APPLICATION DEADLINE: Mon. Sept. 15, 2025
EVENT DATES: 3pm Wed. Oct. 15 to 12pm Sun. Oct. 19, 2025
LOCATION: Penticton, BC; Okanagan River (near Oliver, BC)
The Salmon Warriors Fall Gathering 2025 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 86 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 about what it will take to bring our salmon home.
What to Expect: This year’s Salmon Warriors Fall Gathering will be hosted in Penticton, BC. We’ll be getting hands-on experience in the Okanagan River near Oliver, and at the Okanagan Nation Alliance’s kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Fish Hatchery, at Penticton Indian Band, and learning from Elders and Knowledge Keepers. The first day on Wednesday is check in, opening and dinner. The next day is team building and cultural activities. The third and fourth days are spent assisting the ONA Fisheries Team with the annual salmon broodstock collection at the river and the hatchery. The final day will be breakfast, closing and check out. Full attendance and participation is required throughout.
Check out this short video from last 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 2025. Boots and waders will be provided. Prepare to dress warmly.
FILL OUT AND SUBMIT THE APPLICATION AT THIS LINK BY SEPT. 15, 2025
For more info, please contact your Nation’s Bringing the Salmon Home Outreach & Engagement Organizer:
Syilx Okanagan: Billie Jean Gabriel – billiejeangabriel@outlook.com
Secwépemc: Valerie Michel – crt@shuswapnation.org
Ktunaxa: Clifford Dorion – clifford.dorion@ktunaxa.org
