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What was a First Salmon Ceremony and Why did Northwest Native American fishermen perform the ritual?

By Karen Hill

At the beginning of the salmons’ annual run, Northwest fishermen performed a ritual after they caught the first fish.

During the ceremony, the fish was roasted and eaten, usually with a small bite given to each person in a village. The bones were then returned to the river in which the salmon was caught.

Native Americans believed that salmon chose to give up their lives so that people could live. Through the First Salmon Ceremony, fishermen showed their gratitude for the salmon’s sacrifice.

Only by demonstrating their respect for the fish could the fishermen be sure that the salmon would return the next year.

Related

  • Why were salmon so important to northwestern Native Americans and How were Salmon preserved?
  • Why is Salmon Pink and Where does the Pink Color in Salmon meat come from?
  • When did Northwest Native Americans first meet non-Native Americans?
  • Why was contact with non-Native Americans good for Northwest Native Americans?
  • What was a copper and What did coppers symbolize in Northwest Native American culture?
  • Which Native American groups lived in the Northwest?

Filed Under: History

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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