In the beginning of time, when the Creator gave the set of laws for how to live, Brother Salmon was the first of the creatures to stand up and offer his life to feed the People of the Land, followed by Brother Deer and Brother Elk. This was followed by the Sister Roots, Sister Chokecherry, and finally Sister Huckleberry. Through the ages, even to this day, the River People honor these gifts of the Creator in that same order in the sacred ceremonies before the feasts, when the men or women representing the Brothers and Sisters serve the foods accordingly. Then with the word "chuush" they give praise to the water, raise their right hand and say "Aye", a form of "amen", and the feast may begin.

The Significance of Salmon

Salmon plays an important religious and economic role for tribal members. There are about 200 tribal fishermen along the river who use stripped-down boats to pull fish from nets as much as 200 feet in length. They first fish for sacred ceremonies and subsistence, and later to sell. Braving hazardous conditions, rough waters, and fierce wind has been in practice for thousands of years.

The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission's (CRITFC) website helps us understand the cultural richness represented by its four member tribes. CRITFC's logo shows the importance of salmon and the rivers to the tribes. The four feathers symbolize the four tribes working together. 

The Yakama are part of the Columbia River Treaty Tribes, along with the Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla, and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. The formal name of the Yakama is the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Indian Nation. Together, the Columbia River Treaty Tribes have reserved rights to harvest anadromous fish that were guaranteed in 1855 treaties with the United States. The people of these tribes have always shared a common understanding -- that their very existence depends on the respectful enjoyment of the Columbia River Basin's vast land and water resources.

We invite you to follow these links to learn about:

The Importance of Salmon to the Tribes

First Salmon Feast