At Integris Credit Union, we believe in the power of community and the importance of conservation. This year, we had the honour of celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Nechako White Sturgeon Juvenile Release Event, held at Riverside Park in the District of Vanderhoof on unceded Saik’uz territory. The event was a testament to the collective dedication of students, educators, caregivers, volunteers, and community members working together to ensure a brighter future for the Nechako White Sturgeon.
A Collaborative Effort
We are immensely proud to have been part of this collaborative effort alongside the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative (NWSRI) and many dedicated partners. Together, we created a vibrant and successful event, showcasing the power of teamwork and community spirit. A heartfelt thanks go to:
- School District 91, for engaging students in conservation efforts.
- Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, for their expertise and resources through the Conservation Centre and Learn to Fish Program.
- District of Vanderhoof, for providing lunch and unwavering support.
- Spruce City Wildlife Association, for contributing Chinook Salmon Fry.
- Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Fisheries team, for their invaluable knowledge and assistance.
- Rio Tinto BC Works – Get Involved Nechako, for their support and participation.
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans outreach team, for sharing knowledge and fostering community engagement.
- Avison Management Services, The Exploration Place, FireSmart team in Vanderhoof, and BC Conservation Officers from Vanderhoof, for their unique contributions.
- BC Wildfire Initial Attack local team members, NVSS Student Council and EnviroVikes volunteers, and The Habitat Stewardship Program funding via the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, for ensuring the event’s success through hard work and dedication.
- Community and Technical Working Groups of the NWSRI, for providing ongoing support and expertise.
There was a special thanks to the inspiring speakers who came to the 10th year of the Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre:
- Councillor Rodney Teed of Saik’uz First Nation
- Councillor Ken Young of the District of Vanderhoof
- Minister of WLRS Hon. Nathan Cullen, MLA
- Andrew Wilson, President of the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
- Simon Pascoe, General Manager of Rio Tinto BC Works
Inspiring the Next Generation
The enthusiasm and participation of students from various schools, including EBUS, Evelyn Dickson Elementary, Sinkut View Elementary, WL McLeod Elementary, David Hoy Elementary, Nak’al Bun Elementary, Eugene Joseph Elementary, Fraser Lake Elementary & Secondary, Mouse Mountain Elementary, William Konkin Elementary, Nusdeh Yoh School, and homeschoolers from the Vanderhoof area, made this event truly special.
Nourishing the Spirit with the ICUBBQ
At Integris Credit Union, we were thrilled to bring our #ICUBBQ to the event again, serving lunch and refreshments to over 1,000 attendees. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure everyone was well-fed and full of energy, thanks to the generous support of the District of Vanderhoof, who provided the food and drinks. We are grateful to Kevin and Ian Leslie for their stellar grilling and our dedicated helpers from Prince George and Quesnel—Hailey, Leah, Janna, Taylor, Kevin, Bharathy, and CEO Alison Hoskins—who exemplified the spirit of teamwork and community.
Supporting the Nechako White Sturgeon Juvenile Release event is much more than a commitment for us. It’s a celebration of community spirit, environmental stewardship, and the boundless potential of our youth. This event offers students a memorable field trip and instills in them a deep appreciation for conservation and the incredible ecosystems of North Central BC.
To learn more about the Nechako White Sturgeon Juvenile Release and the ongoing efforts to protect this vital species, visit the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative.
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At Integris Credit Union, we proudly stand with our community in preserving our natural heritage and inspiring future generations. Together, we can achieve great things and make a lasting impact on our environment and our world.
