Biography
Raised in Dawson City, where the Klondike Gold Rush was my back yard, and Whitehorse in the Yukon I have worked as an mining expediter, prospector, journalist, financial planner and theater owner.
I have been chair of Yukon Quest International ( 1 1000-mile professional winter wilderness race between Fairbanks, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon), chair of Yukon Foundation (Yukon's largest charitable foundation which provides funding to arts and sports organizations and scholarships for students), president of the Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association (which organizes a professional 460-mile international paddling race on the Yukon River) and public relations director for the FISA World Cup Cross-country Ski Championships.
I've also published four books dealing with wilderness racing, northern history, combatting Polio in the 1950s and today and literacy. Two of my books are self-published and I have been involved in every aspect of the publishing process. Have also competed in extreme wilderness competitions.
I currently sit on the Board of Management for the Canada Revenue Agency.
My website is johnfirth.ca.
Industry Expertise (3)
Writing and Editing
Events Services
Publishing
Areas of Expertise (2)
The Desire for Literacy and the Unknown
How to Manage Volunteers
Accomplishments (2)
Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International (personal)
2008-04-12
For work, as a non-member of Rotary International, in fund raising and awareness promotion for Polio Plus in the world-wide fight against polio (self-published Better Than A Cure: One Man's Journey to free the World of Polio).
Yukon Commissioners Award for Public Service, 1998 (personal)
1995-10-01
For work on the preservation of northern history and culture and fostering international relationships between the United States and Canada as chair of Yukon Quest International
Education (1)
university of British Columbia: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Creative Writing 1976
Canadian Centre for Studies in publishing, Book Editing, Simon Fraser University, August 2000 Rotman School of Management, Sauder School of Business, Governance Essentials for Directors of Not-For-Profit Organizations, November, 2010
Affiliations (1)
- Writers Union of Canada
Links (1)
Event Appearances (5)
Introduction of award recipient
Commissioner's Awards Whitehorse, Yukon
2011-01-01
keynote speaker
One Mush book readings and talks Whitehorse, Yukon/Toronto, Ontario/Ocho Rios, Jamaica
2010-12-01
keynote speaker
Rivertime book readings and talks Whitehorse,Yukon/Vancouver, B.C./Calgary, Alberta/Edmonton, Alberta, Hay River, N.W.T
2004-05-01
keynote speaker
Rotary International meeting, talk on charitable giving Whitehorse, Yukon
2006-03-16
Master of Ceremonies
Yukon Foundation Annual General Meeting Whitehorse, Yukon
2011-12-15
Sample Talks (1)
the desire for literacy and the unknown
Using the book, One Mush: Jamaica's Dogsled Team, the talk will focus around how an individual's desire to learn how to read, challenge stereotypes, change his place at the bottom of society and tempt fate took him to places he could scarcely imagine and some he couldn't even conceive of.
Style
Availability
- Keynote
- Panelist
- Workshop Leader
Social