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Wellpinit
Wellpinit
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Monday November 23, 2009    2:58 AM
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Questions and Answers about the Spokane Indians
 

What were the firstling rites?
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Plateau Indians all celebrated some form of the firstling-rites. The firstling rites were rituals centered around the first salmon that had been caught or the first berries (roots, fruits) gathered during the summer season.

The first salmon ceremony celebrated the arrival of the salmon run with the ritual cutting and eating of the first fish and the ritual throwing of the bones back into the water. This would ensure a good return next year. Some Salish had a "salmon chief" who surveyed the rituals.

The Okanagon, Thompson, and Lillooet had similar rites for the first berries, which were eaten ceremonially. These tribes did not have a salmon firstling ritual.










Last Updated
December 24, 2004
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The Wellpinit School District serves all students on the Spokane Indian Reservation.
Our student body of 570 enjoys one of the most technologically advanced schools in Eastern Washington.
We take pride in keeping our students up to date with the latest advancements in education and technology.
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