Join the Wenatchee River Institute to welcome back the salmon! Join us for the unveiling of the new salmon sculpture located on the WRI campus, including a presentation from the artist, a ceremony with members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and a community social.

Indigenous artist, Swede W. Albert will be joining us to 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.

After Swede’s presentation in the Red Barn, we will walk together towards Barn Beach by the Wenatchee River to see the new salmon sculpture and perform a ceremony with members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Salmon Chief, Darnell Sam. All are welcome to join this ceremony and blessing of the salmon sculpture.

Following the ceremony, everyone is invited to stay for a community social with complimentary sparkling water provided. Enjoy the evening summer sunshine with us and celebrate this beautiful new addition to the WRI campus!

6pm: Artist presentation with Swede W. Albert in the Red Barn.
6:30pm: Ceremony and blessing of the salmon sculpture with a community social to follow.

No registration is needed for this event.

Note: This salmon sculpture is the second sculpture we have commissioned from Swede Albert. The first sculpture was, unfortunately, stolen in February. To stay on this journey to foster a closer connection with the p’squosa people, we commissioned a bigger, heavier salmon to be created by Swede. 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.