Haines Junction Price Survey
| October 2003 | Whitehorse = 100 |
|---|---|
| Total Survey Items | 109.4 |
| Meat | 100.2 |
| Dairy/Eggs | 105.6 |
| Fruit/Veg. | 109.9 |
| Bread/Cereal | 111.1 |
| Other Foods | 112.8 |
| Household Operations | 100.3 |
| Health & Personal Care | 144.9 |
| Gasoline | 106.4 |
| Cigarettes | 105.9 |
The Haines Junction area offers much to all ages, interests and capabilities. It is an eclectic mix of resources, philosophies and nationalities. Kluane National Park and Reserve and the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations provide rich scientific, educational and cultural elements. An influx of Swiss, German and Asian immigrants has added another dimension to the economy and to cultural diversity.
Multicultural learning and teaching is an integral part of life in Haines Junction. Languages spoken in the community include English, Southern Tutchone, French, German and Spanish. Language courses, including ESL, are sometimes offered at the Yukon College campus. The St. Elias Community School curriculum includes French and First Nation languages, and various cultural studies and events.
Kluane National Park and Reserve also offers educational programs for students and the public. CAFN often organizes cultural events such as potlatches, and the Dakwakada Dancers perform at public gatherings. The Society for Education and Culture hosts academic and "think-tank" symposia on a variety of cultural topics and hosts an active and varied performing-arts program.
Nestled at the base of Canada's highest mountains, Haines Junction offers a picturesque setting for artistic pursuits and an outdoor lifestyle. Clean air and water, acreage dwelling at Mackintosh, Pine Lake, and Willow Acres, and outdoor events encourage this. A 14-lot, limited agricultural subdivision is in the planning stages.
People have fun in Haines Junction while keeping healthy. A spacious hockey arena (and active hockey association), swimming pool, curling rink and school gym -complete with a climbing wall and fitness centre - keep the townspeople busy. Annual events include several Poker Runs (snowmachine and four-wheeler), Silver Sled Dog Musher Race, Trail of 42 Road Race, Kluane-Chilkat International Bike Relay, Terry Fox Run, Run for Mom, Pine Lake Regatta, and several hockey tournaments, curling bonspiels and a broomball tournament.
More recreation is provided by the annual Alsek Music Festival and Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival, the 1016 Band, Village Bakery coffee houses and barbecues, Threadbearers Sewing and Quilting group, Yukon Trail Riding, bingo, snowboarding, skiing, walking on groomed wooded trails, Internet surfing, fishing, hunting, boating, berry-picking, taverns with music events, and watching videos. The main family events are Canada Day Celebrations, Halloween bonfire and fireworks, the Christmas Craft Sale and the school Christmas Concert.
Haines Junction has an active group of volunteers who contribute significant hours to community events and organizations. Residents take pride in hosting successful annual events that can double the population overnight. There are 44 active community organizations, many of which have operated for ten years or more.
Life in Haines Junction is discussed, advertised and recorded in the local newsletter, the St. Elias Echo.
