjamin from Old Crow is excited to introduce his new Shoo’ii and Sheek’aii cartoons and
Let’s All Learn Gwich’in Read More »
The editor set us the challenge of making a pitch for our community that says it is more special than any other in the territory,
Celebrating the Klondike as a Special Place Read More »
If anyone ever tries to tell you the first legal casino in Canadian history – Dawson City’s fabled Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall – was
Gertie’s Begins with a Losing Streak Read More »
While that cornbread didn’t end up in a gallery, it did inspire did inspire the food oriented event called The Ingestible Festival
Fermented, Stewed, Baked and Brewed! Read More »
The Yukon’s Discovery Day Holiday is kind of hard to pin down. Likely the Monday closest to the day gold was discovered on Bonanza Creek.
Discovery Days: Yukon’s Moveable Holiday Read More »
When the Westmark Hotel in Beaver Creek closed its doors in 2013, it brought an end to the dinner and show extravaganza called Beaver Creek
Giving That Room Props for Its Good Vibe Read More »
During the week that leads to the Discovery Days weekend, the Klondike Visitors Association, Parks Canada and the Writers’ Trust of Canada celebrate the writers
Celebrating the Klondike’s Literary Legends Read More »
The Yukon Riverside Arts Festival takes place in the most idyllic of settings – right alongside the Yukon River in Dawson City.
The 17th Annual Riverside Arts Festival Read More »
“We’re dedicated to keeping the Yukon weird,” Robitaille likens the Great Klondike International Outhouse Race to Jim Robb’s Colourful 5%
Race ’til You’re Pooped! Read More »
Finding the entrance to Orchid Acres can be a little confusing for newcomers to West Dawson and Sunnydale. Someone will tell you it’s on the
Finding Orchids in an Unusual Setting Read More »
From antique carousel and ferris wheel rides, to wearable art and cake bake off contests, to beer and wine gardens, to beach wrestling and the
Fishnets and Chainsaws Read More »
It may be the 39th year of Dawson City’s beloved annual music festival, but this tried-and-true summer favourite is always sure..
Dawson City Music Festival Amps up for its 39th Year Read More »
The biannual Haa Ḵusteeyí Celebration and community gathering in Teslin this month presents a unique opportunity for Yukoners of all backgrounds to connect with the
Celebrate National Tlingit Day with a Fun Packed Weekend in Teslin Read More »
The DuDrop In Gift Shop offers custom license plates while you wait – a memento from the Sign Post Forest to take home…
A Little Gift Shop with a Big Heart Read More »
Looking for something interesting to do on a Saturday afternoon? Look no further than the Watson Lake Farmer’s Market held at Historic Mile 635 in the famous Watson Lake Sign Post Forest.
Watson Lake Farmer’s Market Moves to the Sign Post Forest Read More »
Once upon a time, long ago, a young truck driver in Whitehorse found himself with five days off work to celebrate the May long weekend
Gertie’s First Season Read More »
There are so many East Coast-ers performing at this year’s Atlin Arts and Music Festival, organizers felt it only made sense to program an East
East Comes West for Atlin Read More »
It’s a summer Friday night in Haines Junction, and almost anybody who loves good food, good music and the spectacular St. Elias Mountains knows right
A Quarter Century of Fusing Delicious Food and Great Music Read More »
Sid van der Meer, the history buff of Beaver Creek, Yukon, has a little part of the horse history displayed at Sid’s Treasures.
Horses of the Yukon Read More »
Canada Day will be exceptionally busy in Dawson this year. Combining our nation’s birthday with a roster of events that normally occur on the first
There’s Gold in Those Buckets of Dirt Read More »
What do you do with a ski hill in the summer? You hold a relay race! If you’re looking for a fun, exciting and challenging
Mount Maichen Madness Hits Watson Lake Read More »
There are thousands of antiques to ask Sid van der Meer about, however, his most recent addition has been the latest topic of discussion. The
June 10 will be a double-barreled day of action in Dawson City, as it always is during what could be called Commissioner’s Day. The two
Double-barreled day of action in Dawson City Read More »
For the first Faro Golf Tournament “we drew circles on the soccer field to serve as holes,” The Faro Golf Club incorporated in 2001.
Tee Time in the Town of Faro, Yukon Read More »
Bluegrass music goes back to the Appalachians. The 2017 Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival headliners are The Boxcars from east Tennessee.
A Good Old Time in Haines Junction Read More »
DON’T DRINK. DON’T DO DRUGS. DON’T SMOKE. DON’T CHEW SNUFF. DON’T EAT JUNK FOOD. DON’T GAMBLE. EXERCISE. WORK. DON’T BORROW. DON’T LEND. DON’T BRAG. DON’T
DIDEE & DIDOO: Avoid Problems Read More »
Courtney and Joel Wilkinson, co-owners of Bee Whyld Yukon, are proud to show off their bee yard located just outside the town of Watson Lake,
Two Million Honey Bees Find Home in Watson Lake Read More »
World travel has its place, but Sharon Shorty says a lot of Yukoners need to get out and take a trip into their own territory.
Three Days of Dance Read More »
Sid Van der Meer received the History Maker Award , it is presented for outstanding contributions to Yukon heritage.
Yukon History Maker Read More »
May is Cystic Fibrosis (CF) month. A drive through Watson Lake will give you an idea of just how important this month is to our
Watson Lake Generosity Supports Cystic Fibrosis Month Read More »
Early in May, with the deadlines for the 2017 edition of the Dawson City International Gold Show approaching, Coralee Rudachyk was busy, but calm. As
Gold Show: The Rush is On Read More »
I HAVE TO HAVE THE BEST ORGANIC DIET. I HAVE TO HAVE THE BEST AND LIGHTEST EQUIPMENT. I HAVE TO BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ON TRAINING METHODS.
DIDEE & DIDOO: THEY’RE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE Read More »
HE WAKES UP AT FOUR AND HE’S OUT THE DOOR. HE’S UP BEFORE THE SUN AN’ HE GOES FOR A RUN. ALLAN DOESN’T LIKE TO
DIDEE & DIDOO: ALLAN BENJAMIN Read More »
The cupboard behind Dan Sokolowski’s head is still covered with the multi-coloured Post-it notes he’s been using to assign the 86 short films in this
Celebrate the Art of Filmmaking this Weekend Read More »
Artists, musicians, songwriters, general creative types and arts lovers alike might want to think about taking a little vacation time this summer. The Keno City
A Creative Way to Spend Your Vacation Read More »
Given the odd behavior of the Yukon River this year, it’s not at all certain just how and when spring breakup will occur, but however
The Tripod Stands to Mark the River’s Breakup Read More »
At 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, the spirit of Percy DeWolfe, Dawson’s Iron Man Mail Carrier, will head off from the starting line between
Racing to Honour an Honourable Man Read More »
WE ALL REMEMBERED BLOOMERS NOW THEY CALL US BABY BOOMERS. WE ALL USED TO BE NEW NOW WE’RE LIKE AN OLD SHOE. WE USED TO
DIDEE & DIDOO: BABY BOOMERS Read More »
MARTHA MOSES WAS MARRIED TO MOSES TIZYA. MARY RUFUS WAS MARRIED TO RUFUS NETRO. MARY PAUL WAS MARRIED TO PAUL BEN KASSI. MARY LAZARUS WAS
DIDEE & DIDOO: WIVES USED THEIR HUSBAND’S FIRST NAMES Read More »
By 2001, however, that big detached deck on the front of the house was deteriorating and we decided that a verandah running across the entire
The Evolution of a Home Read More »
Dawson’s impishly named Thaw di Gras carnival is still thought of as a spring carnival, even though a good March weekend will still be in
Thaw di Gras appeals to Locals and Visitors Read More »
*EAT THIS RICE ALL MUDDY. WHY DON’T YOU THUCK OFF. THUCK YOU. DON’T THUCK AROUND. THUCKER. *FUTHER MUCKER. WELL I’LL BE THUCK ME. YOU THUCKIN
DIDEE & DIDOO: THOU SHALT NOT SWEAR Read More »
The Trekkers are coming again, and this year’s Trek Over the Top from Tok Alaska to Dawson City, will have a substantial increase in numbers
The Trekkers Will Soon be Here Read More »
Regardless of what else may be happening, on 1st Saturday of the month during a school year, these open mic events are a regular occurrence.
Making Music and Money for Good Causes Read More »
“To have local students take part in the project gives us something to be proud of,” he says. “Yukon College is always trying to meet
Thoughtfully Thrifty Read More »
“The best part of this festival is that we have all these different parts of the community bringing their event”
Something for Everyone Read More »
It’s been a truly odd winter here in the Klondike. On the one hand it’s been colder, and colder for longer stretches than it has
Flowing Water and the Daily Light Show Read More »
The event’s honoured figure, Sam Johnston, is a venerated elder within the Teslin Community. He has been a politician, athlete and former chief of the
Butterflies, Ravens and Tlingit Princesses – Oh My! Read More »
They consulted with Dr. Brendan Hanley, the Yukon’s Chief Medical Health Officer, and he thought it was a worthwhile experiment. The next question was where
Shedding a Little Light on a SAD Season Read More »
The original purpose of the Clinton Creek Oral History Project was to gather information about how the area around the former asbestos mine and company
Gathering Memories of Clinton Creek Proves Difficult Read More »
Dawson City’s International curling bonspiel is the Yukon’s oldest continuously running event. With teams from the Yukon, Northern BC & NWT.
International Bonspiel Comes to Dawson City Read More »
You can go dog mushing. You can go snow shoeing. You can go skiing. You can go skating. You can make a snowman. You can
DIDEE & DIDOO: Embrace Winter Read More »
“The dark and the cold are conducive to creativity,” says Carly Woolner, one of the co-founders of Dawson’s (S)Hiver Arts Festival. Blair Douglas, the other
(S)hiver Me Timbers Read More »
“I found it ironic that in Toronto, I could play hockey year round” said Dowhal, but in Dawson “hockey season runs from December to March,”
What’s fake is real Read More »
Yukoners are adventurers of all sorts. A Dawson City non-profit organization has captured 14 babies on their exciting start into this adventure called life. Dawson
14 Months of Fun and Joy Read More »
Organizers for the Christmas Eve Pageant Photo Shoot were on edge as October 2 dawned. Would there be a lot of snow on the Bonanza
Christmas Eve Preparations in October Read More »
I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO ENGLAND BUT I’VE BEEN TO CARIBOU LOOKOUT. IHAVE NEVER BEEN TO FRANCE BUT I’VE BEEN TO RAMPART HOUSE. I HAVE
DIDEE & DIDOO: I’VE NEVER BEEN EVERYWHERE Read More »
The nomination package has been prepared under the watchful eye of a local advisory committee, including representation from Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, the City of Dawson, the
The Klondike Continues to Prepare for World Heritage Status Read More »
I STILL HAVE MY WINGS. I STILL HAVE MY TAIL. I STILL HAVE MY CLAWS. I STILL HAVE MY FINS. I STILL HAVE MY HORNS.
DIDEE & DIDOO: I’M STILL INTACT Read More »
I only had one night in Dawson City and I was hoping for a clear, cold night. I’d been dreaming for years of what it
About the same time as I was reading Elle Wild’s very entertaining mystery novel, Strange Things Done, I happened to watch a discussion between best
Dawson in a Fictional Sense Read More »
Living across the Yukon River from Dawson City in the communities of West Dawson or Sunnydale has its perks. You’re near town, but not in
As the River Slowly Freezes Read More »
I STILL HAVE MY WINGS. I STILL HAVE MY TAIL. I STILL HAVE MY CLAWS. I STILL HAVE MY FINS. I STILL HAVE MY HORNS.
Didee & Didoo: I’m Still Intact Read More »
My name is Destiny Clennett. I am 15-years-old and am Vuntut Gwich’in. I am working hard towards saving my culture and the connections my people
But the hottest gift for Dawson City babies is a handmade quilt. It’s been the most popular gift since 1980.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action task all sectors of Canadian society to make changes that will affect “the way things are
Just a week or so ago the newly published Atlas Obscura, subtitled, “An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders,” arrived on my desk sporting an
The Sourtoe celebrated as a “Hidden Wonder” of the World Read More »
When you think of comics, you may think of superheroes or lovable scruffy dogs. But Rebecca Roher says comics are not only pulpy and light.
Starting Conversations through Art with A Dawson City Scrapbook Read More »
It’s autumn and time for the thrift shop in Haines Junction to ramp up again for winter. Dozens and dozens of bags of used clothing
All Kinds of Bargains Read More »
In the mid-70s, Michael Reynolds, an American architect, was working very hard in a sand dune of New Mexico. Fed up with what he saw
Thinking Outside the Box in Carcross Read More »
YOU CAN NAME HIM LAZARUS OR YOU CAN NAME HER SARAH. YOU CAN NAME HIM ABRAHAM OR YOU CAN NAME HER JEMIMA. YOU CAN NAME
Didee & Didoo: Name Your Baby Read More »
The folk/roots duo Twin Peaks, comprised of Naomi Shore and Lindsay Pratt, opened Dawson’s Home Routes season on Sept. 26. The show in Dawson City
What is the Aurora Trail? Read More »
FIRST TIME I HAD A COACH. FIRST TIME I RAN ON A TRACK. FIRST TIME I HAD A FIRST AID SATION. FIRST TIME I HAD
Didee & Didoo: First Time Read More »
From the moment that Jacquelyn van Kampen stepped off the plane in Whitehorse, she felt that she had arrived in a magical place. Growing up
Have you always wanted to get on stage and strut your stuff? If so, then CFYT Talent Night is for you. Taking place on September
Though best known for his 15 collections of verse (a term he preferred to poetry in reference to his own work) Robert Service also wrote novels.
The Trail of 98 Shows Another Side of Robert W. Service Read More »
Anyone can make comics, and they are mass produced and traded for cheap. That’s the message Jonathan Rotsztain brought to Dawson City during his art
Comics are the People’s Medium Read More »
On Saturday, Sept. 24, patrons of Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall in Dawson City are in for a treat as Gertie and her gals put
On Gertie’s Closing Night, Expect the unexpected Read More »
Another successful year has ended for the local gallery in Haines Junction. For the last five years, the gallery has been housed in the basement
Hidden Treasure in Haines Junction Read More »
“Play ball!” These words will be ringing out in Dawson City this Labour Day weekend. From Sept. 2 to 5, teams from the Yukon, Northwest
Can We Beat Alaska This Year? Read More »
‘Tis the season where giant vegetables are being harvested from gardens and potentially prize-winning jams are being churned out for display in the hopes of
Seeds of Change invites locals and visitors to consider the implications of the concept of reconciliation. It’s the summer exhibit in the Gathering Room in
Seeds of Change Lead to Reconciliation Read More »
People run from using an outhouse. The KVA in Dawson City put that running to good use in the Great Klondike Outhouse Race.
The Great Klondike Outhouse Race Read More »
When Kyley Henderson was in elementary school her mother, Elaine, encouraged her to draw, and one year a drawing of hers was used in the Robert
A Colouring Book for Adults Read More »
Priska Wettstein’s love affair with photography began in 2008 when husband Paul presented her with a camera.
Priska Wettstein: A Love Affair with Photography Read More »
From beading to working with hide and hair, “Textile and fashion endeavours are followed by a huge number of locals,” says Heiko Hähnsen. He’s the
Hands-On Haute Couture in the Junction Read More »
Yukon artist Lawrie Crawford imagined a gallery, an airy space with high ceilings and big beautiful windows. She could picture Suzanne Paleczny’s sculpture of Icarus
A portal to the world Read More »
Today, Sid and I are on the hunt for an unusual piece in his collection. As we sift through antiques after antiques, we come across
Another new initiative has sprung up on the Carcross Commons. Near the totem pole stands an off-white canvas wall tent. Inside, it’s set up as
The Tagish Kwan Photo Parlour Read More »
YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF CARIBOU. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF MOOSE. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF MARTEN. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF SQUIRRELS. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF WOLVES.
Didee & Didoo: OLD CROW ZOO Read More »
The ladies rule Dawson City this weekend. First up, the Dawson City League of Lady Wrestlers presents the North End Knockout on Saturday, August 6.
The best cup of coffee I’ve ever had was at the table of Philippe and Leandra Brient in the log-hewn home they built themselves. Outside
Only woodfire for this ethical bean Read More »
Evelyn Koh wanted a reason to stay in Haines Junction. She worked for years in Whitehorse, at the college and for the Yukon government. She
Passion for Fashion Read More »
The ATCO technician was confused. Normally reading meters is the simple part of the job, but this one seemed to be running, well, backwards. Time
Powerful Incentives Read More »
WE DON’T KEEP TRACK OF TIME AN’ WE DON’T THINK IT’S A CRIME. OUR ALARM GOES ON AT EIGHT BUT WE LIKE TO BE LATE.
