By James Rose
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Planned for Sept. 11, called off due to COVID and wildfire risk
Shuswap Band chief and council have decided to cancel the 2021 Salmon Festival. Originally scheduled for September 11th, the cancellation is due to the severity of the wildfires and increasing COVID-19 cases.
“The safety of the community is the top priority and the risk of hosting this event was too high to move forward,” Tess Ainsworth said in an email. Ainsworth is the Shuswap Band’s communications officer.
Salmon festivals past included a diverse range of activities such as canoe brigades, water ceremonies, hand drummers, storytelling, magic shows, a salmon dinner and evening powwows.
“If you have shared information about the festival with any of your family members or contacts please make sure you follow up with them and inform them of this change,” she says.
This decision was mutually agreed upon by both the Ktunaxa and the Shuswap.
