13 minute read
VISITING THE NORTH
China for a while, and I thought I’d come and take this chance to learn about VFR in Whitehorse and the Yukon.”
Toronto Metropolitan University professor Tom Griffin, PhD, has been in the Yukon on sabbatical, conducting a research project on tourism
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. The associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)’s Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, who is also the assistant director of the school’s Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research, came up north on a sabbatical while working on a data collection.
“I’ve been speaking with and still continue to speak with residents of Whitehorse about their experiences of having friends and relatives come to visit,” he explained. “So, it’s a particular part of tourism called visiting friends and relatives travellers— which, in industry, is called VFR. I’m particularly interested in the host’s experience within that. So, I’ve been studying the topic in
Originally from England, Griffin has been in Canada since 2006, but this has been his first time visiting the Yukon, a decidedly different place than the big city of Toronto in pretty much every way, a fact to which this now-Torontonian author can attest. When Griffin first applied for a sabbatical, it was during the height of the pandemic. While travel wouldn’t be possible right away, he knew it was something his eventual sabbatical would have to involve.
“To apply for a sabbatical, you have to suggest the project that you’re going to do at university and prove that it’s going to be worthwhile,” Griffin said. “I wanted to continue to study visiting friends and relatives. I’ll be quite honest, I also wanted to have an adventure and to be somewhere different for a few months.”
Griffin pointed out that during COVID the tourism industry was struggling, and the Department of Tourism was (and still is) interested in finding ways to encourage Yukon residents to partake in the tourism industry and to engage in activities they’d typically do with visiting friends and family.
“Having residents invite people and getting residents themselves to go and do stuff—it’s just a slightly different angle to look at,” he said.
As Griffin explained, he has found some themes in his research, but since it is a qualitative study, he’s not measuring anything but, rather, is collecting stories to show how people experience tourism with visiting friends and family.
“Very broadly, I think residents do attract a lot of people to come here, whether they be residents spending time and effort, saying, ‘Hey, everybody that I know, you should come here and experience this; it’s an amazing place.’ So they’re actually doing the promotion and that kind of convincing,” Griffin explained. “And when people come to visit them, they curate and they tailor the experience for their guests. So, your 80-year-old parents or grandparents are going to have quite a different experience than your 25-year-old university buddy. Just based on their age and abilities, but then, also, what they’re interested in; some people have friends that are interested in going out into the middle of nowhere, going on a big hike and canoeing, and some have friends that are less interested in that but really enjoy food or arts and culture.
“And so, the residents are actually personalized tour guides that know the visitors really well. And they know the place really well, and they might provide people [with] these specific trips on which people then have a good time.”
Griffin had his own experience in being a personalized tour guide when his family from England came to visit him in the Yukon for two weeks, of which their favourite day was spent driving to Carcross, as well as visiting Swan Haven and Marsh Lake. Now that his time in the territory is coming to an end, Griffin is preparing for the next steps of his study, which starts with driving from Whitehorse back to Toronto, with his partner and 10-year-old.
“I’m going to go to a conference in Kingston, Ontario, in September, and I’ll present the results and then turn this into a publication,” he said. “And then I want to research this topic more. I might not be doing it in Whitehorse, but this gives me some more information and a variety of perspectives on how this topic is experienced in different places.” n
ACTIVE LISTINGS
Wed Jun 21 & 28 Ladies
Kickboxing 12:05 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.
Wed Jun 21 & 28 Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Register online
Wed Jun 21 & 28 Insanity
Live – Beginner 6:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 8 week series, drop-in or register online https://bit. ly/3SyoqAL
Wed Jun 21 & 28 Spirit Bear
Karate The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 6:30 PM & 7:30 PM Traditional Okinawan Shorin-ryu Seibukan Karate Do. Adult Class (16 y/o and up) http://spiritbearkaratekobudo.ca
Wed Jun 21 & 28 Badminton
Adult Drop-in Takhini
Elementary 7:30 PM Open to everyone 18 years old and older and all skill levels.
