Mug Up with BBNC

In this episode of Mug Up with BBNC, we sit down with shareholder Clemens "Clem" Grunert, a lifelong commercial fisherman from Chignik Lagoon. Clem shares stories from decades on the water, from his first boat to the realities of modern commercial fishing, along with the lessons and wisdom he's gained along the way. Check out these photos shared with us during our visit with Clem: bb...

Join us as we sit down with BBNC shareholder and Director of Energy for the Igiugig Village Council, Jon Salmon. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the work behind Igiugig’s renewable energy efforts and explore the realities, challenges, and opportunities of developing sustainable energy solutions in rural Alaska.

In this episode, we sit down with shareholder and President and CEO of Choggiung Limited, Cameron Poindexter. Cameron shares how taking opportunities guided his journey to where he is today and offers a thoughtful perspective on how being open to new experiences can open doors and inspire future generations.

In this episode we sit down with shareholder Brenda King ofChignik Lake! Brenda reflects on the lessons she learned from leaving home and returning as an adult, sharing stories about life, community, and subsistence. Click here to watch Brenda introduce us to Chignik Lake!

Join us as we sit down with Elder June Tracey as she reflects on creating a home in Nondalton, raising her family, and passing down our Native way of life. From stories of growing up in the village to her deep connection to the land and waters, this conversation is a reminder that home is more than a place — it’s who we are.

Join us for a conversation with Elders Mark Hiratsuka Jr. and Virgie Lockett on growing up in Ekuk, navigating change, and finding identity through family, culture, and community.

Join us as we mug up with Elder Marie Matsuno Nash—early BBNC Board Member and a founding member of the Bristol Bay Foundation.   In this episode, Marie reflects on her remarkable life journey, from the challenges that shaped her early years to the mentors and moments that fueled her commitment to seeing young shareholders succeed.    Grab your mug and settle in for an inspiring conversation!

In this episode, we sit down with Alannah Hurley, BBNC shareholder and Executive Director of the United Tribes of Bristol Bay (UTBB). Alannah shares her journey from growing up in Clarks Point to becoming a leading advocate for the protection of Bristol Bay. She reflects on how her upbringing, family values, and traditional teachings have shaped her commitment to community, stewardship, and advoca...

UPDATE: The descendant enrollment application will now open in December. For questions, please reach out to the Shareholder Services team at (907) 278-3602 or shareholders@bbnc.net.  Join us as we sit down with BBNC's President and CEO Jason Metrokin to discuss the next steps and what shareholders can expect as BBNC prepares to open descendant enrollment. Grab your mug and join the conversatio...

In this episode, we mug up with Glenn Haight, Commissioner of the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission, and Dr. Rachel Donkersloot, owner of Coastal Cultures Research, for a deep dive into the world of Limited Entry Permits. Together, we explore the history, complexities, and evolving challenges of permits in the Bristol Bay fishery. Resources mentioned in the episode: Salmon Fishery Earni...

In this episode, we sit down with three BBNC shareholders—Atkiq Snyder, Justin Zimin, and Bianca Jensen—who are each on a personal journey to learn and reclaim their heritage languages: Yugtun, Sugt’stun, and Dena’ina. Listen in as they share what inspired them to begin this path, the resources that support their learning, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.   Check out the language re...

In this episode, we mug up with Deenaalee Chase Hodgdon and Ruth Łchav’aya K’isen Miller, Co-Directors of the Smokehouse Collective, who share about their mission to strengthen Indigenous food systems, the challenges of climate change, and how their work empowers communities to reclaim traditional food practices. Learn more about Smokehouse Collective at: smokehousecollective.org   Follow Smokehou...

Join us as we sit down with BBNC President and CEO Jason Metrokin for an open and informative conversation about descendant enrollment. We cover the most frequently asked questions, clarify key details of BBNC’s plan, and explore what growing our future means for shareholders and descendants.  Learn more about BBNC’s descendant enrollment initiative at bbnc.net/de .

