Hayes Island

  With no damage and very little evidence, Natives fished here for 9000 years, over four times longer than the time from the Roman Empire to today.  In this picture you can see the very top of the island above the water.  Three different fishing spots became active around this island depending on the time of year.  The spring salmon run corresponded with high runoff that made the largest falls difficult for fish to jump.  As waters receded, falls further north became more pronounced and fishing moved accordingly.  The Sinixt Tribes who controlled this fishery would appoint a "Salmon Chief" to make sure no fish were taken from any run until sufficient numbers had passed to ensure the health of future runs.  After that, fish were caught in baskets if they failed to jump the falls and speared from there.  The Salmon Chief also divided the salmon among the tribes.  Most fish were dried on racks and taken back home for winter food.  No fighting was allowed among the tribes participating in this fishery.  Trading, games, ceremonies and settling of disputes contributed to the rich social life at the falls.
  This stone, which is part of the interpretive site for Hayes Island and the fishery, was used for many years to sharpen spears while the natives were fishing.  You can see the groves cut into the stone from their spears.