Florence Shaughnessy

"The First Salmon Rite at Wehlkwew" (1951)

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Text identifier: LA16-8
Speaker: Florence Shaughnessy
Primary documentation: R. H. Robins
Edition: R. H. Robins, The Yurok Language (1958), pp. 171-183
Note: This is Mrs. Shaughnessy's Yurok-language rendering of an English-language narrative by Robert Spott published in Robert Spott and A. L. Kroeber, Yurok Narratives (1942), pp. 171-178. "I", "mine", etc. therefore refer to Robert Spott.

Wek kwelekw chpeyu'r wi' mehl so'n ki hehlku 'we-niiku' nepuy.
This is the story of the taking of salmon ashore.
Wi'iit hewoni sonki' 'esi nepu' k'i nepuy.
This was done before any salmon is eaten.
Nek 'ne-psech wo'oot numi 'we-hinoy ko nrgry ku wi'iit 'we-sook.
My father was the last person to assist at this kind of rite.
Wo'oot wish nep' ku nepuy.
He ate the salmon.
Ku wi' hegohkumin kwelekw Charlie Williams 'we-chekoh wish 'u-pichowos Pewolew 'o mewimor wit soo neke'y.
The man who performed the ceremony was the grandfather of Charlie Williams' mother, and was called the Old Man of Pewolew.
Na'a'li 'o'lehl 'o Wehlkwew tu' wit 'o megetohl ku roowo's.
There were two houses at Wehlkwew and the pipes were kept in them.
Ku 'we-nahkseyhl ku ko 'w-ohku' ku hehlku 'we-niiku' wo'oot.
The third person present when the salmon taking ceremony was performed was the girl.
Tu' wi' ku mewimor 'we-romech, wo'oot noni pe'l 'o ku 'ne-psech.
She was the old man's niece, and was older than my father.
Tu' nimok'ws 'we-nos Pewolew 'u-Me'y soo wegeni'.
She was unmarried and was called the Daughter of Pewolew.
Ku roowo's wit soo wegenoyhl Pewolew 'o Roowo's.
The pipes were called the Pipes of Pewolew.
Nek soosek' 'n-esek' kwelekw wit mehl hi' Pewolew 'ohlkumi ku roowo's pe'wol mehl hohku'.
I think it was called Pewolew because each pipe was made of soapstone (pe'wol).
Negi'iyehl tu' wi'iit mehl hi' 'wahpemew.
There were two of them, and so each was called the mate of the other.
'O'lehl 'o lehlkeli' tu' krtrksinoni ha'aag wiktu' 'oo'.
Each was buried in one of the houses; there was a stone (box) with a lid inside.
Nimi komchumek' 'n-esek' kwelekw muhlcho' ku 'u-wen muhlcho' ku pegrk k'i roowo's mehl ho gohku' k'i meskwoh.
I do not know whether it was with the female or the male pipe that the medicine was made.
Kwelekw ku wish megetohl numi poyweson 'o ku 'o'lehl.
The man who kept the pipes was the head of the house.
Kolchi kyah 'o gunkekso' wo'iks 'o lehlke'n 'wo'hlp'e'y.
Every month he opened the box and scattered angelica root inside.
Hewon 'we-newoyhl 'woogey negi'ihl chaahl 'we-laaye'mek' 'o ko tye'woli' kolin ku 'o'lehl ku 'o megetohlkwoni ku roowo's, na'ami tmohkeli' k'i roowo's.
When white men were first seen there were two of them walking along the sands, and at that time one of the houses was burnt down where the pipes were kept, and one pipe was broken in two places.
Ku mewimor ku wi' megetohlkwomin kwelekw nek soo 'we-too'mar muhlcho' 'u-pichowos wi' ku meskwoh hegoh ku nek 'ne-psech ho nrgrykrmin.
The old man who looked after the pipes was a connection or perhaps the grandfather of the man who made the medicine and whom my father helped.
Hlmeyorkwo'm 'w-esek' kwelekw muhlcho' now sootok'w ku roowo's 'ohlkumi kich tikwo'n ku 'u-'wahpemew.
He was afraid that the other pipe might go away because its mate had been broken.
Wishtu' mehl hohku'm woogin roowo's numi 'we-son ku tikwoni, 'otish no'ome'l.
So he made another pipe just like the one that was broken; it was a foot long.
'Enumi wi' 'we-son tu' na'ami trrlu'l 'o 'we-luhl mi' ki soo komchu'm 'w-esek' wi'iit ku ho goh.
It was just like the other, but he made two ridges round its mouth so that he should know that this was the one that he had made.
Hikon kwelekw nimi wi' mehl ho regoowo's 'oohl.
In former times no one used pipes like this for smoking.
Ku kich 'o nuu'moni 'woogey kit 'emehl meguhlkochehl tu' nimi wish wo skewok wi' 'we-sook ku nek 'ne-psech.
But after the arrival of white men the Indians began to sell them, though my father never liked that sort of thing.
K'i chrwrsik' hegor wi'iit wi' 'o we' hewon 'o rohsi' k'i nepe'woo.
It was in the seventh month that the salmon was first speared there.
Nimi ho negepu' nepuy 'o pulekw wit 'u-weno'omehl kohchewech noohl ho k'i chrwrsik' 'w-e'gor, kwelekw hegi' mocho 'oohl wish ki nep' k'i nepuy kwelekw ku 'u-meworoyek' ku 'u-pekoyek.
During the season from the first to the seventh month salmon was not eaten at the mouth of the river, and it was said that if anyone did eat it his blood would flow away.
K'i numi muuwimor 'emsi pegerey wo'hl tu' chpi wish ki nepi'mehl, kwelekw nepuy wi chpi mehl so'n kahkah ke'win keges 'emsi kwo'ro'r kwelekw k'i kwen ki nepu'.
Only very old men and very old women could eat salmon then; but this only concerned salmon; and sturgeon, eels, surf fish, and candlefish could be eaten all the time.
Noohl Tmry 'We-Roy ho riigor tu' wi'iit noohl 'o gi' Pewolew.
Waves came up as far as Cannery Creek, and this was then called Pewolew.
Tmry 'We-Roy kwelekw ku 'woogey soo hegoni Requa 'emsi ku 'oohl soo neke'y Rek'woy 'enumi wogi 'we-raayoy.
