Wednesday September 17th , 2025
The Atlin Whisper
“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.”
Margaret Mead
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Atlin School Teacher On Call
Uncertified Teacher On Call
School District 87, Stikine, serves the students and families within the unceded traditional territories of the Taku River Tlingit, Tāłtān, and Kaska First Nations and we honour these relationships. We also respect and value the relationships with all other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who reside in these territories. This land has always been a place of learning and we are thankful to live, work, and learn here. It is with respectful consideration that the programs and services provided to students and staff acknowledge local histories, cultural contributions, and contemporary concerns.
Do you have an interest in working at the Atlin School? If so, you are invited to submit a resume outlining your relevant experience and training. If you would prefer to fill out an application, please contact the Atlin School. This opportunity is for an on-call, as-needed basis to help fill temporary vacancies within our school.
Applicants with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with the school, parents and students will be prioritized.
Applicants must be prepared to undergo a criminal record check.
For further information, please contact Ms. Edel Paracuelles, Atlin School Principal, at (250) 651-7525.
Posted: August 29, 2025
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to help give the Pioneer Cemetery a clean-up!
In 2 hours with 26 people turned out we made short work of clearing away weeds, bushes and young trees trying to take hold where they shouldn’t in the Cemetery. The place looks transformed!
Many thanks to:
Alana Bolster
Bob Schroeder
Carolyn Moore
Dawn Meredith
Edith Sidler
Elaine Schroeder
Fred Musial
Gerry Kuelbs
Greg Arehart
Thanks also for equipment & business support from:
Don Shaw, Bob & Jody Smallwood, Jason Cory & Heather Keny
Helen Smith
Janice Harper
John Lyons
John Reed
Judy Currelly
Judy Sherburne
Judy Urquhart
Kaitlyn Urquhart
Karen Kline
Karen Kreiger
Kate Fisher
Kathy Musial
Ken Kreiger
Linda Reed
Peter Bittenbender
Rose Anne Anttila
Susie Kuelbs
Atlin Horseshoes in the Park
Atlin celebrated the end of summer with a Ball Tourney and something new this year, A Horseshoe Tourney. Both were a great success!! There was a good crowd of Yukon visitors. Folks had fun, children played in the playgrounds. Atlin put forth a softball team this year to the joy of the folks in the stands. There were great breakfast sandwiches and burgers at the concessions. The weekend saw beautiful weather, warm and sunny during the day and crisp cool at night and early mornings. Fall is on it’s way.
The Horseshoe Tourney had 8 teams for a total of 16 players. Each player kicked in $20. Teams played a round robin, with the winning teams splitting the purse. Teams included the following players:
Ringers -Scott & John Out to Pasture - Pat & John
Leaners - Terrance & Ken Ponies - Darlene T & Ev
Aces - Bill and Jerry GiddyUp&Go- Jason&Darlene G
Grazers - Erin & Lynn Royals - Shannon & Linda
Terrance McCallum & Ken Howard of The Leaners took 1St Place. Scott Odian and John Widney of The Ringers took 2nd.
Broken arms, bruised knuckles and healing from back surgery didn’t stop this crowd from having a good time in the sun!!
“A Four-Leaf Clover”
When a fiddle hums a hearty tune And makes you sway all over,
Does the music warm your heart
With hope like a four-leaf clover?
How do you feel when the music grabs And won’t let go of its hold?
How do you feel when the music moves Deep down in your loving soul?
When a fiddle casts a magic spell And makes you sway all over,
Does the music warm your heart
With hope like a four-leaf clover?
Jeff Salmon
The reason a tooth cavity feels so large to the tongue is because the tongue always exaggerates!!!!
by Clive Aspinall, P.Eng.
Atlin Placer Miner Association (APMA)
7th September 2025-Gold Price $SUS 3,585.30 oz $CDN 4,959.01 oz
Part 1. My Adanac Ruby Creek Molybdenite Story, 1966 to Present Molybdenite is a naturally occurring mineral composed of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), known as the primary ore of molybdenum and prized for its lubricating properties due to its layered atomic structure. It appears as soft, gray to black, metallic flakes and is used primarily in the production of steel alloys, which gain enhanced hardness, strength, and heat resistance from the added molybdenum. Molybdenum is considered a critical mineral by the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union due to its vital in providing clean energy, defense, and high-tech applications. Molybdenite was known to occur in Ruby Creek prior to 1966, but not reported to be explored before that year.
The following are my experiences on the Ruby Creek Molybdenite Property, located about 16 Km North-East of Atlin. In late September 1967 Jennifer Hansen and I decided to take a walk on a Sunday afternoon in the Ruby Creek Valley. The Ruby Creek road was only a mining trail at the time which stopped near the Eastman Shaft. We parked our pick-up there, and initially hiked East towards Cracker Creek, circling the mountain to the north, until we came to a cirque which hosted a blue tarn.
