There’s an expression that “It was so thick with salmon you could walk across on their backs”. Is that true, could you really do that?
Maureen: Well, you know, a few years back I could not believe the fish that were coming up. The whole pond was just black with fish and that’s only in my time! But since then I haven’t seen quite the fish coming up.
Jim: Fish returns have been abysmal for quite a few years – although this year the pink salmon, which are the first to come up, best guesses are well in excess of 10,000 fish came there.
Maureen: And I live across there in the trailer if you ever walk through, go out and sit on deck. The smell is powerful!
I want to thank you for saving this land, because without you this wouldn’t be here. Your family put this together as a trust, I’m very grateful for it, personally.
Others: Me too. Thank you from all the people of Courtenay,
Marguerite: You’re very welcome. It’s an honour.
Q: And thank you for coming to talk to us today.
Marguerite: Enjoyed it.
Maureen: It was interesting!
Marguerite: Just remember listen to your elders’ stories, your grandparents and great-grandparents and the little memories they have. And it becomes a part of your history and your family’s history and on down the line.
Maureen: And we wish we had listened a little closer.
Jim: And if you’re ever looking at pictures with your grandparents, get them to put names on the back of the pictures so you know who the heck the people are.