Cannery Creek is the creek between the place white men call Requa and the place the Indians call Rek'woy.
Mocho Tmry 'We-Roy hehlku 'o sootok'w nepuy kwelekw ko' nepu' k'i kwen cho hehlku no'moye'we'y tu' wi'iit chpi nepu', ku pa'aahl 'we-tmenomen kwelekw nimi nepu'.
If a salmon came ashore at Cannery Creek people could eat whichever part faced away from the water, and this alone was eaten, the half that was toward the water was not eaten.
Mosi 'w-egoyhl k'i Rek'woy 'emsi Wehlkwew ni 'oole'moni kimi nepi'mehl nepuy; kwelekw ku pulekw wi' chpi 'o kwahhley.
It was not meant that the inhabitants of Requa and Wehlkwew should not eat salmon; it was only forbidden at the mouth of the river.
Ku Tmry 'We-Roy 'we-hipech kwelekw ni kohchewi' noohl kiki chu wi 'o nepi'm.
What was caught upstream from Cannery Creek everyone could eat.
Kohtoh hegor nima tmoh noohl poy me hi' ku 'ne-psech, Kwelekw skewokseye'm ki k'r-nrgry ki hehlku 'we-neku' k'i nepe'woo.
A month and a half in advance my father was told, You are wanted to help in the taking ashore of the first salmon to run.
Hewoni 'o ge's, paas wo hegok'w, kwelekw 'iki chu hehl, Cho' nu megi'repe'm.
At first he thought, No, he was not going, but everyone said, Go and perform it there.
Niki ku wit 'o no'ohl 'emki 'w-ohkepek', mos wishtu' noo nep' ku maagin nepi'moni.
So from then on at that time he went into training, and did not eat what other people ate.
Nimuch 'ok'ws 'w-rkwtrks 'iko'hl 'u-wesepek' kenimi chi rekwoh pa'ah 'ohlkumi ku 'u-kegoh chpi rekwoh.
He had his own drinking basket, and was constantly cleansing himself, and did not even drink water, as he drank only his own acorn soup.
Nepuy, kem hi', Kowecho nepe'm.
He was also told, Do not eat salmon.
Koypoh 'emsi ki 'o chme'y 'o nrrgr's.
In the morning and evening he gathered sweathouse wood.
Hewon ko chpega'ro'y ku mewimor ho ku 'we-romech 'w-egolek', To's ni mok'w sonolewkwe'm?
First the old man questioned his niece and said, Is there anything in which you are sexually unclean?
'O ga'm Paa', noohl 'o gi', Ke'l ki nrgrykrr'm; ke'l ki peme'm k'i hewon koh k'i nepuy.
She said No, and then he said, You will help; you will cook the first salmon that we catch.
Ku roowo's megetohl wo'oot kochpok's 'w-esek' wek ki cho rohsi' ku nepuy.
The keeper of the pipes thought it over and decided that the salmon should be speared like this.
Noohl wishtu' 'o srgrrhl hohkum wiktu' 'we-legehl noohl 'o tegeru'm ku roowo's.
And then he regularly made tobacco, and scattered it inside the box, and spoke to the pipes.
'O gegoyhl ku roowo's, Nimi chpaa ko' nepi'mo'w nepuy, mewishtu' 'wo-'ohpelehl ku nrgry 'u-knrpryrk.
They were told, Soon you will eat salmon, because they were given what was left over by the assistant.
Chrwrsik' koma choomoyhl noohl 'o gi', Cho wohpeye'm, ku nek 'ne-psech, so Wehlkwew.
Seven days before my father was told, Cross over to Wehlkwew.
Meruh chego'onep puuk 'u-'wrs wishtu' 'u-ka'.
The hide of a five-point deer was his blanket.
'O gi', Wi' ki chpi negeme'm 'emsi k'e-roowo's 'emsi k'-ohkum.
He was told, You will carry only this, and your pipe and your tobacco.
'O gi' cho', Knoksime'm ku 'woogey son k'e-slekw; kolchi wohlkechi' tu' ko' 'o nrrgrse'm, wit ki chpi 'o nepe'm ku mewimor 'we-romech 'u-pewomek', 'ohlkumi wok kem niko'hl 'w-ohkepek' tu' wok ki chpi pew mehl ku ni'iyen pegrk.
He was told, Leave behind your white man's type of clothes; every morning you will gather sweathouse wood, and you will only eat the old man's niece's cooking, because she too was always in training and she alone cooked for the two men.
Chmeyonen 'o gego'l so hikoh ku 'ne-psech.
In the evening my father went across.
'O ga'm ku mewimor, Cho' numi chpe'royo'm cho 'enumi wi' sonowo'm k'i nek ki shoo hekchoh.
The old man said, Listen carefully, and do just as I am going to tell you.
Noohl 'o gi', Krrchrh 'O Legok'w cho 'o nrrgrse'm, mi' wit 'o gune'm stowstek', maagin k'i 'oohl kwelekw wish nimi hegohkumehl stowstek' 'u-'weskwen nimi mehl hego'omah 'o 'r'grrch.
Then he was told, Go and gather sweathouse wood at Krrchrh 'O Legok'w, because small fir trees grew there, but other people did not pick their branches and did not use them for making fire in the sweathouse.
Noohl 'o ga'm ku mewimor, Wi'iit 'i 'ne-mehl megelok', mi' ke'l ki mehl komchume'm ki numi chu k'e-sku'y soo hoh.
Then the old man said, This is why I am coming with you, so that you will know how to do everything properly.
Kohchew koma choomoyhl ku ki 'we-rohseyek' ku nepuy 'o ga'm ku mewimor, 'O we'yk'oh cho ko tenpeyo'm 'ohlkumi 'owook kwelekw ki chpi kohchi ko nepe'm, kiki chmeyonen kesi ko'l 'o nepe'm.
It was six days before the spearing of the salmon when the old man said, Eat plenty today, because tomorrow you will only eat once; it will be evening before you have anything to eat.
Tu' ku 'ne-psech 'imi numi wo tenpe'y ku wi'iit 'we-chmeyonen.
But my father did not eat much that evening.
Ku kich 'o go'ohkohlin noohl 'o ga'm ku mewimor, Cho now le'mo'w 'o ku 'r'grrk; nekah ki chpi 'o ko ni'i'yoh.