Going round the tarn, we then climbed the east cliffs of the mountain where we found beautiful samples of white wollastonite. Coming down the West slopes into Ruby Creek we also found a zone of chrysotile asbestos. The asbestos was in veinlets up to ¼ inch thick and I was impressed by its fibre quality, but the mineral is now banned for commercial use. Hiking west, we crossed Ruby Creek, and then began to climb Thor Ridge, the mountain situated north of Ruby Mountain. About quarter of the way up we caused a minor talus slide. In the slide zone Jennifer picked up a granitic rock with shiny metallic flakes, which I identified as molybdenite. Instead of hiking up the to the top of the mountain, we searched and found a lot more rocks with molybdenite flakes, including black crystals of wolframite, which is a tungsten mineral. When it was getting late, we then returned to our pickup and headed back to our rented cabin in Atlin, which was costing us rent $6.00/night.
Jennifer and I headed to California to spend that winter, returning to Atlin in March 1968. Before heading to Ruby Creek to stake the molybdenite for Canadian Johns-Manville Company Limited we had found the previous autumn, we spent time helping the Atlin Historian Diane Smith and her husband Ed fixing up the Kootenay Hotel they had just bought. I remember Diane’s stories of Kootenay Room #7, because of its squeaky door that would open automatically on windy nights, creating a spooky feeling, and made us laugh. After a few days of volunteering at the Kootenay Hotel we prepared our gear to stake the molybdenite we had previously found on Ruby Creek.
The system of staking in BC at that time, was an onsite 2 post system, maximum size of the claim being 1500 feet by 1500 feet square. On a cloudy day in March, 1967, Jennifer and I drove up the Ruby trail as far as Eastman Shaft, where we donned our light Teslin snow shoes. I remember there was about 2 feet of light snow on the ground. Setting off on our snow shoes, hauling a toboggan with 4 by 4 posts, 2 axes, a bag of roofing tacks and claim tags, all seemed we were heading out for a very peaceful day of staking.
About an hour into our hike-up Ruby Creek the weather was getting colder, with wisps of snow gently falling. About the same time, we could hear a skidoo in the distance coming up along the creek bank, and was definitely getting louder by the minute. Atlin area that year was essentially an un-staked country, both mineral claims and placer claims being only a few and far between. Jennifer and I had not counted on any competition on Ruby, and had never imagined a staking rush! So, we just kept going, until all of a sudden, I could see the skidoo coming up the valley very fast, following our snow shoe trail. In seconds the skidoo was upon us, two Whitehorse men in heavy winter clothes whizzed by us, so close their skidoo actually ran over the end of one of Jennifer’s snow shoes before the skidoo disappeared into the willows up stream, without stopping. STAKERS! Then we heard a Bell B-47 helicopter up stream over Ruby Flats, hauling in claim posts on it’s the side racks. MORE STAKERS! Jennifer and I began to snow shoe faster and faster, chatting where we should stake first…but we still had a way to go. We now knew we were facing serious competition by possible experienced staker’s.
Then….. a MIRACLE happened! Snow began to come down heavy, and moments later we heard the helicopter lifting off and heading out of the valley, which was becoming completely non-flyable. We plodded on to our staking target, arriving around 12.00 noon. The snow had stopped, but a heavy fog had come in, bringing visibility to about 50 feet. I remember Jennifer and I could not see each other when moving apart. We called out many times…”Where are you?” or “Can’t see you”. However, we staked 8 mineral claims in the upper Ruby Valley that day, returning to Atlin late in the evening. As for the Whitehorse skidoo stakers…we heard their machine often that day. We could tell the 2 men were lost, not knowing where to stake; the supporting B-47 never came back to help them.
Obituary for Frank James Adams
December 24, 1937 – August 15, 2025
Frank James Adams passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 15, 2025, in Langford, British Columbia, at the age of 87.
Born in Pibroch, Alberta on Christmas Eve, 1937, Frank was the son of Paul Henry Masur and Florence “Gay” Terresa Deacon, whose ancestry stretches deep into Canada’s fur trade, steamship freighters and homesteading heritage. He was proud of his connection to the Hudson’s Bay Company families, including the Ross, McBeath, and Deacon lines, whose pioneering contributions helped shape the Canadian North, from Norway House to Red River Carts to the McKenzie Delta.
Frank grew up with the determination of his ancestors and carried it into every part of his own life. A gifted tradesman, he was a heavy-duty mechanic, welder, and millwright who could fix absolutely anything. Over his time, he worked with Dominion Bridge, drove long haul for Atco Industries delivering trailers and establishing remote mining camps in the North, and retired after many years at Gorman Bros. sawmill in Westbank. He thrived in the north, happiest during his years in Atlin, B.C., where he and his wife Violet operated the general store after time spent in Whitehorse with a family-operated sawmill.
Frank first married Barbara Bernice Reimer in 1957, and together they had three children: Marilyn (Micky) Fleming (Bryan), Dana Lee Adams (James French), and Lacey Allen Adams. Frank was proud of his children and the strength they embodied from their pioneer lineage.
