Klondike: The Last Adventure

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

Pend Oreille Arts Council is presenting a live storytelling performance based on real events of the Klondike gold rush days.

“Klondike: The Last Adventure” tells the tale of Eliza, a young woman who braves the perilous journey to the Yukon in search of gold and opportunity. Abandoned by her husband, her resilience and motivations are repeatedly tested in what has been called “The last great adventure” of 1897.

“Eliza” a young woman who braved the perilous journey to the Yukon in search of gold and opportunity. Photo and illustration courtesy of POAC.

The performance will take place Friday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. at The Heartwood Center in Sandpoint.

This program is produced in partnership with the National Parks Service and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park – Seattle Unit.

The character Eliza is inspired by the real stories of women who experienced the journey to the Klondike. One out of 10 of the 100,000 Klondikers were women.

“Living Voices” worked closely with the Klondike National Historic Park to research and create the character of Eliza and her adventures.

The story includes Eliza’s many challenges, including: preparing for the journey and departure from a chaotic, bustling Seattle, traveling up the Northwest Passage, trekking to Chilkoot Pass, climbing the 3,500 foot pass at least 40 times with over a ton of supplies, riding dog sleds, building a boat, rafting dangerous white water and seeking gold in Dawson City.

For more information, go onto POAC’S website at www.artinsandpoint.org.