And when it became dark the old man said, Leave the sweathouse all of you; we two will be here alone.
Ku wi 'o negookchenohl 'emki wishtu' le'mehl ku Shchekwehl 'O Chaahl 'o tek 'r'grrk 'o Wehlkwew.
Those who usually sweated there then went to the sweathouse at Schekwehl 'O Chaahl in Wehlkwew.
Ku 'we-nahksemoyhl ku mewimor 'emsi 'ne-psech noohl 'o gohkumehl 'we-laayekw so ku numi 'u-pa'aahl 'we-rek'woy.
On the third day the old man and my father built a path down to the water's edge at the river mouth.
Niki chu now lehlkeni', mos taa ko'l kem ko 'oyhl pecheykwsehl ku numi 'we-chey kem now lehlkeni'.
Everything was cleared away, and nothing lay on the path; even the smallest bit of gravel was cleared away.
Na'mi mechkah toomok's ku laayekw tu' mos chitaa ko'l sook ki ni 'oyhl.
The path was two feet wide and nothing at all lay on it.
'Enumi wo'n ho ku kohchew 'we-choomoyhl 'o weykohl; noohl ku mewimor 'o 'ekso' ku kich laayekw.
They were finishing the path right up to the sixth day, and then the old man closed the path.
Kwelekw 'o tene'm 'oohl 'o Wehlwkew hikoch so Rek'woy so wohpeye'm, 'ohlkumi wit 'ini meroge'y ki 'we-hloohl 'we-'yoh 'emsi 'u-pa'ah 'ohlkumi kich wi' laayekw kich 'o chahchew ki 'we-hloyek' 'yohlkoych' 'o pulekw.
And then there were a lot of people who crossed over from Wehlkwew to Requa, as it was easier there for them to get their wood and their water now that the path was finished and it was difficult for wood to be fetched at the river mouth.
Ku ho mirwrnrni wi'iit noohl lekwseg.
The path ran down to the high water line there.
Ku pegrk mehl Wehlkwew ku skewoksemin ku 'we-na'awok' hasi hinoyks laa'y 'emsi pa'aahliks niki ma laa'y 'o ku mirwrnrni; soo hasi' paas wonu laa'y ku kich ho laahohku' ku laayekw, mi' kwahhley 'oohl wonus ki 'we-laayek' 'o ku laayekw.
A man from Wehlkwew who wanted to catch surf fish went inside of the path and then into the water at the high water line; so strictly was it intended that one should not pass over where the path had been made, because it was forbidden for anyone to walk on the path.
Wenchokws kwelekw nimi nahchelehl pulekw ko 'o 'w-oole'mek'.
Women were not allowed to go down to the river mouth.
Noohl 'o ga'm ku mewimor ho ku 'ne-psech, Nek ki much rohsimek' ku nepuy, kem ki ke'l wi 'o negeme'm so 'o'lep.
Then the old man said to my father, I shall spear the salmon myself, but you will carry it to the house.
Wi'iit 'i now mehl ho lehlkeni' chiiko'l sook, mi' kwahhley wonu k'e-naametek' ko'l sook.
This is why everything was cleared away, because you are not allowed to tread on anything.
Cho 'enumi nii'nowo'm ku tikwohl; wi'iit ki no'ohl noohl negeme'm ku nepuy 'o k'e-nekomewet.
Look carefully for where there is a low gap; that far you will carry the salmon on your right shoulder.
Mocho kich 'o newoo'm ku tikwohl, noohl 'emki k'e-kesomewet neke'm ku nepuy, kem ki niki k'e-soo negemek' nimoksu kem won 'o ko neku'.
When you see the low gap, then you put it on your left shoulder, and from then on you carry it like that and it must not be put in any other position.
Ku kohchew 'we-choomoyhl, 'o 'owook ki ko rohsi' ku nepuy 'eme ga'm ku mewimor, Cho now le'mo'w 'o ku numi 'o'lehl; kwelekw nekah kich chpi ko nahkseyoh.
On the sixth day and the next day the salmon would be speared, the old man said, Go away all of you from the main house; we three shall be here alone.
Ku wit 'o 'w-o'oh 'imi 'uma chki'm ku 'ne-psech 'emsi ku mewimor, niki wook noohl tegeru'm ku 'we-roowo's ku mewimor.
That night the old man and my father did not sleep, and the old man spoke to his pipe until morning.
Wooyhl noohl ho'op' mehl 'wo'hlp'e'y tu' wishtu' kich ni soo swoo'melehl ku 'r'grrch kem niki so'n.
All night he made a fire with angelica root and so they both smelt of it and the sweathouse did as well.
Noohl wishtu' 'o ga'm, Kos'ela tenowoni chiik, kiki sku'y soo hoole'm 'oohl, nrhpry tu' ki tege'n ko teno' k'i kwen cho ki nepu', 'emsi paas teloge'mo'w.
Then he said, May there be lots of money, and the people will fare well, and may there be lots of berries and lots of all that can be eaten, and may there be no sickness among the people!
Ku wonik 'we-rohpek' ku 'wo'hlp'e'y 'u-meraa 'o ga'm ku mewimor, Kwelekw ku roowo's wish 'we-sewepek'; kwelekw wi'iit kiki koosi ro'm tu' 'imoksu ko teloge'mo'w mehl hiko'ch'uk ho 'wes'onah.
As the smoke from the angelica root drifted upward the old man said, This is the breath of the pipe; it will spread everywhere and there will be no sickness from here to the heavens.
Ku wit 'u-koypoh wonews 'o sootok'w nu 'we-nrrgrsek', noohl 'ap ho'omah.
In the morning he went up to gather sweathouse wood, and then they made a fire.
Ku kich 'u-mechewolo' noohl lekwsish 'o le'mehl 'emki wishtu' 'i kmoyhl, kit 'o ko saawelehl, noohl 'esi me wegesah.
When it had burned down they went outside and lay down, and began to cool off, and then they went to bathe.
Ku'y 'we-no'ohl Rek'woy wonew 'ela nii'n 'o newi' kwelekw kich ta'anoy'hl.
Later they looked over to Requa and saw that the sun was shining.
