It’s become a cherished annual Chilliwack tradition to gather by the Vedder River on the first day of the year.
The 2024 Salmon, Cedar and Water ceremony is set for Jan. 1 at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve, led by Eddie Gardner, Sqwá First Nation and Gracie Kelly of The’wa:li First Nation.
The welcome is set for 11 a.m. followed by a 20-minute walk from the interpretive centre to the ceremonial site on the river bank.
At the river, tobacco ties, prayers and songs and teachings about Xexa:ls will be shared. Offerings will be made to the river and the salmon with drumming and singing.
“On our way back, we will stop at the cedar tree to offer tobacco and salmon in gratitude for this tree of life to the Sto:lo people. After the ceremony, join us at the Blue Heron Classroom (Discovery Annex) to share a salmon lunch that includes salmon chowder and salmon samples.”
Gardner explains the how the New Year’s day event began:
”Gracie Kelly of The’wa:li (Soowahlie First Nation) shared her vision of holding a ceremony every January 1 at the Vedder River to honour salmon, cedar and water, and the ecosystem services they provide.”
That vision was about 13 years ago.
“So it has been happening consistently every year since,” he wrote after last year’s Jan. 1 event. “I was honoured to collaborate with Gracie, and I am very blessed to have her keep me on track, and for teaching me to be a better delegater as we plan and facilitate these spiritual ceremonies.
A new logo for the events was unveiled in 2022, S’iwes te Temexw, (teachings of the earth).
Free event. No registration required. The address of the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve is 5200 Sumas Prairie Road, Chilliwack.