Wednesday February 1st , 2023
The Atlin Whisper
“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.”
Margaret MeadMONTH FOR LOVERS
February month for Lovers
Time to put away our woes, Time for candy hearts and flowers
Valentines with pretty prose
Cupids busy shooting arrows Randomly into the air, Catching unsuspecting people Laying their emotions bare
Little children make for mother
Their own masterpiece of art, Cut from red construction paper A beautiful… imperfect heart
Older people catch the madness For they too can feel the sting, That a prick from Cupid’s arrow In the form of love can bring
If February could stay longer Like a river love might flow, From one nation to another Why must February go?
Pat LoganTAKU RIVER TLINGIT MAKE A HISTORIC DECLARATION TO PROTECT LINGÍT KUSTEEYÍ (Tlingit Way of Living) & THE TAKU WATERSHED BY ESTABLISHING AN INDIGENOUS PROTECTED AND CONSERVED AREA
January 21, 2023 – At a series of community meetings held in Atlin, BC and Whitehorse, YK this week, the Tak’hu (Taku) River Tlingit celebrated the declaration of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) within their traditional Territory.
The Taku watershed covers 1.8 million hectares and is the largest watershed on the Pacific Coast of North America that is inaccessible by road. It is a biodiverse ecosystem that includes all five species of pacific salmon and supports large mammal predator-prey relationships from the inland boreal forest and glacier-fed streams to coastal transition zones. The Taku’s size, diversity, and intact network of life provide a foundation for its resilience to climate change, supporting a future for all who depend upon it.
The Tak’hu (Taku) River Tlingit Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area fulfills the ambitious direction set out in the nation’s 2009 Tlatsini (Places That Make Us Strong) Vision, which states, “Protection of Tlatsini lands is necessary to ensure Lingít kusteeyí –– Tlingit Way of Living – while providing for opportunities for ourselves, as well as others, who pursue the land-based life we all value in the Atlin-Taku region… Within the Tlatsini lands, our intent is to maintain functioning ecosystems over large, connected landscapes necessary to sustain effective wildlife and fisheries populations that are so vital to our health and cultural wellbeing.”
Jìnìk (Charmaine Thom), Spokesperson for the Tak’hu (Taku) River Tlingit, says “Tak’hu (Taku) River Tlingit have a sacred relationship with our territory, reflected in the concept of Lingít Kusteeyí (Tlingit Way of Living), which encompasses caring for all life. The declaration of the IPCA is an extension of this commitment to forever care for the fish, wildlife, waters, and all other life and spirits within Tak’hu (Taku) River Tlingit Territory.”
“The new IPCA establishes a fair, responsible and respectful framework for indigenous leadership, reconciliation, economic certainty, environmental protection, climate resilience, and wild salmon conservation and restoration. The mapped vision for the T'akú Tlatsini Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (T'akú IPCA) represents generations of knowledge and decades of work,” says Jìnìk. (see attached Map).
The T'akú IPCA protects critical landscapes while providing for a diversified economic future. 60% of the T'akú watershed is protected through the IPCA to preserve salmon rivers and spawning areas, and landscapes needed for wildlife, for clean water, and Lingít Kusteeyí These landscapes are appropriate for a diversity of non-extractive uses, such as tourism, research and restoration
The remaining 40% of the T'akú watershed is identified as specially managed landscapes. These specially managed areas include zones with high mineral potential, where the T'akú IPCA provides opportunities for respectful, clean mineral extraction and other uses that support a low carbon economy.
The Tak’hu (Taku) River Tlingit have historically been miners, and this IPCA provides a path forward that values and considers all aspects of their cultural heritage while supporting Canada’s need for critical minerals. The IPCA supports Tlingit laws, standards, and protocols to guide the use and harvest of Tlingit resources in sustainable and honourable ways to ensure a shared and thriving future The Tak’hu (Taku) River Tlingit welcomes collaboration to foster clean economic opportunities that align with their cultural values. As changing climate exacerbates existing challenges and health stressors for Indigenous peoples in Canada– such as wildfires, permafrost thaw and glacier retreat, changing wildlife patterns, diminishing access to traditional food sources and flooding– it is increasingly important to protect climate resilient landscapes. Large, intact ecosystems such as the Taku watershed provide species with the necessary space and genetic diversity needed to adapt to environmental change.
