The final full day in Whitehorse focused on solidifying an understanding of the day-to-day living by weaving in the territory’s heritage.
We started the day with a fun glass-blowing workshop where we all created beautiful works of art while surrounded by a collage of colours and shapes. Vases, flowers and birds came to life from a pool of molten glass as students were guided by the professionals from the studio, working with their hands and tools. A unique activity that roughly twelve ten-thousandths of a percent (0.00001205%) of the globe’s population has had the chance to partake in.
After a lunch break in Whitehorse, students visited the library to browse the Northern Collection of literature. Having a wide array of books to explore more writing on their research topics, the students were able to take some time to look into different viewpoints for notes and information to shape their presentations.
A guided tour of the Macbride Museum of Yukon History opened conversations into the intricacies of the territory’s DNA. Stepping into how the First Nation’s politics and determination shaped the foundations of the ever-changing territory and the daily life allowed students to blend the information gathered from our different engagements throughout the week.
In-depth looks at the wildlife of the region in the nature gallery offered discussions of preservation of wild spaces in the territory, impacts of climate change, and interesting facts about the magnificent creatures that live here. The tour continued by spending time talking about one event that formed Whitehorse and made the Yukon famous in 1889, the gold rush.
Peeling back the information the public knows about that moment in time through interactive exhibits and displays to unearth the real facts about how gruelling a time that was for the population, which was drawn into the hysteria of trying to get rich “quick”. Resources still being used today, practices, and their environmental impacts were big topics during this tour, which led to many eye-opening and jaw-dropping moments as students absorbed as much information as they could.
The last presentation of the trip was given by Steve from the Yukon Fish & Wildlife Management Board. During the riverside chat, Steve provided context on how the territory works in partnership with First Nations, locals, and government to preserve the natural beauty of the lands around them. Students shared any final inquiries they had for their research topics as they recorded the valuable knowledge being shared with them and reflected on all the learning that had taken place over the course of the experience.
A final banquet dinner was shared at a local restaurant with some friendly and familiar faces joining as we drew this impactful trip to a close.
