The Atlin Whisper, June 11 2025 by What's Up Yukon

Atlin Goldfields Past, Present and Future

by Clive Aspinall, P.Eng.

Atlin Placer Miners Association (APMA)

3rd June 2025 - Gold Price $US 3,362.80/$CDN 4,610.63

Part#1. Has a Curse plagued the Development of Engineer Gold Mine? The history of the Engineer Gold Mine Property dates back to 1899 when an engineer from the Yukon & White Pass Railway, rowing his boat on the East shore of Tagish Lake, 32 km west of Atlin, BC discovered visible gold in quartz veins on the east shore He later returned with associates and staked the Engineer Group of claims. After some development work, the claims were allowed to lapse in 1906 and were re-staked and sold in 1907 to Captain James Alexander and partners. To cut the chase, Captain Alexander black mailed one of his partners for some reason. Litigation followed, and an involved Skagway lawyer putting a Curse on the Engineer Mine.

Not being deterred, Captain Alexander took control of the Mine, and in 1912 systematically explored the site. He developed the upper levels of the underground workings and built a stamp mill at what is now known as the 1-Level Entrance. He processed over 2,000 ounces of gold over several seasons. At today’s price, that would be worth $CDN 9,221,260.

Death and a scandal is about to happen. Captain Alexander had been swanning around Carcross, the Mine site and possibly Atlin with his lady partner, who he introduced to everyone as his wife. In 1918 he and his lady partner boarded the Steamship Princess Sophia in Skagway enroute route to Vancouver. History tells us the Princess Sophia then accidently went aground on the Vanderbilt Reef in Lynn Canal near Juneau, Alaska. The Ship’s Captain was apparently not too concerned and refused a boat coming from Juneau to help. Big Mistake! The Princess Sophia sank soon after, with approximately 343 passengers drowning Captain Alexander drowned too, along with his lady partner and two other business men involved in a deal to buy the Mine. After Captain Alexander’s death, several claimants appeared on the scene wanting to take over the Engineer Mine, but were blocked. The news of Captain Alexander’s death had reached England, and his real wife! “Just wait a minute, that Mine belongs to me,” said she. “I am the real wife of Captain Alexander!” Stay Tuned for Part#2 in a following issue of the “Atlin Whisper”

Taku Watershed Planning Work by Taku River Tlingit First Nation and British Columbia

This month, the Province of British Columbia (BC) announced new land use planning initiatives in partnership with First Nations in northwest BC, including the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN). This long-awaited commitment marks a significant step toward right relations between TRTFN and the Government of British Columbia. This collaborative stewardship initiative presents an opportunity to build greater certainty and support sustainable economic growth.

The goal of these land planning and stewardship initiatives focused on the TRTFN Traditional Territory, with a current emphasis on the Taku watershed is to develop a shared understanding and agreement on land use zoning and management. The aim is to protect, conserve, and restore culturally and ecologically important landscapes and waterways, while also creating opportunities for a diversified economic future.

“We will be working to secure conservation of our important landscapes and wild salmon systems. We want to work respectfully with BC and industry to ensure requirements to protect salmon and other values are in place that then enable economic opportunities that include development of critical mineral projects as well as tourism, restoration, and other investments that diversify and stabilize our northern economy,” said Rodger Thorlakson, TRTFN Lands and Resources Manager.

The Taku River Tlingit have a sacred relationship with their territory, reflected in the concept of Lingít Kusteeyí (Tlingit Way of Living), which encompasses caring for all life. For generations, TRTFN has worked to ensure their territory remains healthy and continues to support cultural resilience, strong communities, and a diverse, sustainable economy.

In January 2023, TRTFN released the T’akú Tlatsini Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (T’akú IPCA). This plan represents a fair, responsible, and respectful stewardship vision for this vast and largely intact, globally significant wild salmon watershed from which the Taku River Tlingit take their name. The vision balances conservation with economic opportunity. The T’akú IPCA will inform the current collaborative planning initiative.

“When we all work together towards shared goals of reconciliation, conservation and economic prosperity, wonderful things happen,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “Taku River Tlingit First Nation’s commitment to protect salmon and other values that then enable economic opportunities will benefit not only the northwest but the entire province, bringing us closer to our goal of 30x30 and a healthy, diversified, strong economy.”

TRTFN and BC will be seeking input and engagement from all those who care for or depend on this territory, with the aim of building a thriving and resilient shared future.