The Tak’hu (Taku) River Tlingit First Nation looks forward to implementing the IPCA with the continued support of the Government of British Columbia, the Government of Canada, neighbouring first nations, the community, responsible businesses, and local partners.
Contact: Rebecca Law, Communications Officer
Taku River Tlingit First Nation communications@gov.trtfn.com
C: 867.332.4912
PRESS RELEASE
Gunalchéesh
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
John Kilmer by Paul LucasAtlin,1988. It was midnight. Musician’s hours are not the same as regular folks. Many gigs in my early years were from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and after that you either went out for something to eat with your bandmates, or engaged in nefarious activities of one sort or another until hitting the hay at 4 a.m.
Anyway, this particular evening I found myself pacing about the cabin at midnight. What to do … well … I knew one guy who was still up - John Kilmer.
Sticking on my pack boots and sliding into my parka, I eased out the front door into the chill air and tried starting the truck without waking anyone. It roared into life. “Great,” I muttered. Evidently the hose clamps that were holding my muffler together had come loose again.
The moon was near full, and the snow was a billion tiny, shimmering diamonds. It was as close to a fantasy landscape as you can come. The truck padded down the driveway like a bobcat - big old paws treading lightly on the surface. I turned onto the Warm Bay Road for the short hop to Kilmer’s house.
Pulling into John’s driveway, between his collections of this and that (one of everything and eight of most), I peered through the frosted glass of his basement work room. Sure enough, there he was, head bobbing and arms flailing, right in the middle of some instrument repair job.
I rapped on the window and flattened my nose up against the glass to make the face … like you do … and John dropped his soldering iron in a paroxysm of laughter. That particular night we ended up experimenting with novel pickup ideas for acoustic guitars - a project that kept us up ’til dawn.
To say John is multi-talented would be an understatement. In his early days he worked for CBC as a sound man, became a luthier (instrument maker) under the tutelage of Oscar Graf, and began collecting ‘valuable items’ of all stripes. Concentrating mostly on musical instruments and electronic equipment, his collection grew until it became formidable.
Today that collection includes rare violins, mandolins and guitars, along with vintage amps, live sound and recording equipment, gongs, cymbals and bells. His vinyl and book collections rival anything I’ve ever seen.
On top of that, the lot warehouses lumber, industrial equipment, wardrobes of clothes, lighting systems, plumbing supplies, electrical gear, communications equipment, kitchen appliances, bicycles, motorcycles …
A true jack of all trades, nothing fazes him. Whether he is rebuilding an engine, rebracing a Martin or rewiring a mixing board, he takes it on with a competent equanimity that never fails to stun me.
Over the years, John Kilmer’s house has become legendary in the North. CBC eventually sought him out to shoot an episode of ‘On The Road,’ and the movie industry has, over the years, hired John to supply props and expertise.
One morning I showed up at John’s place, and had just finished squeezing my way through a raft of new acquisitions leading to the basement door, when it suddenly swung open and there he stood, a big old grin plastered on his face.
“You’ll never guess what I just found in the loft,” He squawked excitedly.
“What?”
“One of those flying wizards from the movie we worked on last spring.”
A production company from China had recently been looking for a wilderness location to shoot a fantasy film involving princesses and wizards. Atlin ended up being their first choice, and one day in early spring the whole crew landed lock stock and barrel on our doorstep. Predictably the whole town got involved, and John was elected the prime source for props.
I got to know the props master after he discovered I was a guitar player. He immediately got excited and wanted to show me the Fender Telecaster he had built with a stainless steel body. It was impressive. As it turned out, I ended up working on plaster of paris moulds for the full size flying wizards needed for one of the scenes, and this morning John wanted to show me one of the finished wizards he had saved from the shoot.
We picked our way, through the yard, to one of the storage sheds in back. Reaching up and carefully sliding the single remaining flying Godzini from the loft, he pointed to the fingers of the left hand, attached as it was to an extended arm in true flying wizard style, and started laughing.
You see, they had used my left arm as the model for the plaster of paris mockup, failing to realize that I had lopped off part of my middle finger a few years before. The mould, naturally, was accurate to the last detail, and currently a gimpy wizard was flying to the rescue in theatres everywhere.
We dredged up a copy of this action/adventure epic recently, and showed it at the Globe. It is perhaps the worst movie I have ever seen.
John is indispensable in the North. He helps all those around him, throws himself into a cause with a grace few of us can muster, and has saved my butt more times than I can count. Thank you, my friend.
