FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2026

Bristol Bay Leaders – and Sockeye Salmon – Celebrated in Nation’s Capital
BBNC brings wild Bristol Bay sockeye to Washington D.C.; honors supporters of this sustainable resource

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC), along with numerous partners, hosted the ninth annual Bristol Bay Wild Salmon Celebration in the nation’s capital this week. The 2026 event brought together the Alaska Congressional Delegation, BBNC board members and staff, and other dignitaries and supporters to celebrate — and eat — wild Bristol Bay salmon. BBNC also recognized three supporters with Fish First awards to honor their advocacy for Bristol Bay.

“As we gather to celebrate another strong sockeye season in Bristol Bay, it is only fitting to also recognize and celebrate the people who have dedicated themselves to supporting our region and protecting this incredible resource,” said Jason Metrokin, President and CEO of BBNC. “Our backgrounds are diverse, but we are connected by our love of wild salmon and all they provide us.”

BBNC bestowed three longtime advocates with “Fish First” awards. The awardees are:

• Thomas “Tom” Tilden
• McKie Campbell
• Peter Van Tuyn

The Fish First awards recognize those who have supported and championed Bristol Bay and its wild salmon. Awardees are honored with a handcrafted salmon and trout skin basket created by Bristol Bay resident Marlene Nielsen.

Past Fish First honorees include Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan; former Congresswoman Mary Peltola; the late Congressman Don Young; the late Senator Ted Stevens and his wife Catherine Stevens; the late Governor Jay Hammond and his late wife Bella Hammond; the late Bristol Bay leaders Bobby Andrew, Harvey Samuelsen, Ralph Andersen, and Tim Wonhola, Sr.; fisheries biologist Dr. Dan Schindler; Alaska State Representative Bryce Edgmon; Ekwok Tribal Council President Luki Akelkok; Norm Van Vactor; Alannah Hurley; Nancy Morris Lyon; Brian Kraft; the late Verner Stor Wilson III; former Alaska State Senator Rick Halford; and the late Bob Gillam.

Bristol Bay salmon fisheries are a global model of sustainability. Careful, science-based management, vast, pristine habitat, and passionate individuals who fiercely advocate on behalf of the fish combine to support 15,000 American commercial fishing, processing, and tourism jobs and drive a $2 billion economy based almost entirely on wild salmon. We believe it is the gold standard of wild fisheries and deserves lasting safeguards. BBNC stands ready to work with Alaska’s congressional delegation and the Trump Administration on legislation to permanently protect the incredible resources and sustainable economy of Bristol Bay.

Other sponsors and supporters of the 2026 Celebration include:

• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
• Wild Alaskan Company
• Pacific Seafood Processors Association
• GCI
• Grant Aviation
• Alaska Air Cargo
• Alaska Airlines
• Leader Creek Fisheries
• Denali Brewing Company
• Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association
• National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
• Bessenyey & Van Tuyn LLC
• L Squared Strategic Communications
• Strategies 360

In addition, this week is Bristol Bay Salmon Week, where Washington, D.C.-area restaurants feature wild Bristol Bay sockeye on their menus. The restaurants are diverse in their fares, and each takes a unique approach to preparing this delicious salmon. Bristol Bay Salmon Week is sponsored by Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA).

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About Bristol Bay Native Corporation: Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC) is a diversified Alaska Native investment corporation dedicated to the mission of “Enriching Our Native Way of Life.” Established through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, BBNC works to protect the land in Bristol Bay, celebrate the legacy of its people, and enhance the lives of its shareholders. Learn more at bbnc.net.