Didee & Didoo: INDIAN TIME Read More »
Once upon a time there were quite a few Jews in the Klondike. They arrived with the other gold rush stampeders. There were enough of
The History of Jews During the Gold Rush Read More »
There is something special about watching Special Olympics athletes compete. If you know people with an intellectual disability involved with the Special Olympics, then you
Especially Good Fun Read More »
“It’s a 1942 International,” Sid tells me as we are standing by a truck whose yellow paint is slowly chipping away with age. The truck’s
A Big Yellow Truck with a Past Read More »
KVA works with the Writers’ Trust of Canada, Parks Canada, and the Dawson Community Library to put on the Authors on Eighth Walking Tour.
I’M OVER THE HILL TO RUN UP THE HILL. I NEVER RAN IT BEFORE BUT I KNOW IT’S SORT. I’LL GIVE IT A TRY BUT
Didee & Didoo: Dome Run Read More »
The Dawson City Music Festival (DCMF) is a major draw. “One of the bands getting a lot of attention is called the Wet Secrets,”
Bringing Crowds to Dodge: 38th annual Dawson City Music Festival Read More »
I Snowshoed at… ANCHORAGE – IDITASHOE FT YUKON – ICE KING CLASSIC DAWSON – AWG SNOWSHOE TRIALS OLD CROW – EASTER CARNIVAL FT MCPHERSON –
Didee & Didoo: I SNOWSHOED AT… I FIDDLED AT… Read More »
Saturday in Dawson’s Waterfront Park means it’s time for a couple of markets to open for business. The Farmers’ Market has been running for many
Saturday is Market Time in the Klondike Read More »
When the hooligan are running, the rivers and harbour In Haines, Alaska host a fiesta of wildlife that congregate to feed on this little fish
A Family Tradition Read More »
REGGIE LEACH – NHL HOCKEY PLAYER. GEORGE CHUVALO – PROFESSIONAL BOXER. CHIEF PETER MOSES – BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL. PIERRE TRUDEAU – PRIME MINISTER. GEORGE ATTLA
Didee & Didoo: I SHOOK THEIR HANDS Read More »
Dawson City blooms in the summer. It’s a process that begins in some local commercial greenhouses and explodes after the horticultural booths at the Gold
The Strange Story of Mary Hanulik Garden Read More »
The Atlin Arts and Music Festival, music, visual arts, film and food, is about building community through music and art.
Atlin Arts and Music Festival: A Feast for the Senses Read More »
Looking through Sid’s antiquities I spot a familiar sight: stereoscopes. I had a pair of bright orange View Masters (a trademarked format of stereoscope) when
Stereoscopic Views Read More »
Didee & Didoo by Allen Benjamin: At Old Crow WE DON’T HAVE TRAFFIC LIGHTS. WE DON’T HAVE ELEVATORS. WE DON’T HAVE BRIDGES. WE DON’T HAVE
Didee & Didoo: AT OLD CROW Read More »
Panning for gold the old-fashioned way is an art and a science, though you don’t have to be an expert in either to take part
Gold Fever is Alive and Well Read More »
Jack London’s The Call of the Wild is not a particularly long book. A mere 70 pages, perhaps a few more in a version with
The Joys of Reading Aloud Read More »
Mayo Arts Festival offers a unique way to celebrate Canada’s birthday with artists, workshops and musicians from the Stewart River Valley
A Canada Day Celebration Worth Driving To Read More »
I CAN SLEEP. I’M NOT NERVOUS. I CAN BREATHE. I CAN TALK. I DON’T CHOKE. MY HEART BEATS NORMAL. I’M NOT STIFF. I CAN KEEP
Didee & Didoo: After A Race Read More »
The Teslin Arena is going to be rocking on June 25. Canadian country acts Aaron Pritchett, Cory Marquardt and Roger Gabriel are coming to town
A Big Night in a Small Town Read More »
My shakedown cruise for our trailer has come to be my annual pilgrimage to the town of Skagway to attend the North Words Writers’ Symposium,
Chasing Stories in Skagway Read More »
“They were popular back in the 1960s,” Sid tells me as we stand in one of his many garages. Built attached to his house, his old
Next Thursday up to 300 motorcyclists will descend on Dawson City for the 29th gathering of Dust 2 Dawson Motorcycle Ride. Dick Van Nostrand, a
On Saturday May 14th, under sunny skies, hundreds of spectators celebrated the Grand Opening of the Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage Centre and Bald Eagle Preserve
I CAN’T SLEEP. I SHAKE. I’M NERVOUS. I CAN’T BREATHE. I CAN’T TALK. I ALMOST CHOKE. MY HEART BEATS FAST. I GET STIFF. I CAN’T
Didee & Didoo: BEFORE A RACE Read More »
Dawson City runners have been pleased to participate in the Mayo Marathon. This year there is a Dempster to Dawson (or D2DC) Solstice Race.
A Little or a Lot, Get Ready to Run Read More »
in 1996, the Mount Lorne fire hall opened it’s doors with a 1977 Ford cabover truck with an 800-gallon tank and a 125 horsepower pump
Looking after each other Read More »
Ever wanted to toss a log or throw a 20-pound rock? Top of the World Highland Games and Celtic Festival in Dawson City is for you.
On Top of the World at the Top of the World Read More »
THEY WALK ON TWO FEET. THEY DON’T HAVE TAILS. THEY DON’T BARK. THEY DON’T PANT. THEY DON’T HAVE FUR. THEY DON’T HAVE HORNS. THEY DON’T
Didee & Didoo: WHAT ANIMALS THINK OF US Read More »
Dawson City – get ready for yoga with Sabu Chaitanya. He’s on his way to instruct a full one-month intensive in the Klondike. The course
Yoga Through the Summer Read More »
It’s a gathering where you may sip the tingly bitterness of a pale ale, sample salty snacks from the “bacon booth” and lock eyes magically
Oh, Beer. Maybe Next Year? Read More »
One of the stops along Dawson’s 8th Avenue Writers’ Block is Jack London Square, home of a part of Jack London’s Klondike cabin and the
Celebrating Jack London’s Legacy Read More »
THEY WORK OVERTIME TO COMMIT CRIME. THEIR MANNERS THEY DON’T USE AN’ THEY LIKE TO ABUSE. THEY LIKE TO ROB AN’ THAT’S THEIR JOB. THEY
Didee & Didoo: NOT GUILTY Read More »
Sid van der Meer hustles about Beaver Creek’s Visitor Information Centre preparing his workplace for the 2016 tourism season. With new Yukon tourism commercials airing
Propeller Invention Read More »
There are three major changes that can be seen in the organization of the 30th edition of the Dawson City International Gold Show, which will
Gearing up for the 30th Gold Show Read More »
“Ten years we’ve been doing this and we never quite know what’s going to happen each time.” Nijen Holland (usually just known as Nijen) was
Music for Fun and a Good Cause Read More »
SERIOUS TRAINING I’M A VUNTUT GWICHIN ATHLETE AND I ALWAYS COMPETE. I’LL RUN WHEN IT’S SNOWING OR RAINING BECAUSE I’M IN SERIOUS TRAINING. I DON’T
Didee & Didoo: SERIOUS TRAINING Read More »
Twenty years ago the late Madeleine Gould’s lengthy quest (1987-1996) to join the Yukon Order of Pioneers ended with a Supreme Court of Canada decision.
Twenty Years of Pioneer Women Celebrated at the Hospital Read More »
This is an awkward time of year for fishing. Each day, as the amount of daylight lengthens, we grow impatient to be back outside, with
“It felt like home” is what Sophia Flather says of the first summer she lived in Old Crow. While working as a summer student there
Sometimes it seems like maybe they might not come. Then you hear them: the faint, high-pitched croaking, growing louder and louder. Then the sky fills
Nothing, Nothing, Nothing… Then Honks Galore! Read More »
First Friday is an opportunity to experience art, and speak with local artists, and enjoy the downtown in a social setting.
Art Nights in Alaska Read More »
The KVA spends money marketing Dawson City as a tourism destination, an effort that benefits the entire Yukon.
The role of the KVA in the Klondike Read More »
The streets of Dawson vary in size, height, width and smoothness with the seasons. In spite of snowfall and the need to plough them, they
Taking it to the Streets Read More »
I’ve been enjoying a couple of relatively new books about the work of the latecTed Harrison. They are Ted Harrison Collected (Douglas & McIntyre) and
Dawson and the Harrison Effect Read More »
A new exhibition has opened at the ODD Gallery in Dawson City. Ommatida Muralis, which runs until April 16, is a new interactive installation by
Technology Meets Art Read More »
DIDOO COULDN’T WRITE OR READ SO THESE THINGS SHE DIDN’T NEED. DIDOO NEVER HAD A MEASURING CUP. DIDOO NEVER HAD MEASURING SPOONS. DIDOO NEVER HAD
Didee & Didoo: DIDOO NEVER HAD THESE THINGS Read More »
Why is Robert Service so much better known here than Jack London? This question comes from Wolfgang Robert Greiner, one of five German journalists I
Germans love Jack London Read More »
Anna Claxton and the rest of the Percy DeWolfe Race Committee were hugely relieved to be able to announce that the “really hard working, amazing,
It’s 40 years of mushing on the Percy DeWolfe Trail Read More »
YOUR TEAM IS NEVER IN THE LEAD ‘CAUSE THEY DON’T HAVE THE SPEED. THEY’RE ALWAYS LAST ‘CAUSE THEY’RE NOT FAST. YOU’RE THE LAST TO THE
Didee & Didoo: RED LANTERN Read More »
On Easter weekend the ballroom of the Oddfellows Hall will be filled with hundreds of short film fans celebrating the 17th edition of the Dawson
Year 17 sees an abundance of Yukon Films at the Festival Read More »
With late February temperatures maxing out at +4 in Dawson, it’s hard to say just what this year’s Thaw di Gras, Spring Carnival will be
Announcing Yukon’s Unofficial Other March Long Weekend Read More »
DON’T SHOOT CARIBOU AND MOOSE WHEN THEY’RE RUTTING. THREE RIFLE SHOTS MEANS “DISTRESS.” CHECK ICE THICKNESS BEFORE CROSSING. WEAR SUNGLASSES IN THE SPRING TIME. STAY
Didee & Didoo: STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW Read More »
This week shaped up to be a culturally ambitious one in Dawson City. The centerpiece of the week has been the Myth and Medium conference
Myth and Medium Focuses on Stories and Performance Read More »
FIDDLES COST TOO MUCH THEY WOULDN’T LET ME TOUCH. SO WHEN I WAS LITTLE I MADE MY OWN FIDDLE. IT SOUNDED LIKE A LOON BUT
Didee & Didoo: I MADE A FIDDLE Read More »
The most recent exhibition at Dawson’s ODD Gallery is nothing if not seasonal for its subject is the northern lights, also called aurora borealis, the
Examining the Quest to Understand the Aurora Borealis Read More »
photos from Old Crow, Yukon Territory, and Inuvik, Northwest Territories from youth workshops held by BYTE
Showing Torontonians What’s Happening in Old Crow Read More »
It’s not that there haven’t been warm winter spells at various times in Dawson, but this winter seems to be one for the books.
Of Heater Plugs and Roof Clearances Read More »
You don’t have to be a real old timer to play Oldtimers Hockey in Dawson City. Anyone from 35 years and up can play on
Never Too Young To Be An Old Timer Read More »
There are six bookcases in my study, and two of those are arranged so that I can shelve paperbacks on both sides of them. On
The (Book) Case for Real Books Read More »
You can’t beat the price: $35 for a bed, $80-$95 for the private couple/family room or $25 for a place to pitch your tent, including
A Place to Wander… and A Place to Stay Read More »
Not just gold glitters in the Klondike. For Dawson City single-mother & entrepreneur, the pasties she makes sparkle too.
Dawson Entrepreneur Finds her own Klondike Gold Read More »
THERE’S ALL KINDS OF FORTS. THERE’S FORT YUKON, ALASKA. THERE’S FORT MCPHERSON, NWT. THERE’S FORT SELKIRK, YUKON. THERE’S FORT GOOD HOPE, NWT. THERE’S FORT PROVIDENCE,
Didee & Didoo: THERE’S ALL KINDS OF FORTS Read More »
Dawson is switching to LED (Light Emitting Diode) streetlights, swapping out the older HPS (high pressure sodium) for the newer, more eco-friendly, longer lasting lights.
Where will the ravens warm their toes? Read More »
Blair Douglas and Carly Woolner are hoping you’ll join them outside to have some fun this weekend. They are organizing the second annual edition of
Art Crawl Dawson Style Read More »
WHEN I MENTION MY GYM IT DOESN’T HAVE A BASKETBALL RIM. MY GYM IS THE GREAT OUTDOORS I SHARE IT WITH ANIMALS ON ALL FOURS.
Didee & Didoo: MY GYM Read More »
I was very pleased to read recently that the L.A. Times reported 571 million print books were sold in 2015, 17 million more than in
So much for the death of the printed book Read More »
THEY MAKE A BALL ROUND AN’ THEY THROW IT AROUND. WHEN THEY PLAY FOR THE GREY CUP THEY KICK THE BALL WAY UP. THE BALL
Didee & Didoo: I’M LIKE A BALL Read More »
THEY EAT WILLOW LEAVES IN THE AUTUMN AN’ ONLY RABBIT EATS AT THE BOTTOM. MOOSE AND RABBIT MADE A DEAL SO THAT THEY’LL BOTH HAVE
Didee & Didoo: MOOSE AND RABBIT Read More »
Last month Jesse Cooke was the recipient of the Parks Canada Youth Tourism Entrepreneur Award, at a ceremony held in Ottawa on Dec. 2. Cooke
Winning Awards with Husky Bus Read More »
Rumour has it the 2015 lineup is the Kluane Bluegrass Music Festival’s best yet. No shortage of interest in headlining 2 decades in.
Making Plans for the Midnight Sun Read More »
Christmas is a time of gatherings with family and friends. But what if you find yourself alone at that time of year? Well, if you’re
Christmas in Dawson Read More »
I HAVE NEVER SEEN A HORSE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A VULTURE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A ZEBRA. I HAVE NEVER SEEN AN ELEPHANT. I
Didee & Didoo: WHEN I GO HUNTING Read More »
We have reached that point in the season where we don’t get a lot of direct sunlight in Dawson City’s historic townsite. Those who live
Dawson Lights up for Christmas Read More »
Last Friday I returned from a run to find The Frenchman shovelling snow. The end result is like an iced cake: smooth, precise and clean.
Reflections on Harsh Times Read More »
WILLOW MAN IS HIS NAME AN’ HIS ARROW HE LIKES TO AIM. HE’S AS STRONG AS A BEAR AN’ HE HUNTS WITH A SPEAR. WILLOW
Didee & Didoo: WILLOW MAN Read More »
The Dawson Food Bank and the Dawson Women’s Shelter are busy organizing their annual Holiday Hamper Program and Food Drive. It’s designed to assist individuals
Feeding the Hungry is a Vital Community Service Read More »
I CALL THOSE MY AUNTIE HE AN’ HE CALL THOSE UNCLE SHE. THOSE AUNTIE HE’S NOT THAT NEW AND SNUFF HE ALWAYS CHEW. I THINK
Didee & Didoo: THOSE MY AUNTIE Read More »
I’m happy to record that, except for the arrival of the Sears Wish Book at North 60 Petro Express, everything else related to Christmas here
Brightening Up Even the Darkest Nights Read More »
I’m not sure where the second week of freeze up has gone. After the protracted nature of my preparations, the flurry of activity upon arrival,
In the past two years the herd of Porcupine Caribou in Old Crow herd has gradually changed its natural migration route.
Berry Picking in Old Crow Read More »
THEY WENT FOR A SHORT RIDE BUT LUCKILY NO ONE DIED. IN THE WATER THEY MADE A SPLASH WHEN THE HELICOPTER MADE A CRASH. THE
Didee & Didoo: HELICOPTER CRASH Read More »
November 7 turned out to be an incredibly busy evening for anyone involved in community events in Dawson. There was the closing banquet for the
Good Music for Good Causes Read More »
The ice is coming down in a rush this year. While there was not a sign of the stuff in the river on the day
Jewels on the Water Read More »
I jumped at the prospect of adventure and isolation in the little off-grid community while it waits for the Yukon River to freeze
Freeze Up: A First Timer’s Experience on the Other Side of the River Read More »
I CAN STILL SNOWSHOE. I CAN STILL RUN. I CAN STILL BIKE. I CAN STILL CANOE. I CAN STILL MUSH DOGS. I CAN STILL SKI.
