Klamath Tribes celebrate return of the c'waam

Chiloquin, Ore. – An ancient ceremony provides hope for a healthy future for Klamath Tribal members, about 100 people gathered near the Sprague River Saturday morning for the C’waam ceremony.

Klamath Tribes Culture and Heritage Department Director Perry Chocktoot, Jr. explains, “This is a traditional, sacred ceremony to call our fish back to where they were born.”

Three c’waam, or sucker fish, are used in the ceremony. The three fish are blessed by tribal elders, and two of the fish are released into the Sprague River. The third fish is given a ceremonial cremation.

The ancient ceremony was abandoned many years ago, and then revived by the Tribe in 1989. Many tribal members hope the return of the ceremony will also restore prosperity and purpose for the next generation. “It was said at one time by a Tribal Elder that when the fish go, we go,” Notes Chocktoot.

The Lost River Sucker was listed as an endangered species 20 years ago. The C’waam Ceremony is just one effort by the Klamath Tribes to help the species, and their traditions to survive.

Saturday’s ceremony was followed by a community lunch, and powwow. The event is hosted by the Culture and Heritage Department of the Klamath Tribes.

You can learn more about the Return of the C’Waam Ceremony HERE.