Context of the Strip: In the Spring, indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest (also known as “Salmon People”) celebrate the First Salmon Ceremony. Their diets, culture, economy, spiritual belief and identities all center around the annual salmon run! The event is held at the beginning of the beginning of the spring salmon run, and it is a celebration that marks the return of the salmon as they swim upstream to reproduce.  A designated fisher catches a salmon, and it is prepared and shared among the community. It both honors the gift of food and signifies unity! After feasting, the bones of the fish are released back into the river, believed to allow the salmon to “regenerate” and eventually return. The Chinook Salmon are named after the Chinookan people (Indigenous peoples of the Northwest that live alongside the Columbian River). 

The Chinook Salmon are also widely known as King Salmon, and fun fact- are the largest Pacific salmon! They are a threatened species due to: logging, dams, and water management.

How can YOU help? Check out Long Live the Kings to donate or learn more about Chinook Salmon! You can also learn more about them by checking out NOAA fisheries.