Didee & Didoo: I CAN’T KEEP STILL Read More »
Mark Zuehlke was a writer-in-residence at Berton House in 2003. At the time he had just finished several books on the history of the Canadian
Marching in remembrance of things past Read More »
In the past two years the herd of Porcupine Caribou in Old Crow herd has gradually changed its natural migration route.
Harvesting Porcupine Caribou Near Old Crow Read More »
THEIR BACKS ARE BENT AN’ THEY STAY IN A TENT. THEY DON’T READ OR WRITE AN’ THEY USE CANDLE AT NIGHT. DIDOO WEAR LONG SKIRT
Didee & Didoo: DIDOO AN’ POOR DIDEE Read More »
At a recent municipal candidates’ forum it was suggested that one of the solutions to Dawson’s perennial winter housing problem would be to arrange to
Winter: We Shutter to Feel it Coming Read More »
Claude Turcotte was the father of my two younger kids, Josh and Sophie Turcotte, also Dad to then-toddlers Geordie MacInnis and Lee Robitaille. He was
I looked out our window in Old Crow Halloween Day, 2014. It was -10ºC outside. Trees were shaking as the wind howled making it much colder.
An Old Crow Halloween Read More »
Wherever your travels take you, there is bound to be a place that has a ghost living in the shadows. England has the ghastly Tower
BECAUSE I KNOW HOW TO SNOWSHOE. BECAUSE I KNOW HOW TO CANOE. BECAUSE I KNOW HOW TO HUNT. BECAUSE I KNOW HOW TO FISH. BECAUSE
Didee & Didoo: I’M RUNNING FOR PRIME MINISTER Read More »
Those who think that the Klondike is just a sleepy little place in winter between the tourists and the Yukon Quest would be mistaken.
What to Do in Dawson in the Winter Read More »
THEY’RE HAVING A STRONG MEETING. LIBERAL IS STRONG GOVERNMENT. AMERICAN SIDE MAKE STRONG LAW. SANTA CLAUS GIVE ME STRONG PRESENT. OLD CHIEF GOT STRONG NAME.
Didee & Didoo: Strong Poem Read More »
Students in rural schools can miss out on a number of things in terms of course offerings and opportunities. There are specialty programs in the
Bringing Variety to the Rural School Experience Read More »
They didn’t know the Caribou Hotel in Carcross was haunted when they bought it. “We’re pretty aware of it now, though,”
Mrs. Gideon’s Ghost Read More »
I don’t have paws. I don’t have a tail. I don’t have horns. I don’t have hoofs. I don’t have feathers. I don’t have fins.
Didee & Didoo: I Wish I Had Wings Read More »
I promised to tell a little bit of the story of the Klondike Sun’s near death experience if the editors here said it was okay.
Trying to keep the Sun Shining Read More »
YOU CAN STILL USE YOUR WHEELBARROW. YOU CAN STILL USE YOUR AXE. YOU CAN STILL USE YOUR HANDSAW. YOU CAN STILL SEE WITH YOUR CANDLE.
Didee & Didoo: POWER OUTAGE Read More »
“I don’t really believe in that stuff,” a coworker says, when I ask if he’s ever had his tarot read. A year ago I might
Building Intuition Read More »
Conquering exotic culinary worlds is exhilarating, but the dispiriting lack of some foods can make home feel very far away, indeed. For some people, a
GOOD SAMARITANS ALWAYS CARE AND THEY ALWAYS LIKE TO SHARE. THEY WORK FOR GOD ABOVE GIVING IS HOW THEY SHOW THEIR LOVE. THEY’LL GIVE YOU
Didee & Didoo: Good Samaritan Read More »
I ALWAYS SIT AND THINK AND I WRITE IT IN INK. I ALWAYS THINK LOTS AN’ I WRITE DOWN MY THOTS. MY IDEAS GET BIGGER
Didee & Didoo: Thinking Read More »
I have written a number of columns about Dawson’s habit of recycling building for other purposes. The Old Territorial Courthouse, which has to be passed
Bringing New Life into Old Buildings Read More »
BUT I KNOW HOW TO TRAP BUT I KNOW HOW TO HUNT BUT I KNOW HOW TO FISH BUT I KNOW HOW TO PADDLE BUT
Didee & Didoo: I NEVER HAD A DIDEE Read More »
Atlin Mountain might have lost some of its white stripes, but Atlin itself is still as much fun as ever – all inhabitants 100 percent
Exploring Atlin and the nearby volcanic field Read More »
’When I mention my gym, it doesn’t have a basketball rim. My gym is the great outdoors, I share it with animals on all fours.
Didee & Didoo: My Gym Read More »
Each year during the Riverside Arts Festival, the ODD Gallery sponsors a paired set of exhibitions called The Natural and the Manufactured, each dealing with
Revisiting the Klondike Big Inch Read More »
Call me a skeptic, a cynic, I don’t care. Heck, go the distance and call me a heretic, if you wish. Truth is, I don’t
Sid van der Meer’s stories as dictated to his granddaughter Teresa. The tree leaves are rapidly changing and the temperature is beginning to drop. Autumn
I ALWAYS SEEM TO FIND MRS. WRONG AND OUR LOVE DON’T LAST TOO LONG. THEY ALWAYS GIVE ME A SHOVE AND I CAN’T FIND TRUE
Didee & Didoo: Mrs. Wrong Read More »
“Welcome to paradise,” Kevin Jack says. Thus begins my tour of a property that edges onto the swampy back of Marsh Lake. An old gold
During my daily walks with the dogs in the woods between Porter Creek and the college, I can’t help noticing long straight corridors cut through
When I Go For My Walks I Wear Out My Socks. I Wear Out My Soles And My Shoes Has Holes. I Always Walk With
Didee & Didoo: WALKS Read More »
Dawson City has a new park. Located between the Dawson Plaza (where the CIBC is) and the Husky Bus HQ (the former Hair We Are
A new park says Thanks to Klondike volunteers Read More »
The airport in Beaver Creek, Yukon is small and if you don’t know what you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you will miss it.
An old wooden mantelpiece helps tell the story of the Northwest Staging Route Read More »
The 4th Dawson Daily News Print & Publishing Symposium, part of the annual Yukon Riverside Arts Festival, is taking a walk on the wild side.
DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED CUPS? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED HATS? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED PENCILS? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED PADDLES? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED AXES?
Didee & Didoo: Left-Handed Read More »
In 1976 I was a young teacher just starting out in Beaver Creek, fresh from Nova Scotia and learning about the North. Regular stories about
When local voices made a difference Read More »
Front Street is lined with vehicles and shoppers from late morning to midafternoon each Saturday during the summer, even on days when there’s a smoky
Saturday at the Front Street Markets Read More »
DOGS KNOW WHEN YOU’RE HURT AN’ THEY KNOW HOW TO COMFORT. DOGGIES ARE SO SMART AN’ THEY’LL HEAL YOUR HEART. THEY CAN READ YOUR MIND
Didee & Didoo: SMARTEST ANIMAL Read More »
Sid van der Meer’s Bordertown Garage & Museum is composed up of numerous themed rooms. One room is themed as an old general store and
The Slocan Ramblers often get asked how it happens that four lads who live in Toronto came to be interested in bluegrass music. Bass player
Rambling North for the Dawson City Music Festival Read More »
“Someone should make a list of all the houses that have been moved around in Dawson, showing where they used to be and where they
Moving Day on Eighth Avenue Read More »
HARD TIMES ARE COMING AND THERE WILL BE BUMMING. TIMES WILL BE TOUGH AND THERE WON’T BE ENOUGH. ON THE LAND WE HAVE TO SURVIVE
Didee & Didoo: Depression Read More »
Today, Sid sits outside the Beaver Creek Visitor Information Centre basking in the warm summer sun. As he waits for visitors to arrive, he admires
I’VE HEARD THEM ALL SOME ARE PRETTY TALL. SOME ARE AS TALL AS A GIRAFFE AND THEY’LL MAKE YOU LAUGH. THEIR STORIES ARE SO FUNNY
Didee & Didoo: HARD LUCK STORIES Read More »
Carcross has always been known for hiking. Lately, with Montana Mountain right next door, it has become a favoured destination for biking, too. Now, word
Carcross: Hiking, biking and … Kiteboarding Read More »
It’s 5:00 and I’m sitting at the table in my summer office which, whenever possible, is our veranda. Seven blocks west and about two north
Twice A Day the Whistle Blows Read More »
WHEN I SEE A SWAN I KNOW WINTER IS GONE. WHEN I SEE A BEAR I KNOW SPING IS HERE. THERE IS NO MORE SNOW
Didee & Didoo: Surviving Spring Read More »
On any Wednesday evening, at any time during the year, most residents in the core historic zone of Dawson City can hear the sound of
The Fire Siren is Good News Read More »
I call Faro the Pleasantville of the Yukon. Unusual thermals (cranes swirl miles above town) & rock formations to make geologists drool.
This year is the 20th anniversary of the Mayo Midnight Marathon, hosted by the town’s Fly-by-Night Running Club. And potentially, it’s the end of the
The Mayo Marathon is our British Empire Read More »
On the whole, there are two positive things about this year’s edition of NorthwesTel’s Northern British Columbia and Yukon Directory. The first is that the
When your Fingers Stumble Through the Pages Read More »
THEY DIDN’T EXPECT HIM TO WIN FIRST PRIZE BUT THEY WERE IN FOR A SURPRISE. HE CAME FOR THE BIG DOG RACE HE WASN’T EXPECTED
Didee & Didoo: Peter Norberg Read More »
Parked in front of Sid’s museum in Beaver Creek, Yukon sits a 1928 Ford Model A. “I bought it at a swap meet in Lethbridge
WINTER IS FINALLY GONE IT’S GREAT TO SEE A SWAN. IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN WE’LL SEE A BEAR. IT’S NICE TO SEE
Didee & Didoo: Caribou Days Read More »
June 17 – 21 2015: Dawson City Midnight Sun Camera Obscura Festival. This is the follow up to last year’s Dawson City Solstice Symposium
When the Darkness Bleeds Daylight Read More »
SOME PEOPLE ARE QUIET AN’ THEY WON’T CAUSE A RIOT. THEY JUST LIKE TO BE ALONE AN’ THEY DON’T LIKE A PHONE. QUIET PEOPLE ARE
Didee & Didoo: QUIET PEOPLE Read More »
In just a few days we’ll be loading our little Toyota Yaris onto a freight truck and shipping it to Whitehorse to have a new
Explaining Travel Realities to People Outside Read More »
They come for a pee, a snack, and a knick-knack. After spending 45 minutes in the first Canadian community that many will ever experience, cruise
I WORK AT THE OLD CROW AIRPORT AND I GIVE A WEATHER REPORT. I LOVE WHERE I WORK AN’ I TALK TO THE PILOT OF
Didee & Didoo: I LOVE WHERE I WORK Read More »
By the time you read this I’ll be “Exploring the Frontiers of Language” in Skagway, attending this year’s edition of the North Words Writers Symposium.
Off to Skagway to Explore Language Read More »
About 11:00 p.m. I finally got a glimpse of McClure when our trail passed near the deep ravine the river made. I had been vainly
Welcome to the first of four articles on beginner bike touring around the Yukon. I’ll share a rundown of trips and some tips, as well
Biking Whitehorse to Haines Junction Read More »
WE WENT IN THE BUSH TO FIRE FIGHT BUT THERE WAS NO FOOD TO BITE. BUNCH OF US WERE ON A FIRE CREW BUT WE
Didee & Didoo: Forgot the Grub Read More »
Breaking up is no laughing matter. But the Break-Up Comedy Festival, taking place in Dawson City on May 16, definitely is. The idea for the
The Break-Up Comedy Festival Read More »
The Zhange Danxia landform in Gansu, China; The Great Blue Hole in Belize; Tulip Fields in the Netherlands; Mount Roraima in Venezuela, Brazil, and Guana,
Exploring the Bittersweet Beauty of the Juneau Ice Cave Read More »
Klondikers pride ourselves on not needing to lock our doors every time we leave our houses. But sometimes we should, as events this week proved.
Facebook Posse Finds Stolen Trailer Read More »
ALL THE LADIES WORE HANKERCHIEFS. EVERYONE HAD HIGH CACHES. ALL THE ELDERS SMOKED PIPES. EVERYONE USED DOGTEAMS. WE MADE OUR OWN TOYS. EVERYONE HAD BIBLE
Didee & Didoo: When I was a Kid Read More »
No matter how often you visit Sid van der Meer’s Bordertown Garage and Museum in Beaver Creek, there is always more to see. Many people
Tiss Clark, a local artist and music teacher, is the organizer of the Community Jigging Square Dance Project in Dawson City. She decided to start
Dawson’s Community Dance Read More »
The Yukon Government (YG) finally decided to sign on in a substantive way to the push for UNESCO World Heritage Status for the site designated
World Heritage Planning Gets a Big Boost Read More »
YOU Moses can buy a gaslamp an’ everything for his camp. Neil can buy muskrat traps and old time caps. Eliza can buy pots an’
Didee & Didoo: Trading Post Read More »
Dawson has entered that phase of spring I call Puddletime. City workers have been trying to keep up by opening storm drains. The rapidly accumulating
Dawson Moves Into Puddletime Read More »
The sun is back and the days are warmer, except in the late evenings. People of Old Crow used to be excited about going to Crow
In the April 8 edition of the Klondike Sun I put a little note inside the Sun graphic, in the banner. We always do this,
The Ice Bridge Decay is a Sure Sign of Spring Read More »
Neil McDonald (Interpreter). Eliza Ben Kassi (Sharing). Rev. Joe Kay (God). Myra Kay (Sharing). Peter Charlie (Discipline). Mary Charlie (Discipline). Charlie P. Charlie (Music). Ellen
Didee & Didoo: The Never Drank Read More »
On March 8, 2015, a team of 18 Northern Tutchone elders and heritage staff from the Nacho Nyak Dun, Selkirk, and Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nations
Connecting to the past, to guide the future Read More »
Sid van der Meer recently travelled from the gold rush fields of Arizona back to Canada’s most westerly community — Beaver Creek, Yukon. Sid has
When I was with didoo she made me happy. When I was with didoo she made me wise. When I was with didoo she made
Didee & Didoo: When I Was With Didoo Read More »
Diamond Tooth Gerties is an iconic Dawson building. It’s the cash cow that finances most of the operations of the Klondike Visitors Association. As of
Gerties is now a Municipal Heritage Site Read More »
Even if you’re famous. Even if you’re rich. Even if you’re healthy. Even if you’re educated. Even if you’re strong. Even if you’re lucky. Even
You’re Still Gonna Die Read More »
I have been in the wilderness of the Mackenzie Mountains for six weeks, and have decided to begin a diary. It’s maybe not the right
Gwichin lived a nomadic life using stone axe an’ bone knife. They lived in caribou skin tents an’ Gwichins made caribou fence. In winter they
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Vuntut Gwinchins” Read More »
I think I looked pale an’ I almost kicked the pail. I was feeling worse so I went to see the nurse. She hooked me
Didee & Didoo: Poem “I Almost Kicked the Pail” Read More »
My tickle is broken! Draw your name! Look at the fish tracks! Are you going to Whitehorse yesterday? Push on the rope! My ski doo
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Doesn’t Make Sense” Read More »
Dawson City has a fondness for parades. Canada Day and Discovery Day are the annual events with the longest history, but there have been Pride
Dragon in the New Year, Chinese Style Read More »
They’ll hand you a paper An’ a pencil with a taper. If you mark the wrong place You’re allowed to erase. If you really think
Didee & Didoo: Poem “Test” Read More »
WHEN YOU START TO COUGH YOU’LL TAKE THE DAY OFF. YOU WILL FEEL SORE AN’ YOU WILL LOOK POOR. YOU’LL HAVE A SORE CHEST AN’
Didee & Didoo: Poem “Flu Season” Read More »
I recently listened to a court debate concerning the streets connected to 2nd Avenue in the north end of town, and which turn you would
Getting Around in Dawson Read More »
They don’t care how we feel cannibals just want a free meal. They like our delicious flesh an’ cannibals like us fresh. They don’t care
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cannibals” Read More »
The Yukon Supreme Court returned to the Old Territorial Administration Building (OTAB in local slang) late in January. It will continue to occupy space there
Court Comes to the OTAB Read More »
Even if I’m sore I’ll still push on. When I feel poor I always push on. When I’m lonely I just push on. If I
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I Have to Push On” Read More »
We don’t have a store so we’re really poor. We can’t even shop ‘cause they came to a stop. We could even die because we can’t
Didee & Didoo: No Store Read More »
November and most of December were mild in the Klondike this winter. Wondrously, it only took two-and-a-half days to warm up St. Paul’s Anglican Church enough
St. Paul’s Tries To Get Warmer Read More »
She still love me but then there’s three. She has a pair she likes to share. She can choose an’ one will lose. She’s not
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Love Triangle” Read More »
I Have Everything The northern lights are my TV. An eagle is my kite. Calm water is my mirror. The North Star is my compass.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I Have Everything” Read More »
I’ve been the opening act at the last two monthly coffee houses. We meet on the first Saturday of every month in the Odd Fellows
Music for the community Read More »
Didee & Didoo: Nomadic Life They followed the caribou herds an’ they hunted migratory birds. Gwichins moved all over the place or hunger they would
Didee & Didoo: Poem: “Nomadic Life” Read More »
I think about Didoo When I’m hungry I think about Didoo. When I’m alone I think about Didoo. When I’m broke I think about Didoo.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I think about Didoo” Read More »
The summer of 2015 will see the Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival, which went on temporary hiatus last year, returning to Haines Junction.
Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival returns to the Junction Read More »
Clancy the Cat didn’t show a lot of interest when I dropped in to the Humane Society Dawson (HSD) shelter to visit him a couple
When the cat came back Read More »
SO MUCH TO DO Little old ladies are sweet an’ they have little feet. They pretend to be mad but they’re always glad. Their English
Didee & Didoo – Poem “So Much To Do” Read More »
As a former English teacher, long time library patron, book reviewer, informal Berton House liaison, and editor of The Klondike Sun, it often falls to
Turning Her Life Into Stories Read More »
Walks When I go for my walks I wear out my socks. I wear out my soles and my shoes has holes. I always walk
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Walks” Read More »
Sitting at a fish hole in the dark on the Porcupine River, in the Yukon at Old Crow in the fall, is not unusual. Excitement
Fish on Porcupine River Read More »
I understand him getting nostalgic about the slides and equipment. He still has the cast after he broke his arm there in elementary school.
Change is Always Challenging Read More »
In Heaven We will never die an’ we’ll never cry. We’ll never be sad an’ nobody gets mad. There is no grief an’ there is
Didee & Didoo – Poem “In Heaven” Read More »
I had to do my first major snow clearance of the season on Hallowe’en. It wasn’t bad — took about half an hour. The snow
A Tale of Two Boxes Read More »
Playing With Words My honey likes honey. That fly can’t fly. An ant bit my aunt. my son likes the sun. Don’t swallow that swallow.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Playing With Words” Read More »
I’ve been listening to a lot of cassette tapes lately. You remember those things; they appeared between vinyl records (making a comeback) and CDs (fading
Listening to the Music Read More »
You are wise if you improvise. You have knowledge not learned in college. You make plans using your hands. You use tools not following rules.
Didee & Didoo: Poem “Improvise” Read More »
Sid van der Meer has lived in Beaver Creek, Yukon since 1997. He’s made a comfortable home for himself, and a charming museum for friends
Sid van der Meer is an antiquarian and a storyteller; he has many wild yarns to share with his family, friends, and visitors who come
With the new market’s worldly selection of food in Watson Lake , you might be apprehensive to buy something. The market looks very simple and
Good Things Come In Small Packages Read More »
Our house got turned upside down last Saturday. All the furniture in the living room was shifted , and a big table for sorting costumes
Christmas Eve Preparations Before Halloween? Read More »
Uncle Don Uncle Don was born at Bluefish and he always hunt and fish. Uncle Don is my mom’s brother an’ Clara Frost is his
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Uncle Don” Read More »
On a cool Monday evening at the Old Crow Community Hall, up-and-coming country musicians Carli and Julie Kennedy played the last show of their first
Carli and Julie’s Yukon Adventure Read More »
This year wood was cut in March. Joseph does janitorial work at Chief Zzheh Gittlit School; this year he had two weeks off. As a
Rafting Down the Porcupine River Read More »
There is an exciting new project underway near Dawson City. On September 19, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in (TH) and
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Yukon College Join Forces Read More »
Our little apartment in Old Crow is in full Halloween mode; my mom mailed up decorations, and our crib is sporting the spooky colours, orange
It’s All About the Candy Read More »
Thin Ice When you are on thin ice you have to think twice. If you make one mistake you can fall in the lake. If
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Thin Ice” Read More »
If you’re in your mid-thirties like I am, you may remember watching one of your parents playing Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo. Back the
Up Up, Down Down, Left Right, B A B A, Start Read More »
Busy Beaver They work nonstop but they don’t chop. They don’t use a saw they use their jaw. A busy beaver doesn’t use a cleaver.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Busy Beaver” Read More »
On the day I am writing this, Whitehorse and Haines Junction are inches deep in their first winter snow and Dawson, while chilly and damp,
Where Have All The Colours Gone? Read More »
There’s a peaceful little town on the banks of the river where the wolf an’ caribou roan That’s where she calls her home. In summer
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Gwichin Princess” Read More »
Waking up to a layer of snow on the ground, Sid van der Meer ventures out to his museum. He is getting ready for winter
Depression Hard times are coming an’ there will be bumming. Times will be tough an’ there won’t be enough. On the land we have to
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Depression” Read More »
The beginning of September brings snow to Beaver Creek, home of Sid van der Meer’s Bordertown Garage & Museum. On a chilly September morning, van
The other day I let my daughter Emily watch Tim Burtons’ The Nightmare Before Christmas for the first time. She has developed a keen interest
Serendipity Happens? Read More »
The facetious title of this article, which dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, is a metaphor for trying out an idea to see who
Let’s Run It Up The Flagpole And See Whom Salutes Read More »
The Klondike Outhouse Race was inspired by chatter in a bar. “the barnstorming biffies charge through Dawson like a dose of castor oil.”
The Glory Days of Outhouse Races Past Read More »
This year was Beaver Creek Library’s first year participating in the TD Summer Reading Club (SRC). The summer reading program is a joint initiative by TD
The Joys of Reading in Beaver Creek Read More »
Residents of Watson Lake can now throw strikes and spares in style. The bowling alley at the Morgan Chaddock Recreation Centre is now computerized, which
Watson Lake Has a New Bowling Alley Read More »
This week, van der Meer tells the story of his collection of White Pass and stagecoach foot warmers. As the winter months are fast approaching,
Anyone who reads What’s up Yukon regularly will have come across the comic strip, Didee & Didoo. The comic was created by Old Crow resident,
Allan Benjamin and the origins of Didee & Didoo Read More »
We had fireworks just the other night. No one I’ve spoken with seems to know exactly who set them off down by the river. There
Things that Go Bang in the Night Read More »
My son Edward Kyikavichick is handicapped. Since birth, he lived in Whitehorse in a foster home for many years. This allowed us, his parents, to
Living in Old Crow is not for everybody, but it does have its advantages. It’s a quiet town with good people where you can enjoy
Jay vs. the Terrible Twos Read More »
Some people are just not content to watch the river flow.They have to get in it and, as Ratty said to Mole in The Wind
Not Content with Watching the River Flow Read More »
When Kaska master carver Dennis Shorty talks about his art, the conversation is more likely to focus on his respect for the materials he uses than
Last October, What’s Up Yukon featured a story on Yukon sculptor Harreson Tanner. It spotlighted Tanner’s move to Ontario, only to find he and his
Catching up with Harreson Tanner Read More »
The Klondike is known for permafrost-distorted buildings. The twisted shapes of older structures inspired the artistic career of Jim Robb — as a young artist he
An Odd Taste in Lawn Decorations Read More »
Sorry Folks No Poem This week
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Trophies” Read More »
“This weekend is an iconic celebration of what’s great in Dawson,” says Paul Robitaille. Discovery Days, the Riverside Arts Festival & more
Busy Weekend in Dawson City Read More »
Robert Service School (RSS) celebrated its 25th year in its present building last May. There were no special celebrations, and I suspect that not too
Reflections on Rural Yukon Education Read More »
From July 21 to July 25, Old Crow had the distinction of hosting The Biennial Gwich’in Gathering (BGG), an event that began in 1988 in
The Big Gwich’in Gathering Read More »
For those who like to boogey down, Miles from Motown, formerly the Soul Sunday Band, is back in Dawson to make it happen. Every Sunday
The Soul is Back in Dawson City Read More »
Dawson has a long history of dressing up with flowers and plants. When Martha Louise Black was the chatelaine at the Commissioner’s Residence on Front
Dawson’s Public Gardens Are A Treat Read More »
Sorry Folks No Poem This week
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Calls” Read More »
His name is Douglas Roy Rogers Dupont the 3rd. That’s what he’s known as on the water around Tagish at least. It’s his two-way radio handle.
The Collector in Tagish Read More »
Ask tourists what they like about Dawson City and you get a variety of responses. They like the old buildings and the sense of history
Along the Boardwalks in Dawson City Read More »
A year after the forest fire, anarchy blooms in the Little Salmon/Carmacks bush. Free-growing morel mushrooms attract transient seasonal workers from all over the world;
Nadia White, great-granddaughter of Elmer (Stroller) and Alice Josephine (Josie) Keys White is on a quest to find out all she can about the life
Tracking down grandmother by land and water Read More »
The Yukon Gold Panning Championships were held on the well-used greensward between Front Street and the dike. The greensward wouldn’t be here if the dike
Why does Dawson Need a Dike? Read More »
Making soap is magical; how do all the liquid ingredients turn into a solid bar of soap? Joella Hogan has the answer. She is the
Made With Love in the Heart of the Yukon Read More »
In Praise of 7th Avenue It’s not on the way to anywhere. It’s a world removed from the fast food congestion of 2nd and the
In Praise of 7th Avenue Read More »
Sorry Folks No Poem This Week.
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Cake” Read More »
Atlin Arts and Music Festival is an institution. Now in its 11th year, the event draws visitors and performers from across Canada and beyond.
2014: Atlin Arts and Music Festival Read More »
The second full revival season has been launched at the Palace Grand theatre. Marveling at the theatre is past due; It’s time to celebrate that
Grand Times at the Palace Read More »
It was a Monday evening in June, before solstice. At nine o’clock, the sun was shining hot. Dallas-rae Gaven was reading in her bathhouse-cum-cabin on
Caribou Legs First he kicked his drug habit now he runs as fast as a rabbit. He runs many miles on mother earth and his
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Caribou Legs’ Read More »
As an Elder, I learned from my past Elders; as a Gwitchin, I live along with the season. Porcupine Caribou is our main source of
A Successful Spring Read More »
Yukon photographer Peter Mather arrived in Old Crow last spring. He was here to finish a project he’d been working on for three years. For
The Evolution of Peter Mather’s Photography Read More »
The Commissioner’s Residence sits on Front Street, just past St. Paul’s Anglican Church, in Dawson City. It is one of six buildings in town designed
Front Street’s Elegant Showcase Read More »
STANLEY CUP SEASON When it’s Stanley cup season It’s almost like treason. Dougie never misses a playoff and his TV is never off. He turns
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Stanley Cup Season” Read More »
Summer camp offers a lot to young people that classrooms don’t — canoeing, crafts, campfires, and no homework. However, what sticks out the most for
Learning Beyond School: Braeburn Lake Summer Camp offers community, leadership and fun Read More »
In windy Skagway, the boat people make their way from the cruise ships into town several times a day, clogging the streets and shops. I
Winnowing Word in the Windy City Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Gerald” Read More »
Move over Victoria Day, there’s another holiday in town. Before all you Queen enthusiasts spill your tea and choke on your crumpets, you will be
Big Caribou Days Celebration 2014 Read More »
For anyone who finds themselves in Old Crow with time on their hands, I suggest strolling to The John Tizya Centre. It’s “downtown”, just off
Welcome to the John Tizya Centre Read More »
The Klondike Visitors’ Association (originally the Klondike Travel Bureau) pre-dates the formation of the Yukon’s Department of Tourism (originally the Yukon Tourist Bureau) by over
The KVA promotes the Klondike to the world Read More »
HOPE Don’t ever say nope ‘cause there’s always hope. Even if you don’t have soap You’ll always have hope. If you don’t have bug dope
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Hope” Read More »
At the beginning of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Stanley Kubrick’s science-fiction classic, the audience is introduced to a group of apes at the exact moment
Jickling’s Jabberings: Monolith Moments Read More »
The Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay is about to check-off its 22nd year, and organizers are making sure the race adapts to changing times. Mike
AUTOBIOGRAPHY – A. BENJAMIN I DON’T LIKE TO WRITE ABOUT MYSELF ‘CAUSE SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE AN ELF. I WAS BORN UP IN OLD CROW
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Autobiography” Read More »
Sarah Abel HER NAME IS SARAH ABEL AN’ SHE PRAYED AT THE COMMUNION TABLE. SHE WAS AN OLD CROW RESIDENT AND SHE WAS THE W.A. PRESIDENT SARAH WAS
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Sarah Abel” Read More »
When Dave Thompson found out Boyd Campbell was selling Haines Junction’s Village Bakery and Deli at the end of last summer, Thompson didn’t immediately jump
Haines Junctions’ Baker Goes Old School Read More »
When Morgan MacDonald closes his classroom door a few weeks from now, he’ll hit the road-less-travelled to gauge how far an alternate career path might
The George Black Ferry splashed into the Yukon River shortly after 2:00 p.m. on May 15, bringing to life the summer time link between the
The George Black Ferry Links the Two Dawsons Read More »
April 19, 2013 was a beautiful sunny day. I got out of bed and cooked eggs and ham for breakfast. I packed my hunting gear, two
I Lived to tell the Tale Read More »
I was in Calgary in the middle of a snowstorm when the ice went out in the Yukon River this year. Two days earlier, it
The tripod met an unusual fate this year Read More »
Tour Guide When I’m a tour guide I like walking outside. When I show tourists our town We use a wheelbarrow to get around. When
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Tour Guide” Read More »
Mary Tizya I REALLY LOVE THIS PERSON SHE CAME FROM FT McPHERSON. THEN SHE BECAME ROSS’S WIFE AN’ LIVED IN OLD CROW MOST OF HER
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Mary Tizya” Read More »
Robert Postma knocks on our door, comes in, and asks me if I have any butter. I say, “Careful with it, it’s like gold to
Kramer of the North Read More »
Editor’s Note: When Jason Westover visited Elizabeth Kaye recently, he suggested he would love to know more about her life besides her passion for moccasin-making.
Growing Up Gwich’in Read More »
Since moving to Old Crow more than four decades ago Elizabeth (Liz) Kaye has kept a busy and active lifestyle in the community,
Caribou Boots & Banana Bread Read More »
The end of April’s Celebration of Swans at Marsh Lake comes at a good time. That’s because at least a hundred other bird species are now
Spring migration means a busy time for birders Read More »
There’s all sorts of misinformation about the Klondike Gold Rush out there. One of the most obvious is that a lot of Americans, other than
Talking Points about “Klondike” for our summer visitors Read More »
Just for Today Yesterday is history an’ tomorrow is a mystery. For yesterday I don’t worry an’ tomorrow I’m not in a hurry. If I
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Just For Today” Read More »
Beginning next week, Dawson City residents will have something to sing about – literally. The Good Times Community Choir will start up on May 6
There are lots of places where people tend to drive a little too fast. Some of these places have had various ingenious traffic control systems
Dawson’s reverse speed bumps slow people down Read More »
Sometime between now and May 29 (the absolute latest date in the records that have been kept since 1896), the ice in the Yukon River
Now Comes the Season of the Tripod Read More »
There is an episode on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm where Larry David is walking down the street with his manager, Jeff. They pass a man who recognizes
The Trouble with Stop-and-Chats Read More »
If you’ve ever seen a strange light slip across the Yukon sky, or heard a mechanical buzz in the middle of a dark forest, don’t
Sharing the Supernatural Read More »
I’ve been attending a number of annual general meetings lately, and the experience has simply served to reinforce something that I already knew: without the
Dawson City Runs on Volunteers Read More »
If you spend time at Marsh Lake’s M’Clintock Bay this week, you may see new visitors. At up to four-and-a-half feet tall, 35 pounds, with
The Arrival of the Swans Means Spring is Near Read More »
At the Old Crow Airport Joseph said, “Let’s get on my ski-doo and get the cargo” My face said,“Sure,” my brain “Dude! It’s -40°C”
Next Stop: Old Crow Read More »
Dawson City International Short Film Festival (DCISFF) started in 2000, Dan Sokolowski has been organizing the festival for eight years.
