Salmon Stories: Responsibility and Return

In this episode of The Old Growth Table,  you’re invited into relationship with the Salmon Peoples. Their existence holds stories of prophecy, reciprocity, and resilience. Joined by conservation policy analyst and Tulalip Tribal member Cecilia Gobin, Valerie explores the living legacy of salmon and what it means to uphold the agreements our ancestors made with these relatives.

We dive into the significance of the First Salmon Ceremony, the fight for habitat restoration, and how colonization has reshaped our traditional food systems. Valerie reminds us that caring for salmon is caring for the future — for the children who will one day sit at the old growth table. We discuss what  it means to honor salmon and practice an honorable harvest by supporting Native fishers and Tribes — whether on the river, at the market, or around the fire at home.

Special thanks to the Suquamish Tribe for sharing their Suquamish Salmon Song, and to Cecilia Gobin for sharing her time, energy, and knowledge. Deep gratitude to the Tulalip Tribes for welcoming us to capture such beautiful footage.

Let’s take care of the water, the salmon, and one another.

Resources:

Support the work of Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission at  nwifc.org and the Salmon Defense’s Salmon Warriors Initiative at salmondefense.org/salmonwarriors

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