Che'mekw kich 'o humonepehl, noohl 'o ga'm ku mewimor, Nek ku hlook' ku ma'ahskehl; kich 'i 'we-son ki 'n-egoo'loh; nek ku hlook' ku k'e-ka'.
They warmed themselves a little, and then the old man said, I will fetch the spear; now we are ready to go; I will bring your blanket.
'O na'a'n hlo'm, tu' smechoy wish 'u-mehl hlook'.
Then he brought two, and deerskins were what he brought.
Noohl 'r'grrch 'o le'mehl.
And then they went into the sweathouse.
Noohl 'o ga'm, To's kich 'i 'we-son ki 'n-egoo'loh?
Then he said, Is all ready for us to go?
Hela' we'y k'e-smechoy; k'e-to' ki laa'y.
Here is your deerskin; it must pass around your hips.
Wi' ki 'oyhl ku k'e-srahkwoh; k'e-roowo's cho chpi negeme'm.
Your loincloth will stay here; just carry your pipe.
Ku mewimor nege'm wohli weyew keyom; tu' wiktu' 'ok'w ku 'we-roowo's 'emsi 'w-ohkum.
The old man took a newly made dipper basket; in it were his pipe and tobacco.
Noohl 'o ko churp'ry, noohl nepe'wishneg 'u-'wrs 'emehl ma'epoyew ku 'we-'lep.
Then he combed his hair, and then his hair was tied up with an otterskin.
Nek ki negemek' ku 'ne-keyom noohl ko myootek' 'ne-ka'.
He said, I will take my basket and put on my blanket.
Ke'l cho kenumi sonowo'm, 'emki kwelekw ku'y 'u-pahtun ku k'e-smechoy ku k'e-nekomewet ki so 'ok'w, ku 'u-wrhl k'e-kesomewet ki so 'ok'w, 'emsi k'e-roowo's kwelekw numi k'e-yaahl ki 'ok'w.
You do just as I do, and then the neck of your deerskin will be on your right, and its tail will be on your left, and your pipe will be right over your belly.
K'i numi 'o'lehl ku we'yon kem 'i numi sho'n; nows nek' 'wr-skry woogin wohli weykoni skry 'o myoot'.
In the main house the girl was doing the same; she took off her dress and put on another newly finished dress.
Perey wi 'ok'w tu wo'oot numi ha'm, Wek ki shonowo'm.
There was an old woman there and she said, This is what you will do.
Noohl wishtu' 'o ga'm ku mewimor, Cho numi chpe'royo'm k'i neki' soch.
Then the old man said, Listen carefully to what I say.
Hinoy cho 'orogoo'm.
Follow behind me.
Kwelekw wi' kich 'oyhl k'i ma'ahskehl.
The spear is lying here.
Ku k'e-nekomewet cho 'oloneme'm, cho sku'y soo 'ekoneme'm 'ohlkumi nimoksu won kem ko soo 'ekoneme'm.
Carry it in your right hand, and get a good hold on it because you will not carry it in any other position.
Kiki nuu'moh wi' ki soo 'ekoneme'm.
You will carry it like this until we arrive.
Noohl 'o ko hlo'm ku 'u-keyom 'enumi poy wenok'w.
Then he took his basket and went ahead.
Noohl ku 'ne-psech woniks 'o so'n ma'ahskehl, noohl pulekws 'o newo'm kyu' ni 'u-ko'oh ko'l 'we-so'nk'enuu'm.
Then my father picked up the spear, and he saw people standing at the mouth of the river fishing.
To' nimi hime'mehl, mos chitaa kolin chwinkep'.
They did not hurry, and neither spoke a word.
Ku kich 'o nuu'mehl ho pulekw, noohl 'o ga'm ku mewimor ho ku 'ne-psech, Cho numi sku'y soo skeli neke'm; k'i ma'ah pechu ki no'moye'we'y.
When they arrived at the river mouth, the old man said to my father, Put the spear down carefully; it must point upstream.
Noohl ku laayekw 'we-rewon 'o chyuuk'we'n ku mewimor, noohl 'o ga'm, 'Ne-kesomewet cho 'o chekcheye'm.
Then the old man sat down at the end of the path, and said, Sit down on my left.
Noohl wi 'o wenok'w pegrk ku mewimor 'we-hinoy 'ema 'oolo' noohl 'o ga'm, Nekah kwelekw kahkah 'emsi ke'win kegoh.
Then a man came and stood behind the old man and said, We are catching sturgeon and eels.
Noohl wit 'o soo chwin mewimor 'w-egolek', Kowicho noo kegohchewo'w kahkah; ke'win cho' chpi kegoh, cho' nii'nowo'w mehl nepuy.
Then the old man said, Stop catching sturgeon; catch eels only, and watch for salmon.
Hewon 'we-newoyk' nepuy cho 'o hegoose'm, noohl nek ku 'o ma'ahskumek'.
When a salmon is first seen shout, and I will come and spear it.
Cho 'iki chu weyko'w ko'l k'e-so'nk'enuu'mo'w noohl cho 'iki chu kemeye'mo'w.
Then you must all finish fishing and all go home.
Cho pulekw niki chu ho 'r'grp k'-egolek' wek kich so'n.
Go and tell them all at the river mouth that this is happening.
Noohl 'o kwomhlecho'l ku pegrk wish 'i numi so'n.
Then the man went back and did as he was bidden.
Maagin 'iki 'u-wey, maagin kyu' 'i 'o goole'm.
Some of them stopped fishing at once, and others stayed around there.
Mos chpegaak no'ohl kem 'o chwinkep' ku mewimor.
Soon afterward the old man spoke again.
Noohl 'o ko ska'ehlke'n hohkum so pulik 'emsi so hehlkew 'emsi so wohpewk 'emsi so prwrh.
Then he scattered tobacco to the north, to the east, to the west, and to the south.
Numi ku 'we-rek'woy so nii'nowohl ku wish 'o 'we-rek'iin.
They were looking right at the river mouth where they sat.
Kich maa'y chomi's 'we-roo, 'o newi' kich sega'awo'r 'o ku 'o rek'iin; kwesi wit kit 'o weno'i'mehl ku lemoluu'moni.
Midday passed, and shadows were seen moving where they sat; it was the eel fishers coming.
Noohl 'o ko'm kich 'w-egoo, Nepe'woo!
