Chiloquin hosts traditional salmon bake, powwow

Chiloquin Junior/Senior High School students and staff enjoyed salmon cooked by members of the Klamath Tribes over an open fire pit and participated in a round dance on Thursday, Nov. 20 during a day dedicated to exploring Native American culture and heritage.

This is the fourth year the school and tribal members have organized a traditional salmon bake to celebrate the Native culture within Chiloquin’s student body and honor Native American Heritage Month. For photos: Chiloquin salmon bake and powwow

“Salmon are more than just food -- they’re a vital part of our ecosystem and hold deep cultural significance for the Klamath, Modoc, and Paiute peoples,” said Will Hess, OnTrack OHSU community manager and student success facilitator, who helped organize the event. “With the recent removal of dams on the Klamath River, salmon have returned to their ancestral waters. This event gives students the opportunity to observe these traditions and understand their importance in our community.”

This year, 100 pounds of salmon were prepared and cooked on traditional redwood sticks, soaked in water. The sticks with salmon were placed around a 14X11-foot fire pit, designed and constructed last year by a Chiloquin senior. This past summer, former Chiloquin students, working with Jessica Kostick, community engagement manager for Healthy Klamath, built a gazebo over the pit.

Students observed the cooking process, learning about traditional techniques and cultural practices. OnTrack OHSU as well as the Klamath Tribes Culture and Heritage Department, Education and Employment Department, and Youth Council, helped organize the event. The salmon was purchased by On Track OHSU! from a Yakama Nation tribal member with ties to the Klamath Tribes.

“Every year, more community members contribute, and the event continues to grow in participation and meaning,” Hess said. “Our goal is for younger generations to learn why these traditions are important and to help keep them alive for the future.”
The salmon bake was followed by a pow wow, showcasing dancing and cultural activities. Keynote speaker was Garin Riddle, culture and heritage director for the Klamath Tribes.

The event also welcomed visitors from Portland associated with the OnTrack program as well as students from Klamath Union High School.

The goal of the event is to foster community involvement, cultural awareness, and respect for local Indigenous traditions, creating meaningful connections between students, the natural environment, and cultural heritage, said Ruben Paschal, principal of Chiloquin Jr/Sr High School. About 60% of Chiloquin’s student body identifies as Native American or Indigenous.