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SALMON (TSIMSHIAN WORD-LGHOON ) Giver of a healthy life, driven to swim against the tide of any challenge; a team player; teacher, surviver and volunteer or helper of the needy or even a nurse or doctor/healer. Tsimshian Legends and Mythology- The Tsimshian name itself means- `People of the salmon weir.` The Salmon's life cycle was highly respected, and if observed and respected the salmon would return for ever. Unfortunately we the first nations of the west coast battle the government and it`s fisheries department to keep it all alive. A vital indian food and resource for our people and most of the coastal creatures there is a desperate fight to protect and save this important food source. Our legends tell of its beginning, usually as a creation of the Raven and eventually represented in many ways as story or lesson teachings of the utter importance of this respect and some practices passed on for thousands of years. One story speaks of the tribe that lost it`s respect towards these practices and only because of the respect of one orphan prince did the Salmon King bring back the schools of his people to replenish the starving indians. |