Then they heard people shouting, First salmon!
Noohl 'o mene'mehl so hir, noohl 'o ko hlo'm ku 'u-ma'ahskehl ku mewimor riik'ew 'iki laa'y so pulekw.
Then the men went away from the water, and the old man took his spear and went down to the river mouth along the shore.
Tmenomi newi' wi weno'omo'r 'enumi; sku'y soo nii'no'w ku 'ne-psech.
It was half visible and was coming in; my father watched it intently.
'Enumi poy weno'omo'r ku nepuy.
The salmon came on forward.
Noohl 'o ga'm ku mewimor, Hl'o'ronep'es! noohl kolo 'iki mi' wo ko pahchew.
Then the old man said, Stop! and it seemed that it did not move.
Noohl hinoy 'o so na'mi naamet' ho ku 'we-nekomewet noohl 'o ga'm, Sela ro'onep'es! kem 'o pahchew ku nepuy.
Then he took two steps to his right and said, Run on! and again it moved.
Kem 'o ga'm, Hl'o'ronep'es!
Again he said, Stop!
Meruh chi wish srrhlrp', tu' ku kem 'w-egolek', Hl'o'ronep'es! noohl 'o ko hlo'm ku ma'ah 'iki nr'rsrne'm.
He did this five times, and when he said, Stop! he took his spear and grasped it in both hands.
'O na'mi wonik so'n noohl 'o ga'm, Cho hl'o'ronepe'm k'i kwen cho ko regaayo'repe'm, k'i kwen cho 'ohkwin m-ekwol cho 'emehl knoksime'm k'e-pish'on.
He lifted it twice and then said, Stop at each place you pass, and wherever there is a fishing rock leave some of your scales there.
K'i wek 'we-raayoy 'u-mr'wrmry cho noohl ho noowo'repe'm; cho 'ela ro'onepe'm.
Go right to the head of this river; run on there.
Ku 'u-wey 'we-chwin wit 'o soo newi' ku nepuy kolo niki ko'si ko'mo'y.
When he finished speaking the salmon seemed to have heard it all.
Noohl 'o menechok'w noohl wishtu' 'enumi sho'n ku hegoni Ki sonowo'm.
Then it vanished and did just as it had been told You shall do it.
K'i kwen cho 'o tektoni m-ekwol kem 'emehl knoksi'm 'u-pish'on, 'enumi wo'n ho mo'ok'w 'u-pish'on; 'esi noowo'r ho k'i we'y 'u-mr'wrmry.
Wherever there was a fishing rock built it left some of its scales, right on until it had no scales left; and then it went on to the head of the river.
Kich k'i kwen 'o ro'op' ku nepuy.
The salmon went right ahead.
Noohl 'o kwomhlecho'l ku mewimor, skeli 'ap nek' ku 'u-ma'ahskehl, wishtu' 'ap 'o key ku 'ne-psech 'o key.
Then the old man went back and put down his spear, and sat down where my father was sitting.
'O ga'm, Cho' yokmoki negii'nowo'm mocho ki hase'm.
He said, Look round about if you feel like it.
Ku so newoni kich chyuuk'we'n ku mewimor niki 'u-kwomhle'mek' ku pegrk ko'l 'we-so'nk'enuu'm.
When the old man was seen to be sitting down the men came back to their fishing.
Kich 'o chpaanik' noohl; wish 'o rek'iin, 'o ko'mo'y kich hegoo, Nepe'woo! mehl pulik.
It grew late; they were sitting there, and he heard them shouting, First salmon! from the river mouth.
'Iki chu wish soo hegoosehl, noohl 'o ko hloohl ku 'u-ke'win noohl hinoy 'o le'mehl.
All of them were shouting like this, and then they took their eels and went back.
Noohl 'o ga'm ku mewimor ho ku 'ne-psech, Cho kem noohl pulekuk ho nii'nowo'm.
Then the old man said to my father, Look down the river.
Kenumi wi 'o so'n ku mewimor 'o ku hewoni newoni nepuy ku 'we-newoyk'.
The old man did just as he did with the first salmon to appear when this one appeared.
Meruh chi trgu'm 'o ga'm, Hinoy lenewk'wes! Sela ro'onep'es! Hl'o'ronep'es!
Five times he spoke to it, and said, Drift back! Run on! Stop!
'O ko hlo'm ku 'u-ma'ahskehl yu's 'o sooto'l ku weno'omo'r ku nepuy.
He took his spear and went over to where the salmon was coming in.
Wish 'enumi so'n ku nepuy ku sonoyew.
The salmon did just as it was told.
'O choona'mi kolo 'we-rohsimek', ku meruh 'we-chi wonik soo'n ku 'u-ma'ahskehl 'iki 'u-ma'ahskek'.
After making as if to spear it four times, the fifth time he lifted up his spear and then speared it.
Mos chitaa wo pahchew, kolo hir ni lenekw.
It made no movement, but seemed to drift to the shore.
Ku so hir sootoh ku mewimor kolo 'eme lekwo'hl 'u-meykweluu'm 'o Rek'woy, ku kich 'o kohchewoni ku nepuy.
When the old man went away from the water the air seemed full of wailing over at Requa, now that the salmon was caught.
Ku hehlku kich 'o soononi, noohl nows 'o nek' ku 'u-ma'ahskehl.
When the salmon had been lifted out of the water, he put down his spear.
Pechu no'moye'we'y ku nepuy.
The salmon lay with its head pointing up the river.
Noohl ku 'ne-psech 'o key 'ap nek' ku 'u-ma'ah, 'o 'lepoyewt' ku 'we-'lep.
He put down the spear where my father was sitting, and unbraided his hair.
Ku nepuyohl wonu 'o neku' ku nepe'wishneg 'u-'wrs.
The otterskin was put on top of the salmon.
Noohl 'o pegah 'we-tuuk ku nepuy, noohl 'o hlo'm ha'aag 'u-mohl 'ela kohtoo.
The salmon moved its tail, and he took a stone and hit its head with it.
Ku pa'aahl 'we-lootek' ku ha'aag, wonu 'o legaayo', noohl pechku 'o so kelomoh, noohl 'o menekw.
When he threw the stone into the water, it ricocheted up, turned upstream, and then disappeared.
