CULTURE & COLLABORATION
INAUGURAL NEQA DERBY
Combining business and culture is a
recurring theme for BBNC. This theme
came to life in new and exciting ways in
FY2019. A highlight among them: the
first-ever Neqa Derby benefiting the BBNC
Education Foundation’s (BBNCEF) cultural
heritage and scholarship programs
through collaboration with BBNC’s
tourism operations.
The inaugural Derby—named “Neqa” for
“Fish” in Yup’ik—was held on the Nushagak
River, near Dillingham, June 24-25, 2018,
featuring two days of healthy king salmon
fishing competition to celebrate and share
the cultures of Bristol Bay and provide
hands-on opportunities to experience local
traditions. Open to the community and
visitors, it offered cash and prizes in multiple
categories and a traveling lodge trophy
designed by shareholder artist Everett
Thompson. Ticket sales were intentionally
limited to lessen any potential impact on,
and be respectful to, the river.
The idea for the fundraiser was a
collaboration between Sarah Fullhart, the
General Manager of BBNC’s Mission Lodge,
and Aleesha Towns-Bain, BBNCEF Executive
Director. It was implemented in partnership
with BBNC and key partner Choggiung
Limited, which hosted the Derby’s weigh
station camp. Mission Lodge was a key
collaborator throughout, providing food,
transportation, staff, and critical
on-site support.
While several local residents competed in
the Derby, most participants were guests
at Nushagak fishing camps and in-region
lodges—both BBNC properties and others.
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