Skiing icon Gary Bailie says he’s honoured to be inducted into the Sport Yukon Hall of Fame. 

Bailie, a Kwanlin Dün First Nation citizen, was inducted during a special ceremony held Wednesday at the Kwanlin Koyotes Ski Cabin in the McIntyre subdivision of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. 

Bailie is a former ranked cross country skier, but more importantly, he is the founder of, and still runs, the Kwanlin Koyotes ski club in Whitehorse. 

A large crowd, essentially a who’s-who in the Yukon cross country community, attended the ceremony. 

Tracey Bilsky of Sport Yukon was the MC. 

“This man’s motivation to make the world a better place is apparent in his passion to use skiing to enrich the individual, and the community, by not only promoting health and well-being, but also connecting people to the land,” said Bilsky. 

“As Gary best said, ‘Good health through sport is a gold medal that everybody receives.'”

Karole O’Brien performed a smudging ceremony before Bailie’s induction into the Hall.

John Firth, one of many people who nominated Bailie for the award, gave a moving speech. 

First, he mentioned that his grandson learned to ski on the trails near the ski cabin that Bailie made. 

“I’m absolutely blown away that I know this guy,” he started out. “You read about people like Gary Bailie, but you never actually expect to know them.” 

Firth went on to list Bailie’s many accomplishments in his life, as well as some of the tragedies, including losing his wife, Jolie McNabb, to suicide and daughter Stacity Bailie to a drug overdose.  

“He has inspired and encouraged young people of all colours, creeds and cultures to develop the gifts given to them by the Creator; to believe in themselves,” Firth said.

“He has dedicated his life to his people, especially the youth, and to his community as an advocate for sport and mental wellness through his work as a cross-country ski coach.”  

Firth concluded with kind words about Bailie’s qualifications for the Sport Yukon Hall of Fame. 

“Gary epitomizes the best qualities an individual should have to be in such a hallowed place, but I think he’d be happier if the Hall hung his portrait out here in the trees near the trails … out here where he’s close to the land, the people, and the children.”  

Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith spoke briefly about Bailie’s accomplishments. 

To Bailie, Smith said, “You are a community builder and you are a trail breaker. You helped lead many of our people across our community along those trails … to define our connections to our life and the things that we need within our life.” 

Smith was followed by the man of the hour himself. 

Baile spoke about doing activities with the children. 

“We need to do it together … it’s great that we do things for our kids but I think what’s even more important is that we do it with them because that’s all they really want. They want us to be with them.” 

Baile became quite emotional when he spoke about how a former teacher, Ben Sheardown, told Bailie, ‘Don’t bother showing up for class. I’ve already given you an A. But when the time comes for the skiing, you’re gonna teach it, and I’m gonna be your student.’ That was so empowering. 

“When kids come up to you and tell you something, you should believe them,” Bailie advised. “Listen to them. They are full of good ideas.” 

The gathering was treated to bannock and stew after the ceremony. 

Bailie spoke with The Yukon Star following the ceremony.

“It’s a real honour and makes me feel good. It inspires me, actually. The story’s still in progress. I’ve got a lot of things that I’m still doing … it’s all about the same kind of thing, getting out on the land. I’m just trying to live my life in a good way. I think life’s pretty awesome. 

“I’ve seen so much tragedy. We’re losing so much of our youth. Losing my daughter and so many young people. I’ve got my heels dug in now. I keep moving ahead.

“‘Health is the new high.’ That’s my saying. Let’s get addicted to things that give us life instead of take it away.” 

Bailie was asked how he maintains such a good attitude toward life in light of the tragedies he’s endured. 

“I think the secret for me is just in the way that I approach it. I have a very realistic approach to life. Death is part of it. I honour people and I let them go. It’s not an easy thing to do, but that’s what I do. 

“I’m in the process of it right now. I lost my dad last year. He was in my corner my whole life. He was my best friend. I know he’d be super-proud of me. He always told me (that). 

“I know his spirit is around and I’m still trying to continually do good work while I’m here. I was raised by good people and I’m going to continue trying to pass that on,” Bailie added.

“I’m just going to continue trying to live well and affect people in a positive way, and in unity. 

“I like to see people together, getting along, particularly being First Nations. We know we have to move forward. We have to heal, and it’s going to take generations. But I think it’s doing things like this that are gonna help us get there.” 

Bailie added, “It’s been a long journey, but it’s still going on.”