Salmon sculpture ceremony at Wenatchee River Institute

A ceremony of the new salmon sculpture will take place with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Wenatchee River Institute on Tuesday, June 27 at 6 p.m., beginning in WRI’s Red Barn in Leavenworth.

At 6 p.m. in the Red Barn, Indigenous artist, Swede W. Albert will describe the art piece, his process, his business, and what the salmon means to him and his culture. Swede is from the 12 Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Omak, Washington. He is a direct descendant of the p’squosa people. His business, Salvage Artistry, creates artwork using recycled and salvaged objects and materials.

Following Swede’s presentation, community members will walk to the location of the new salmon sculpture near Barn Beach. There, a ceremony and blessing with members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Salmon Chief, Darnell Sam, will be performed. All are welcome to join. All are invited to stay for a community social following the event.

Please note that this salmon sculpture is the second sculpture commissioned by WRI from Swede Albert. The first sculpture was, unfortunately, stolen in February and has not been recovered. To stay on this journey to foster a closer connection with the p’squosa people, WRI commissioned a bigger, heavier sculpture. The new sculpture will be installed near its original location. It will be monitored at all times with cameras and will be placed on a more secure base. For more information, visit  wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/.