Northern Conference Update

Encircling Light Conference Update, August 1st to 8th, 2009, Whitehorse, Yukon

As of now, 62 participants have registered for the conference, including some from the United States and Europe. As I indicated in my letter, we are looking forward to the presence of two friends from Iceland. Fund raising efforts in Alaska and here in Canada will enable three participants to come from Russia.
Much of the groundwork for the conference has now been done. My heartfelt thanks go in particular to my colleagues on the organizing committee—Edna Cox, Monique Walsh, Ralph Danyluk, Anthony Perzel and Sarnia Guiton—for taking on the work needed to make this event possible.
Early in 2009 we will have to confirm our use of both the Yukon Arts Centre and Yukon College for the conference week. The number of registrations received by that time will determine whether we can stay with both venues. So to those planning to join us in Whitehorse, please register as soon as you can. Now is the time to book cheaper plane fares and ensure that you get your first choice of workshops, given that we are limiting each workshop to a total of 18 participants, plus the workshop leaders.

Two more reading suggestions:
Arctic Dreams, Barry Lopez (Vintage Books, 2001): Now a classic, this book is a extensive and sensitive exploration of Arctic realities, in nature and in human beings.
The Lost Patrol: The Mounties’ Yukon Tragedy, Dick North (Raincoast Books, 2008): The story of the 1910-1911 patrol from Fort Mackenzie to Dawson City that ended in tragedy, yet also revealed important lessons for survival in a northern terrain.

Philip Thatcher