APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday Oct 1, 2026
EVENT DATES: October 21-25, 2026
LOCATION: Penticton & Oliver, BC
The Salmon Warriors Fall Gathering 2026 is open to Syilx Okanagan, Ktunaxa, and Secwépemc young adults aged 19-29. New and returning Salmon Warriors are encouraged to apply.
Dams have blocked our salmon from returning to the upper Columbia River for over 87 years; the salmon need their people. Join other young adults from our three Nations to learn and connect with one another, the water, and the land while learning about what it will take to bring our salmon home.
What to Expect: We will participate in the Okanagan Nation Alliance’s annual Broodstock collection of sockeye salmon in the Okanagan River near Oliver, and at the ONA’s kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ hatchery, at SnPink’tn, Penticton Indian Band. We will start off with a reception dinner and social at En’owkin Centre the evening you arrive (Wednesday), after checking in to the hotel. The next day will be a river safety day, with waders and boots fitting and demonstration, and an overview of the Bringing the Salmon Home Initiative. Our second day will be a field day to do a habitat restoration tour and activity. The following two days will be full field days assisting the ONA Fisheries team with the annual salmon broodstock collection at the river and the hatchery. The final morning (Sunday) will be breakfast, closing gifting ceremony and check out by noon. Full attendance and participation over the entire five days is expected.
Check out this short video from a previous year’s Salmon Warriors Gathering.
Support: Transportation support, food, accommodation, and honorariums, will be provided to applicants who are accepted and participate in the Salmon Warriors Fall Gathering 2026. Boots and waders will be provided. Prepare to dress warmly.
FILL OUT AND SUBMIT THE APPLICATION AT THIS LINK BY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
For more info, please contact your Nation’s Bringing the Salmon Home Outreach & Engagement Organizer:
Syilx Okanagan: Billie Jean Gabriel – billiejeangabriel@outlook.com
Secwépemc: Beverly Saul – culturalcoordinator@shuswapnation.org
Ktunaxa: Dawn Scout – culturalcoordinator@shuswapnation.org
