David Thompson at Kettle Falls

David Thompson and his nine companions are departing Kettle Falls to reach the mouth of the Columbia River. The boat Thompson designed is made of cedar as no good birch was in this area.

Lt. Charles Wilson, Royal Engineers, August 1860 writes “They catch from 700-1000 salmon a day in this river, which are equally divided amongst them in the evening by one of the chiefs. The most curious sight is to see them empty the basket, two men strip and jump into it armed with wooden bludgeons with which they knock the salmon on the head and then pass them on to the others on shore; it is rather an awkward situation in this same basket, as part of the fall, though not the full force of it, runs right over their heads nearly drowning them whilst what with the weight of the fish and the rush of the water the frail basket rocks about in anything but a pleasant manner.”

The great gatherings of tribes at Kettle Falls were a time of celebration, marriages, feasting, and giving of thanks to the salmon, which is significant culturally and spiritually to the first nations living along the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers. In the distance I can hear the great noise of Kettle Rapids, mingling with the laughter, whoops and hollers of the annual gathering. There is excitement here. Reunion.

To the main David Thompson Legacy Art Project page , Joseph explains the project.

For information on the David Thompson Bicentennials Partnership and the many and varied projects, with contact information, please visit www.davidthompson200.org

Association of BC Land Surveyors