In this episode we mug up with Casey Coupchiak, BBNC shareholder, fisherwomen and business owner of Yup’ik Girl Seafood! Casey shares how she turned her passion for commercial fishing into a thriving small business, delivering sustainable, wild-caught Bristol Bay salmon straight from her boat to the customers doorstep. Learn about her journey and the importance of Alaska Native representation in t...

In this episode, we sit down with Native Youth Olympics' (NYO) Head Official Nicole Johnson and Coordinator Adele Villa to discuss the legacy of NYO—from the cultural meanings behind the games to the thrill and excitement they bring today.  Learn more about NYO and watch the event demos at: tinyurl.com/8xse4kwp

In this episode, we sit down with Bristol Bay Marketplace competition winners Nels Ure with Bristol Bay Media and Beth Hill with Tulch'ina Adventures! They discuss their journeys as small business owners in Bristol Bay, sharing stories, lessons learned, and advice they gained from the competition.   BBNC also congratulates Kayla Robson with Sunshine Auto Parts, on being named a Bristol Bay Mar...

In this episode, Anais and Kala sit down with Logan Birch, President of Alaska Growth Capital, and Mary Miner, Vice President of Community Development, to discuss the Alaska Marketplace Competition, supporting rural businesses through lending, and exploring finance opportunities beyond accounting.   Learn more about Alaska Growth Capital and stay updated on the next Alaska Marketplace Competition...

In this episode, we sit down with Deanna Baier, the Tribal Extension Educator for the Bristol Bay 4-H program. She shares her passion for bringing Bristol Bay together through fun activities and clubs with Alaska Native cultures and values. Check out the Bristol Bay 4-H Program: tinyurl.com/yc4r7den

In this episode, we sit down with BBNC Elders Orville Lind, Meg Schroeder, William Gumlickpuk, Esther Togiak, Pauline Hobson, and William Nicholson at the 2024 Bristol Bay Leadership Forum. Join us as they share stories and wisdom from their lives growing up in Bristol Bay.

In this episode of Mug Up with BBNC, we sit down with Kameron Perez-Verdia, President and CEO of the Alaska Humanities Forum, and Emily Brockman, Acting Director of Programs at the Bristol Bay Foundation. Together, we reflect on the impactful work these organizations are doing in Bristol Bay and beyond!   Learn more about the Alaska Humanities Forum  here. Learn more the Bristol Bay Foundation her...

In this episode of Mug Up with BBNC, we sit down with the 2024 BBNC Shareholders of the Year! Tabitha Knell of Cloudberry Native, Robin Masterman, Helen Gregorio, and Pauline Hobson share their inspirations, experiences, reflections, and more. Grab your favorite mug and enjoy!

In this episode of Mug Up with BBNC, we sit down with shareholder Orville Lind from Chignik Lake!    Orville reflects on his experience growing up in Bristol Bay, his journey as an artist, and the wisdom he's inherited over the years. Grab your favorite mug and enjoy! Check out Orville's art on Facebook: tinyurl.com/3trfjkjt

In this episode of Mug Up with BBNC, we sit down with Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA) Executive Director Lilani Dunn to discuss her journey in the seafood industry, her first experience with commercial fishing, and Bristol Bay Salmon Week in Washington D.C.!   Learn more about BBRSDA here. Learn more about Bristol Bay Salmon Week here .

In our tenth episode of Mug Up with BBNC, we have a conversation with former interns Marissa Elkins and Audrey Leonetti about their experiences!   We discuss what skills they developed, challenges faced, memorable experiences, life after their internships, advice for future interns, and more. Grab your favorite mug and enjoy!

In our ninth episode of Mug Up with BBNC, we join the Bristol Bay Foundation at their 2024 Bristol Bay Indigenous Language Summit! Join us as we sit down with attendees and presenters at the summit to discuss the importance of practicing and sharing our languages. To learn more about the Bristol Bay Foundation click here .