VIDEO: Fauntleroy Creek spawners’ silver anniversary celebrated with drumming, singing to start seasonal salmon watch

The first returning salmon of the season has been spotted at Fauntleroy Creek. Unfortunately, she didn’t make it far before dying. But her appearance gives hope that others will show up during favorable high tides starting this week. With that as context, creek advocate Judy Pickens and musician Jamie Shilling led drumming and singing this evening to call the coho home.

It’s an annual tradition, with all ages welcome.

The short gathering is always whimsical as well as reverential – including “Habitat,” to the tune of long-ago hit “Lollipop”:

This year, something extra – it’s the 25th anniversary of the revived creek’s first modern-day spawners, Harry and Louise. The 30+ people who participated tonight were invited to sign a commemorative card.

You can do the same at next weekend’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival (at the church, Y, and schoolhouse, 2-5 pm Sunday, October 27th). Pickens told the backstory:

Meantime, volunteers have begun monitoring the creek for signs of more potential spawners. Once there’s a sighting, an “open creek” visitation opportunity will be announced.

5 Replies to "VIDEO: Fauntleroy Creek spawners' silver anniversary celebrated with drumming, singing to start seasonal salmon watch"

  • curious October 21, 2019 (5:42 am)

    I am really curious to know, is Jamie Shilling or anyone else present a tribal member? I honestly don’t know, but if they’re using drums reminiscent of those used by local tribes, I’d hope so.

  • Judy Pickens October 21, 2019 (10:40 am)

    The large drum belongs to a primary school that’s always been attentive to Native American culture; Jamie is a teacher there.  Over the years, I’ve tried to attract native drummers to this event and will appreciate a lead anyone might have to try again.

  • Jim P. October 21, 2019 (11:58 am)

    I would say that as long as it is done with respect and genuine car e for the cultural rites being taught, it is a fine thing to do.
    No culture exists in a vacuum and every culture borrows things from other cultures they come in contact with. Music (and food and art) are among the most commonly shared as they merge and mutate and reemerge as something new and wonderful.
    Otherwise you’d have to get up and leave if you discovered the cooks in a Chinese restaurant were not Chinese or indeed from the region whose cooking you plan to enjoy.

    • Lynn October 22, 2019 (1:06 pm)

      Commonly shared and respected is fine, but honestly not a fan of “mutated” culture, nor do i think it’s wonderful. I don’t enjoy seeing food from my culture being chopped up and reproduced. It happens a lot and people who know nothing of the culture just go with it. Like how some people here think cream cheese in wonton is “Chinese Food”. It’s not.

  • Dennis Hinton October 21, 2019 (7:36 pm)

    Wonderful stories and photos by Judy, Tracy and Patrick

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