As we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we highlight the regenerative power of our Indigenous-led Bringing the Salmon Home Initiative. We are reintroducing salmon into the great upper Columbia River watershed, and actively reconnecting to salmon culture within and across the Syilx Okanagan, Secwépemc, and Ktunaxa Nations, and beyond.
First Nations, through colonial governments, continue to experience losses to families and traditional food sources such as salmon. On September 30th, wear an orange shirt and stand with residential school survivors. Call out denialism. We are strongest when we swim together.
See below for reasons to celebrate our healing work.
Technical Working Group Nation members tagged and translocated adult Okanagan sockeye into the upper Columbia system in August 2026 as part of ongoing spawning movement tracking studies. Images: ONA Fisheries
Secwépemc Nation and Ktunaxa Nation members arrive in style for the annual Shuswap Salmon Festival jointly hosted mid-September by the Shuswap Band, ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation, and Ktunaxa Nation, in Invermere, BC. The Shuswap Band proudly launched their new canoe Iswell (centre) as part of the Canoe Brigade. Hundreds of local residents enjoyed the day of activities on the shores of Windermere Lake. Photo: SNTC
Syilx Okanagan Salmon Warriors with members of our funding partner Salmon Returns at the annual Okanagan Nation Alliance Salmon Feast, held Sept. 18-20, 2026 at sx̌ʷəʷʷx̌nitk (Okanagan Falls). Above and following photos: Bringing the Salmon Home Initiative
The Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and Cstelnec’ Adams Lake Band welcomed dozens of Salmon Warriors from the Secwépemc, Syilx Okanagan, and Ktunaxa Nations to a Tri-Nation Salmon Unity Camp Sept. 21-25, 2026. Adams Lake, as part of the Fraser River system, still sees major salmon runs return. The Salmon Peoples in the upper Columbia River region have been denied salmon for over 87 years. This was an incredible opportunity to learn traditional and modern fishing techniques, how to process and preserve salmon, and celebrate reconnection to language and culture.
Secwépemc Nation members Beverly Saul, Bringing the Salmon Home Outreach & Engagement and Indigenous Knowledge Coordinator for the Secwépemc Nation, and Greg Witzky, Indigenous Knowledge Counsel member, demonstrate salmon filleting techniques.
Secwépemc Salmon Warriors Addison Dehart and Zaylyn Stevens put their learning into action.
L: Greg Witzky shows some of the chinook salmon caught the same morning in Adams Lake. R: Ktunaxa Salmon Warriors Anastasia Bigsorrelhorse and Aiden Jacobs.
Syilx Okanagan Salmon Warriors Gage Paul and Waverly Butler with Fred Fortier, Bringing the Salmon Home Initiative Indigenous Knowledge Counsel representative for the Secwépemc Nation.
Tristan Sparks, Shuswap Band fisheries technician, works with Devin Capilo, Junior Salmon Chief for the Upper Columbia for the Secwépemc Nation.
Master filleter Beverly Saul shows Syilx Okanagan Salmon Warrior Kai Currie where to make precise cuts on the chinook.
Vickie Thomas, Ktunaxa Nation member of the Bringing the Salmon Home Indigenous Knowledge Counsel and Implementation Team, and Mark Thomas, Chair, Bringing the Salmon Home Executive Working Group, and Upper Columbia Salmon Chief for the Secwépemc Nation, pack salmon for freezing.
All hands on deck to prepare barbecued salmon for the daily feast.
Opportunity: Our Salmon Warriors Fall Gathering happens October 21-25, 2026 and is open to Syilx Okanagan, Ktunaxa, and Secwépemc young adults aged 19-29. Join in salmon broodstock, hatchery, and habitat restoration activities in the South Okanagan. Honorariums and expenses provided. New and returning Salmon Warriors are encouraged to apply now.
