Last summer I spent an amazing week camping in the Peel River watershed. We flew from Mayo to McClusky Lake. I was surprised that the historic scars on the mountain sides, old roads and camp pads were still so visible. As we went further, there was nothing but trees and wide open spaces.
I slept in the shadows of snow-capped mountains, next to a creek, a river, in a field of wild flowers. I saw rain, snow and sunshine. I paddled, I hiked and I portaged.
I was reminded of the power of wild spaces, and how they offer us the space to think and ponder. I was reminded that starting fires with wet wood requires patience and persistence. I was reminded that the sound of silence is healing. You might never visit the Peel River watershed, but if you do, I want you to have the wildest experience possible.
I believe that the Peel is not just a Yukon issue. It’s not just a Canadian issue. It’s an issue on which we need to speak up for the world. We can be world leaders in environmental protection and responsible stewardship of the land - if we want to.
Kate White
MLA for Takhini-Kopper King
Yukon NDP Official Opposition