On September 30th, the TNCC team visited Tsútswecw Provincial Park to witness the Little Shuswap Lake Band and neighbouring Secwépemc communities celebrate the return of the sockeye salmon to Adams River and simultaneously recognize National Truth and Reconciliation Day.

The sockeye salmon journey from the Pacific Ocean to Adams River to spawn, in what is the largest sockeye salmon run in North America. This year’s salmon run is the dominant run with around 14 million salmon.

Along the riverside the Little Shuswap Lake Band and neighbouring communities had several ceremonies celebrating the return of the sockeye to mark the opening day of the Salute to the Sockeye. The public had the chance to participate in some of the opening ceremonies, including one activity called the salmon dance where they clasped their hands together and made a fish movement to mimic the swimming pattern of salmon.

Accompanying the celebrations by the river were several speeches from various leaders from the Little Shuswap Lake Band, neighboring nations, and non-indigenous local leaders on what the importance of salute to sockeye and National Truth & Reconciliation Day mean to them.

Adding to these celebrations were various booths including educational interactive experiences set up by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the BC Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship and an interactive cabin run by the Adams River Salmon Society exploring the life cycle and incredible journey of these salmon.

Outside of education, an artisan market with local artists work were posted throughout the park and several food trucks provided a variety of food for the all attendees.

The Salute to the Sockeye events are still running till October 23rd. Take a trip out to Adams River to see the salmon run and experience Little Shuswap Lake Band and Secwépemc culture.