September 12, 2008

Several hundred school children visited the Seattle Aquarium and Waterfront Park on September 12, 2008 to celebrate the return of salmon to the Pacific Northwest. Organized by the Salmon Homecoming Alliance, the 2008 event marks the sixteenth anniversary of this multicultural celebration.

The Burke Museum joined this event for the first time, hosting a booth to teach teachers and students about salmon ecology and Native fishing technology. The booth featured replica artifacts such as a fish club and lures, as well salmon specimens from the UW Fish Collection. Students also enjoyed an interactive game. They took on the role of migrating salmon finding their way back to the lakes, rivers, and streams where they were born. To migrate successfully, students identified and followed a scent trail, whether peppermint, lavender, or orange. The Burke was honored to join the Homecoming Celebration and the efforts to teach about the importance of salmon.