Around the world in a weekend Read More »
On March 31, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in (TH) held a feast to remember the mixed-heritage children who came to Dawson City to live at St. Paul’s
Cross-Cultural Advances in Klondike Education Read More »
Paranormal is normal. Everybody is psychic — some just a little more than others. That might sound untrue, but one must understand that, if interested,
Sorry Folks no poem this week
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Hair” Read More »
April marks the glorious return of thousands of swans to the M’Clintock Bay area of Marsh Lake. This year is particularly special because it marks
Swans Return to Their Second Home Read More »
Dawson‘s streets will be wider and lower by the time you read this column. There will be the odd large puddle around town, especially at
Dawson’s Streets Get Ready for Spring Read More »
On the first Saturday of every month, Dawson City residents have the opportunity to come together and enjoy an evening of family-friendly fun. Coffee houses
A Good Vibe, With Music, Coffee, and Kids Read More »
Sorry Folks No Poem This Week.
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Love” Read More »
If the buzz around this year’s Percy de Wolfe Memorial Mail Race is any indication, this years’s event may be one to watch. Just how
The Percy de Wolfe Race is Ready To Go Read More »
In Dawson we are of two minds regarding the Discovery Channel’s Klondike mini-series — that six hour reimagining of history, geography and culture that aired
The Hollywood Treatment Read More »
From the very beginning there’s been some confusion connected with the word “Klondike.” It started with new arrivals — the gold rush stampeders — who
What Does Klondike Mean to the World? Read More »
FASTING WE ALL NEED TO FAST ‘CAUSE THEY DID IT IN THE PAST. SOMETIMES FOOD I DON’T TOUCH ‘CAUSE I DON’T EAT TOO MUCH. I
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Fasting” Read More »
CULTURE CAMP IF YOU GO TO THE CULTURE CAMP YOU WILL FEEL LIKE A CHAMP. IT IS IN AN OUTDOOR SCHOOL BUT IT IS REALLY
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Culture Camp” Read More »
Thaw Di Gras, Dawson’s annual spring carnival weekend, kicks off on March 14. The mostly family oriented weekend event is a lot of fun for
Dawson Gets Ready for Spring with Thaw di Gras Read More »
The 21st running of the Trek Over the Top snowmobile run from Tok, Alaska, to Dawson City and back will take place from March 6
The Trek Will Be Coming Soon Read More »
JUST FOR TODAY YESTERDAY IS HISTORY AN’ TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY. FOR YESTERDAY I DON’T WORRY AN’ TOMORROW I’M NOT IN A HURRY. IF I
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Just For Today” Read More »
SEX EDUCATION IT WASN’T TOUGHT IN OUR SCHOOL MAYBE THEY THOUGHT IT WAS CRUEL. WE NEVER LEARNED FROM A TEXT ‘CAUSE THEY NEVER TAUGHT US
Didee & Didoo: Sex Education Read More »
The bi-annual Myth and Medium symposium runs from February 24 to 28 this year, the week after the territorial Heritage Day holiday. Heritage Day originally
Myth and Medium are Coming Again Read More »
It’s no secret that Yukon communities feel pinched when it comes to housing, employment, and capacity. Carcross/Tagish First Nation (CTFN) has an innovative program to
Tiny Homes for Big Change Read More »
WALK A MILE WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES? WELL I HAVE SOME BAD NEWS. HER SHOES ARE SMALL SIZE WHICH IS NOT MADE FOR
Didee & Didoo – Poem “WALK A MILE” Read More »
Rebekah Miller is fascinated with zippers, with how they both conceal and reveal, how they open and close. She’s also fascinated with coverings – whether
Getting into the Skins of Things Read More »
Zombies. Would you be ready to fend for yourself if the undead filled the streets? If you haven’t thought about it yet, you’re already behind.
HOT SPELL YOU DON’T THINK ABOUT YOUR WINTER CLOTHES AN’ YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR NOSE. YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR SEAT AND YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Hot Spell” Read More »
Barnacle Bob Hilliard is ubiquitous on the Dawson City music scene. Since arriving in the early 1990s he’s been a fixture in the bars around
Barnacle Bob Headlines at the Odd Fellows Hall Read More »
National Geographic Channel’s TV show, Border Security, about customs officers dealing with strange and sometimes dangerous people is often set in a metropolitan city, most
Life on the Border Read More »
GOD STAND BY ME WHEN I’M FEELING DOWN AND I HAVE A FROWN GOD STAND BY ME! WHEN IT’S ALL BAD NEWS AND I HAVE
Didee & Didoo – Poem “GOD STAND BY ME” Read More »
2014: Frostbite and the Kluane Bluegrass, are taking the year off, Dawson City Music Festival (DCMF) soldiers on.
The Dawson City Music Festival Focuses on Quality over Quantity Read More »
DAVID MY FRIEND, DAVID, IS A GOOD MECHANIC AND HE LIKES TO EAT DRY MEAT AND BANNOCK. ON OLD CROW MOUNTAIN HE HAS A TENT
Didee & Didoo – Poem “David” Read More »
COLD RUSH IN THE SUMMER THE MOSQUITOS WILL BITE IN THE WINTER THE FROST WILL BITE. WHEN YOU GO TO THE OUTHOUSE YOU WEAR YOUR
Didee & Didoo: Cold Rush Read More »
There is a new program that has started in Tagish, it’s called the Homeschool Social. I interviewed the recreation director, Colin Hickman, and three Penner
Yukon Girl: The Homeschool Social in Tagish Read More »
In Whitehorse, the hospital is usually mere minutes away from most corners of the city. However, in the Yukon communities, residents don’t have that luxury.
Emergency Services Off the Beaten Track Read More »
Volunteer radio has a long history in Dawson City, with the current organization – CFYT-FM (106.9) – reaching back to 1984. At that time, the
INUVIK Contrary to what some wise guys in Whitehorse believe, there are trees in Inuvik, N.W.T. and its annual Top Of The World Ski Loppet
A loppet runs through it Read More »
INUVIK The newest vacation hot spot in the North could very well become Inuvik. On April 2, the Inuvik Family Centre will officially open its
Tropical paradise north of the Arctic Circle: Inuvik Family Centre to open April 2 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 »
BEST COACH DIDOO WAS THE BEST COACH ‘CAUSE SHE HAD THE WINNING APPROACH. SHE SHOWED ME HOW TO RUN ON SNOWSHOES AN’ SHE NEVER TAUGHT
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Best Coach” Read More »
“There’s gold in them thar hills” is how Sharon Hickey, president of the Lorne Mountain Community Association (LMCA), introduced the special edition newsletter released last
The Rich History in Mount Lorne Read More »
Freeze-up on the Yukon River is not proceeding according to custom this year. Despite the lack of ice at the regular crossing down by the
A Season in the Mist Read More »
SEWER TRUCK GUYS THEY GO ON THEIR DAILY TOUR WHEN THEY PUMP THE SEWER. THESE ARE THE GUYS WE SHOULD THANK WHEN THEY EMPTY OUR
Didee & Didoo – Poem “SEWER TRUCK GUYS” Read More »
Christmas Eve is a busy night in Dawson City, with all four of the churches holding their own late evening services in honour of the
Staging the Nativity in the Museum Read More »
SOMETIMES I’M DUMB SOMETIMES MY MIND IS BLANK LIKE AN EMPTY GAS TANK. SOMETIMES I CAN’T THINK AN’ MY MEMORY IS ON THE BRINK. SOMETIMES
Didee & Didoo – Poem “SOMETIMES I’M DUMB “ Read More »
MY NEW WORDS INSTEAD OF CARIBOU MEETING YOU CAN SAY CARIBOU MEATING. INSTEAD OF EDIBLE YOU CAN SAY EATABLE THEY SPELL SEAGULL BUT I SPELL
Didee & Didoo – Poem “MY NEW WORDS” Read More »
The Dawson pre-Christmas season launched on Nov. 10 as the gym in the Robert Service School filled up for the Dawson Daycare’s Bazaar. This was
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like… You Know Read More »
FREE STORE YOU WON’T FEEL POOR SHOPPING AT THE FREE STORE. I’M NOT TELLING YOU A JOKE YOU CAN SHOP VEN IF YOU’RE BROKE. YOU
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Free Store” Read More »
As winter approaches and the Yukon River finally begins to fill up with ice, it’s pretty clear that there’s a lot of music on tap
Dawson Hosts a Medley of Concerts to Check Out Read More »
COLD RUSH IN THE SUMMER THE MOSQUITOS WILL BITE IN THE WINTER THE FROST WILL BITE. WHEN YOU GO TO THE OUTHOUSE YOU WEAR YOUR
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cold Rush” Read More »
In two previous columns I have given some background behind Dawson City’s interest in UNESCO’s World Heritage Status designation. The Klondike region was placed on
What is the Tr’ondëk-Klondike Project? Read More »
TOUGHEST GWICHIN SHE WAS AS TOUGH AS ROCKS MY GREAT GRANDMA MARGARET BLACKFOX. SHE WAS THE TOUGHEST GWICHIN ‘CAUSE ANY RACE SHE CAN WIN. DIDOO
Didee & Didoo – Poem “TOUGHEST GWICHIN” Read More »
Red beets and sharp knives are to Agnes Seitz the pinnacle of fall produce and kitchen equipment, respectively. As the recreation director for Mount Lorne,
Recipes for a Vibrant Community Read More »
BILL SMITH HIS NAME IS BILL SMITH, AND TABITH HE STAY WITH. SHE WAS HIS GWITCH’IN WIFE, AND THEY LIKE THE BUSH LIFE. BILL WAS
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Bill Smith” Read More »
Jude Griebel’s first book, Footsteps in The Macaulay House, deals with a favourite Dawson City topic — ghosts. The Vancouver-based painter and sculptor first heard
Evidence Inconclusive, But the Place is Still Freaky Read More »
Imagine working alone in an older building where, on occasion, people have seen ghosts, heard them walking around, and had them messing with their stuff.
Spooky Noises are Okay, but No More Showing Up in the Flesh Read More »
Dawson City Yukon, on the shores of the Klondike River, has often been described as a living ghost town. Which means, of course, along with
Dawson City Yukon: A Living Ghost Town Read More »
I’ve got the creeps, the willies, and the jim-jams. I’ve just heard ghost stories from Heidi Bliedungand Aaron Burnie from the love-worn, historic Westminster Hotel
Things That Go Bump in the Night Read More »
THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ELDER I SEE THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ELDER NOT THROUGH THE HELMET OF A WELDER. IF YOU SEE THROUGH
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Through the Eyes of an Elder” Read More »
While Martha Wainwright began her current tour a year ago to promote her latest CD, Come Home to Mama, she says the North American portion
A Subversive Singer-Songwriter Comes to the Yukon Read More »
DARIUS HE’S A GWITCH’IN ATHLETE, THAT LIKES TO COMPETE HIS NAME IS DARIUS, AND HE’S VERY SERIOUS. HE’S A PRO, FROM OLD CROW HE THREW
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Darius” Read More »
Last week I spent a couple of days in Teslin doing some painting for a friend in a house we used to share. The leaves
Edible Yukon: Then and Now Read More »
The late Dick North used to quip that with a surname like his it was no mystery that he worked as a journalist in
The Legacy of Dick North will Endure Read More »
CHECK UP WHEN I GO FOR A CHECK UP THEY MAKE ME PEE IN A CUP. I HOPE I DON’T LOOK PALE WHEN I STAND
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Check Up” Read More »
You might know Astrid Zoer from Hendrik’s Barber Shop in Whitehorse, or as the psychic medium at Lifepath Readings, but she recently added “author” to
A Conversation with Astrid Zoer: Local Psychic, Barber and Author Read More »
SEWING MY AUNTIE MAKES EXTRA BUCKS WHEN SHE SEWS MUKLUKS. WHEN SHE SEWS BEAVER MITTS AUNTIE NEVER CALLS IT QUITS. SHE MAKES TEA IN DIPPERS
Didee & Didoo – Poem “SEWING “ Read More »
Salmon fishing in Haines is one of the most exciting fishing trips a Yukoner can take. The vast array of species creates an opportunity for
The headline on the front page of the July 24, 1997 edition of the Klondike Sun proclaimed, “Berton Proposes Dawson for World Heritage Site Status.”
Proposing World Heritage Status for the Klondike Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “THE GREAT OUTDOORS” Read More »
The Sourtoe Cocktail gets a mixed reception in the world abroad. Thousands of people have touched their lips to Captain Dick Stevenson’s inventive libation and
The Sourtoe Cocktail: A Popular Gag Read More »
CRYING I CONSIDER MYSELF A STRONG GUY, BUT I ALWAYS SEEM TO CRY. I DON’T EVEN HAVE TO TRY, ‘CAUSE I KNOW HOW TO CRY.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cry” Read More »
To sum it up, there’s a new scene in the Yukon, worth visiting; Carcross has got a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Getting Around the Yukon: Carcross Read More »
TUG OF WAR THEIR TITLE THEY ALWAYS DEFEND, AND THEY ALWAYS BEAT THE MEN. TUG OF WAR IS A CONTEST, TO SEE WHO IS THE
Didee & Didoo – Poem “TUG OF WAR “ Read More »
From May to September you can find Riley Brennan all around Dawson, digging in the dirt as she skillfully helps to make the town a
Created from Shattered Glass Read More »
The first year I ran in The Klondike Trail of ’98 International Road Relay, I was one of a group of women who were all
Running from Skagway to Whitehorse Read More »
Bear Creek Compound is owned by Parks Canada now, but it was once the thriving centre of operations for the Yukon Consolidated Gold Corporation (YCGC),
Delving into the History of Bear Creek Read More »
I ALWAYS SIT AND THINK AND I WRITE IT IN INK I ALWAYS THINK LOTS AN’ I WRITE DOWN MY THOTS MY IDEAS GET BIGGER
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Thinking” Read More »
There was a time when the Great Klondike International Outhouse race featured 12 to 17 teams and was quite a bit more of an extreme
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Paddle” Read More »
Haines Junction may be too small to have a grocery store, but it has artists galore. Artists, craftspeople, photographers and writers all display and sell
Pop Into Haines Junction For Art With Soul Read More »
Last month Teslin Tlingit Council hosted a huge Ha Kus Teyea celebration with thousands visiting Teslin. In the months leading up to it, I invited
Getting Around the Yukon: Teslin in a Day Read More »
Despite iconic images of a solitary miner with a pan or a group of men drifting into a hillside, the dredges of the corporate-mining-era are the main reason that Dawson outlasted the usual boom-and-bust cycle common to gold rush towns.
Dredges Kept the Klondike Alive Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Terry Fox” Read More »
Grade 5 teachers had some homework to do this summer. They were getting up to speed on the First Nations social studies curriculum. Selena Pye,
Learning About the Yukon’s First Peoples Read More »
Saturday, August 17, is coming right up. That’s Discovery Day, the day that Skookum Jim (Keish), Dawson Charlie (Káa Goox) and George Carmack stumbled across
Klondike Korner: Klondyke Korner: Discover a New Interpretive Walk Read More »
I lived 20 years in Faro. I could tell of a golf course started with spray-painted targets, hiking Van Gorda Falls, cabins on the Dena Cho.
