Phoebe Mason with salmon catch, 1949 Photo: carver Collection Whatcom Museum of History and Art

Salmon: Cycles of Life in Northwest Interior Washington

A joint effort of the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, Western Washington University, and the Whatcom Museum of History and Art of Bellingham, the project traces the cultural heritage of salmon fishing and its impact on northwest interior Washington over the past two centuries. Through historical texts, photos, oral histories, video clips, a written report and other materials, this project documents the folkways of the different ethnic communities (Native Americans, European Americans, and Asian Americans) as they relate to the consumption and perception of the fish at various historical junctures. Most recently, the recognition of salmon as a cultural resource has provoked efforts to restore declining salmon stocks and to rejuvenate the commercial salmon fishing industry.

Originally submitted by: Jack Metcalf, Representative (2nd District).

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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.

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