Thu Jun 22 & 29 Lunchtime
Fitness Classes 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy Tuesdays classes are more resistance and strength focused and Thursday classes more HIIT cardio. Drop in & passes are available. https://bit.ly/3oiTBVz
Thu Jun 22 & 29 Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Register online
Thu Jun 22 & 29 Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 12:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Thu Jun 22 & 29 Insanity
Live – Beginner 6:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 8 week series, drop-in or register online https://bit. ly/3SyoqAL
Fri Jun 23 & 30 Badminton
Adult Drop-in Takhini
Elementary 7:30 PM Open to everyone 18 years old and older and all skill levels
Fri Jun 23 & 30 Lunchtime
Mat Class – Drop in 12:00
PM Velvet Antlers Productions
This class will take you through a flowing series stretches intended to increase length and mobility, along with some light core conditioning. A great way to transition from work time to YOU time. https://bit.ly/3jPb9pX
Sat Jun 24 Train with Miracle Whips 3:30 Whitehorse
Curling Club Miracle Whips from Montreal Roller Derby in Whitehorse to coach this allgenders roller derby training camp! To register https://forms. gle/LLpXMwNjm6jEyobd8
Sat Jun 24 Wham! Bam! Solstice! Slam! 5:30 PM Whitehorse Curling Club A Double Header!!! Two hardhitting games back to back for the price of one! Flower Power Roller Derby vs. Midnight & Yukon Roller Derby vs. Ptarmageddon
Sun Jun 25 & Jul 2 Insanity
Live – Beginner 6:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 8 week series, drop-in or register online https://bit. ly/3SyoqAL
Mon Jun 26 & Jul 3 Women’s Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM
The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Mon Jun 26 & Jul 3 Muay Thai
Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 12:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Mon Jun 26 & Jul 3 Lunchtime
Fitness Classes 12:00 PM
Northern Strength Academy
Tuesdays classes are more resistance and strength focused and Thursday classes more HIIT cardio. Drop in & passes are available. https://bit. ly/3oiTBVz
Tue Jun 27 & Jul 4 Salsa and Bachata – Beginner and Intermediate Classes 7:30 PM Heart of Riverdale Community Centre A fun and person-centered class, including switching partners will be encouraged to promote communication & further learning open to couples or singles. Email salsayukon@ gmail.com to register and for info
Wellness Listings
Elder and Counselor available Emotional and Spiritual support, free to Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirited in Yukon, Northern BC: Phone, video appointments or in person. Call Toll Free 866 667 6162 or visit www.yawc.ca for info.
Monday, Tuesdays & Thursdays Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM Whitehorse United Church A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.
Wed Jun 21 & 28 TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 8:00 AM 100 Lambert St. Common Room Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Join us! Every Wednesday morning. Call or text 867-334-1725 for more details
Wed Jun 21 & 28 Yoga Classes at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs 10:00 AM Yoga mats are provided. Booking options that include yoga classes alone and yoga with discounted entrance to Eclipse are available. eclipsenordichotsprings.ca/ yoga-classes
Wed Jun 21 & 28 Community Kitchen 11:30 AM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.
Wed Jun 21 & 28 AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM
305 Wood St. Captain Martin House https://bcyukonaa.org/ meetings/joy-of-living-group/
Wed Jun 21 & 28 Dads Matter
Group 5:30 PM NVD Place A group for dads, grandfathers, stepdads, uncles, foster fathers, all male caregivers are welcome. Join us to talk about parenting and meet other male caregivers. For more info contact 336-0795 or email ante. tokic@yukon.ca
Wed Jun 21 & 28 Arka
Brotherhood Circle: Porcupine Squad 6:30 PM Whitehorse For men eager to identify and move past selflimiting beliefs, stretch beyond their comfort zone and embody the best version of himself. To register email or call mjvernon@ gmail.com 332-4722.
