Syilx Nation Salmon Feast Celebrates Sacredness of the River at Traditional Fishing Camp sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ

It is one of the goals of the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation to carry on the work of the peoples ancestors and Elders who taught the importance of preserving and revitalizing the traditions, customs, and language of the Syilx people. The Salmon Feast honours the sacredness of the river at sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ (Okanagan Falls), which is a culturally significant site for the Syilx (Okanagan) People, and an important traditional fishing camp, gathering place and trading site.

What: The 2016 Salmon Feast is a three-day event that involves multiple activities including: traditional performances and ceremonies, a canoe paddle, stick game tournament, and on the final day (Sunday) a salmon feast and ceremony for snxa?l’iwlem (to honour the sacredness of the river).

Why: Along with continuing snxa?l’iwlem the importance of the Salmon Feast is highlighted by the successful return of sc’win (Okanagan sockeye salmon) to the Okanagan region in 2016. After the devastation of the 2015 Okanagan sockeye run, the return of these fish provides food security to Okanagan Nation member communities. Since mid-July, 2016, a functioning food fishery has seen Syilx fishers on the water fishing from sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ down through to Osoyoos Lake.

The Annual Salmon Feast is an essential practice in the continued organized efforts of the Okanagan Nation Alliance and member communities to raise the importance of the habitat protection and rehabilitation of local ecosystems, watersheds and a renew connections and relationships between all residents of the Region with water and fish. It is vitally important that we honour the salmon so they will always come back to feed the people.

Where: at sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ (Okanagan Falls) Provincial Park

When: September 16-18, 2016