Upcoming events
Digging into the Yukon's Earthquake Hazards
The Yukon is a seismically active region, with numerous earthquakes occurring annually. Some - like the December 6, 2025, magnitude 7.0 event in the St. Elias Mountains - are widely felt and remind us that large earthquakes occur in the region. But these contemporary earthquakes do not tell the whole story about seismic hazard in the territory. New remote sensing data from aircraft and satellites have drawn attention to several major geological fault lines (e.g., the Eastern Denali fault and Tintina fault) that show evidence of having ruptured in large earthquakes in recent geologic time despite having minimal earthquake activity in the present. By digging into these faults and examining the sediments and landforms that they have disturbed, we can piece together a much longer history of earthquakes than is available from modern seismic records. These "paleoseismic" records help us determine which faults are capable of producing large earthquakes, how frequently they are expected to rupture, and where the strongest shaking is expected to occur. This information contributes to seismic hazard assessments and can ultimately inform building codes and other engineering standards that protect human lives and the environment.
The Yukon is a seismically active region, with numerous earthquakes occurring annually. Some - like the December 6, 2025, magnitude 7.0 event in the St. Elias Mountains - are widely felt and remind us that large earthquakes occur in the region. But these contemporary earthquakes do not tell the whole story about seismic hazard in the territory. New remote sensing data from aircraft and satellites have drawn attention to several major geological fault lines (e.g., the Eastern Denali fault and Tintina fault) that show evidence of having ruptured in large earthquakes in recent geologic time despite having minimal earthquake activity in the present. By digging into these faults and examining the sediments and landforms that they have disturbed, we can piece together a much longer history of earthquakes than is available from modern seismic records. These "paleoseismic" records help us determine which faults are capable of producing large earthquakes, how frequently they are expected to rupture, and where the strongest shaking is expected to occur. This information contributes to seismic hazard assessments and can ultimately inform building codes and other engineering standards that protect human lives and the environment.
Who: Theron Finley, PhD, Yukon Geologic Survey
Where: Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre When: Sunday, October 18th, Doors open at 6:30 program at 7:00 The event is free and open to the public. Tea and cookies will be served. |
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Climate change risk - it's everyone's business!
Who: Brian Horton and Avery Zammit
Where: Yukon University, A2206/Lecture Hall
When: Wednesday Oct 28 12pm-1pm
This is a free event open to the public. All are welcome.
Check back for more details
For the love of water:
Recent applied hydrology projects in the Yukon,
from technical challenges to impactful results
Who: Benoit Turcotte
Where: Yukon University, A2206/Lecture Hall
When: Wednesday November 25 12pm-1pm
This is a free event open to the public. All are welcome.
Check back for more details
The Art of Adventure
We are excited to announce two screening dates for the award-winningl film The Art of Adventure.
The Art of Adventure is an inspiring and deeply human documentary about the extraordinary lifelong friendship between world renowned wildlife artist Robert Bateman and fearless biologist Bristol Foster. Through their epic 1957 journey around the world – armed with a 16mm camera and an artist’s brush – the film opens a vivid window onto a planet once wild and unscarred and a bond formed though curiosity, courage and love of nature.
At it’s heart the film weaves together nature, art and activism showing how two very different men fought to protect the natural world: one thought art, the other through science. Now in their 90’s Bob and Bristol still find sanctuary in nature. Their story is a moving reflection on legacy, mortality and the wisdom of our elders – and a reminder that humanity and nature are inseparable. The Art of Adventure invites us to listen, to learn and to embrace life with curiosity, courage and heart.
On Friday, November 13th we will host a screening in Dawson City in collaboration with the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC). The film will be shown in Whitehorse on Sunday, November 15th. The event will include a question and answer period with the filmmaker Alison Reid as well as a surprise special guest. Stay tuned for further details and tickets.
The event is being made possible by grants from the Lotteries Yukon and the Yukon Foundation.
The Art of Adventure is an inspiring and deeply human documentary about the extraordinary lifelong friendship between world renowned wildlife artist Robert Bateman and fearless biologist Bristol Foster. Through their epic 1957 journey around the world – armed with a 16mm camera and an artist’s brush – the film opens a vivid window onto a planet once wild and unscarred and a bond formed though curiosity, courage and love of nature.
At it’s heart the film weaves together nature, art and activism showing how two very different men fought to protect the natural world: one thought art, the other through science. Now in their 90’s Bob and Bristol still find sanctuary in nature. Their story is a moving reflection on legacy, mortality and the wisdom of our elders – and a reminder that humanity and nature are inseparable. The Art of Adventure invites us to listen, to learn and to embrace life with curiosity, courage and heart.
