Yukon Prospectors Hall of Fame celebrated with refurbished display

L-R: President of the Yukon Prospectors Association Grant Allan, Executive Director of the Yukon College Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining Shelagh Rowles and Minister of EMR Ranj

The Government of Yukon, the Yukon Prospectors Association and Yukon College’s Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining celebrated the refurbishment and relocation of the Yukon Prospector’s Hall of Fame display today at Yukon College.

The Yukon Prospectors Association members initiated the Prospectors Hall of Fame to honour some of the many prospectors who were instrumental in discovering mineral deposits in the Yukon, many of which have resulted in producing mines.

Originally located in the lower lobby of the Government of Yukon main administration building, the display is now at the Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining building at Yukon College’s Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse.
 

It is vitally important to recognize the past and the foundation of Yukon prospectors’ role, because for well over a century they have helped shape Yukon’s economy and identity. The Prospectors Hall of Fame pays tribute to the significant work by many of these true Yukon pioneers and is now displayed in a more prominent location to encourage the next generation of Yukon prospectors.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai

We are pleased to have this important part of Yukon’s history given the attention and honour it deserves. Prospecting has predated the Yukon becoming a territory and the Klondike Gold Rush. Our towns and cities were founded around mines or as transportation centres to support mines. The Yukon's private sector economy relies heavily on mining and mineral exploration to this day.

President of the Yukon Prospectors Association Grant Allan

With the Hall of Fame now on display at the entrance of the Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining building at Ayamdigut campus, the names of these Yukon pioneers will inspire the many students that pass through these doors. We hope to see many future members of the Prospectors Hall of Fame come from our programs.

Executive Director of Yukon College’s Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining Shelagh Rowles

Quick facts 
  • The Yukon Prospectors Association Hall of Fame and Honour Roll displays can be viewed on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining.

  • The Government of Yukon funded the refurbishment and relocation of the Hall of Fame display.

Media contact 

Lisa Bucher
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
lisa.bucher@gov.yk.ca

Jesse Devost
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-5307
jesse.devost@gov.yk.ca

Grant Allan
President, Yukon Prospectors Association
gallan@northwestel.net

Michael Vernon
Senior Communications Coordinator, Yukon College
867-668-8786
mvernon@yukoncollege.yk.ca

News release #: 
19-093