The Yakama Nation (YN) Fisheries Pacific Lamprey Project will be releasing adult lamprey into the Yakima River (Ellensburg, WA) on May 25, 2024 at 10am – 1pm.  We invite the public to participate in this event to hear and see firsthand what the lamprey (called “asum” in the Yakama Nation tribal language) is all about.  Pacific lamprey, an ancient fish from 450 million years ago, has been an important food source, medicine, and cultural icon for the YN tribes and bands as well as a keystone species for the stream ecosystems.  Tribal elders will share stories of this unique species and their importance to their culture. We will provide a brief background on lamprey biology, current restoration activities, and most importantly give the audience a chance to see, touch, and feel these “living fossils” before their release.  Ralph Lampman (YN Lamprey Research Biologist) will also sing the “West Coast Lamprey Rap” to voice the many hardships that lamprey face.  If you really get to know them, you’ll understand that they are one of the most benign, respectful, honorable creatures that exist in this world, despite the many stereotypes.  Kids as well as elders are welcome to participate (will be fun for all ages).