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PHOTOS: Ancestral fish ceremony held at Alexandra Bridge

Photographer captures special moments on film to share
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Part of the First Fish ceremony at Alexandra Bridge was smoking salmon in the traditional way, and sharing it with guests. (Andrea Chapman Photography)

Spuzzum First Nation held its annual First Fish Ceremony recently, at Alexandra Bridge Park.

The event was attended by members of the public, including Chilliwack photographer Andrea Chapman. She captured a stunning array of images, and having heard about the event through a story published by Black Press, shared them back with the company.

“The salmon preparation was fascinating to watch,” she said. “The eagle and hoop dancing by Alex Wells was fabulous.”

Wells, from Lilwat Nation, was invited to perform ceremonial dances, and the event was led by Spuzzum First Nation Chief James Hobart. The ceremony has been taking place for millennia, he said.

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(Andrea Chapman Photography)
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(Andrea Chapman Photography)
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Alex Wells from Lilwat performed traditional dances. (Andrea Chapman Photography)


Jessica Peters

About the Author: Jessica Peters

I began my career in 1999, covering communities across the Fraser Valley ever since.
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