Others in Buffalo Narrows call them an inspiration.

"They're definitely mentors in the community," said Candice Waite, whose kids and their friends recently joined Mervin and Darlene to learn about filleting and smoking fish.

"When we pulled up there, they were eagerly waiting in their garage, literally fillet knives and hands with just an open heart," she said. They refused any payment, saying they just wanted to teach others, she recalled.

"I aspire to be Mervin and Darlene when I'm their age."

The joy the couple finds in sharing their traditions is plain in their smiles as they haul up a net full of fish in just half an hour. It's a gift Darlene doesn't take for granted, having been taken from her home as a child and having had to relearn her culture.

And for his part, Mervin doesn't take her presence in his life for granted.

"She's my best friend," he says.

"I just couldn't imagine living life with somebody else."