Canadian Geographic: Indigenous People’s Atlas of Canada

This article explores the cultural, ecological, and personal significance of salmon through the lens of the author’s St’atl’imc, Secwepemc, and Dutch heritage. Salmon is not just sustenance but a central element of ceremonies, traditions, and community connections, even amidst challenges like declining salmon runs and environmental disasters such as the Mount Polley mine spill. The article highlights community efforts, such as Cheryl Chapman’s Save-the-Salmon Powwow and Sunny LeBourdais’ advocacy through educational projects, to preserve salmon’s cultural and ecological role. Ultimately, salmon is presented as a sacred and unifying force, deeply tied to Indigenous identity, history, and resilience.