By Aubrey Grondin-Young, 2025 Fisheries Intern
It feels like a lifetime has passed since I picked up the phone and heard a voice on the line informing me that I got the fisheries internship and could start next week.
I readily accepted; it was an easy choice. My bags were practically packed, and I had already been traveling for months, moving from place to place through rural Chile. During that time, I longed to hear ravens and see black bears in their berry bushes and orchards. I often thought of salmon and coming home.
Born and raised in Victoria, I had the privilege of growing up on Vancouver Island. With such vast and beautiful landscapes, there are countless nooks and crannies I have yet to explore.
During my summer with Uu-a-thluk, I was welcomed to places I had only ever seen on a map — rivers and shorelines off the beaten path, or towns I would have never thought to visit.
Through mentorship and encouragement, I have discovered the joy of nurturing nature. There is a certain effortless dedication that emerges when you work with passion. Collaborating with intelligent and kind individuals has been a tremendous asset as I embark on my career.
My days as an intern involved a variety of tasks, from collecting data on sounders and swimming rivers to maintaining fish fences, gathering species samples, analyzing data, operating boats and engaging with the community.
With my Marine First Aid certification, Pleasure Craft Operator License and Swiftwater Rescue Training under my belt, I feel more equipped for the future.
I came into this role feeling inexperienced and uncertain about the direction of my journey and what I truly wanted from it, but my time at Uu-a-thluk has gifted me with invaluable insights, none more important than the realization that I can chase my calling.
I now understand that I am capable and that I have a strong support system behind me.
During a week of clam surveys in Hesquiaht Harbour, we would wake up before dawn, clad in waders, sifting for clams in the wet sand at low tide. I felt excitement over even the smallest clams while listening to stories from the days when this beach was covered in nuggets.
Perhaps our work will help make that a reality again in our lifetimes; it may be wishful thinking, but it is a sincere hope and the reason this work is being done.
I intend to return to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree in environmental management with a minor in Aquaculture and Fisheries. Until then, I aim to gain more experience in the industry.
My goal is to build a career focused on the stewardship of the natural world, collaborating with Indigenous communities. I want the voices of the elders and knowledge keepers of the land to guide my work.
I would like to express my gratitude not only for the experience of working at Uu-a-thluk, but also for the incredible kindness, patience and support I received from my colleagues.
Thank you to the team for encouraging me, teaching me and for the exceptional work they do in the Nuu-chah-nulth haa-haa-houlthee.