Hasi prwrw 'o so koo'op' 'o ku nepuy noohl 'o ga'm ku mewimor, Ch'ume'y 'ne-tewomehl kich 'ne-kohchewochek'.
The old man stood to the south of the salmon and said, I am so glad that I have caught you.
Ke'l kwelekw ki tene'm k'e-nowonemek' nepuy 'o k'i wek 'we-raayoy.
Many are the salmon you will bring to this river.
K'i sega'ageyowoni 'emsi k'i wa'soy kiki chu wish mehl tewomehl.
Rich and poor will all rejoice at it.
Ke'l kwelekw ki shoose'm k'i kwen cho ki yunowoni ki skune'm; ke'l kwelekw wi' ki shoose'm ki numi chu sku'y soo 'oo' ki toomeni 'we-nepu'.
You will see to it that all that grows will grow well; you will see to it that it will all grow well to be eaten by every sort of person.
Kolchi trgrw kem tu' 'o goyhlkep' 'we-tuuk kolo 'we-nooloochek' ku nepuy.
Every time he spoke its tail wagged as if the salmon were answering.
Noohl now 'o nek' ku nepe'wishneg 'u-'wrs ku 'u-keyom wiktu' 'o nek'.
Then he put the otterskin away in the basket.
Noohl ska'ehlke'n hohkum ho pulekuk ho pechik ho prwr'k'uk 'emsi ho wohpewk.
Then he scattered tobacco to the north, to the east, to the south, and to the west.
Noohl 'o ga'm ho ku 'ne-psech, Cho koo'ope'm neka'ahl soot'os.
Then he said to my father, Stand up and come to me.
Cho 'rlrmrkrhl ku k'e-ka' skeli lekomeyt'es k'e-chewes.
Untie your blanket and lower your hands.
Noohl now 'o nek' ku 'u-ka' noohl 'o ga'm, Hl'os ku nepuy 'o ku wrhlry.
Then he took his blanket away and said, Pick up the salmon by its tail.
To's kich sku'y soo 'ekoneme'm?
Have you got a good hold of it?
Cho' numi chpurkoo'm wonik k'e-soonek' wit numi 'o kwoyteme'l cho 'oloneme'm.
Lift it up very carefully, and carry it like this right on your shoulder.
Hl'os k'e-krgrwrs mehl ku kolin k'e-chewes mi' ki shemi keychek.
Hold your wrist with your other hand so that you do not get tired.
Cho k'e-nekomewet so kelomo'ope'm kowicho hinoy so ko nii'nowo'm; kowicho nek ho nii'nowopa', kowicho ho ko'l hi nii'nowo'm.
Turn to your right and do not look back; do not look at me, and do not look at things round about.
Mocho wit kich ho neskwechoo'm ku k'e-kesomewet 'o nekom ku k'e-ma'ah ku pulekw 'ne-le'moh, cho noohl ku k'e-kesomewet 'o loote'm ku nepuy.
When you come to where you put your spear on your left shoulder when we came down to the river mouth, then throw the fish on to your left shoulder.
Kowicho kwehl ke'yoneme'm!
Do not drop it!
Cho wi'iit 'emki niki mehl chechomeyo'r.
Now run straight on from here at a trot.
Ku raayo'r so Pewolew k'i 'oohl 'iki too'm 'w-egolehl, Kos cho 'ela tene'mehl k'i nepuy 'ne-pishkaahl, hehlku tu' ki ni tene'm hoore'mos, ki tenoo chii'sh!
When he made his way to Pewolew the people all shouted May there be many salmon in our sea, and many animals on land, and many woodpecker scalps!
K'i kwen cho skewoksimehl, Kos'ela tenoo kolo 'o luukwo'hl ku 'w-egoose'm.
The air seemed full of their shouting, May there be much of whatever they all wanted.
Ku kich 'o noowo'r ho Pewolew noohl wishtu' 'o so'n ku kich ho 'we-laayolew.
When he reached Pewolew, he carried out his instructions.
Noohl ku 'u-kesomewet 'emehl hlohlpep' ku 'o'lepik 'we-sootok'.
With his left hand he lowered himself into the house.
Kitkwo mi 'u nohpe'w ho ku numi 'oole'mo'w.
He did not yet enter the main part of the house.
Noohl nows 'o loot' ku nepuy.
Then he threw down the salmon.
Wi' no'ok's 'yohlkoych'eni 'lahpsew nahpchuh 'o ro'oh tu' wogi 'enumi ho'omah 'o ku 'o'lehl.
Two wooden plates stood there, on the far side, and they had made a fire right in the middle.
Tu' ku 'we-rohsek' mehl ku nepuy skeli 'o lehlkoo' ku nahko' 'enumi wonu leko'n ku nepuy.
When he threw it at them, the wooden plates fell down and it fell right on them.
Tu' wi 'o rek'iin wenchokws, kolin ku we'yon ku ho nrgrykrmin tu' wo'oot niki 'u-myah 'o 'rlrmrkrhl ku 'u-kry nows 'o nek' ku nepe'wishneg 'u-'wrs wonus 'ap nek' ku nepuy 'oyhl.
Two women were sitting there, and one was the girl who was helping, and she jumped up and untied her hair tie, and took off the otterskin and put it on the salmon where it lay.
Wish 'i 'oolo' ku 'ne-psech 'we-chpinah ku mewimor.
My father stood there waiting for the old man.
Noohl 'o newo'm 'w-esek' ku 'o'lehl kwelekw kem wi' 'enumi ho soo sloyhlketi' ku kwelaakws ho sonkohl ku laayekw.
And then he saw that the house too had been swept as they had done the path.
Ku pontet kem wi 'o lehlkeni'; mos chitaa ko'l sook ko 'oyhl chpi chkeno' soo ho'omah.
The ashes had been cleared away; nothing lay there, and there was only a small fire.
Ku 'we-neskwechok' ku mewimor 'o ga'm, Chu so 'o'lepik.
When the old man came he said, Let us go into the house.
'O no'oh hlo'm chik'war wishtu' 'o rek'iin 'o myootehl ku 'u-ka'.
He took two chairs, and they sat down and put on their blankets.
Noohl 'o gi' ku we'yon, Cho k'ookwsoo'm ku nepuy.
Then the girl was told, Split the salmon.
