Salmon Project
Canning & Reconciliation
Led by shíshálh Nation elders, this project brings community together in the kitchen, in a series of hands-on work days to learn, share, connect, and safely preserve the annual Salmon bounty.
These intimate days in the kitchen are about passing knowledge from generation to generation, story-telling, connecting to the local and sacred traditions of calling the salmon home, preserving the bounty, and giving gratitude. They’re about reconciliation – gently building relationships, bridges and mutual respect, growing to a place where we not only see each other, but truly honour what each is bringing to the table. In this case, quite literally the kitchen table.
In its first years, it was led by two generations of elders, Xwu’p’a’lich Barb Higgins and Kwa’tle’maht Holly Ann Higgins. Since the passing of our dear Xwu’p’a’lich in fall 2023 (at the age of 90), the Salmon Project is now led by her daughter, also an elder, with other special guests. Today, we still read Xwu’p’a’lich’s stories of the salmon, land, waters, and people.
We can almost smell the fire-smoked fish on the salty beaches of these tales.
Event details & sign-up
The Sockeye return home to our creeks and rivers in August and September each year! Sessions typically occur fall and winter. They are full days (5-6 hours), and include all stages of salmon preparation & pressure canning, a full lunch, and canned salmon to take home.
This project is made possible by our partners & supporters
Become a member
Membership supports our work and keeps you connected, but you also get perks like local discounts, VIP early ticket sales to things like long table dinners & foodbox sales!
Volunteer
By volunteering with us you are contributing to food security on the coast, and ensuring we can continue to do good work in the community!
