Watch the Coho Salmon Run on Lapwai Creek

Salmon have been a key component of Nez Perce life for thousands of years. Salmon comprised a main portion of the traditional Nez Perce diet and lifestyle. Salmon run starting in the spring and continuing throughout the year. The first fishing of the season was accompanied by prescribed rituals and a ceremonial feast known as kooyit. Thanksgiving was offered to the Creator and to the fish for having returned and given themselves to the people as food. In this way, it was hoped that the fish would return the next year.