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Deroche Elementary students release 40,000 salmon fry

Fish were placed in the stream running through the school’s property, on its way to the Fraser River
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Students at Deroche Elementary School, released 40,000 chum fry into the stream which runs through the school’s property. / Submitted Photos

Last Friday (April 12) students, parents, guests and staff of Deroche Elementary School, released 40,000 chum fry into the stream which runs through the school’s property, on its way to the Fraser River.

The fry were provided by the Department of Fisheries Inch Creek Hatchery and transferred from the transport truck into buckets for the kids to release into the stream.

Prior to the release, a stream side ceremony occurred which honoured the Sto:lo territory the school is on and the heritage of most of the students.

Many community contributors to the school’s new outdoor learning site were recognized as were the 19 graduating Grade 6 students who deposited salmon bones into the stream as a sign of respect and hope for the fish to return to spawn in three years time.

The students were joined by school board trustees Rick McKamey, Shelley Carter, Randy Cairns and Julia Renkema.

FVRD Regional Director Al Stobbart, members of the Sasquatch Lions Club, Lacey Construction and the Deroche PAC were also honoured for their generous contributions to the school’s Forest & Stream Program.

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