'O ku 'we-nekomewet laayekin wit laatekwso'm mehl ku 'u-mr'rx so ku 'we-tuuk; noohl 'o tekwsi' ku 'we-trr, noohl ku 'we-tuuk.
She cut it along the line on its right from its gills to its tail; then its head was cut off, then its tail.
Noohl 'rrwrh mehl muhlso'm 'emsi 'we-chewes now mehl lohpi'n pekoyek.
Then she wiped it with grass, and scraped out the blood with her hand.
Noohl 'w-aawechohl wogi 'o tekwsi' noohl ku 'we-yaahl 'o tmenomen tekwso'm, wishtu' k'ookwsi' 'o ku nahko' ku nepuy lekoni.
Then the salmon was cut across the middle of its back, and finally she cut it in half at its belly, and so it was cut up on the platters where it lay.
Noohl 'o koo'op' ku mewimor 'emehl hlo'm ku 'wo'hlp'e'y mechiks 'o nek'.
Then the old man stood up and took angelica root, and put it on the fire.
Noohl 'o tegeru'm ku roowo's 'o ga'm, K'i meraa kwelekw kelew wi k'e-sewepek'; kiki chu ro'm.
Then he spoke to the pipes, and said, This smoke is your breath; it will spread everywhere.
K'i 'oohl wi 'o key kwelekw kelew ki naahl nepu' k'i nepuy.
The person sitting here and you will share in eating the salmon.
Ku kich 'u-wey 'w-oktketoy ku we'yon ku 'rrwrh 'emehl mewolete'w.
When the girl had finished cutting up the fish, she wiped her hands with the grass.
Ku kich 'o 'oo' 'we-lo'og ku 'wo'hlp'e'y noohl 'o hlo'm skuyeni kowish 'o goolehlke'n mi' ki shoo mechewolo'.
When the embers of the angelica root were left, she took out a stout stick and heaped them up so that they would glow.
Noohl 'emehl hlo'm ku nepuy 'we-yah mechiks 'o nek'.
Then she took the salmon's belly and put it on the fire.
Noohl se'rechoni kowish 'emehl choone'n 'o tekwso'm noohl ku 'ne-psech 'o key poy 'ema nek' ku 'lahpsew.
Then with a sharpened stick she cut four pieces and put the plate in front of where my father was sitting.
Noohl 'enumi chpurko'm soo chyuuk'we'n 'o mechi.
Then she sat down carefully by the fire.
Noohl 'o ga'm ku mewimor, K'i kich no'omu'n k'i 'wes'onah tu' nekah kich noohl wi' segonki'.
The old man said, As long as the heavens have endured this ceremony has been performed by us.
Cho' nii'nowo'm k'i kwen cho hase'm, Ki nepek'.
Look for whatever you think you would like to eat.
Noohl 'o ga'm ku 'ne-psech, Ku 'u-'wryken ki nepek'.
My father said, I will eat the part between the fins and the gills.
Kwelekw mep kego'm 'w-egoyek' mocho ki nahksemi cheyku'm kiki 'o marku'm kwelekw wi'iit ki numi sega'age'y.
He had often heard tell that if a man could take three bites and swallow it all he would be very rich.
'O ga'm ku mewimor, K'i kwen cho' kich noohl riigohsoni nepuy tu' chpi ko'r 'oohl niki marku'm ku nahche'lish ki 'we-nepek' k'i nepuy.
The old man said, All the time that salmon have been speared, only one man has eaten all the salmon he was given to eat.
Noohl 'o ge's ku 'ne-psech, Kwelekw ki himenomi mik'olumek'.
Then my father thought, I will gulp it down quickly.
Kwesi 'imi wo gohku'm ki 'we-na'mi mik'olumek' mi' numi skena' 'ohlkumi 'wo'hlp'e'y chpi mehl pemu'.
But he could not manage to take two bites because it was very bitter as it had been cooked with angelica root.
To' 'elekw wit 'i numi 'we-chahchew ki 'u-mik'olew mi' kwelekw niki mehl sega'age'y 'oohl.
Well, it was difficult for anyone to swallow just because a man got rich by doing it.
Kich chme'y lekwsish 'o sooto'l ku mewimor, hinoy 'o 'orogo' ku 'ne-psech.
In the evening the old man went out, and my father followed him.
Noohl 'o gi', Cho' kem nu nrrgrse'm.
He was told, Go and gather sweathouse wood again.
Ku wonekws 'we-sootok' noohl wek 'i lehlkoo' 'u-mey; soo ha's, 'Aawokw kich 'ne-much newook'.
As he went up his weeping could be heard; he thought, Ah, now I have seen for myself.
Soo ha's, Kich newook' much ku segonkoni ku hehlku 'we-niiku' ku nepuy.
He thought, Now I have seen for myself what is done when the salmon is taken ashore.
Hewoni kwelekw ni mok'ws wish numi mehl ho soo's.
Formerly there was nothing about it that he had thought of much.
Wishtu' wish soo wa'sok 'w-esek' kwesi wit ho soo hoole'm 'oohl tu' kwelas kich ho noo wishtu' ko hohku'm.
And so he was full of pity that this was how they the people had lived and now he himself had taken part.
Ku 'we-neskwechok' 'ap ho'op' 'o 'r'grrk kwesi ye'm ku mewimor, Kus cho soninepe'm?
When he returned he made a fire in the sweathouse, and the old man said, How do you feel?
'O ga'm ku 'ne-psech, Ku kich no'ohl ho nepoh ku nepuy tu' 'o chrprhl soninepek'; kenimi chiweyek' 'imi che'looksek'.
My father said, Since I ate the salmon I feel strong from it; I am not hungry and I am not thirsty.
'O wooyhl noohl he'wonihlehl tu' 'o tegeru'm 'u-mes ku mewimor; noohl 'o humrhl.
They were awake all night, and the old man made his medicine; then they sweated.
Wo'n kich so'n kit 'u wook kem 'o gegok'w ku 'ne-psech ku 'we-nrrgrsek'.
Before daybreak even it happened that my father went out to gather sweathouse wood.
Noohl koypoh 'o'lep 'o le'mehl kegoh 'emsi che'loni nepuy chpi nepi'mehl.
Then in the morning they went to the house, and ate only acorn soup and dried salmon.
