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Bradner Elementary participates in aboriginal educational event

Traditional "first salmon ceremony" held over the lunch hour
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Alexander Paul (left) and Phill Point-Lockerby perform traditional drumming during a Sto:lo 'first salmon ceremony' held Monday at Edenvale Retreat on Bradner Road with students

Students, staff and parents of Bradner Elementary participated in a day of aboriginal activities on Monday.

The event, held at Edenvale Retreat on Bradner Road, included aboriginal sessions on topics such as indigenous fishing tools, flora and fauna uses, and rock painting.

A traditional Sto:lo “first salmon ceremony” took place over the lunch hour and preceded a feast of traditionally prepared salmon, bannock, corn, rice and fruit.

The ceremony, which begins with ceremonial drumming, gives thanks to the first salmon that make their trip back to the streams and rivers in the spring.