The importance of Salmon to First Nations peopleHistoric and Contemporary perspectives

Salmon were more than just fish!

Like a lot of other living creatures, Salmon had a special relationship with FN people. Salmon were received by First Nations peoples as gift-bearing relatives, and were treated with great respect.

Before European contact, FN people has already had a very sustainable system created for Salmon.

Traditional Harvesting Methods

Rock traps were one of many ways in which FN people harvested salmon.

Dip nets made from strong animal hyde, bones, and other natural mechanisms were specifically used to selectively catch salmon that were traveling rivers.

Fishing spears Fishing Weirs

Salmon Cooking Methods FN people are very

creative when it comes to cooking and preparing salmon to preserve.

BBQ salmon on sticks Smoked salmon Canned salmon Dried salmon

Salmon Art Project FN art has been in this world for many centuries. Petroglyphs and Pictographs (rock carvings and

paintings) that has been found on the Pacific Northwest Coast date back over 15,000 years.