On Friday, November 13th we will host a screening in Dawson City in collaboration with the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC). The film will be shown in Whitehorse on Sunday, November 15th. The event will include a question and answer period with the filmmaker Alison Reid as well as a surprise special guest. Stay tuned for further details and tickets.
The event is being made possible by grants from the Lotteries Yukon and the Yukon Foundation.
Solar Village Project
YSI members are invited to attend a livestream presentation by Joe Kselman, founder and executive director of Solar Village Project - https://www.solarvillageproject.org/
Solar Village Project is a nonprofit dedicated to providing clean, renewable, and reliable energy to underserved communities — beginning with those who can least afford it. They install solar arrays for rural schools and clinics that are off-grid or have unreliable power, they install solar street lights that serve entire villages at once, and they power homes directly with complete solar home systems. In doing so, they empower communities and help reverse the impacts of climate change.
YSI members are invited to attend a livestream presentation by Joe Kselman, founder and executive director of Solar Village Project - https://www.solarvillageproject.org/
Solar Village Project is a nonprofit dedicated to providing clean, renewable, and reliable energy to underserved communities — beginning with those who can least afford it. They install solar arrays for rural schools and clinics that are off-grid or have unreliable power, they install solar street lights that serve entire villages at once, and they power homes directly with complete solar home systems. In doing so, they empower communities and help reverse the impacts of climate change.
Who: Joe Kselman
Where: Normandy Living, 468 Range Road, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0T8 (867)334-6173
When: To be rescheduled - stay tuned for updates
The event is free and open to the public.
Where: Normandy Living, 468 Range Road, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0T8 (867)334-6173
When: To be rescheduled - stay tuned for updates
The event is free and open to the public.
Other events of interest
Nature positive: A Global Goal to Restore Stability to the Earth System
What would it take to reverse biodiversity loss and create a future where people and nature can thrive? Join us for Earth X, an evening featuring student research on environmental challenges and a keynote from conservation leader Harvey Locke on the growing global movement toward a Nature Positive future, where protecting and restoring nature is recognized as essential to economic prosperity and human well-being.
Dr. Harvey Locke
Nature conservationist, writer, and photographer
Event Details:
What would it take to reverse biodiversity loss and create a future where people and nature can thrive? Join us for Earth X, an evening featuring student research on environmental challenges and a keynote from conservation leader Harvey Locke on the growing global movement toward a Nature Positive future, where protecting and restoring nature is recognized as essential to economic prosperity and human well-being.
Dr. Harvey Locke
Nature conservationist, writer, and photographer
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Attend Online:
- Livestream begins at 7:30 p.m. (MT)
- Livestream begins at 7:30 p.m. (MT)
International Archaeology DaySaturday, October 17th, 2026 - Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
Join Long Ago Yukon and the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre for a full afternoon of archaeology themed activities in celebration of International Archaeology Day. Plus, as an added bonus, admission to the Beringia Centre will be FREE 12-5 PM!
1-4 PM | Artifact & Fossil ID
Have a cool family heirloom or a weird rock you suspect might actually be a fossil? This is your chance to have experts take a closer look! For one day only, archaeologists and palaeontologists from the Government of Yukon will be on site to help you ID your artifact or fossil. Please note that all items will be carefully examined and returned right away. This activity is for educational purposes only, no commercial appraisals or large collections.
2:00 PM | Movie Screening - Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Adventure awaits! Catch the 1981 action film on the big screen. The archaeology may be a bit dubious, but the film is a classic for a reason!
All Day
Beringia Anachronisms Challenge
Wander around the museum and try to spot things that don't quite seem like they belong. Successfully spot all the anachronisms and you'll be entered in a draw for some Beringia swag!
Flintknapping Demonstrations
Watch stone tools take shape before your eyes! Flintknapper Matthew Bossons will demonstrate how stone is turned into useful things like arrowheads, knives, and spear points. Drop by to see live demonstrations throughout the day.
Join Long Ago Yukon and the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre for a full afternoon of archaeology themed activities in celebration of International Archaeology Day. Plus, as an added bonus, admission to the Beringia Centre will be FREE 12-5 PM!
1-4 PM | Artifact & Fossil ID
Have a cool family heirloom or a weird rock you suspect might actually be a fossil? This is your chance to have experts take a closer look! For one day only, archaeologists and palaeontologists from the Government of Yukon will be on site to help you ID your artifact or fossil. Please note that all items will be carefully examined and returned right away. This activity is for educational purposes only, no commercial appraisals or large collections.