'Imi chiwe'y ku 'ne-psech 'ohlkumi kitkwo 'o kaamewet' ni 'we-luhlik mehl ku ho nepin nepuy.
My father was not hungry because he still had a bitter taste in his mouth from the salmon he had eaten.
Kich wey ko'l ho 'we-nepi'mehl 'emki 'r'grrch 'we-lekw 'i rek'iin.
They finished eating and sat outside the sweathouse.
'O ga'm ku mewimor, Mocho kito chkeye'm we'yk'oh kechoyn cho' ko 'o chkeye'm.
The old man said, If you feel sleepy, sleep now in the day.
'O ga'm ku 'ne-psech, Paa, mos kito chkeyek'.
My father said, No, I am not sleepy.
'O ga'm ku mewimor, Nek soo kwelekw ke'l ki chkeye'm.
The old man said, Well, I think you will sleep.
Noohl 'O Chaahl 'We-Repokw me'womechok'w 'oohl 'eme ga'm, Pekwsu hes kich ki wohpeye'moh 'o ku laayekw?
Then a man came from 'O Chaahl 'We-Repokw and said, May we not now cross over the path?
'O ga'm, 'Ey, ku mewimor, Kem ki hasu', Ki ko'l so'nk'enuu'moh 'o pulekw.
The old main said, Yes, and you may decide to fish at the river mouth.
Kem kwelekw meruh ki choomoyhl ki noohl mechi chpi 'o pemu' kahkah 'emsi nepuy 'emsi ke'win.
For five more days sturgeon, salmon, and eels must only be cooked on a fire.
Mocho kich 'ela k'ookwsi' kesi 'o kohchemi tekwsi' laawogi.
When the fish has been split then it is to be cut once down the middle.
Kowicho kwehl che'lohtemew.
It is not to be dried.
Pi'ih kem ki numi shonki' kiki wi 'u-pemu' kowicho kwehl che'lohtemew.
Mussles are to be treated in the same way; they are to be cooked at once and not dried.
Noohl 'o'lehl cho chpi ko'l ni nepu' 'emsi ku raayoy ki chpi 'o 'ahspu'.
During this time you are to eat at home only, and to drink from the river only.
Cho niki chu so hechah.
Go and send word to everyone.
Nekah kwelekw komchumoh k'i segonkoni 'o yoh, kwelekw pechu muhlcho' nimi soo komchumehl.
We know what has been done here, but up the river perhaps they do not know.
Noohl 'o ga'm ku mewimor, Ki na'mi wehlowaa choomoyhl ki noohl nrrgrse'm kem ki 'iki k'e-wey.
Then the old man said, For twenty days more you will gather sweathouse wood, and then you will have finished.
'O ga'm ku 'ne-psech, Mos kwelekw wi'iit ko'l mehl so'n mi' ku 'ne-too'mar komchumehl ku sootol.
My father said, This does not matter to me, as my friends know where I have gone.
Kohchew kich 'o choomoyhl 'o neskwechok'w 'u-me'loh mehl ku Hiwow 'o tek 'o'lehl 'o Rek'woy nu 'we-chpega'r, To's wi 'no-'o'hl kich ki 'na-'ahspi'moh 'emki wit ki 'ne-soo 'e'gah?
Six days passed and a relative of his came from the house at Hiwow in Requa, and asked, May we now drink at home, and eat as we usually do?
Noohl 'o ga'm, 'Ey kwelekw cho wit soo k'ookwso'w ku nunepuy noohl ko 'o che'lohtemew.
He said, Yes, cut up fish in the usual way, and you may dry it.
Cho' 'wo-'o'lomah 'ap 'emehl 'r'grp, cho noohl 'o 'r'grp 'o ku 'wo-'o'hl ku me'womecho'lish k'-egolek', To' sku'y soninep'.
Go and tell them this at all their houses, and then go to the house of the one who left, and say, 'He is doing well.'
Kolo mos chitaa kus no'ohl kich ki no'ohl 'u-kemeyek' ku 'ne-psech kwesi soo nimi wo chpaaninep'.
It seemed no time at all before my father could go home, so little had the time dragged.
Tu' knewetik' kem 'o ko choomo'o'l noohl 'esi keme'y so Rek'woy.
He stayed nine days before going home to Requa.
Noohl wishtu' kem 'ap 'o nrrgr's tu' 'o kohtoh hegor noohl wishtu' so'n 'w-ohkepek'.
Then he gathered sweathouse wood and kept himself in training for one month more.
Noohl 'o chpega'ro'y ku 'ne-psech ho ku mewimor 'o ga'm, Kus sonki' ku maagin ku nepuy?
Then my father questioned the old man, and said, What was done with the rest of the salmon?
Nekah kwelekw wonu lekome'y 'o 'o'lep ku ho pemu' mehl 'wo'hlp'e'y.
(He was told) It was put away by us in the house up in the roof, cooked with angelica root.
Mocho kit mo'ok'w 'n-ohkum 'emsi 'ne-'wo'hlp'e'y chegeychekw ku nepuy ku che'loni 'o 'o's'o' ku roowo's.
When I have no tobacco and no angelica root, I give the dried salmon to the pipes in little pieces.
Ku 'u-mr'rx 'emsi 'u-'wa'alox 'emsi ku 'w-aawech 'we-trr 'we-tuuk niki koosi nimi wo pemu'.
The gills and the guts, the back, the head, and the tail of the salmon was none of it cooked.
Tu' we'yon wish ho tekwtekwso'm, noohl pulekws ku laaregor 'ema ho swoyhlkweyet'.
The girl cut this up and scattered it at the mouth of the river where the waves break along the shore.
Mocho ku kego'sneg 'emsi k'rr' wish mehl pelomeyehl kwelekw 'imoksu tene'm ku nepuy ku wit 'we-loksi'hl.
If the seagulls and crows fight over it there will not be much salmon that year.
Kwelekw mocho wish nini rek'iin 'imi nepehl kwelekw wit ki 'we-tene'mek' nepuy ku wit 'we-loksi'hl.
But if they sit around and do not eat, it means that salmon will be plentiful that year.
'Imi wo pelep' mehl wi' tu' 'enumi ho tene'm nepuy 'o wit 'o no'ohl.
There was no fighting over it, and salmon was very plentiful that season.