Plans are underway for TRTFN and BC to host a community meeting for residents in Atlin. Details will be shared in the future. For more information, please contact: Tlatsiniplanningproject@gov.bc.ca

In the meantime, let us know how you would like to be involved in this work!

Complete our Engagement Survey:

Learn More:

Government of BC –Planning in Partnership:

How to Use a QR Code:

T’akú Tlatsini Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (T’akú IPCA):

Open your phone’s camera, point it at the QR code, wait for the link to appear, tap the link to open.

ATLIN 2025

TAILGATE SALE AND FARMER’S MARKET

SATURDAYS 10 UNTIL 1

JUNE 28, JULY 12, JULY 26, AUGUST 30

WATERFRONT BESIDE THE TARAHNE BOAT

MUST PROVIDE OWN TABLE

$5.00 OR BY DONATION PER TABLE TO RESERVE A SITE(S) CALL 250-651-7697 OR

MESSAGE 250-706-0515

JANE CURRY

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN ATLIN

HEAVY RAIN OR EXTREME WINDS MAY RESULT IN CANCELLATION OF THE SALE

Atlin District Board of Trade AGM (postponed) Wed June 18th, 2025

7 p.m. Atlin Rec Centre Board Room

Elections for President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, 8 Council Member positions.

Regular meeting to follow.

PO Box 106, Atlin, BC V0W 1A0 atlin.dbot@gmail.com

Come aboard the MV Tarahne for the annual Tarahne Tea

Atlin B.C.

Saturday, July 5th

2 Sittings: 12:00 noon and 2:30 PM

Purchase your $25 Tickets which will be available on Sunday June 1 at the Atlin Museum, Open Wednesday to Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM, or call 250-651-7522

If you’re interested in helping out with this year’s Tea, please email trishgobeil@gmail.com

Atlin Museum, Gift Shop and Visitor Centre

Open May 10-Sept 15th Wednesday to Sunday 11:00-4:00 pm

180- 3rd Street, Atlin, B.C.

PH: 250-651-7522

Tarahne or Globe Theatre is available for nightly rentals.

For more information call the above number or email: atlinhistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Debit & Credit Cards Accepted

LANDFILL

SPRING/SUMMER HOURS

*Effective –

Saturday April 26th, 2025*

SATURDAY-MONDAY

CLOSED ON ALL BC STATUTORY HOLIDAYS

Victoria Day - Closed Monday, May 19th ….…. Open May 17, 18, 20

BC Day - Closed Monday, Aug 4th …...…. Open Aug 2, 3, 5

Labour Day - Closed Monday, Sept 1st ……... Open Aug 30, 31 & Sept 2,

Thanksgiving Day - Closed Monday, Oct 13th ... Open Oct 11, 12, 14

HOURS 11 AM - 4 PM

Operated by the Atlin Community Improvement District

BIG WATER SOCIETY

We are pleased to announce a new counsellor!

Big Water Society is pleased to have Laurie LarkinBoyle, RCC, DVATI, and MEd, as our new mental wellness counsellor for all people in Atlin. This is a FREE professional and confidential service that Big Water Society provides to the community.

Laurie brings a wonderful blend of mental wellness counselling as well as Art Therapy for those that prefer to keep their hands and brain busy. Laurie is available every Wednesday from 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm by phone, video and email.

For more information and to book an appointment: Website: Crocuscreativearttherapy.com Phone: 431-813-2756

Email: crocuscreative@gmail.com

NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE

Discovery Avenue

Perfect location, at the entrance to town, this 31.4 x 90 ft lot, prepped and ready for development.

Ideal for that business you have been thinking to develop. Take the first step!

$140,000

4th Street

400 sq.ft., one bedroom cabin plus a large workshop on two adjoining 50x100 lots, fully fenced. Quiet location with lots of room for expansion, or keep one lot and sell the other!

$249,000

Surprise Lake Road

6 acres along the Spruce Creek with a fabulous meadow surrounded by the woods and the roaring creek, room for several guest cabins if you chose. Main house is 2 story and a main level cozy self-contained mother-in-law cottage is perfect for guests. So much potential to expand.

$350,000

Lot F Fulton Street

Quiet street with just a short walk to the lake, great views of mountains and water, power in and ready for you to develop as you wish ... or simply park your RV. Vacant lots like this are hard to find ... this one is waiting for you!

$180,000 SOLD … more buyers seeking same!

Seeking True Remote?

Above Jade City on the old Cassiar Highway, in the middle of the gold fields, 0.5 hectares (not surveyed) on the banks of Troutline Creek, License of Occupation, 10-year terms with current term good until 2032. Story and half cabin plus outbuildings. Current holder has had a small farm with goats and chickens. Telephone service. 4.4 km from main highway.