2:00 PM | Movie Screening - Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Adventure awaits! Catch the 1981 action film on the big screen. The archaeology may be a bit dubious, but the film is a classic for a reason!
All Day
Beringia Anachronisms Challenge
Wander around the museum and try to spot things that don't quite seem like they belong. Successfully spot all the anachronisms and you'll be entered in a draw for some Beringia swag!
Flintknapping Demonstrations
Watch stone tools take shape before your eyes! Flintknapper Matthew Bossons will demonstrate how stone is turned into useful things like arrowheads, knives, and spear points. Drop by to see live demonstrations throughout the day.
How to get started?
Community-led, collaborative research in the North
ArcticNet Webinars and Workshops
Gain a sneak peek into the early stages of a new collaboration for community-led research in Nunavik.
Thursday, November 19 • 11 AM - 12 PM MST
Online via Zoom
More information and registration HERE
Community-led, collaborative research in the North
ArcticNet Webinars and Workshops
Gain a sneak peek into the early stages of a new collaboration for community-led research in Nunavik.
Thursday, November 19 • 11 AM - 12 PM MST
Online via Zoom
More information and registration HERE
Effective approaches to northern research collaboration
ArcticNet Webinars and Workshops
Learn about collaborative research processes that work, with insights from two northern research projects.
Thursday, November 26 • 10 AM - 11 AM MST
Online via Zoom
More information and registration HERE
ArcticNet Webinars and Workshops
Learn about collaborative research processes that work, with insights from two northern research projects.
Thursday, November 26 • 10 AM - 11 AM MST
Online via Zoom
More information and registration HERE
Arctic Security and Northern Resilience
UArctic Seminar Series
Arctic security is evolving with rapid change. This session explores resilience, infrastructure, and international cooperation in the North. Rapid environmental, geopolitical, and social change is reshaping discussions on Arctic security and governance. This session will examine emerging perspectives on Arctic security, including community resilience, infrastructure, and international cooperation.
Tuesday, November 17 • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM MST
More information and registration HERE
UArctic Seminar Series
Arctic security is evolving with rapid change. This session explores resilience, infrastructure, and international cooperation in the North. Rapid environmental, geopolitical, and social change is reshaping discussions on Arctic security and governance. This session will examine emerging perspectives on Arctic security, including community resilience, infrastructure, and international cooperation.
Tuesday, November 17 • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM MST
More information and registration HERE
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The spread of non-native earthworms in the Yukon:
Why we should be careful with these potentially invasive ecosystem engineers
Why we should be careful with these potentially invasive ecosystem engineers
Earthworms are some of the most impactful animals on the planet with the ability to transform soils and reshape ecosystems around them. With few exceptions, all the earthworms in Canada are introduced species and they are spreading northward with the help of human activity and possibly climate change. While they can be helpful in gardens and compost bins, unfortunately, earthworms have a range of negative impacts when they wriggle into forests. After years of tracking down worms in the Yukon and across Canada, Stephen Paterson, a PhD student at St Mary’s University, will share what we know – and what we still don’t – about these fascinating subterranean creatures. How do they get around? How far north will they spread? In what ways are they “good” or “bad”? And how should we manage them?
Who: Stephen Paterson
Where: Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
When: Friday, August 21st, Doors open at 6:00, program at 6:30
The event is free and open to the public. Tea and cookies will be served.
Co-hosted with the Yukon Invasive Species Council and with the support of the National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
Where: Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
When: Friday, August 21st, Doors open at 6:00, program at 6:30
The event is free and open to the public. Tea and cookies will be served.
Co-hosted with the Yukon Invasive Species Council and with the support of the National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
Ground Source Heat Pumps in Whitehorse:
From Bedrock to Boreholes
Sarah Newton has been characterizing ground thermal properties in the Whitehorse area to assess the potential for ground source heat‑pump systems for direct‑use heating. This work helps to understand where bedrock and unconsolidated aquifers can support efficient, low‑carbon heating, reducing reliance on diesel‑derived electricity and heating fuels. In this presentation, they shared recent research results—including thermal‑response test data—that inform where and how this technology might be deployed in Whitehorse.
Who: Sarah Newton
Where: Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
When: Sunday, June 28th, Doors open at 5:30, program at 6:00
The event is free and open to the public. Tea and cookies will be served.
Note - We will be conducting the YSI Annual General Meeting as part of the event. This will take approximately 30 minutes at the outset.
Where: Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
When: Sunday, June 28th, Doors open at 5:30, program at 6:00
The event is free and open to the public. Tea and cookies will be served.
Note - We will be conducting the YSI Annual General Meeting as part of the event. This will take approximately 30 minutes at the outset.