The sacred headwaters of the Columbia River created the setting for the second Salmon Warriors Gathering this summer.
Young adults from the Syilx Okanagan, Secwépemc, and Ktunaxa Nations gathered with Elders, knowledge keepers, and Nation leaders as part of the generational work of the Bringing the Salmon Home Initiative. This collaborative project is led by the three Nations.
Highlights of this year’s gathering included the vital headwaters ceremony, learning to can salmon, experiencing the power of returning the salmon bones to the river, land walks to learn about Indigenous plant uses, and evening storytelling around the fire.
The young people also had fun teaching each other how to say ‘salmon’ in each of their Nations’ languages.
The 21 young adults shared their reflections on what it means to them to be a Salmon Warrior. They celebrated the power of the Syilx Okanagan, Secwépemc, and Ktunaxa Nations coming together as Salmon People.
Being a Salmon Warrior means “to have the willingness and dedication to help protect and help guide the salmon home,” said first time participant Serenity Baptiste. “To fight for the rights of our people, the land, and salmon.”
Wildfire devastates communities
From the headwaters of the Columbia at ʔaq̓am and Invermere, to Osoyoos, Merritt, Adams Lake, and beyond, the devastation by wildfire of communities and wild places is becoming an all-too-common tragedy.
In recent weeks, members of the Ktunaxa Nation’s ʔaq̓am community were evacuated as fire advanced. The St. Mary’s River wildfire is located north of Cranbrook. While many community members have been able to return home, seven homes were destroyed. Other families around the South Okanagan-Similkameen, Shuswap, and upper Columbia region are also experiencing wildfire evacuations.
The Bringing the Salmon Home family stands in solidarity and sorrow with everyone who is suffering these dislocations and losses.
We are all downstream and downwind,
Bringing the Salmon Home: The Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative team
