La Conner Weekly News - Your independent hometown award-winning newspaper

They say there's no such thing as a free lunch.

But that is not entirely true, as was the case at Swinomish Thursday.

That's when the local tribal community held its annual Blessing of the Fleet and First Salmon Ceremony, which led off with a noontime feast of salmon and seafood provided by Swinomish fishers.

The tribe's gymnasium was filled with those taking part in the meal, many of whom later walked in a large procession up Pioneer Parkway and down Moorage Way to the shoreline, where clergy and prayer warriors of various faiths asked protection for those venturing out on the water this season.

Tribal senator Brian Porter asked for a moment of silence to honor the memories of those previously lost at sea.

"This is an opportunity to reflect on the griefs and sorrows we have as a fishing community," said Porter. "Some of us here have been fishing our whole lives. We just pray that they all come home."

Soon after, Swinomish teens and La Conner High seniors Jamie Damien-Sams, Ariana Siddle, Joslin James and Chloe Edwards went out on boats to return offerings of salmon and shellfish to local waters.

"We're here for the blessing of the fleet," Porter noted, "and with that blessing comes an offering. We go out on the water gathering and fishing. This is our opportunity to give back. We can't just take, take, take. This is our way to give back to the water."

Prior to the sit-down meal, Swinomish elder Bernadette Stone was honored for her commitment to passing down traditional teachings to today's youth.

"Our aunt has told us that we have to keep teaching for the generations to come," stressed Swinomish Senator and Cultural Events Director Aurelia Bailey.

Bailey pointed out that the Blessing of the Fleet and First Salmon Ceremony was passed down by the late Lorraine Loomis, who chaired the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission at the time of her death in 2021.

"Every part of this ceremony is important to our people," Bailey said. "I'm honored to stand here with my fellow leaders."

Among them was Swinomish Tribal Senate Chairman Steve Edwards, who welcomed everyone to the luncheon.

"I look forward to today's event," said Edwards. "I appreciate everybody in attendance today. Blessings to you all and let's be thankful for being able to get together and have good conversations with one another."

Swinomish Senator J.J. Wilbur paid tribute to his late grandfather, Claude Wilbur, Sr., whom he described as "a lifelong fisherman who lived into his 90s."

Wilbur said his grandfather credited a salmon and seafood diet for his longevity.

Tribal fisheries committee member Bruce James further noted the generational Swinomish link to fishing and seafood harvesting, endeavors that are not without risk.

"We pray for protection for our people, protection for our fishermen," James said. "This is how we provide for our families and it allows us to enjoy this wonderful seafood."

Despite preparing a luncheon for several hundred people, lead cook Cathi Bassford and her kitchen crew announced – somewhat reminiscent of the biblical Sermon on the Mount – that there was plenty of food remaining for folks to take home.

Eugene "Huge" Edwards and the Swinomish Canoe Family led the post-luncheon procession, which stretched the width of the two-lane route. At the corner of Pioneer Parkway and Moorage Way it came to a stop as tribal senator Eric Day offered a blessing on behalf of the Edwards family.

"We thank everyone for being with us," said Day, "and for going down (to the shoreline) to bless the fleet and help get ready for fishing season."