Nearly
$100,000
Amount raised from the Neqa Derby to benefit BBNCEF’s mission to
provide support for and encourage shareholders to pursue educational
opportunities and to promote and preserve cultural heritage.
This cross-property participation was by
design: “We wanted to create connections
between lodges and offer visitors the
opportunity to make their fishing trips more
meaningful, wherever they were staying,”
said Towns-Bain. “The Derby gave them a
chance to experience our cultural traditions
first-hand and give back to the community
in a fun and educational way.”
Culture was a key theme throughout the
Derby—in particular, sharing the importance
of fish to our Native way of life. After
daily weigh-ins, participants were invited
to donate their king heads and bellies,
which were cut on-site by BBNC board
member and BBNCEF President Marie
Paul, flash frozen, and shared with Elders.
Participants also received king head recipes
from community members and BBNC
shareholders. The idea? To show that every
part of the fish has value, and to make the
most of salmon being caught on the river.
18
BBNC FY2019 ANNUAL REPORT
After the last king head was delivered to local
Elders, the last fish weighed and final prizes
awarded, the Derby raised nearly $100,000
in cash and in-kind donations for BBNCEF, far
surpassing event goals. FY2019 focus then
turned to planning the next Derby, now an
annual event in its second season.
With BBNCEF increasing its cultural grant
awards and support of students, Towns-Bain
sees a bright future for the Derby: “As long
as people continue to visit Bristol Bay, we
have a chance to share our vibrant culture
with them and make a difference in the
future of our region together.”