Getting Around the Yukon: Faro Read More »
MY OLDER BROTHER WE GREW UP IN OLD CROW YUKON ME AND MY FRIEND WILLIAM NUKON. HE WAS LIKE MY OLDER BROTHER AN’ HE WAS
Didee & Didoo – Poem “MY OLDER BROTHER” Read More »
Taking a stroll along the Writers’ Block — from the corner of 8th Avenue and Hanson Street to the corner of 8th and Firth —
The striking Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre was controversial when it was first being built in Dawson City — it’s not exactly a gold rush themed
Exploring Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Culture Read More »
WHITESTONE TRIP IT WAS IN 1976 IN THE SPRING WHEN THE BIRDS STARTED TO SING. WE BUILT A SMALL WOODEN SHIP TO GO ON
Didee & Didoo – Poem “WHITESTONE TRIP” Read More »
WINTER IS GONE WHEN I SEE A SWAN I KNOW WINTER IS GONE. WHEN I HEAR A ROBIN SING I KNOW ITS FINALLY SPRING. WE
Didee & Didoo – Poem “WINTER IS GONE” Read More »
When “Arizona” Charlie Meadows built his Palace Grand Theatre in 1899 in Dawson City, it probably never occurred to him that some version of the
Klondike Korner: Life Returns to the Palace Grand Theatre Read More »
Alice and Arthur John of Ross River started their marriage in the traditional Dena way — their families arranged it. “Mom said she was about
Seventy-Five Years and Counting Read More »
On an increasingly slender budget Parks Canada attempts to preserve quite a bit of real estate in Dawson City. A lot of it is still
Klondike Korner: Parks Open Some Dawson Doors for the Summer Read More »
During early land claim negotiations, respected Teslin elder Virginia Smarch once said of her Tlingit community, “that is who we are: part of the land,
Part of the Land, Part of the Water Read More »
Battling wind that whipped sand across faces and canvases, 15 artists hunkered down in the Carcross sand dunes to document the area’s beauty.
For the Love of Dunes Read More »
BEING A DOG I DON’T THINK I WOULD BE A HOG ‘CAUSE I’D RATHER BE A DOG. I DON’T THINK I WANT TO BE A
Didee & Didoo – Poem “BEING A DOG “ Read More »
There is a buzz of excitement among the arts community in Dawson City. Starting last weekend, and continuing every Saturday throughout the summer, Dawson will
There’s a Market for Art in Dawson City Read More »
The most common question from visitors is the one I was asked by a lady from Alabama this afternoon. I was on my way home
Coping with the Summer’s Heat Read More »
HOT SPELL YOU DON’T THINK ABOUT YOUR WINTER CLOTHES AN’ YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR NOSE. YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR SEAT AN’ YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Hot Spell” Read More »
Happy birthday, America. We love you, we really do. In honour of your special day, a bunch of us got together and started talking about
We Heart America: A birthday letter Read More »
Dennis and I leftRoss River, and landed in Germany on our annual trip to promote tourism, culture, and Yukon artists,.
Sharing Traditional Art with Europeans Read More »
Whether you’re in the Yukon, Alaska, or Arizona, your ground is the foundation of gardening, and that is the focus of the keynote event at
Skagway Club Shares Gardening Tips Read More »
Canada Day has come and gone. The flag has been praised, the beer has been drunk, and you are swept up in patriotic fervour. You
Celebrate the Fourth of July with our American Neighbours Read More »
She was born in Old Crow, under a colourful rainbow, where the caribou roam, this is where she calls home. There the snow is so
Didee & Didoo – Poem “She” Read More »
I come from Old Crow, where the Porcupine River flow. A small isolated log cabin town, where you’ll hear my fiddle sound. I am from
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I Come From Old Crow” Read More »
BY DAN DAVIDSON Luminous ice-fogged sunshine haze sits upon the earth; mocks our avenues and days with signs of nature’s mirth. Sunshine should bring warmer
Walk a mile in her shoes? Well, I have some bad news. Her shoes are small size, which is not made for guys. Her high
Didee & Didoo – Poem “WALK A MILE” Read More »
Long ago they never use padlocks, and doors we never locks. Nobody would take your stuff, because stealing was unheard of. The way people live,
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Long Ago” Read More »
When you look into our elders’ eyes, you can tell that they are wise. When you hold their hand, it’s obvious they lived off the
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Elder’s Eyes” Read More »
The Klondike has been the inspiration for a great deal of fiction since the Gold Rush, beginning with Jack London, who came with the Stampeders
The Klondike Echoes Down through the Literary Years Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “AUTOBIOGRAPHY” Read More »
Red Grossinger figures Canada Day is one of the most meaningful events for a community to share together. He has been organizing Canada Day in
His name was Chief Peter Moses, he was my Grandpa I supposes. Clara Frost was my Grandmother, and Peter was her older brother. This story
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Chief Peter Moses” Read More »
The Jackson Brothers had a boat, but I guess it wasn’t made to float. The brothers had a freight barge, and the pilot should’ve been
Didee & Didoo – Poem “The Jackson Brothers” Read More »
George Attla is an Alaskan, and his tribe is Athabaskan. Since he was a young boy, dog racing was his joy. George comes from a
Didee & Didoo – Poem “George Attla” Read More »
Faro’s Crane and Sheep Viewing Festival has attracted international attention before as it grows yet again in its fifth year.
Faro’s sheep and cranes ready for their closeup Read More »
HOPE DON’T EVER SAY NOPE ‘CAUSE THERE’S ALWAYS HOPE. EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE SOAP YOU’LL ALWAYS HAVE HOPE. IF YOU DON’T HAVE BUG DOPE
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Hope” Read More »
One of the many projects under the umbrella of the Dawson City Arts Society is the ODD Galley, which is housed on a corner of
Klondike Korner: Lovely Artworks Carry Disturbing Message Read More »
She came across the border, and became a news reporter. Eagle, Alaska she left behind, and Old Crow she did find. Edith Josie is her
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Edith Josie” Read More »
The event that led to the formation of the Yukon occurred on August 16, 1896: it was the discovery of gold on what was then
Celebrating the Yukon’s Birthday Read More »
THE BIG RACE I SNOWSHOE RACED AT FT McPHERSON AND I’M A FIT AND HEALTHY PERSON. THEY TOOK THE LEAD ‘CAUSE THEY HAD THE SPEED.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “THE BIG RACE “ Read More »
One hundred engines slung between two hundred wheels. That is what the Ride For Dad (RFD) will look like Saturday, June 8, when riders take
Motorcycles on a Mission Read More »
BEST COACH DIDOO WAS THE BEST COACH ‘CAUSE SHE HAD THE WINNING APPROACH. SHE SHOWED ME HOW TO RUN ON SNOWSHOES AN’ SHE NEVER TAUGHT
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Best Coach” Read More »
The Bushman The Brushman had a lonely life, so he went out lookin’ for a wife. He built a birchbark canoe, a canoe built for
Didee & Didoo – Poem “The Bushman” Read More »
The Patrol In December of 1910, a patrol of four policemen, with four-dog team, a routine patrol it seems. They would not return, everyone would
Didee & Didoo – Poem “The Patrol” Read More »
Motorcycle riders are often solitary sorts. We like the time we spend with ourselves on the road. It is a sort of meditation: no radio,
Social Riding; Klondike Style Read More »
MAYO 5 Mile Lake in Mayo doesn’t have a campground playground. Not right in the campground, mind you, but there is one down the short
Mayo Campground Has the One Thing Kids Look For Read More »
FEEDING TIME MY POODLE ATE NOODLES. THAT SPIDER ATE APPLE CIDER. MY DOGS ATE FROGS. THOSE APES ATE GRAPES. MY GOATS ATE OATS. THAT OTTER
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Feeding Time” Read More »
Eliza Steamboat I never knew where she got her name, but from Old Crow she came. She lived to be very old, and her cane
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Eliza Steamboat” Read More »
The Bishop who ate his mukluks, was almost out of lucks. Bishop Stringer and his guide, set out across the Rat River Divide. From Fort
Didee & Didoo – Poem “The Bishop who ate his mukluks” Read More »
Here’s a taste of how Yukon communities, from B to W, will be celebrating Canada Day on July 1: Beaver Creek festivities will kick off
There’s a party goin’ on! Read More »
Beaver Creek is just a few kilometres from the Alaska border on the Alaska Highway. As the most westerly settlement in all of Canada, this
Historic and Friendly Beaver Creek Read More »
MAYO The Village of Mayo, named most astutely after a certain Alfred H. Mayo, one-time circus acrobat, is hosting, for the fifth year in a
Small Town, Big Arts Festival Read More »
It always amazes me what northerners will do to prove they are unique and unlike people from Outside. See the Discovery Day long weekend.
Discovery Days and the Underwear Cannon Read More »
GWICH’IN GATHERING I’M PROUD TO BE A GWITCHIN FROM OLD CROW, YUKON A PLACE WHERE YOU WILL LAUGH WITH DICK NUKON. YOU’LL LISTEN TO FUNNY
Didee & Didoo – Poem “GWICH’IN GATHERING” Read More »
UNCLE’S ENGLISH IF YOU HEAR UNCLE SPEAK HIS ENGLISH IS VERY WEAK HE DON’T LIKE TO TALK RIGHT AN’ THAT’S THE WAY HE WRITE. WHEN
Didee & Didoo – Poem “UNCLE’S ENGLISH” Read More »
My friend, David, is a good mechanic, and he likes to eat dry meat and bannock. On Old Crow Mountain he has a tent, so
Didee & Didoo – Poem “David” Read More »
HAINES JUNCTION There are numerous campgrounds in and around Haines Junction. Your YTG Campground permit will let you camp at most of them … but
Federal Campground is Nice, Too 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 »
CULTURE SHOCK MOSES HAD A CULTURE SHOCK HE HAD ‘CAUSE KICKER MADE HIM GAWK. CLARA HAD A CULTURE SHOCK WHEN SHE HEARD ROCK. AMPOS HAD A
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Culture Shock” Read More »
PELLY CROSSING For the past four years, as the executive director of the Yukon Historical & Museums Association, I have visited the museums repeatedly to
Stop and Get to Know the Northern Tutchone Read More »
My Mom is from Old Crow, and she is a pro. She was ski champion in 1963, it was natural for her to ski. Father
Didee & Didoo – Poem “My Mom” Read More »
Raven, raven on my roof, how you make it rattle. You’d think your claws were little hoofs as back and forth you prattle. All winter
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Raven, raven on my roof” Read More »
When I was eight years old, I attended the Carcross Community School. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the Carcross School. Meeting the other students
A Land of Ancient Time 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 »
Joe and Annie Henry were married over 80 years, which means for each other they really cares. A record which made it in the world
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Joe and Annie Henry” Read More »
Whether it’s the weather or the yard work, some commitment on the weekend or the fact that you have family coming to visit in a
A Cure for Those Camping Time Blues Read More »
We used to play at the sawmill, sliding on the sawdust hill. When their work was done, it was our turn to have fun. When
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Sawmill” Read More »
Granny’s Money When her cheque she got, my Granny is big shot. Granny didn’t know how to count, but she sure knew her cheque amount.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Granny’s Money” Read More »
Wilfred Charlie is his name, and dog mushing is his game. He comes from Carmacks, where you’ll see his dog team tracks. Behind his dog
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Wilfred Charlie” Read More »
LOST TRIBE There’s a story told about a lost tribe, let’s sit down and let Grandpa describe. He told us of the place they were
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Lost Tribe” Read More »
“Darius” He’s a Gwitch’in athlete, who likes to compete. His name is Darius, and he’s very serious. He’s a pro, from Old Crow. He threw
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Darius” Read More »
“CALVING GROUNDS” We must protect the calving grounds, so that oil rigs and pipelines are out of bounds. It’s the cleanest place on Earth, where
Didee & Didoo – Poem “CALVING GROUNDS” Read More »
“LONG GUNS” Long guns they used to make, so more beaver pelts they would take. Beaver pelts were piled high, so that long guns they
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Long Guns” Read More »
Their names are Didee an’ Didoo, Grandpa an’ Grandma for me an’ you. Their pipes they’re always smokin’, and their English is broken. Didoo is
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Grandma and Grandpa” Read More »
BILL SMITH His name is Bill Smith, and Tabitha he stay with. She was his Gwitch’in wife, and they like the bush life. Bill was
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Bill Smith” Read More »
DARE DEVIL YOU WANTED US TO FALL SO YOU SOLD US ALCOHOL. YOU KNEW WE’D FALL BEHIND SO YOU POURED US THAT WINE. YOU MADE
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Dare Devil” Read More »
Jack Amos is not an ordinary 11-year-old boy. He is producing, directing, choreographing and scripting his own production of Jellicle Cats, which will premiere in
Musical Theatre in Dawson is the Cat’s Meow Read More »
Supporting the Economy Through the Arts You could expect a 10-years lifespan from mining projects, and Hakonson is well aware that placer miners have been
Supporting the Economy Through the Arts Read More »
We all know our birth date, but when will we go to St. Peter’s gate? So I often think and wonder, when I’ll be six
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Expiry Date” Read More »
Freddy Carmichael When he was a small boy, he had a plane for a toy. When he was a young lad, a big dream he
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Freddy Carmichael” Read More »
BY DAN DAVIDSON Two months trapped in the cold, ironically chained to this post, snow-ploughed up to the axles, rimed with forty-below hoar frost, two
Bi-‘Sicles Built for Two Read More »
NAMES PEOPLE HAVE ALL KINDS OF NAMES JUST LIKE MY FRIEND JAMES. SOME NAMES ARE FANCY JUST LIKE MY FRIEND NANCY. MY SON’S NAME IS
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Names” Read More »
MEL (BUSH PILOT) THIS STORY I WOULD LIKE TO TELL ABOUT OUR FRIEND MEL. HE HAD SMART BRAINS ‘CAUSE HE FLEW BUSH PLANES. MEL WAS
Didee & Didoo – Poem”MEL (BUSH PILOT) “ Read More »
Movie season has ended at the Dawson City Museum for another year. The last show was Lincoln, which played to reasonably sized audiences in late
Enjoying Frankenweenie, Together Read More »
BY DAN DAVIDSON We’ve been dodging round these puddles now for just about a week, and it’s hard to find the streets these days for
Reflections on the Changing Season Read More »
MY ALPHABET A IS FOR AWESOME B IS FOR BEAUTIFUL C IS FOR CHARMING D IS FOR DELIGHTFUL E IS FOR EXSQUISITE F IS FOR
Didee & Didoo – Poem “My Alphabet” Read More »
NEWS FROM OLD CROW DECEMBER IS ALWAYS BUSY IT MAKES SOME OF US DIZZY. CHRISTMAS MUSIC WE HEAR SO WE KNOW HOLIDAY IS NEAR. THE
Didee & Didoo – Poem “News from Old Crow” Read More »
DAGOO FOLLOWED THE BIRDS THE GWICHIN LEGEND IS VERY OLD ABOUT THE MAN WHO DISLIKED THE COLD. HE WONDERED WHERE THE BIRDS GO WHEN IT
Didee & Didoo – Poem “DAGOO FOLLOWED THE BIRDS” Read More »
The Mount Lorne Classic; what an awesome ski race. On trails used by caribou as much as any skier, the course was fast and winding.
A Successful Weekend of Races Read More »
CHON-FM LIKE THE REST OF THEM I LISTEN TO CHON-FM. IT’S OUR RADIO STATION FOR OUR FIRST NATION. SONGS FROM WAY BACK WHEN THEY’RE ALL
Didee & Didoo – Poem “CHON-FM “ Read More »
What is Dawson City‘s answer to the winter blues? The Thaw Di Gras spring carnival, a three-day event from March 15-17. The Klondike Visitors Association
2013 Thaw Di Gras Explodes with Festivities Read More »
Food banks often start with the churches, which are acting out their faith’s instructions to look after the poor. In Dawson, the Transients’ Dinners that
Dawson Looks After Those in Need Read More »
One conversation can change everything. Now, thanks to the services of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter Amanda Smith, the gulf of silence between members of
A Sign of the Times Read More »
HOT SPELL YOU DON’T THINK ABOUT YOUR WINTER CLOTHES AN’ YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR NOSE. YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR SEAT AND YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR
Didee & Didoo – Poem “HOT SPELL” Read More »
Faro turns 40 on July 1. When you’re a mining town with no mine, every anniversary is special. But this one is more so.