Atlin Gold Nugget 53rd Bonspiel was a success!
I would like to take a few minutes of your time and thank you for your kind donations for our 53rd Atlin Gold Nugget Bonspiel. The numbers were a bit low this year, but it was still a very successful event, thanks to your generosity. The nine teams entered were named after the top 9 sponsors which were the following companies and beside your company name is the placement that your teams placed.
Atlin Cabins 1st. Team Gord Zealand
Canagold Resources 2nd. Team Bob Smallwood
Revenant Resources 3rd. Team Bob Walker
Brixton Metals 4th. Team Scott Odian
Kilrich Industries 5th. Team Rick Avery
Mellette Electric 6th. Team Beat Pickles
Brewery Bay Chalet 7th. Team Darlene Gamble
Grizzly Home Services 8th. Team Stuart Simpson
Atlin Coffee Roasters 9th. Team Dani McNeil
I can not express enough gratitude and thanks for all your awesome prizes you donated to our prize table. The players were very thankful and appreciated. So, thank you Core Assets, Yukon Honda, Trading Post, Smallwood Enterprises, ATELP, Atlin Grocery Store
Atlin Mountain Inn, Magpie. ect. Atlin Mountain Inn, Atlin Mountain Shack, Tlinglit Electric, Taku Wild, Yukon Yamaha, Total Trac Yukon, Tintina Air, Barb & Jamie Tait, Dennis Odian, Joanne Snobelen, Dick Fast, Lorry Boguski, Scott Cole, Lynn Turnbull, Chris Rye, Bruce & Shirley Milligan.
Also, a big thank you to all the volunteers that helped out over the weekend.
The Little Blue House is for sale! The Queen Anne style Victorian cottage dates to the Gold Rush, and the beautiful property includes 5 titled lots. The home at 1st & Rant is being sold with many antiques, and nearly entirely furnished. Please see Property Guys listing #143447 for more information. Showings are by appointment only.
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE
43.6 Acres
Beautifully maintained, inside and out, this cozy 2 bedroom home is so private with a second cottage with sleeping loft (often used as B&B), a third cabin for guests, great garage/workshop, plus various other craft/work shops and much fencing. Mountain views in every direction plus short walk to Atlin Lake sandy beaches. Just waiting for you! Viewing by appointment ONLY!
$597,000
Warm Bay Road
This gem is off grid, well maintained and absolutely the perfect retreat. 2 bedrooms, large open dining/living room, galley kitchen and spacious pantry. Storage in walk out cellar plus numerous outbuildings. Bonus is a warm spring flowing through year around!
$239,000
Lake View
A great daily view awaits in this well built, 2 level home with a fabulous open floorplan on the upper level with a master bedroom and so much storage! The lower level boasts 2 extra bedrooms or bedroom and games room. Almost 1700 sq.ft., lots of room for the entire family and guests to enjoy! Double garage on lower level plus another garage for all those extras like boats, quads, sleds
$535,000 SOLD
5 Acres
With power, small log cabin, tenant occupied near the upper end of the acreage, application for subdivision has been submitted/approved to create two 2.5 acre parcels. Slope facing Atlin Lake. Build your dream home to take advantage of the view and keep the tenant as caretaker!
$259,000
Fourth of July
Basic lake side cabin, 3 bedrooms, lots of big windows, hidden in the trees, on .544 acres, leased lot until 2042. Very private! $68,000 SOLD
4th of July
.78 acres of Crown Land lease, gated, partly cleared, the perfect spot to keep your RV and recreational necessities, there for year around enjoyment. Lease term to 2042.
$53,500
HIDDEN GEM
This stunning gem in an Enchanted Forest has been lovingly crafted by the hands of this talented owner – never to be duplicated! On 4 acres with guest cabins and a short walk to hidden lakes plus easy access to the highway,
$399,000 SOLD
STUNNING – Inside and Outside
Incredible views, quiet location and fabulous home. 1700 sq.ft. on main level, beautifully renovated with gyproc interior, lots of updated windows, open floor plan, kitchen, dining area, living room, bar/games room plus 2 bedrooms. Basement offers 3 more bedrooms, two baths, kitchenette and large living room with ground level access. One of a kind waiting for you.
