Submitted by Christina Engel--Every year, Fisheries and Oceans Canada sponsors an awards banquet that honours the amazing efforts of local aquatic stewards on the islands. This year, the Community Involvement Program presented a number of awards to a number of dedicated people. Receiving 4 year awards were Gail Hoss, Graham Evenson, Alf Belyea, Mike Rae, Cayson McDiarmid, George Stein, for 6 years, Denise Bragg Dyke, and for 8 years, Peter Grundmann and Nancy Robbins. Receiving 10 year awards were Husby Forestry, Hecate Strait Streamkeepers and the Queen Charlotte High Outdoor Education Program. Dave Clark received a 12 year award, and Bob Crooks reveived an award for 26 years of commitment. Special awards also went to Helmer Smith who just retired after 26 years with the Yakoun River Hatchery, Debbie Pearson who is moving on after 10 years with the Hecate Strait Streamkeepers, Sam and Pat Alton who are moving to Dawson Creek after 11 years of feeding salmon fry, Clyde Greenough for all that he has contributed to various instream restoration projects over the years and Dave Greenall for his tireless dedication to students and salmon alike.
On behalf of Fisheries & Oceans Canada, the Community Involvement Program wishes to express a deep, heart-felt thank you and Howa to everyone that is involved with aquatic activities on the Queen Charlotte Islands/Haida Gwaii and to thank everyone for a fun-filled evening of celebration.