$89,900

First Street

Rare opportunity for good building lot (two adjoining lots being sold as one parcel), just steps away from Atlin Lake, close to center of community, accessed from lane. 50x100’, no records of previous development on the land.

$195,000

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.

$45,500

Second Street

100x30 foot lot, sloping between the lake and mountain view. Great central location waiting for you. Develop your new home at your own pace.

$135,000

Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019 or Katie Suter at (250) 500-1915 myrnablake1@gmail.com .or myrnablake1@zoleo.com when travelling Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.

The Masquerade Party

The wolves arrive dressed up as sheep

The sheep dress up as wolves

The Devil comes as Messiah

Truth comes as she is

No costume needed

Fooling all of us

The Pot-Luck Dinner

Truth brings apple pie

The liar brings leech liver pate

Turns out, the apple pie is a bit salty

But the leech liver pate is quite good

The Dinner Party

Truth and the liar come to the dinner party

Nobody invited them

But they come anyways

Youcanwellimaginethediscordthatensues

Problematicdinnerguestsastheyare

Truth gets up and leaves before dinner is over

The liar eats his dessert

Then he eats hers

The Vindicated

The victors write the history

The vanquished become the ink

Eventually truth vindicates the vanquished

The

Light

The light is getting through

Through the fog, and through the smoke

The story is coming out

Through the lies and through the leers

The truth is being heard

Through the hum and through the din

The Truth

Truth is in the dust and in the debris

Truth is in the ashes and in the graves

Truth is in the small print and in the footnotes

Truth is in the data and in the details

Truth is in the open and in the shade

Truth is where the truth is…

And people are amassing to look

Watch out

The Lecturer

The lecturer speaks the truth

So, he is shot dead

But he has told the truth

And truth never dies

Truth persists

And in the end, it triumphs

https://stephenbadhwar.substack.com/ - April 2025

39 Lake St, Atlin

Kitchen Hours at the Atlin Mountain Inn are now until June, 2025

Tuesday Lunch: 12-2pm (restaurant)

Saloon opens at 5pm Wed-Saturday

Thurs, Fri & Saturday: Dinner 5:30-8pm

Wednesday is Wing Night, Thursday is Patio BBQ, Friday is Menu, Saturday is Menu plus Burger and beer special.

(Restaurant Dinners Closed until June)

Self-serve coffee in Restaurant 7am to 5pm. Various meals, Submarine Sandwiches, Hamburgers etc. available 24/7 in the lobby Deli vending machine Cash only.

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

Home Heating Fuel, Bulk Fuel Available

Phone 250-651-7463

Email garypumpsltd@gmail.com

Box 147

Atlin BC V0W 1A0

Office hours – Monday to Friday 8 am – noon

Closed all Statutory Holidays

With thanks, Gary McNeil and Jody Smallwood

~Weekly freight truck run on Mondays and freight runs available upon request~

Gary Pumps Ltd.

Atlin Christian Centre

Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Service and Sunday School Sunday 11 a.m. Come join us! 250-691-0128

Mountain Shack

Café Restaurant

Fast Fancy Food Great Service

110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C. EAT IN OR TAKE OUT

250-651-7789

MECHANIC WANTED

St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday Everyone welcome!

MOBILE WELDING SERVICE

AVAILABLE

Contact: Alain Vanier 250-651-0037 Reasonable Rates!

Atlin Community Library

The Library is open Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 4pm. We're located in the Courthouse on Second Street between Trainor and Pearl. Not a member of the Library? Come in and sign up. It's free. You can borrow books and tapes for 3 weeks for free. Come on in! It could become a habit. A very good habit.

Smallwood Enterprises Ltd

Looking for a full-time licensed heavy-duty mechanic in Atlin, BC.

Wage is negotiable depending on experience. Accommodation can be provided if needed. Please send resume to bobscontracting2020@gmail.com

The next Whisper is June 25th

We provide Concrete, Drain Rock, Screed gravel, Sand, Topsoil and Septic systems.

We also provide Equipment Rentals, Excavations, Covered Storage, and Snow Removal.

Please call (250) 651-2488 or email bobscontracting2020@gmail.com

Submissions are due no later than Sunday June 22nd 6pm

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 Dani McNeil and the RCMP Atlin. Delivery by Bobbie Whelan and Gary Hill. Classifieds, news, upcoming events Contact 1-867-334-7949 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!