Swinomish Tribe blesses fishing fleet

The Swinomish Tribe’s fishing fleet is clearly in no shortage of blessings, well-wishes and community respect, as displayed in the tribe’s traditional annual “blessing of the fleet ceremony” on Thursday.

The event kicked off with a luncheon in the jam-packed Swinomish Youth and Community Center, where guests feasted on watermelon, salmon and fresh, locally-caught seafood.

There were about 550 people who were seated for lunch, Laura Dunn, from the Swinomish Fisheries Department estimated.

La Conner Middle School fourth graders also attended the luncheon for the second year.

Swinomish Chairman B...