Raving against
the raven plate
Re New Licence Plate Taking Flight, The News, March 6:
This is one time where I must say, “I hope this bird never gets off the ground.”
I am the first to acknowledge that I have much more interest in the real history of the Yukon, which is the history of the First Nation people, than the Klondike history.
The few short years of the gold rush, and even the period of mining since then, which is just a “flash in the pan” of history when compared with the long and rich history of the cultures that lived here for thousands of years.
From the point of view of promoting the Yukon, the goldpanner has immediate recognition as a symbol for the Yukon and a change of any kind with carry a cost for the Yukon tourism.
That includes, of course, dropping the goldpanner.
This is not an argument against change but it is a recognition that there will be a cost and, if we are making a change, there ought to be a very good alternative that has the potential for developing Yukon identity as well, or better than, that which it replaces.
The monstrously grotesque raven won’t do it!
It might actually gain recognition and become a collectible as suggested in the article, but only as the object of justly deserved ridicule. Is that what we want for the Yukon?
It is sad to think of Bill Barnie working on this project for 10 years — and this unwieldy four-footed, bird-beaked freak is the outcome. I’m sorry, but I have to tell it like I see it.
What are the alternatives? First I ask, “Is the raven the real symbol of the Yukon?”
Arguably, some think it is in that is the official bird. But I ask, how many people actually associate the raven with the Yukon?
I love the raven, but it is so widespread throughout North America that it doesn’t symbolize the Yukon in my mind.
There is nothing distinctively Yukon about it.
The wolverine would be one alternative that is more distinctively northern and his low, long profile would lend itself much better to a licence plate without having to distort the body to fit.
The wolverine also has attitude that symbolizes the Yukon.
Another alternative that I like is to use a First Nation design. There are many existing designs that would fit the licence-plate format.
I have seen a wonderful raven design that is immediately recognizable as a raven and would be readily adapted to licence-plate format.
If the Yukon is serious about finding an alternative to the goldpanner let’s open the door to all the creative possibilities.
I am confident that we can find something that truly represents the Yukon and fits a license plate format without contortions.
Or do we want a licence plate that when we screw on our car we’ll be laughing, thinking that we are the ones who really got screwed.
David Thorn
Atlin, BC
Licence compromise
The present shape of the bird as presented in Bill Barnie’s proposal does not strike the viewer as the silhouette of a raven.
In fact, with those peculiar feet, so far apart and looking most un-birdlike, it does not even look like a bird.
I understand that the constraints of designing the plate to accommodate the screw holes poses some tricky problems, but I think this one needs to go back to the “drawing board” to come up with a clearer and cleaner image of the raven.
I think it is a neat idea, but it needs more design work.
Also, I don’t see why the goldpanner guy couldn’t also be put in as a small image, and then the wishes of those who are concerned about continuity and history are also met.
Barbara Drury
Whitehorse
No to the blob
Let the “raven” fly — in the sky, where it belongs!
The Yukon is known for its’ bright, vibrant, colourful, uniqueness. Why try to depict it with a black blob?
Black is not even a true colour.
The “raven” is not even unique to the Yukon; I have seen them every place I have ever been.
If the fireweed did not make it, what makes you think the raven can replace the goldpanner?
Personally, I do not think it looks much like a raven; on the whole, it will look like a big black blob.
People will not even recognize it as a raven, unless they have been told.
I must say though, I do appreciate the effort put into the “raven plate.”
Let’s stick to the good old Yukon plate with the goldpanner! The raven just doesn’t cut it!
G. Olson
Via e-mail
Threat or promise?
Since when is trying to get people to invest in Yukon miners patronage?
Perhaps the good people of the Yukon News (I am using the term good loosely) could explain how meeting with potential investors is a conflict on interest.
None of the ministers own mines.
In allowing mines to open, these are three factors, namely accountability, profitability and the environment.
Accountability: Mining companies need to pay their bills and their help. They must not compromise safety.
Profitability: If a mine is going to generate $150 million in royalties and it costs us $100 million to reclaim, that makes sense. If it is only going to generate $50 million in royalties, that does not make sense.
Environment: The only conservation organization I have any use for is Ducks Unlimited. They buy crucial wetlands so they can’t be developed.
The others just yap and aren’t above lying if it suits their purpose.
After the election, as an MLA, I will be addressing these views.
Dale Worsfold
Watson Lake