Faro fetes its 40th Read More »
The Yukon’s Gateway, Watson Lake, turns 25 years old this weekend. And, to celebrate, the town’s residents will be throwing a carnival in Wye Lake
June 2009 – Watson Lake turns 25 Read More »
SO MUCH TO DO YOU WON’T GET BORED IF YOU LEARN A GUITAR CHORD. YOU CAN SNOWSHOE OR YOU CAN CANOE. YOU CAN BIKE OR
Didee & Didoo – Poem “So Much To Do” Read More »
Pat McKenna takes a cook’s tour of famous, infamous and soon-to-be-famous Yukon chefs. An unassuming hero amongst the locals, a font of Northern knowledge for
Larger than Life: The ‘King of Keno’ Read More »
When the world thinks of Canada, they think of the Yukon. When Yukoners think of the Yukon, they think of Faro. When the world is
Happy Anniversary, Faro! Read More »
The intimate “anti-stadium” music festival, that is the Atlin Arts & Music Festival, has gotten even smaller this year, July 10 to 12. The performing
The cozy, friendly music festival Read More »
Plastic bags cover my feet to keep out the rain and the spray from my tires. My chain slips off the sprocket, again, unable to
Juneau and the Chain-Throwing Hills Read More »
FOOD CHAIN I THINK WE’RE AT THE TOP ALTHOUGH WE DON’T HOP. THEN THERE’S THE GRIZZLY BEAR AN’ THEY DON’T HAVE NO FEAR. NEXT THERE’S
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Food Chain” Read More »
COLD RUSH IN THE SUMMER THE MOSQUITOS WILL BITE IN THE WINTER THE FROST WILL BITE. WHEN YOU GO TO THE OUTHOUSE YOU WEAR YOUR
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cold Rush” Read More »
John Tyrrell, a former Dawsonite now living in Cyprus, where he is Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Nicosia, writes to say that the anglophiles
The Double Bob is a Dawson Tradition Read More »
Pat McKenna takes a cook’s tour of famous, infamous and soon-to-be-famous Yukon chefs. Café, motel, RV park, store and more – Tagish Stores is serving
TESLIN Many years ago, when another winter was survived and summer allowed for easier travel, the Inland and Coastal Tlingit people would gather. Members of
Sharing the Tlingit culture Read More »
It is amazing how a day can change. It was Friday night of a Discovery Day weekend and I was pretty upset … relationship issues.
Respite on the Road Read More »
Pat McKenna takes a cook’s tour of famous, infamous and soon-to-be-famous Yukon chefs. With dancing, folk singing and lots of great music entertainment, the Village
To the Beat of a Northern Bakery Read More »
HOPE DON’T EVER SAY NOPE ‘CAUSE THERE’S ALWAYS HOPE. EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE SOAP YOU’LL ALWAYS HAVE HOPE. IF YOU DON’T HAVE BUG DOPE
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Hope” Read More »
What would bring people into a local, northern art gallery in the middle of January? This was the question facing the Dawson City Arts Society
TOUGHEST GWICHIN SHE WAS AS TOUGH AS ROCKS MY GREATGRANDMA MARGARET BLACKFOX. SHE WAS THE TOUGHEST GWICHIN ‘CAUSE ANY RACE SHE CAN WIN. DIDOO DOESN’T
Didee & Didoo – Poem “TOUGHEST GWICHIN” Read More »
My favourite places in the Yukon are obscure … they are not found in guidebooks, websites, during tours or by pestering a long-time local long
Places That Are ‘Found’ Read More »
BY DAN DAVIDSON There are signs of seasons changing that we all can recognize: falling leaves and boarded windows, filled with plywood cut to size.??Hotels
The Icing on the Season Read More »
Don’t get me wrong, Whitehorse is great: I love Canadian Tire and sushi, but there is an air of excitement and freedom when living in
The Flare of the Yukon Read More »
If you’ve spent some time in the Yukon, you’ve probably noticed the Yukon is full of “wavers”. This phenomena is particularly evident in the communities,
Did They Just Wave? Read More »
A robust breed that turns their backs on running (hot) water, limitless electricity, indoor plumbing, & mechanical laundry. Not Gridless Sid.
It’s that time of year when you forecast your fuel/wood needs and size up your supply. Some may feel comfort, eyeing up their abundant stacks
Restraining my metropolis desires in Whitehorse can be hard. Community members aren’t privileged with many urban opportunities, so when I get together in the “WH”
The Yokel Goes to Whitehorse Read More »
Gossip is everlasting in all small towns, but in small-town Yukon it is constant, like time itself. I grew up in a provincial small town
I’ve Heard So Much About You… Read More »
??BY DAN DAVIDSON The snowplough went by at noon today; I think it’ll go by again. The reason I think this is plain to the
The Snowplough Went By at Noon Today Read More »
Yukon Time, it is a way of viewing time as more of a guideline than a policy or law. A relaxed physiological perception of time itself
Living on ‘Yukon Time’ (diesel optional) Read More »
Wouldn’t It Be Great if WE GREW A NEW SET OF TEETH. WE COULD SEE IN THE DARK. WE COULD SEE AROUND CORNERS. ANIMALS COULD
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Wouldn’t it be Great if” Read More »
Not many people know that an annual winter tradition in Dawson City started seven years ago as a joke. In 2006, Bombay Peggy’s, a popular
Friday Nights are Bombay Nights in Dawson City Read More »
News From Old Crow DECEMBER IS ALWAYS BUSY IT MAKES SOME OF US DIZZY. CHRISTMAS MUSIC WE HEAR SO WE KNOW HOLIDAY IS NEAR. THE
Didee & Didoo – Poem “News from Old Crow” Read More »
Is the ice safe? A common question this time year. Memories of falling through ditch ice, as a child, come back … or hearing of
Would you Listen to a non-‘iceologist’? Read More »
While “flooding” and “Dawson City” are two phrases you might not want to hear together, at this time of year it’s actually a good thing.
Flooding Our Way to a River Crossing Read More »
Ghost stories are one kind of conversation that sticks with you, often in unexpected ways. There are so many stories about hauntings at the Palace
Ghost Stories Creep from Street to Street Read More »
Muskrat and Beaver Story This story is from a long time ago when Muskrat an’ Beaver met at Old Crow. Beaver was swimming up the
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Muskrat and Beaver Story” Read More »
Self Esteem If you have low self esteem, it will be hard to dream. So don’t think of yourself, like a little elf. Don’t keep
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Self Esteem” Read More »
Small towns are different than cities in many ways, which includes how one interacts with fellow community members. People get nestled into their relatively small
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon. Olympic Torch The big day was November fourth, when the Olympic Torch came North. It came
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Olympic Torch” Read More »
I knew it was going to be cold over night, but -47°C shattered the previous personal record by a few degrees. It was extra-hard getting
Life #2 Will Be Warmer Than My New Zero Read More »
The community that sings together … My personal songbook is getting bigger every month. That’s thanks to the energy of a departed Dawsonite educator, named
The Community That Sings Together Read More »
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.
Dead Planet vs. Tolerable Winters Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Old Fashioned” Read More »
Eskimos Eskimo people are tough, they live on the Earth above. Where trees don’t grow, their home is the land of snow. Eskimos use ulus,
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Eskimos” Read More »
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
Mount Maichen Ski Hill: A Tradition of Kindness Read More »
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.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Police” Read More »
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
Hot Water Never Felt So Good Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Edith Josie” Read More »
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,
About the Rising of the Sun Read More »
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
Canine Communication and the P-Mail Network Read More »
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
The Marvelous Tale of Musher McHugh Read More »
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
Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs Read More »
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
Boardwalk Users Take the High Road Read More »
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
Hurry Up and Relax! Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Word Fun” Read More »
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
Didee Didoo – Poem “Prop” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Story By Hawk” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Our Ladies” Read More »
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
The music moves to Haines Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Health is Wealth” Read More »
“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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Lottery Ticket” Read More »
“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.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “One Buck (No Luck)” Read More »
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.
Growing a festival, grows the community Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Idle Talk” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Michio” Read More »
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
Dawson Buttons Up for the Coming Winter Read More »
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
Golden Words Helped the Klondike Survive Read More »
Producer/artistic director Tim Jones is feeling satisfied with this year’s Dawson City Music Festival. 2010
“Accessible” is the Word for this Year’s DCMF Read More »
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
When Plaque is a Good Thing Read More »
My experience in Dawson says we first snow before Thanksgiving. But there are exceptions. One memorable year we had snow early in September
Winter Snow Dropped Early this Year Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Gerald” Read More »
“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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “How Bear Lost His Tail” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Whitestone Trip” Read More »
“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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Terry Fox” Read More »
“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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “The Great Outdoors” Read More »
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
When the Outhouses Get Running Read More »
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
The New Faces of Dawson Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Hip Hop” Read More »
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.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Canada Day” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Going Green” Read More »
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
The Gold Show Blooms this Weekend Read More »
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
When will the Ferry Be In? Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Mischief” Read More »
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
The Odd Places Some People Live Read More »
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.
All That Glitters in the Klondike Read More »
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
Dawson Poised for a Dramatic Comeback Read More »
“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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “My Other Brother” Read More »
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.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Crying” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Baseball Caps” Read More »
The first time you read this might be on Remembrance Day, November 11, a day which has a lot more significance now than it did
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
Choosing sides for the Klondike winter Read More »
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
Klondike Korner: It’s a Recycling Depot, Not a Garbage Dump Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Elves” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “My Prayer” Read More »
“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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I wish I were a kid again” Read More »
“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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “My health is my wealth” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “ABORIGINAL DAY” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Stealing” Read More »
Observer \ Communicator I work at the CARS station, where I measure the precipitation. I record the air pressure, and the snow I measure. When
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Observer \ Communicator” Read More »
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
Klondike Korner: Dancing in the Summer Breeze Read More »
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,
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Newfie” Read More »
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
Where Did You Say That Was Read More »
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
Europe: Sasquatch-free Read More »
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
Developing a Painless Pageant Read More »
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
Dog Teams and River Walkers Make the Crossing 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 »
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
The Mayo Marathon – Running on Guilted Wings Read More »
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
A Celebration of Northern Words Read More »
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
Afternoon and Evening Delight on Commissioner’s Day Read More »
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.
Klondike Korner: Visions of Dawson’s Past at the Museum Read More »
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
Drinking with the Germans Read More »
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
When the Fire Hall Got Hauled Read More »
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,
Guten Tag! Wie Geht’s? Good Afternoon! How Are You? Read More »
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
The Terror of the Toothless Wolf Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Autobiography” Read More »
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
Hunting for High School in Old Crow Read More »
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Taxi Business” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem ” I wish I had wings” Read More »
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
When the Whistle Blows Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Mistakes” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “WINTER IS GONE” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cabin Fever” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Goaltender (Josh)” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Self Taught” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “53 Year Old Machine” Read More »
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
A Different Kind of “Break Up” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Trimble Gilbert” Read More »
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
Didee & Didoo – Poem “High Tech” Read More »
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.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Two Old Ladies” Part Two Read More »
Down in Peterborough Chris Culgin (guitar, fiddle & vocals) of the band called the Avenues is wondering about the daylight situation when we connect on
Klondike Korner: Looking for the Midnight Sun Read More »
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
They Keep Coming Back Read More »
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
Klondike Korner: Jeanne Randolph Analyzes Everything Read More »
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
Destruction Bay; Season Opener Read More »
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
Klondike Korner: Frontiers of Literature Read More »
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
Klondike Korner: Tourism Promotion Goes Digital Read More »
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
Klondike Korner: Ice Bridge Jitters Read More »
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.
Remembering the Iron Man Read More »
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
Showcasing the ‘fur’ North Read More »
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
Klondike Korner: Movie Nights at the Museum Read More »
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cold Rush” Read More »
Many Yukoners live here because they enjoy the active lifestyle, interaction with wilderness, and distance from ties and pencil skirts. A visiting author from the
“Andy Nieman” He’s a residential school survivor and the devil was his driver. He knows all about pain ‘cause he was addicted to cocaine. He
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Andy Nieman” Read More »
Mayo is often Yukon’s hot spot in the summer, and this Saturday June 18,2011 it’s the hot spot for the arts and the Mayo Arts Festival
Have a lovely chat with Paul Wheeler of Haines Brewing Company about the origins of the Haines Beer Fest, and you will quickly understand Alaskans’
Haines Beerfest 2011! Read More »
They’ve been sprucing up the front façade of the Palace Grand Theatre recently, sanding off the old stain and lathering on the new. The contractor
Klondike Korner: Getting Ready For the Ball Read More »
Now that the snow is completely gone, it’s a little bit depressing to see how much garbage it was hiding. We had begun to notice
Cleaning up in the Klondike Read More »
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Culture Camp” Read More »
The Town of Faro will soon be taken over by teenage girls on a mission. Musical instruments in hand, they will immerse themselves in music
Girls With Guitars Read More »
In the afternoon glare of October elongated shadows stretch north across the town,reaching for winter.
There is excitement in the air, at least for those of us living on the west side of the Yukon River in Dawson City. Freeze-up
Flash freeze-up: Speculation and rumours Read More »
Young laughter rings out in the Faro Kettle coffee shop in the Recreation Centre, as the community celebrates the unveiling of a new mural that
A Wall of Colour Tells a Tale of Faro Read More »
“You’re in one of the slides in this presentation,” they told me. This came as a surprise, since it is generally my lot in life
The Mystery of the Four Coffins Explained Read More »
TWO OLD LADIES PART ONE There were stories about a famine when there was no meat an’ salmon. People were in search of the caribou
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Two Old Ladies Part One” Read More »
As we get closer to the time when Dawson sees an influx of summer workers, I thought I would take this week to reflect on
Remembering Tent City Read More »
On February 10, about a week after you’ll be reading this, one of the longest rivalries in hockey legend will see another act its 106-year
Klondike Korner: Introducing the Klondike Cup Read More »
In Dawson we usually get 24-hours notice before the George Black ferry gets pulled for the winter. That’s time enough for one last big haul
The Artful Orchestration of Ferry Extraction Read More »
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “He Missed His Girlfriend” Read More »
The month of January is kind of scary. We don’t have to be told ‘cause this month is so cold. The temperature goes to 40
Didee & Didoo – Poem “January” Read More »
Here’s my letter dear Abby ‘cause things are not too shabby. I need you to make me happy ‘cause I don’t like to be crappy.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Dear Abby” Read More »
They like to bark an’ scream but they’re too small for a dog team. Some are black an’ some are white and some pretend to
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Bear Dogs” Read More »
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 River
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Glad Temper” Read More »
Ski-Doo It doesn’t bark or scream an’ it replaced the dog team. It was a new thing that starts with a string. It can turn
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Ski-Doo” Read More »
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Free Meal” Read More »
I’m just an old dog My name is Grover an’ I’m just a leftover. At one time I was in my prime. Now I’m an
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I’m Just an Old Dog” Read More »
Louise and Chris Uncles’ kids numbered over a dozen And Louise is my first cousin. Just in case you didn’t know We all grew up
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Louise and Chris” Read More »
When they fly bush planes they always use their brains. Sometimes it’s a tight squeeze when they land on wheels or skis. Or they land
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Bush Pilots” Read More »
“Don Burnstick” He comes from down south an’ he knows how to use his mouth. If you’re feelin’ crappy he’ ll soon make you happy.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Don Burnstick” Read More »
There are strange things done in the land of the midnight sun. Captain Dick ended up with a toe when someone froze it off at
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Sourtoe Cocktail” Read More »
Sewing My auntie makes extra bucks when she sews mukluks. When she sews beaver mitts Auntie never calls it quits. She makes tea in dippers
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Sewing” Read More »
OLD CROW TRADING POST Philip Dicquamare came from France and Old Crow he found by chance. Philip was a French man and a trading post
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Old Crow Trading Post” Read More »
Picking up from where I left off in my October journey across Scotland with my Klondike Fine Malt Society comrades, Kath and Jim: following a
In Search of a Wee Dram: Part 2 Read More »
On December 15, the Yukon School of Visual Art Dawson City campus will open its doors to the public for its annual Christmas open house
An Art of Their Own Read More »
The first Youth Art Enrichment (YAC) week in Dawson City was inspired in the early years of the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC)
Art Enrichment Time Read More »
It’s official: Skagwegians know how to have a good time. We just got back from the second annual Skagway Craft Brew Festival, and it was awesome.
