How was the first salmon ceremony performed by Plateau peoples?

Among Plateau peoples, the first salmon ceremony was a significant firstling rite performed to honor the arrival of the annual salmon run and ensure the continued return of this vital food source.1

The ritual typically followed these steps:
* Preparation: The first fish caught was ritually sliced.1
* Distribution: Small pieces of the salmon were distributed among the community members to be eaten. In some instances, such as an observation recorded by Meriwether Lewis near the Columbia River, the fish was specifically given to the children of the village, a custom believed to hasten the arrival of more salmon.12
* Offering: The carcass of the fish was returned to the water, accompanied by prayers and expressions of thanks.1

In some Salish communities, a designated "salmon chief" was responsible for organizing the ritual. These ceremonies were deeply rooted in the region's ecology and reflected the belief that such observances were necessary to secure a bountiful harvest in the coming year.1