$349,000 SOLD
Mi 43 Atlin Highway
34+ acres of land, surrounded by grazing lease, with 1700 sq.ft., 2 BR, full basement home, great well, septic field, solar and generator plus lots of extras. If you wish, will come with 2 loveable nags who consider this home. Quick possession is possible.
$535,000 SOLD
Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019
Leave message via text or email myrnablake1@gmail.com
Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.
BIG WATER SOCIETY COUNSELLING SERVICE
COUNSELLOR: Katie Israel, GN, MA, RCC
At Big Water Society we recognize the realities of human experiences, the diversity of innate worlds and states through these experiences, and we believe that we can, when we connect and share these experiences. Be it traumatic experiences, emotional turbulences, depressive and anxious states, we are here to join hands with you and work through your unique experience. You do not have to go it alone.
Phone: (250) 651-2189; (867)334-9524
Email: bwscounsellor@bigwatersociety.org
“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality – Martin Luther King, J r
Please note that requests for same day water delivery must be received no later than 11 am of said day. Thank you!
Water delivery and Sewer Removal are available Monday through Friday
Did you know we sell and service Toyo Stoves? We offer competitive pricing on the latest models. Call the office for more information
Phone 250-651-7463
Email grizzlyhomeservices@gmail.com
Mailing address is Box 318, Atlin BC V0W 1A0
Office hours – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 8 am - noon
With thanks, Dana and Mary Hammond
Did you know that Big Water Society provides the community with FREE professional mental wellness counselling?
If you feel you would like to talk to Katie Israel, please call her at: 250-651-2189 or 867-334-9524
Fishing Charters
SVOP Licence, 24 ft. Boat, Transport Canada Commercial Registration – Insured
Gary Hill, Atlin B.C. V0W 1A0
Licensed, B.C. Guide
Call -250 651-7553 Email garyphill59@gmail.com
$850.00 per day - $550.00 per 1/2 day
Custom Fish Art- Fiberglas and Wood
GARY HILL’S FISH ART
GARY HILL’S – CUSTOM, FISH REPRODUCTIONS
PHONE 250 651 7553
EMAIL – garyphill59@gmail.com
7 MONARCH Drive – ATLIN – BC. V0W 1A0
WEB SITE – http://gary-hill.com
George Holman 250 651 7717 or Marj Holman 250-651-7758
ATLIN LAKE GROCERY STOREWinter store hours
(starting Jan 1) MST
Monday - Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday - 11am – 4pm
~Weekly freight truck run on Mondays and freight runs available upon request~
Atlin Christian Centre
Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
Service and Sunday School Sunday
11 a.m.
Come join us!
250-691-0128
St. Martin’s Anglican Church
10 a.m. Sunday Everyone welcome!
Our Lord does not care so much for the importance of our works as for the love with which they are done.
Teresa of Avila
Sewing Machine Cleaning, Repair, &Setup Terry
250651-7769
Mountain Shack
Café Restaurant
Fast Fancy Food
Great Service
110 Discovery Avenue
In Atlin, B.C.
EAT IN OR TAKE OUT
Wednesday thru Sunday
250-651-7789
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE
AVAILABLE
Contact: Alain Vanier
250-651-0037
Reasonable Rates!
Smallwood Enterprises Ltd
We provide Concrete, Drain Rock, Screed gravel, Sand, Topsoil and Septic systems. We also provide Equipment Rentals, Excavations, Covered Storage, Firewood and Snow Removal. Please call (250) 651-2488 or email bobscontracting2020 @gmail.com
The next Whisper is Wednesday February 15th
Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm February 12th
Atlin Community Library
Open Every Friday and Saturday 2-4p.m. BC time
Everyone Welcome The Library is closed at -20 c.
The Purpose of the Atlin Whisper is to encourage, build-up and inform the people of Atlin concerning ongoing community events and happenings. The Whisper is not a political mouthpiece.
Compiled and edited by Lynne Phipps. Paper for printing courtesy of Northern Homes Real Estate Printing courtesy of RCMP Atlin
Classifieds, news, upcoming events Contact 1-250-651-7861 or lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com if you have, pictures or articles you would like to submit.
Please note that submissions should be sent in either WORD or JPEG whenever possible. PDF must first be printed and then scanned back into the computer in order to format it into the paper. This costs in both paper and ink. We know that at times a PDF is the only way, which is okay when necessary, but otherwise, as the Whisper is a FREE community service we appreciate your support in helping to keep the costs down as much as possible. Thank You!