Skagway Craft Brew Festival Debrief Read More »
I discovered Google Earth a few years ago. Our son was spending the winter in Fort Nelson and we figured out that Google Earth would
A Dawson Virtual Tour Read More »
This is the time of year when you find people looking at the river and wondering – when? There are different “whens”, of course. I
When Natasha Peter walks into the coffee shop, she’s grinning with excitement. “We were just down the street looking at rifles,” she says of her
Heritage New & Old Read More »
While doing what I call my Berton House exit interview with Sara Tilley, the latest writer-in-residence, she remarked that one of the things that made
Dawson and the Ted Harrison Effect Read More »
Tis the season to be careful where you walk and where you park here in Dawson. Look up. Look waaay up (with apologies to The
Klondike Korner: Look Out Below! Read More »
If you’re 21 years of age and like to kick back in the company of more than 200 beer enthusiasts while tasting a wide variety
Skagway Craft Brew Festival Read More »
The dogs at the Percy DeWolfe starting line must have started getting antsy around 9:15 am on March 24. That’s when our dog, whose mother
Klondike Korner: How the Dogs Love to Run Read More »
I’m writing this column on Robert Service’s birthday, January 16, which is appropriate since the event I wish to describe is the Dawson Community Library’s
Klondike Korner: Preparing for the Double Bob Bash Read More »
Cabin Door Sign I’m not always at home ‘Cause I’m always on the roam. You don’t need to knock My door doesn’t have a lock.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cabin Door Sign” Read More »
Things generally slow down at the Dänojà Zho (Hän for Long Ago House) Cultural Centre once the summer season is over and the tourists are
Dawson’s Got Culture Read More »
Buttons We used to play this game and buttons is the name. With buttons we pay an’ that’s why we play. We dig a hole
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Buttons” Read More »
She Saved My Life She’s my uncle’s wife and she saved my life. Her name is Nancy an’ she’s really fancy. And I’ll tell you
Didee & Didoo – Poem “She Saved My Life” Read More »
Through the eyes of an elder I see through the eyes of an elder Not through the helmet of a welder. If you see through
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Through the Eyes of an Elder” Read More »
UNCLE AND BOB Uncle doesn’t like a fly And Bob likes to fly. Uncle knows the land An’ Bob knows how to land. Uncle like
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Uncle & Bob” Read More »
Dawson City is famous for the Dawson City Music Festival, which covers a long weekend in July. However, if that’s all we had happening here,
Musical Months in Dawson Read More »
“Best Singer” The songs that I wrote will put a lump in my throat. But the best song I ever heard came from my little
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Best Singer” Read More »
Think big. That’s what Dawson City residents were invited to do this fall as they participated in yet another round of consultations for a new
Klondike’s Lost Recreation Gold Read More »
My fellow Klondike Fine Malt Society member Kath, born in Yorkshire, and her partner Jim, a native Glaswegian, invited me to accompany them on a
In Search of a Wee Dram: Part 1 Read More »
Our mayor, Peter Jenkins, likes to say that moving the capital city to Whitehorse did Dawson a favour. We lost the politicians but got to
Painting the Public Face of Dawson Read More »
Publishing timelines sometimes just don’t mesh with reality. Ten days ago I could have written three of these advance-notice style columns about the crowded schedule
Memories of Life in Dawson Read More »
As the summer winds down here in Dawson, and with no special occasion on the horizon, this week seemed a good time to sum up
Ribbons and Scissors Read More »
On August 29 the Klondike School House, called Tr’odek Hatr’unohtan Zho in the Han language, finally got a home. I’m talking about the Dawson campus
Klondike’s Wandering School House Read More »
One of the last big weekends of this Dawson City summer will be built around an RCMP Regimental Ball, to be held here on August
Remembering the Lost Patrol Read More »
GRANDMA SUZIE If she hits you with her cane she’ll give you a little pain. But it won’t hurt ‘cause she likes to flirt. We
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Grandma Suzie” Read More »
While we are on the cusp of a new gold rush in the Klondike, an era of exploration that is seeing a gradual shift from
A Close Look at the Klondike’s Frozen Gold Read More »
Sawdust, grass and gravel are flying, there is painting to be done, tidying and dusting—the rural museums around the territory are gearing for the tourist
Visitors Countdown Read More »
It will have been obvious from my last column that I was truly expecting breakup to have occurred before I got around to writing the
A Look at Dawson’s Dike Read More »
t can happen to anyone. You forget to set the alarm, you sleep in, you miss an important flight. But when you’re a migratory bird,
Just had a call from the folks at the Community Gospel Hall to tell us that there were 90 people at this week’s edition of
Feeding Bodies, Hearts and Minds Read More »
The last of the monthly winter coffee house and open mic nights at the Odd Fellows Hall ballroom occurred on May 5. They are a
Making Music in the Ballroom Read More »
The Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay turns 20 this year. For all of those years, Ron McFadyen has worked dedicatedly in the background, radio in
Relaying the Relay Read More »
“Merle Haggard” He was always on the roam when he sang “Sing Me Back Home”. The strangers were his back up band when Merle sang
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Merle Haggard” Read More »
You might not expect to have to worry too much about falling snow in the Klondike in April. After all, this is not Alberta, where
“Gee, but it’s great to be back home” – Paul Simon Waiting for my wife’s plane to land at the airport this afternoon I was
Be It Ever So Wintry, There’s No Place Like Home Read More »
Get myself ready for the October edition of the monthly Coffee House/Open Mic evening in the Oddfellows Hall ballroom.
Music Fills the Klondike this Fall Read More »
There were about two dozen people at Dawson’s recycling centre over a recent weekend. They were trying to do something about the mess that the
Getting Down with the Trash Read More »
“TINKER” I think he’s a good thinker ‘cause he always likes to tinker. He likes to take stuff apart then he tries to make it
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Tinkering” Read More »
Body Heat When it’s a cold autumn you’ll freeze your bottom. You can either migrate or better yet hibernate. You can’t do no harm when
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Body Heat” Read More »
The former Hän fish camp, known today as Tr’ochëk, was designated as a National Historic Site on July 19, 2002, joining the long list of
A Klondike Korner: Honouring Tr’ochëk Read More »
There’s an area of town in Dawson that I like to refer to as the Writers’ Block. I do this because of an inherent weakness
Dawson’s Writers’ Block Read More »
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Being Caribou” Read More »
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Check Up” Read More »
Store I don’t like to buy pop but I like to shop. I can use my credit card when I need to buy lard. Or
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Store” Read More »
BODY PARTS We’re born with a new body but aging makes it shoddy. If I could get a new part I would go for a
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Body Parts” Read More »
Don Cherry His name is Don Cherry an’ he’s named after a berry. His nickname is Grapes he has suits of all colours an’ shapes.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Don Cherry” Read More »
There are two types of starting line for the annual Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Race events. The first one is a timed individual start on
Mass Confusion at the Percy Junior Race Read More »
On the day before the 13th Annual Dawson City International Short Film Festival (DCISFF) schedule was released, I joined festival producer, Dan Sokolowski, in his
Short Sightings, Wide Views Read More »
“Like all famous sons, Pierre Berton sometimes gets a mixed reception in his home town, but you’d never have known it to hear the spontaneous
The Origins of Berton House: Part 1 Read More »
When beloved members of a community pass away, thoughts about how to commemorate their lives begin to be tossed around. Sometimes a bench is adorned
Keeping Their Music Playing Read More »
As we close in on Easter Weekend, otherwise known locally as the Dawson City International Short Film Festival (DCISFF), I have to wonder if Dawson’s
There’s a quiet old guy in the town I’m living in named Joel. Joel’s been a trapper all his life. From Joel, I’ve learned that
In the Eyes of a Trapper Read More »
It’s hard to think of an icy road as being anything but dangerous, but that’s not always the case. In Dawson City it can go
Driving Depends on Icy Conditions Read More »
When the Percy de Wolfe Memorial Mail Race comes to Dawson City on March 22, it is a sign of spring. Already the light is
Strange things are done in the midnight sun, and when you’ve lived in the North for a few years, you don’t really question these things.
Thaw di Gras (sometimes misspelled Thaw di Graw, especially in Manitoba) is the peculiar name Dawson City gives its spring carnival. The event will be
What is Thaw di Gras, Anyway? Read More »
It’s the 19th year for Trek Over the Top, and the second year the Klondike Visitors Association (KVA) has the Yukon side of the operation
The Trek Celebrates Year 19 Read More »
Faro-based artist Jackie Irvine set herself a challenge. What if she painted one painting a day for 100 days? Starting October 1, 2011 she did
100 Steps Further In Read More »
The Yukon School of Visual Arts (SOVA) in Dawson City is going on the road. Students and faculty will arrive in Whitehorse next week to
Transparency Theory Read More »
The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in (TH) Heritage department is reviving its Myth and Medium program during the week of February 21 to 23. The program ran for
Myth and Medium Returns to Dawson Read More »
Our dog, Shadow, is outside this afternoon and has been for about half an hour. The sun has reached the point where it actually shines
Sunshine and Shadow in the Winter Read More »
Today was one of those overcast days when the sun didn’t break through and all we got was indirect lighting. When this happens I can’t
A Fortnight in the Freezer Read More »
welcome to a new year of news and musing from the Klondike, where the most descriptive word for the several weeks seems to be “snow”.
Lots of Snow in the Klondike Read More »
When I left off with this history of the Berton House, Pierre Berton had bought back his childhood home for $50,000 in 1989 and donated
The Origins of Berton House: Pt. 2 Read More »
Here Are The News: Jerome went up river to cut wood and Albert say he’s doing good. Stephen went to Whitehorse for dog race and
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Here Are The News” Read More »
“BRUCE” I’m not as tough as Bruce He’s as strong as a moose. He has lots of power ‘cause he can pack flour. In the
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Bruce” Read More »
“We had a vision in the fall, last year, of building an outdoor classroom at Robert Service School,” Hän Language teacher Melissa Hawkins explained to
A Vision Becomes a Reality at the Gathering Place Read More »
Doris Roberts hates to fly, but when it came time to go to Tanacross, Alaska, to retrieve the songs and stories that Chief Isaac had
Saving a Language and a Culture Read More »
There’s a lot more than gold in them thar hills and creeks in the Klondike. Aside from all kinds of other minerals that just don’t
Miners Have a Bone to Pick with Pre-History Read More »
Sewing Our Traditions: Dolls of Canada’s North will be on display at Dawson’s Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre until September 21, held over from the centre’s
It has, unfortunately, been a number of years since a really top-notch piece of stagecraft graced the boards at the Palace Grand Theatre on a
Picking the Greatest Klondiker Read More »
Victor Cheated Death He left his kids and wife and he lost his life. They all cried ‘cause the husband had died. It happened in
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Victor Cheated Death” Read More »
A combination of literary, historic, sports, and arts related activities have created a five-day visitor attraction filled with annual events.
Gallery Hopping as a Discovery Event Read More »
Toughest Gwichin She was as tough as rocks my great grandma Margaret Blackfox. She was the toughest Gwichin ‘cause any race she can win. Didoo
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Margaret Blackfox” Read More »
Dawson survives as it does because it had prominent champions among the wordsmiths of the 20th century. Without the stories of Jack London, the poetry
Taking a Walk Along Writers’ Block Read More »
“I was born under a tree (on September 6, 1920), way up the MacMillan River, at Russell Creek,” J.J. Van Bibber told the Klondike Sun
The Storyteller’s Story Read More »
Better To Be Poor It’s better to be poor than to have more. It’s better to be poor than to be sore. It’s better to
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Better To Be Poor” Read More »
The Dawson Daily News building shut down as an operating business in 1954, a casualty of Dawson losing its Yukon capital status to Whitehorse. The
Celebrating Print and Publishing at the Daily News Read More »
Around this time of year I usually devote a few columns to some of the literary lions that have helped to make Dawson City famous
How Scrooge Made his Fortune Read More »
Welcome to another peek at my corner of the Klondike. Apparently this little column is getting a bit of notice, since my absence last issue
An Art Invasion is Coming to Dawson Read More »
In its 10th year, the Yukon Riverside Arts Festival, has made a few changes intended to give people more to do, as opposed to just
ArtsFest Aims to Carve Itself a New Emphasis Read More »
I managed to mow our lawn before the rain began to sprinkle this morning and was pleased to find that several of the dog damaged
Dawson Blooms in the Summer Read More »
For Yukoners who grew up in Dawson City in the 1950s and ’60s, Bear Creek is a symbol of a lost age. The abandoned mining
The Bear Creek Key Read More »
Moosehide Gathering organizer Allison and her sister Shauna Kormendy laugh to think of the length of time the gathering has been happening. “A long time,”
A Gathering of Nations Read More »
I was enjoying an hour’s quiet reading on our front deck last week when a familiar French-Canadian voice hailed me from the street. I wasn’t
The Berton House Boomerang Effect Read More »
It’s a slow Sunday afternoon and Michael Mason is a little discouraged at the low turnout for his one-man art show at the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
Michael Mason’s Single Line Read More »
At the turn of the 19th century the federal government was anxious to establish that the Yukon was a valued part of the nation. Even
Dawson Museum Celebrates 50 Years Read More »
“You’re not writing anything the way you’re used to writing it. You’re not reading it that way either. Adding, subtracting, arranging. You’re not looking for
An Experiment in Triangular Action Read More »
As the calendar moves inexorably towards Canada Day, with all the busyness of the holiday combined with the Yukon Goldpanning Championships, which fill up much
A Klondike Korner: When Dawson Celebrated Independence Day Read More »
On May 8, Darren Bullen woke up on a small gravel island, upside-down in a single engine Cessna, with the weight of a man on
Walking Away from Disaster Read More »
There are, as Robert Service noted, strange things done ‘neath the Midnight Sun. There have also been some strange things written, not the least of
The “True” Tale of Diamond Lil Read More »
If you want to get a really good look at Dredge #4 on the Bonanza Road, this summer is the time to do it. This
See the Dredge, While You Can Read More »
RIVER It can rise and drop and it will never stop. It can be fast or slow and it will always flow. It can be
Didee & Didoo – Poem “River” Read More »
Having spent a bit of time in Scotland, I can attest that the scenery in the Highlands bears more than a passing resemblance to the
There are many ways to enjoy the midnight sun. Fishing, hiking and gardening are all popular, but how about running a marathon? That’s right, on
Humans are attracted to animals on an instinctual level, yet more than 50 percent of us now live in urban settings, worldwide (as of 2008).
Breakup is usually followed by a week of damp chilliness as the cool air moving off the exposed river hits the town, but this year
Here in the Klondike we are currently forging through Advent and into the Christmas season. The month of the Christmas bazaars – otherwise known as
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like “You Know What” Read More »
Last night I attended the delightful Dawson City showing of the David Mamet play, Boston Marriage. Two days earlier the KIAC Christmas Art and Craft
A Gift from the Odd Fellows Read More »
I finally managed to spot the place where they are crossing the Yukon River yesterday (November 19). I’ve been hearing stories of people making the
The Ice Bridge Begins Read More »
First, and most obviously, it is now attached to its sister institution, the new campus for Yukon College (or Tr’odek Hatr’unohtan Zho), as noted here
Another Housing Crunch Read More »
Hardly anyone knows more about Dawson’s cemeteries than Ed and Star Jones. These days the Joneses live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They don’t commute
Remarkable Dedication in the Dead Centre of Town Read More »
In mid-June, the tiny community of Keno City (pop. 25) was invaded. The invasion was led by a veritable army of women from Dawson City
What Happens In Keno Read More »
It figures. Leave town for a week and they change things. In this case, it’s the boardwalks they’re changing, and I can’t complain about that
Boardwalks and Visitors Read More »
In early February the sun begins to kiss the streets in Dawson City. It’s been lurking along the tops of the hills for some time,
Dawson Goes to the Dogs Read More »
Here in Dawson we’re into the second year of working with the Home Routes organization to stage a series of House Concerts. These help to
The Joys of a Good House Concert Read More »
It’s always interesting to learn how other people see us. Three creative spirits passed our way a couple of weeks ago and left us with
How Others See Us PDF Read More »
The 10th Moosehide Gathering will take place at Moosehide (where else?) from July 29 to Aug. 1. Moosehide is located five kilometres downstream from Dawson
Tr’ondek Hwich’in Celebrate at Moosehide Read More »
May’s “First Friday” walk in Juneau, Alaska included 10 art openings and events downtown in the state capital. At the Canvas Community Art Studio and
Art Glass Blossoms in Downtown Juneau Read More »
ATLIN “Savoury?” A young girl with pigtails and a shy smile, wearing a frilly pink party dress, held out a silver tray to the four
Take Tea on the Tarahne Read More »
CARCROSS The epitome of character building is reflected in the faces and personalities of the Carcross Visitor Information Centre (VIC) team as they meet the
Building Character With (Carcross) Style Read More »
HAINES JUNCTION The staff who work at the Haines Junction Visitor Information Centre (VIC) believe it’s all about location. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy arriving
It’s All About Location Read More »
BY DAN DAVIDSON Who visits the neighbours at five a.m., exciting the watchers in the lane? They pass the word from house to house, so
Klondike Korner: Wake-up Call Read More »
DAWSON CITY For many people, coming to the Yukon means coming to Dawson City. Located in the heart of the Klondike, Dawson is one of
Klondike History Comes Alive Read More »
We drove down to Atlin for the May long weekend for some family time. Atlin is one of my favourite getaway places. The town is
Atlin is Great for Young Explorers Read More »
The Whitehorse Visitor Information Centre first opened its doors in 1996. Since that time it has greeted thousands of visitors arriving by land, sea and
True Ambassadors for the Yukon Read More »