On September 28th, 2018 the KSNC hosted a Lake Sturgeon Release at the Butnau Marina in Gillam, Manitoba. The young fingerling fish we generously donated by the Grand Rapids Fish Hatchery where they were raised. Kischi Sipi Namao Committee arranged for a tent, refreshments, activities, and give aways. Fox Lake Cree Nation Community arranged for Demian Lawrenchuk to perform a traditional ceremony, Robert Hamilton, teacher at the Fox Lake School, brought students from Fox Lake Cree Nation, and Marcel Beardy brought students from Tataskweyak Cree Nation. York Factory First Nation, War Lake First Nation, and Shamattawa First Nation were unable to attend this event but plan to attend future releases. Despite the cold wind everyone had a good time and enjoyed being able to interact with the fish. The KSNC strives to protect and enhance sturgeon population in the Lower Nelson River and focus on their goals of bringing communities together and engaging youth; the KSNC feels that Release Events like these are a great way to work towards achieving their vision; “Working together to conserve sturgeon for future generations”.
