Prior to 2023, Neqa on the Nushagak included a competitive fishing derby component. You can find details about those events here.
2023
In 2023, our sponsors, individual donors, and participants helped us raise an amazing $334,188 toward scholarships and cultural programs!
2022
In 2022, our sponsors individual donors, and participants helped us raise an amazing $255,965 toward scholarships and cultural programs!
We had several changes to the event, including a name change to “Neqa on the Nushagak,” to more fully reflect the celebration of salmon and culture. We continued with both Weigh-In and Catch and Release categories, and shifted to experience prizes rather than cash awards.
In another change, Neqa on the Nushagak weigh stations and activities were held at two camps: Kingfishers and Toman’s.
We were thrilled with all of the support in 2022, both with changes to the event, and in the finally tally, which provides direct scholarships for students and grants for cultural heritage activities.
2021
We were happy and grateful to return to the Nushagak in 2021, although we continued the Virtual Derby along with the in-person event so that anyone could participate in supporting our mission: to provide direct scholarship support to approximately 250 Bristol Bay students each year who are pursuing higher education and vocational training goals and to provide grants that support cultural heritage activities benefitting BBNC shareholders and descendants.
In 2021 we also introduced a new derby category, Catch and Release, to further reduce our limited impact on the Nushagak River.
Overall, our sponsors, individual donors, and participants helped us raise $156,803!
Quyana to everyone!
2020
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Neqa Derby 2020 was held virtually. Sponsors and donors participated to support the mission of Bristol Bay Foundation, raising more than $30,000!
Special thanks to GCI and Strategies 360, which offered match challenges, and Quyana to all of our business and individual donors.
Neqa Derby May 2020 Fish Alaska Magazine Article
2019
Quyana to all of our generous sponsors