The Awkward Angler Podcast
Welcome to The Awkward Angler Podcast - a special mini series sponsored by the Trout Unlimited Alaska Program.
I am your host, Erica Nelson. In this mini series you’ll hear from the Bristol Bay Fly Fishing & Guide Academy students, instructors, and how you can take action on Pebble Mine to protect generations of traditional living, protect wild salmon, Alaska jobs and economy, and world class recreational fishing.
Submit for public comment to the EPA ASAP, please visit SaveBristolBay.org
Bristol Bay Fly Fishing & Guide Academy, June 2022
I was honored to be invited as a guest instructor for the Bristol Bay Fly Fishing & Guide Academy in King Salmon, Alaska early June 2022. After spending time in Bristol Bay, I was privileged enough to be able to not only connect with the fish, but more importantly connect with the people that live in the region. A week of hearing their stories, learning about their villages, their culture, and relationship with the fish, the abundance and importance of salmon, and how they are fighting to protect their homelands from the proposed Pebble mine.
The Awkward Angler Podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms including Apple and Spotify.
This show is for mature audiences and was edited by Devin Dabney.
Episodes & Show Notes
Save Bristol Bay with Meghan Barker
Meet Meghan Barker, Trout Unlimited Bristol Bay Organizer and the Academy's facilitator about the advocacy work she needs you to hear about when it comes to news and things you can do against Pebble Mine. Submit a comment to the EPA that you support strong Clean Water Act protections for the Bristol Bay region for its people, fish, and fish-based industries by July 5, 2022
Queen of the Kvichak, Tatyana Zackar
This episode features Tatyana Zacker from Igiagig, Alaska. Queen of the Kvichak River - fly fishing guide, instructor and previous student of the guide academy. We discuss her village, her connection to the fish, how reliant her community is to the Bristol Bay salmon, lessons on fish handling, and Uber eats a day late and by plane.
Next Gen Native Leaders & Fly Guides, Tess Coopchiak
Meet Tessa Coopchiak, from Togiak, Alaska. Talks about where she is from, her connection to subsistence and now sport fishing, as well as her experience this week at the Bristol Bay Fly Fishing and Guide Academy student. I am relieved to know our next generation of Native leaders are connected to their homelands, culture, education, and new experiences.
Cultural Connections with Laura Aspelund
Laura is now a graduate of the Bristol Bay Fly Fishing and Guide Academy, and we talk about her experience in living in Naknek, Alaska, her transition into fly fishing and guiding, her experience of being a white passing native woman, and the impacts of the proposed Pebble Mine.
Ties to Our Homelands with Stacey Simmons
Stacy was an invited guest during the week of the Bristol Bay Fly Fishing and Guide academy. She is the Sr. Director of Shareholder Services and the Director Of Operations at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center. We discuss what it means to be a shareholder in Alaska, as well as her amazing lodge that has gone straight up to my top places to visit list!
The Future is Native, featuring Kiara Nelson and Shay Nelson
In this episode I get to sit down with all the native ladies of the fly fishing and guide academy. They just completed their client day the day before and last night we celebrated with completion of the academy. This is the next generation of Native Women fly anglers and guides.
Take Action.
Tell the EPA and decision-makers you want Clean Water Act safeguards for Bristol Bay’s headwaters
Support the show!
Venmo, share with a friend, sponsor an episode, and/or subscribe on Anchor.fm