Near Joseph in Wallowa County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Salmon for Trade
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 29, 2017
1. Salmon for Trade Marker
Map: Wal'waama trading connections
Inscription.
Salmon for Trade. . Spring signaled the return of food for the Wal'waama (the Wallowa band of the Nez Perce). The first roots began to appear, and most important, the salmon returned. The sockeye runs in the Wallowa River were heavy, teeming with at the promise of health and wealth for the Wal'waama in the coming year. Tribes from throughout the region traveled here to trade for fish. the flesh of the sockeye was perfectly suited to drying, allowing the preserved salmon to be transported to distant tribes, and traded for items unique to other places. , Salmon was more than food. In tribal literature, the salmon was the first creature to present itself for human substance. Then, as now, the people honor it for its sacrifice.
Spring signaled the return of food for the Wal'waama (the Wallowa band of the Nez Perce). The first roots began to appear, and most important, the salmon returned. The sockeye runs in the Wallowa River were heavy, teeming with at the promise of health and wealth for the Wal'waama in the coming year. Tribes from throughout the region traveled here to trade for fish. the flesh of the sockeye was perfectly suited to drying, allowing the preserved salmon to be transported to distant tribes, and traded for items unique to other places.
Salmon was more than food. In tribal literature, the salmon was the first creature to present itself for human substance. Then, as now, the people honor it for its sacrifice.
Location. 45° 20.556′ N, 117° 13.44′ W. Marker is near Joseph, Oregon, in Wallowa County. Marker is on Wallowa Lake Highway (Oregon Route 351) near South East Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Joseph OR 97846, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. This marker is located at Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 29, 2017
2. Salmon for Trade Marker
This marker is second from the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 11, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
