To Our Friends of All Races, Creeds and Vocations:

Seven years ago, tragedy struck America, and all the freedom-loving people of the world. This year, the First Nations of the Northwest invite you to join in memorializing that historic event in a way that conveys peace among all people, and a collaborative commitment to improved stewardship and respect for our Mother Earth.

We invite you to attend the special Salmon Homecoming Forum and Reception AND the cultural ceremonies to be held Thursday, September 11, through Sunday, September 14 at The Seattle Aquarium and Waterfront Park on the Seattle waterfront.

Our theme this year is “The drum beats for everyone,” which reflects the great importance of uniting all communities in the effort to protect and restore natural habitat in the Pacific Northwest. For thousands of years, tribes have passed along legacies of stewardship and principles of natural resource management that have not been factored into urban sprawl, pollution of land and waters or exploitation of natural resources.

It is time for all people to listen to the wisdom of our ancestors. The legacy of stewardship and connection with the planet that sustains us is one that must be taken to heart by everyone, in the spirit of teamwork needed to provide for our children and future generations.

Please take the time now to review the information provided on our website at Salmon Homecoming . Here you will find general descriptions of Salmon Homecoming, a draft agenda of our forum and reception, a draft schedule of our overall activities and registration forms for exhibits, performances and events. If you have the time, please also considering being a volunteer. An event of this magnitude takes a lot of support, and yours would be most welcome.

We thank you for considering this opportunity for people from all communities to join together and take a stand for peace and for our Mother Earth through our commitment and ceremony.

Sincerely,

Billy Frank, Jr., Chairman            Gerald (G.I.) James, President
NW Indian Fisheries Commission        Salmon Homecoming Alliance