2019 BBNC Annual Report | Page 11

SHAREHOLDER VOICES COMING HOME TO BRISTOL BAY BBNC shareholder Ivy O’Guinn is a commercial fisher and sport fishing guide who lives out-of-region but returns to Bristol Bay every summer. In her own words, she talks about her family’s traditions, the importance of fishing and resource protection, and what makes Bristol Bay home. TELL US ABOUT YOUR YEARLY VISITS TO BRISTOL BAY. Ever since I was born, I’ve spent every summer in the small village of Egegik, where my mother’s side of the family is from. This is an annual tradition for many of our relatives. It’s our time to reunite, fish together, and enjoy meals at the dinner table that’s been in our family for over 50 years. My family operates multiple permits spanning across the beach where we all fish alongside each other. We harvest salmon together and save what we need to eat during the winter months. We smoke our salmon with a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations. These days hold a very special place in my heart. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO WHEN YOU VISIT? I look forward to seeing my family, my childhood friends, and everyone who comes to fish. I’m blessed to have been raised with this lifestyle and to be a fourth-generation commercial fishing woman. SHAREHOLDER VOICES 9