Wed Jun 21 & 28 Narcotics
Anonymous Meetings 7:00 PM
Inclusion Yukon
Wed Jun 21 & 28 Overeaters
Anonymous Meeting 7:30 PM Overeaters Anonymous
For more information contact oayukon@gmail.com for more information
Wed Jun 21 & 28 Beginner w/ Experience – Level 1 5:30 PM
Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Sun
Salutation A+B, foundational standing poses. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Wed Jun 21 & 28 Move with Life w/Phillipe – All Levels
7:30 PM Alpine Bakery –Upstairs A condition practice for movers of all types seeking agility, mobility, stamina and strength. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Thu Jun 22 & 29 Hatha Yoga
12:00 PM Grace Space Find alignment mental and physical during this hour of inspiring hatha yoga,. Register online. https://bit.ly/3kFowWQ
Thu Jun 22 & 29 Iyengar Yoga
12:00 PM Church of Northern Apostles Join the Elder Active along with instructor Richard Mueller, register online. https:// bit.ly/3Zl6J9H
Thu Jun 22 & 29 Mantra and Relaxation 4:15 PM White Swan Sanctuary This class is about developing awareness of your inner Light through the practices of chanting mantra and deepening relaxation
Thu Jun 22 & 29 KDCC
Walking with Our Sisters
Sewing Group 5:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.
Thu Jun 22 & 29 Vitality Yoga w/Nancy 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Kundalini yoga cleanses and detoxifies the body, neutralizes stress, rewires natural pathways. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Thu Jun 22 & 29 Breathe + Stretch w/Carrie 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs A slow paced class to stretch the body. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Thu Jun 22 & 29 Yoga wake up flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https:// www.rootedtreemassage.com/ book-online
Fri Jun 23 & 30 Morning Yoga
Stretch 9:00 AM 7th Ray Studio Easing into the day with gentling warming up and stretching. All levels are welcome Register online.
Fri Jun 23 & 30 Men’s Support Group for Indigenous men 18 and over CYFN Council Of Yukon First Nations Family Preservation Services is hosting a Snaring & Trapping Workshop as part of its ongoing Support Group for Yukon First Nations and Indigenous men. Register now as space is limited!
Fri Jun 23 & 30 Community
Kitchen 4:00 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.
Fri Jun 23 & 30 Slow Flow
Resto – All Levels 5:30 PM
Stretch, flow + restore – a great way to end the week for a better weekend. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com.
Fri Jun 23 & 30 Narcotics
Anonymous Meetings 7:00 PM
Yukon Employees Union
Sat Jun 24 2023 Whitehorse
Brain Tumour Walk 9:30 AM
Rotary Park Come together across Canada to celebrate and remember our heroes. We walk with a united goal – to see an end to brain tumors – and raise funds for life-changing research, support programs, information, advocacy, awareness, and HOPE.
Sat Jun 24 “Soul”stice
Stillness 9:00 AM 7th Ray
Studio “Solstice” the time the sun seems to just hang in the sky. A time to pause and reflect, to look at and contemplate core beliefs and to change what no longer serves our souls. https:// shorturl.at/coFMR
Sun Jun 25 & Jul 2 Restorative
Yoga – All Levels 10:30 AM
Alpine Bakery – Upstairs
Restorative poses are long holds over supportive props relaxing variations of backbends. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Sun Jun 25 & Jul 2 Narcotics
Anonymous Meetings 7:00 PM
Inclusion Yukon
Mon Jun 26 & Jul 3 Live And Online Kundalini Yoga 8:00
AM Online Kriya, mudra, and mantra awaken your body and focus the mind. We will follow one sequence until you are able to find yourself in the flow, before moving on
Mon Jun 26 & Jul 3 Absolute
Beginners – Intro 5:30 PM
Alpine Bakery - Upstairs
Introduction to yoga with Erica.
Mon Jun 26 & Jul 3 Grief
Walking Group 6:30 PM SS
Klondike Walking together is a great way to move through grief. Walk in silence or share your feelings... you choose. Call (867) 667-7429 with questions.
Mon Jun 26 & Jul 3 CRUSH
2023! (or… what can a men’s circle do for me?) 7:00 PM
Inclusion Yukon Meet the men involved and learn more about the two ARKA Brotherhood men’s circles changing lives in Whitehorse. http://www. arkabrotherhood.com
Mon Jun 26 & Jul 3 Hips, Hams
Core – All Levels 7:30 PM
Alpine Bakery - Upstairs Fairly vigorous classes with emphasis on breath and slower is stronger. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Mon Jun 26 & Jul 3AA New Beginnings Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral
Mon Jun 26 & Jul 3 Arka
Brotherhood Circle: Grizzly Squad 7:00 PM Whitehorse For men eager to identify and move past self-limiting beliefs, stretch beyond their comfort zone and embody the best version of himself. Register by email or phone bcdrisco@gmail. com/867-332-0465.
