Sensing Place: Listening to the subtle sounds of Chasàn Chùa

In the Yukon, seasonal rhythms, animal migrations, and weather patterns shape life at every scale. Truly understanding these processes calls for approaches that engage the whole body. Led by Maria Michails, this outing invites you to explore how we can come to know a place through sensation, movement, and attentive presence. Using audio tools such as hydrophones and contact mics, we’ll tune into the hidden soundscape of Chasàn Chùa (McIntyre Creek), like the subtle movements of water and plants beneath the surface.

This event is part of our Life of the Boreal walk and talk series explores the edible, medicinal, native, & introduced species of the boreal, featuring special guests. As we walk through the woods, we’ll chat about different wildlife and plants, their characteristics, habitat, and history.

Who can attend: This outing is for adults and children ages 12+ with a guardian! There are limited spots available, please register in advance!

What to bring: Please dress appropriately for being outside. We recommend bringing layers, water-resistant walking shoes, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Bring your cellphone if you would like to record these special sounds; we recommend downloading the Zoom Handy Recorder or your preferred audio recording app beforehand too.

Location: We’ll meet at the blue pumphouse behind Yukon University. From Range Road turn at the sign for Yukon University, and after 600 meters turn left onto an unnamed gravel road. Continue for 600 meters and park near the blue pumphouse.

About Maria: Maria Michails is an interdisciplinary artist currently based in the Yukon. Her installations and social practice bridge the arts, the natural and social sciences, and technology, focusing on civic engagement with environmental issues. Her new research focuses on acoustic ecologies of the subarctic with particular interest in subterranean, glacial and aquatic subsurface environments.

Host or Publisher CPAWS Yukon