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Shawn Allaire, former Manager of the Atikokan Mining Attraction explaining the diversion scheme to visiting students and parent. |
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In my last week as Manager of the Atikokan Mining Attraction, I had groups of very welcome visitors. Ms. Kristie Duquette (Davidson), grade 4 teacher at North Star School gave her students an assignment which required them to visit the Mining Attraction, after school, with a parent. The students were given twelve questions to answer based on the displays and a descriptive talk I gave on the mine discovery and development. Now, the last days of working anywhere can have a rather surreal quality about them. Something that has grown routine is going to change. One never really knows how that change will manifest, so the time before an ending can be tinged with worry and apprehension, but also a certain tang, sharpness of expectation. So, into this mix of emotions, everyday, I had young visitors to talk to. I wondered at their grasp of the concept of mining and was pleasantly surprised at the understanding some of the students showed. I was also surprised at the passion among young people have with rocks, wanting to know names and stories about the rocks we have on display at the Mining Attraction. Now, everything I know about the rocks has come from Ray Bernatchez – and I am sure I am not alone in that statement. His passion for rocks is legendary as is his desire to share it. A number of the children and parents nodded in agreement when I mentioned Ray and his passion. I enjoyed answering the children's questions and was especially pleased that the accompanying parents asked questions too. What a great way to involve both generations in the history of the community. A big thumbs up to Ms. Duquette for an inspired assignment. Here are the questions, if you want to try your hand at them. 1. What kind of ore was mined at Steep Rock and Caland? 2. How did the prospectors find the ore? 3. Where did the prospectors find the ore? 4. Was having the mines good or bad for Atikokan? 5. When did the mines close? 6. Why did they close? 7. What has happened to the pits since the mines have closed? 8. Why is there a fish farm in Caland but not in Steep Rock? 9. What is special about manganite? 10. What is a drill bit used for? 11. What was made from the ore? 12. What did you like most about the Mining Attraction? Reminder: The Mining Attraction is closed until early July when a summer student will be hired. |