Tue Jun 27 & Jul 4 Yoga with Barbara – All Levels 10:00 AM Whitehorse United Church All welcome, or register: Call/text 335-1996 or email bfraingower@gamil.com
Tue Jun 27 & Jul 4The Prenatal Lunch Network 12:00 PM NVD Place (Old Canadian Tire Building) A free prenatal lunch network. Each week will feature a different activity. https://bit. ly/42yV21Q
Tue Jun 27 & Jul 4 Sewing Circle 1:00 PM Champagne and Aishihik First Nations CAFN Sewing Circle is every Tuesday. A gathering space available to work on your projects. Refreshments and snacks will be served.
Tue Jun 27 & Jul 4 Men’s Community Group 5:30 PM Mountainview Church We start with a meal and fellowship, then work through a biblical study, and take time to pray for one another, and for shared requests.
Tue Jun 27 & Jul 4 Intermediate
– Level 2 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Explore alignment and form in a wide range of familiar + new poses. PreRegister by email wallymaltz@ mac.com
Tue Jun 27 & Jul 4 TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 8:00 PM 100 25 Firth Rd Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Join us! Every Wednesday morning. Call or text 867-3341725 for more details
Tue Jun 27 & Jul 4 Yoga by Amber 7:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A yoga class that is for all levels and abilities, register online.
Tue Jun 27 & Jul 4 Yoga for Runners 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Movement and asanas to strengthen, and all over body stretch to keep your muscles and joints supple to help prevent injury. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Tue Jun 27 & Jul 4AA UglyDuckling Group (C/M, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral New members always welcome, this is a non smoking group.
Clayton’s CAR CARE Tips
Battery
Batteries store energy that is needed to start your vehicle, there are a few things to remember about batteries. Regular maintenance #1 is making sure the battery is secured properly so it doesn’t vibrate, keeping connections clean and tight at the terminal, with loose connections you may run into problems like vehicles won’t start, alternator not charging properly and could cause battery and alternator failure. Making sure your battery is ready for the colder weather we see in the Yukon like adding a battery pad or battery blanket to keep it warm when the vehicle is not in use; by keeping the battery warm in colder weather you will get the most power out of the battery on start up. Here is a side tip: if you don’t drive your vehicle on a regular basis and are experiencing battery problems, you could ask you local mechanic to install a low amp battery maintainer; this will keep your battery fully charged even when the vehicle is parked for a long time.
Thank
Sponsors
We invite Businesses and Organizations around Whitehorse to join in on this city-wide Lemonade Stand Competition from 11:00am-2:00pm on Wednesday, July 19, 2022
All lemonade stands participating offer their lemonade by donation, and some choose to also include additional draws such as treats, baked goods or a bbq.
All proceeds from The Big Squeeze stay in Yukon to support our agency’s proactive mentoring programs!
Register a Team By July 3, 2022
THE RULES:
• Big Brothers Big Sisters will provide your team with lemons and pitchers (if required) the Monday before the event. Teams can add anything (non-alcoholic) to their lemonade.
• The agency will promote all locations (which can be indoors or outdoors) that lemonade will be available. You can do additional promotions for your team; it’s encouraged!
• Teams can raise additional funds at their stand by collecting donations, having a bake sale or anything else that is legal and your imagination can come up with. These additional fundraising efforts will go towards your total.
• Lemonade is sold between 11:00am-2:00pm. No lemonade sales (or other fundraising) done before 11:00am, or after 2:00pm will be eligible to be added to your total sales.
• Pledge sheets will be provided to collect information for those who would like a tax receipt.
• Our “celebrity” guest taste testers, along with Big Brothers Big Sisters reps, will be acting as judges and will be coming to each lemonade stand during the sale period to do a taste test. These judges will award the coveted Big Squeeze trophy at the end of the day. Points will be awarded for taste and appearance! There will also be an award for top fundraising lemonade stand.
• Staff members from Big Brothers Big Sisters will be at your location between 2:00pm-3:00pm to pick up the money raised and any remaining supplies.
