Members & Sponsors
Volunteers
Boris Atamanenko
Boris Atamanenko is the Manager of Community Programs for the GNWT Department of Education, Culture and Employment and has been a stalwart supporter of the NWT Mining Heritage Society for many years. Boris always has an eye out for funds to help us with heritage related projects, including the Beer Barge, signs and displays, the production of merchandise, and general operating expenses.
Dave Kellet
Dave Kellet is one of our most active volunteers. On top of his many other volunteer duties in Yellowknife (including Folk on the Rocks) Dave always finds the time to assist in site development, salvaging of material for the future Mining Museum, and manning our booth at conventions.
Gord Piro
Gord Piro is the son of Mike Piro, who was an avid explorer of the NWT's mining history. The Piro family has a long history in Yellowknife dating back to 1947. Gord follows in his father's foot steps through his love of northern aviation and mining lore, and supports the Mining Museum through the donation of memorabilia, photos, and mining equipment from the family collection. Gord was a director of the Society in 2003-2005 and from 2010 to 2011.
Joe Chorostkowski
J&R Mechanical Ltd. owner Joe Chorostkowski has provided logistical support for Society activities for many years. Joe is a welder and small equipment operator. His bobcat has been very useful in site landscaping, and his proficient handyman skills have aided in site construction and maintenance. Whether we are laying down gravel for our displays, installing a flag or a sign, or fixing a roof, Joe is always there to lend a helping hand!
Joy Watt
Joy Watt is our eldest volunteer but also one of the most active. She can be found volunteering at most Society functions and events, including the Beer Barge, Christmas Parties, and the annual Yellowknife Trade Show where she mans our information booth with other stalwart Society members.
Lynda Comerford
A regular, cheerful volunteer at our events, Lynda was a past-coordinator of the Society from 2002 until 2006.
Mike Byrne
Mike Byrne belongs to the north's famous Byrne family, early mine developers and financiers who built and engineered a number of important mining projects, including Discovery, Rayrock, and Tundra mines. Mike was an active board member of the Society from 2002 to 2011.
Pattie Beales
Geologist Pattie Beales is a wonderfully active volunteer of mining heritage pursuits and can be found at most of our social functions; and who should tag along but our only canine member: Kiwi!
Rick Muyres
Born and raised the son of a Yellowknife contract miner, Rick Muyres devotes his time to the preservation of northern history. Rick spends his summers in Norman Wells where he specializes in log work and has a passion for the hunting, salvaging, and presentation of old relics from the 1940s Canol oil pipeline and road project. In 2003 he began a display of mining machinery in Yellowknife and contributed to the salvaging and development of the Mining Museum displays. Rick is a great ally of mining heritage and we always enjoy his insight and ideas.
Copyright @ 2009 NWT MHS