In 1972, Frank married widow Violet Mellott (née Anderson), adopting her three children as his own: Wayne Clarence Adams, Douglas Brian Adams, and Bradley David Adams. Together, Frank and Violet built a family life rooted in community and northern enterprise. Wayne was later tragically killed in a plane crash near Atlin and Adams Mountain in British Columbia bears his name in remembrance. Douglas (Terri Williams) gave Frank grandchildren Carissa and Jeffrey, while Bradley (Lee Ann Penninga) gave him Erik, Jessica and Emily. These grandchildren became the joy of Frank’s later years, with social media connecting him daily to their lives right up until his passing.
Frank was resourceful, tough, and practical a man who inherited the ingenuity of homesteaders, the work ethic of Prairie farmers, and the grit of freighters and loggers, and with the experience to know life is better with a good sense of humor!
He was deeply proud of his Canadian identity, and even in his final weeks he wanted the Canadian flag flying from his balcony at Cherish at Central Park. Though he was never shy about his frustration with what he saw as institutionally driven cultural decline, Frank held unwavering faith in the character of the Canadian people.
Frank is survived by his children Marilyn, Dana, Lacey, Douglas, and Bradley, his grandchildren, his siblings Richard Masur (Ellen) of Chemainus, Margaret Deren (Tony) of Athabasca, and Ron Strynadka (Paula) of Alice Beach, Saskatchewan, as well as his first wife Barbara. He was predeceased by his parents, his second wife Violet, and his son Wayne.
Frank’s life will be remembered as one of skill, resilience, and legacy a man whose hands could mend anything, whose heart held fierce pride in his heritage, and whose spirit lives on in his family.
The
Fire
Like sunshine warming the earth
Like flowers infusing the air
Like rain filling the streams
The sight of you lights my fire
The Throne
When God is on the throne of my heart
No mortal man can force his way to that seat
Nor can the devil smile and sneak his sorry ass
The Seeker
Truth sits on the mountain top
Waiting for seekers to come Days pass yet patient she is Clouds caressing her long hair
A pilgrim emerges at the crest of the peak
Exhausted after climbing for three days
He throws himself at her feet
And asks to know the truth
Truth smiles lovingly and imparts her wisdom: You passed it on your haste to climb
Pay attention next time
Now go back and climb again
The Absolute
The absolute slink from tree to tree
Looking this way and that
Truth walks through the open meadow Morning dew tickling her toes
The
Heart
The heart is the centre It is the beginning And it is the end
The heart is everything It feeds us and it fuels us
The heart is leader The head is follower In balance they are divine
The Seer
The seer stands in the light Sees the dark Calls it what it is
Warns who he must But continues to bask in the light
The Question
You see what you are ready to see Are you ready?
https://stephenbadhwar.substack.com/ September 2025
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE
Second Street
Tucked away on 3 adjoining lots totaling 90’ x 100’ feet on a dead end quiet street. Picture is taken from Second Street looking towards the vacant lots (there is an old garage/shed in the treed lot), lake marina and the mountains. Near perfection!
$299,000.
Warm Bay Road
Searching for that perfect hide-away? Close to town but hidden from neighbors? Where you can go, put up your feet and simply drink in the view! No need to look any further! 5 acres of paradise with a modern 4 bedroom, 2 story home in mint condition without the dreaded "honey do" list! Find the trails and hike the mountain, spend your summer days on the balcony reading your favorite books or invite guests to your B&B. Or develop the acreage further to suit your favorite pass times! This stunning home should meet most of your "wish list". Waiting for you, ready to move in!
$675,000
Discovery Avenue
Perfect location, at the entrance to town, this 31.4 x 90 ft lot, prepped and ready for development. An 8x8x8 shed build by a certified contractor has 200 amp service, interior lights plus a 30 amp RV plug. Ideal for that business you have been thinking to develop. Take the first step!
$100,000
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.
SOLD
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
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.
$35,500
Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019 myrnablake1@gmail.com .or myrnablake1@zoleo.com when travelling Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.
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
39 Lake St, Atlin
Kitchen Hours at the Atlin Mountain Inn:
Tuesday Lunch: 12-2pm (restaurant)
Restaurant Open Sun, Mon, Tues 5-9pm.
Saloon opens at 5pm Wed-Saturday, Dinner served from 5:00-9pm.
Self-serve coffee in Restaurant 6:30am to 5pm.
Various meals, Submarine Sandwiches, Hamburgers etc. available 24/7 in the lobby Deli vending machine Cash only. ATM available.
Store Hours
Store/Bakery Open
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
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
Could be…..
Pastors Dale & Rena Mae McDonald www.atlinfamilychurch.ca
867 334 1376 Dale 867 335 8829 Rena Mae
Atlin Family Church Office 204 4th Street P.O. Box 526
Atlin BC Canada V0W 1A0
Atlin Community Library
Contact: Alain Vanier 250-651-0037 Reasonable Rates!
If you talk about your troubles and tell them o’er ando’er The world will think you like them, and proceed to give you more.
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
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
The next Whisper is October 1st Submissions are due no later than Sunday September 28th 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!