Our favorite podcaster Blue went to the Salmon ceremony and fry releases on May 17th in the Slocan Valley. 

“These ceremonies and releases are part of the Syilx Nations inherent responsibilities to protect and restore provides an opportunity for the Syilx people to gather and affirm our deep connections with ntyitix (Chief Salmon) and our responsibility to be stewards of our lands and waters. These ceremonies — with our language, captikwł (oral history), songs and prayers — are also an integral part of revitalizing our culture. For thousands of years these ceremonies and customs have been brought forward for our children, and we are committed to ensuring that this work continues”

Source: Media Advisory: Syilx Okanagan Nation’s Salmon Ceremonies and Fry Releases in the Upper Columbia – Okanagan Nation Alliance. (n.d.). https://www.syilx.org/media-advisory-syilx-okanagan-nations-salmon-ceremonies-and-fry-releases-in-the-upper-columbia/

Blue “I had the privilege of taking my family to the salmon release at the Slocan Lake, meeting local teachers and students that are using the Live It Earth platform, and watching a moving ceremony with the Okanagan First Nations. It was incredibly heartfelt and listening to the passion and commitment of the group, and seeing the community - a strong turnout from the Slocan Village, families, children young and old, the elders… The moment wasn’t lost in how significant this was. This was a moment to be shared and cherished”