Over 125 people – tourists, band members and other local residents – took part in Simpcw First Nation’s First Fish ceremony at Raft River viewing platform on Wednesday, Aug. 23. The annual event was cancelled last year and the year before because of sudden deaths in the band. Unlike in previous First Fish ceremonies, there was no pit-oven this year, due to the forest fire danger. Instead, the salmon was cooked on a barbeque for those participating. Other activities included traditional crafts and games such as lahal. Traditionally called Ctswenetkwe or Drying Fish River, the river was the site of a fishing camp that was used until 1965 when the river was closed to fishing. Fish wardens patrolled the Raft River and took away any equipment they found and fined those they caught fishing. The Simpcw began returning to the river to fish in 1984.
