Blessed event: Swinomish host annual salmon celebration

What’s old is new again.

And, in the case of the Swinomish Tribal Community’s Blessing of the Fleet and First Salmon Ceremony last Thursday, it was a case of perfect timing.

Ideal weather conditions, a large turnout and bountiful feast aligned nicely for the special occasion.

The Tribal celebration, which evoked spiritual and festive responses in equal measure, has roots dating to ancestral times, according to Swinomish Archivist and Records Manager Theresa Trebon.

It was revived after a lengthy absence about 40 years ago, Trebon’s research indicates, largely through the efforts of late Swinomish leaders Morris Dan, Laura Edwards and Laura Wilbur, among others.

Wilbur’s daughter, Lorraine Loomis, the head of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, took a lead role at last week’s event, along with Swinomish Tribal Senate Chair Brian Cladoosby.

“This,” Cladoosby told an audience estimated over 700 people, “is one of the most important days of the year for our community.”

Cladoosby said the annual ceremony allows the Swinomish community to pray for the safety of its fishermen and give thanks for the salmon that sustain the tribe’s culture and economy.

He noted the significance of the nearby Skagit River.

“The Skagit,” said Cladoosby, “is the only river in the Lower 48 with all species of wild salmon. The goal for everyone is to protect the wild Skagit salmon.”

Other goals stressed Thursday were cultural awareness and historical preservation.

On that score, La Conner fourth graders were special guests of the tribe, and enjoyed their own dining area for the 90-minute salmon luncheon. The class is in the midst of a Washington state history unit that begins with a study of first people here.

The Blessing of the Fleet and First Salmon Ceremony allowed students to get out of the textbook and view a cultural celebration first-hand, including drumming by the Swinomish Canoe Family, said teacher Cammy Alumbres.

“We made a connection several years ago,” she said. “and we’re so grateful to be able to be here.”

Her students echoed that sentiment.

“The timing,” said fourth grader Chas James, a Swinomish resident, “is really good.”

“We’ve been learning about this,” added classmate Mason Magill. “We’ve already been reading about it, so it’s great to be here.”

Swinomish members of the La Conner High Class of 2018 were likewise present, and assumed honored positions with the traditional walking procession to Moorage Way for shoreline ceremonies.

The Edwards family led the way, which Trebon has said hearkens back to when Laura Edwards, then fondly known as “Grandma Laura,” would bless fishermen by dipping a feather into a container of water and sprinkling them with it.

Prior to the procession, Cladoosby and Trebon surprised Swinomish kitchen manager Cathi Edwards Bassford with the presentation of four enlarged and framed black-and-white photographs of past Tribal cooks and food preparers, Grandma Laura among them, images going back eight decades.

“Cathi is our unsung hero,” Cladoosby said. “She has a team like you wouldn’t believe that puts so much love, time, and energy into their jobs. Cooking and taking care of our people has been a part of our culture forever and Cathi follows in a long line of cooks making sure everyone is taken care of.”

Bassford humbly said she receives as much as she gives.

“You bring me strength,” she explained, “and I keep you nourished.”

And on this day, in addition to fish and fry bread at Swinomish, there was also plenty of food for thought and reflection.