Yukon College O-Week activities immerse students in community stories

Yukon College O-Week activities immerse students in community stories  

WHITEHORSE—Everyone has a story to tell, and as part of this year’s Orientation Week activities Yukon College is inviting a few Yukoners to share their stories to help strengthen the connection between College students and the local community.

The story-sharing event, which will take place on Tuesday, September 5, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Yukon College’s A-Wing, is based on Human Library events that take place around the world. It will feature stories from: Whitehorse activist Chase Blodgett, BYTE Executive Director Shelby Maunder, bhangra performer and teacher Gurdeep Pandher, and other members of the college and local community.

“When you go to a traditional library you check out a book to learn something new and get lost in the story,” said Paige Galette, Yukon College’s new Student Engagement Coordinator. “The Human Library invites us to see people as books, each with their own experiences and adventures to share.”

This event is not only open to students, but it will welcome the general public as well. Students and community members are invited to “check out” some human books by listening to the storytellers, and open their minds to new perspectives.

“We’re inviting people to come in, speak to people and make connections. It’s so important to us, as a college turning into a university, that we involve the local community in what we’re doing,” said Galette. “Everyone is welcome—the more, the merrier.”

Following the Human Library event, students and visitors are invited to continue the conversation at a community barbeque, which will run from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Yukon College’s Orientation Week runs from September 4 to 8. Activities also include a tour of the city, a bubble ball soccer game, a mocktail hour, a campfire with elders, and a karaoke social night.
For more information, visit yukoncollege.yk.ca/studentlife.