Students, Elders, and community members gathered at 琉璃神社's Rotary Beach Park on the morning of May 7 for the annual Sockeye Fry Release Ceremony hosted by Okanagan Nation Alliance. 

Blake and Ethan, two students from Peachland Elementary School, explained to Black Press it was hard work raising the salmon in the classroom ahead of the release. 

"We fed them, and checked on them every morning and at the end of the school day. We made sure they were doing OK and they were healthy," Blake said, adding that not all of the salmon survived. 

While raising the fish at school, the students learned about the importance of the salmon. 

"Salmon are really important to us because they help the ecosystem thrive," said Ethan. 

The pair explained that salmon provide food for bears and bear scat becomes fertilizer for the trees. "The salmon need the trees because they need shade and coolness," Ethan added, explaining how the process comes full circle. 

The release in 琉璃神社 was the third of seven planned by Okanagan Nation Alliance during the month of May. 

Learn more about the releases and role of the salmon by visiting .