Page 7 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - June, 2018

7

Honoring our sacred salmon

Ceremony, feast put
emphasis on teaching

By Fred Shortman
The Chehalis tribal
community gathered to honor
the salmon people on May 17.
The annual celebration was
brought back years ago by
Ross Davis, Bruce Miller and
Dale Clark.
Chehalis tribal fishermen
harvested spring Chinook
throughout the week and
prepared the feast for the
community.
An offering

One facet of the ritual that
most people don’t witness is
the ceremony in the tribal
tributaries.
In a tradition that dates
back for decades, the first The carcass of the first Chinook of the season is released back into the water at the Salmon Ceremony.
Chinook caught each season is
released back into the river.
A group consisting of Chehalis
youth, adults and elders Tribal
participated in the event Elder Mel
Thursday morning. Shannon Youckton
and Glenda Comenout led makes
his way
that part of the ceremony. through
They highlighted that the delectable
emphasis this year is on dishes as
teaching the next generation elders are
Native American cultural invited
values and traditions so the to the
practices will endure. buffet line
Down at the Chehalis first. Mel
riverbank, the carcass and welcomed
head of the first salmon everyone
caught was placed on cedar to the
and released downstream to gathering.
the echo of the drumbeat and
songs of native people.
Authentic meal desserts completed the meal. and what continues to be a
The second part of the staple of the tribe’s livelihood.
ceremony is the feast, where The meaning As community members
everybody gathers for lunch at Chehalis Elder Mel filled up seats at the table
the fish pit. Youckton spoke on behalf and delighted in traditional
Todd Delameter, Chehalis of the elders and welcomed foods, the Chehalis Canoe
tribal member and fisherman, everyone. Family performed a few songs.
said event organizers gathered Walter Lewis addressed the Events staff handed out gifts
traditional foods to ensure an crowd and shared a few words to those who helped make the
authentic meal. about the ceremony at the river. ceremony possible.
They gathered nettles, Lewis informed the Members of the Heritage
camas, eel, oysters, clams and hundreds in attendance about & Culture Department and Salmon roasts slowly over the
salmon. The fish was prepared the good nature and kind Social Services prepared bone- fire pit.
the Chehalis way over the spirit of the Chehalis people bead necklaces to donate at
fire. Salads, side dishes and and how they honor what was the gathering.