Each spring, Northwest tribes mark the beginning of the fishing season with first salmon ceremonies and blessings of their fleets.
“It’s our way of life,” said Aurelia Bailey, senator and cultural events director for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, during the tribe’s gathering in May. “And when our people are out on the water, we are asking the creator to protect them, to keep them safe.”
Swinomish Chairman Steve Edwards, fisheries manager and Swinomish Sen. Tandy Wilbur, and other honored guests also spoke during the tribe’s Blessing of the Fleet and First Salmon Ceremony about the value of the traditional event.
“We can’t just take; we have to give back and show respect for the resources,” said Swinomish elder Joe McCoy.
McCoy, who was among fishermen arrested during conflict with the state leading up to the Boldt decision in U.S. v. Washington, marked his 85th birthday at the Swinomish ceremony. He also blessed the seafood-focused, celebratory meal with prayer and songs, and shared stories from his youth.
“We grew up on grandpa’s boat, out on the water, on the bay—and that was a most precious time,” McCoy said.
His grandpa Tommy McCoy was his primary teacher of the craft, alongside nature.
“When you’re a fisherman you have to learn to listen to the currents and the tides and the weather, because it could save your life,” McCoy said.
The Swinomish ceremony centers around chinook, one of five types of salmon available throughout each year in the tribe’s home waters.
Swinomish high school seniors Divinty Kochuten, Josie Adam, Marlon Edwards and Matthew Stone carried the ceremonial salmon, arranged on cedar bough-lined trays with shellfish and berries, during a procession through the Swinomish Reservation with drumming and singing. Following speeches, prayers and blessing songs, the youth privately returned the fish—spiritual offerings—to the water of the Swinomish Channel.
The Quinault Indian Nation celebrated the return of a genetically distinct type of sockeye salmon called blueback.
Recovery and sustainable harvest of the species is a priority for the tribe, which has been working toward the goal with several long-term projects.
“Blueback is who we are, who we come from,” said Cleve Jackson, fisheries policy spokesman for Quinault. “It’s a huge responsibility we take on.”
Jackson spoke at the tribe’s ceremony, which saw young people carry a salmon to the nearby river as tribal members, guests and students watched. Later, they enjoyed samples of blueback, prized for its fatty, flavor-packed flesh.
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians celebrated with tribal leaders, elected officials and members gathering in honor of returning chinook. Songs, dances and a meal were all part of the celebration.
“We’re standing up for the salmon, and we’re going to keep standing up, no matter what happens,” said Rodney Sisson, the tribe’s fisheries resource policy representative.
Above: Swinomish Warrior Marlon Edwards carries a ceremonial salmon during the tribe’s Blessing of the Fleet and First Salmon Ceremony. Photos and story by Kimberly Cauvel and Trevor Pyle.
