Salmon Life

Strategically picked for its cloud coverage, Cold Bay, a city on the tip of the Alaska Peninsula, was established during World War II. During this time, one of Alaska’s longest runways was constructed, which is now used as a hub for travel in the Aleutians East Region and as the area’s emergency landing site. Although many people pass through this rugged town, there are only about 40-50 full-time residents, the Nielsens being some of them.

With their net set, Candace and Brooke wait patiently on the beach, keeping a close eye out for fins and jumping fish. “Depending on the day, it can take up to four hours to fill your limit or twenty minutes,” Candace explains, her eyes fixed on the buoys that adorn the ocean like a pearl necklace.

Through her degree program, Candace also hopes to learn more about her Native heritage. Even though she and her husband are Unangan, or Aleut, they did not grow up immersed in their culture. Candace recalls her grandmother raising her family not to speak their native language because of all the mistreatment she had gone through. “I’m working really hard on my own studies to learn about the Aleut people and their ways because I want to share it with my daughter and have her learn about who we are. My Native culture and traditions weren’t part of my upbringing, but the appreciation and the reason for staying on this land were.”

Today, Candace connects to her different communities through salmon. Salmon were a major part of her childhood, and they continue to be a major part of her life. “Salmon are a mindset. They are a gift that have been given to us to provide for our families.”

Although Candace and her husband participate in the derby, even winning a few times, their time fishing extends far beyond that. “Salmon are a part of my life. My every day routine is deciding on what kind of salmon to eat or whether I need to be out processing it. I have a tremendous appreciation for salmon, what it brings to people’s lives; it’s a healthy food and, to our families, it brings a reason for being together.”

Originally from Nelson Lagoon, Candace moved to Cold Bay when she was about ten years old. Her father, once a commercial fisherman, often took her and her brother out on the boat, which Candace remembers fondly. “There’s something to be said about being disconnected and listening to KDLG and going out into the net and taking fish, knowing it’s just you and the skiff and the water. People don’t get that. They don’t get the appreciation for that.” Though it’s her father who taught her how to fish, it’s her husband who has shown her how to harvest.

After a long day of plucking salmon from folded waves in salty water, their wagon is finally full. Though there’s still work to do, and tomorrow brings another day of harvest, the Nielsens look forward to one of their long-standing traditions. “We come home and cuddle up and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa and some dried salmon.”