Calling Back the Salmon Ceremony to the Yuba River
Saturday, October 11, 2008
We would like to inform you of an exciting opportunity to lend your support to our local Tsi-Akim Maidu Tribe. Before being decimated and displaced by the Gold Rush, the Maidu conducted a ceremony to celebrate and give thanks for the return of the salmon to their ancestral waters each fall. Now, after an absence of 158 years, the Tribe's “first salmon” ceremony will once again be seen on the banks of the South Fork of the Yuba River. The ceremony will constitute a significant milestone in the Tribe's ongoing efforts to restore its culture and preserve its identity. And, just as importantly, it will bring the Indian and non-Indian communities together to begin healing the wounds that we all bear that are the legacy of the Gold Rush.
You are invited to join the Tribe on Saturday, October 11, for this historic event. The day will begin with a sunrise ceremony at approximately 7:00AM on the south bank of the Yuba River just below the Highway 20 bridge. Immediately afterwards, a member of the tribe will set out to spear a salmon at a downstream location, from where the salmon will be brought back to the site of the sunrise ceremony, if all goes well, by 8:30AM. At that point, the salmon will be relayed by selected runners to the Corps of Engineers boat launching ramp at Englebright Reservoir, arriving at approximately 10:00AM. From there, the salmon will be carried by boat to the mouth of the South Yuba River, and from there by foot to Bridgeport State Park, where the salmon ceremony will be held, beginning at about noon.
You can support the Maidu by being present at both the sunrise ceremony at the river and the salmon ceremony at the park. Also, you can run in the salmon relay, either as a carrier of the salmon, or in support of the salmon carriers. Or, if you have a boat, you can accompany the boat across Englebright Reservoir. Those carrying the salmon will do so under special conditions set by the tribe. The total run distance is approximately 7.5 miles. If you are interested in being a runner, please contact the South Yuba River Citizen's League (SYRCL) at 530-265-5961 for signup information.
Following the ceremony at Bridgeport State Park, there will be speakers, drumming and dancing. Salmon will be grilled and provided to attendees while supplies last. You are encouraged to bring your own food and beverage as well. However, please be respectful of the fact that this is a DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE EVENT.
You will have an opportunity at the park to learn about the Indigenous People's Day events taking place that weekend and of the Maidu memorial sculpture and park being planned for our area.
The following organizations are supporting this event: SYRCL, the Sierra Fund, Sierra Nevada Deep Ecology Institute, Yuba Watershed Institute, and California State Parks.
For more information about the event, you may contact SYRCL by phone at 530-265-5961 or visit send an email message to gro.krowtenecnaillalaicos|rekrowten#gro.krowtenecnaillalaicos|rekrowten
SATURDAY Program
**7:10 am SUNRISE CEREMONY** –Hwy. 20 Bridge at Yuba River (Parks Bar)
Welcome by Chairman Don Ryberg and Ferrell Cunningham
Sunrise Song-Bill Jacobsen
Message Fred Coyote Downey
Runners and Hunters Instructions- Grayson Coney and Jason Rainey
10:00 The Salmon Run Begins
11:30 am Pre-Ceremony at Bridgeport State Park
Program Begins Above Riverbank by the Museum. Throughout the weekend, many presenters will allow photographs in a separate location.and time. Photographs are allowed,
However, please ask for permission before taking someone’s picture..
Gathering Song- Thoz Womenz Drum (Hand Drum)
Emcee: Michael Ben Ortiz
Welcome:Chairman Don Ryberg
Water song- Ferrell Cunningham
A California Indian Salmon Story- Rick Adams
Thoughts on Salmon- Merc Oliver
Recognition of Special Guests
The Calling Back the Salmon Committee reads the Salmon Resolution
Clear Creek Salmon- James Hayward
Feather River Salmon- Ren Reynolds
Healing the Land - Polynesian Friends
Preserving our Sacred Sites- Leola One Feather
Recognition of the Special Guests- Roberto Garcia
Native American Heritage Commission- Larry Meyers
Lt Governor John Garamendi
California State Parks
American Rivers Leadership- Presentation of Recognition Letter
Childrens Program- Nevada County Indian Education
Presentation of the Service Award to Indigenous People – Chairman Ryberg
Quietly proceed to the Yuba (Shade) River to wait for the hunters to bring the first Salmon across the Yuba River at approximately 12:30 pm.
When the Salmon is delivered to the cook, please turn off all cameras and electronic devices as the ceremony begins.
The CALLING BACK THE SALMON CEREMONY
Leader J.D. Smith
Assistants Farrell Cunningham and Grayson Coney
Water Songs-
Ferrell Cunningham
Neena McNairs Drum Group
Leola One Feather
Shingle Springs Dancers
Thoz Womenz Drum
Rose Wood
Rick Adams
After taking a turn at the healing circle, please quietly proceed up the bank to the fire pit museum area. Fred Coyote Downey will lead a blessing and a spirit plate is assembled.. The Ceremony is completed when we sing a song together.
Food is being served approximately 1:45-2:00 pm by Nevada Union High School Students.
Music is by the Eric Ray of GVWI.
Photo: Hank Meals - 2007 Ceremony