We are investing in the future through our Tri-Nation Salmon Warriors program. Each year, young adults gather together from the Syilx Okanagan, Secwépemc and Ktunaxa Nations to reconnect to salmon culture.
Korbin Birdstone, Ktunaxa Salmon Warrior, observes that: “We always end up coming back, one way or another, to where we came from. So we can learn from the salmon and how they get through their journeys.”
This year marked the largest return recorded in recent history of sockeye salmon into the Columbia system. The majority of these fish are of Okanagan origin, through the successful decades-long efforts of the Okanagan Nation Alliance Fisheries program. Over 300,000 sockeye made their way home to the Okanagan system in B.C. this fall.
Salmon Warriors from the three Nations were invited to help with the Okanagan broodstock collection in October.
It was an amazing learning experience in both the Okanagan River near Oliver, and the ONA’s kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ conservation hatchery in Penticton.
Important jobs include guiding the fish into collection nets.
Sofia Terbasket-Funmaker, Syilx Nation Salmon Warrior and IndigenEYEZ facilitator says: “The fact that the salmon can’t come back home to where they belong [into the whole upper Columbia system]. That’s what keeps me coming back to help in any way to collaborate and bring them home.”
Milt is collected from male sockeye on site.
Female salmon are transported to the kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ hatchery for the egg take.
The Salmon Warriors are given thorough health & safety and sterile handling training.
Susan Romandia, Secwépemc Salmon Warrior, learned the careful processes to harvest and then fertilize the sockeye eggs. She reflects: “What does a Salmon Warrior mean to me? It means being a part of a team, and also remembering your roots, remembering your ancestors and how important the salmon are.”
Some of the fry that will be raised from this year’s broodstock collection will contribute to ceremonial fry releases and Bringing the Salmon Home Initiative reintroductions into the upper Columbia River next year.
Thank you for your support,
Bringing the Salmon Home: The Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Team
