Making Eulachon Grease in Kemano

The following photos chronicle how the Haisla catch eulachon in the Kemano River and process them into grease. This is an activity the Haisla have carried out for generations on various rivers in their territory. However, with the collapse of eulachon runs in the Kitimat and Kildala Rivers, and apparent absence of eulachon in the Kitlope and Kawesas Rivers, eulachon are now only fished and processed in Kemano. Family groups travel to the ‘grease camps' in March each year to await the arrival of the eulachon. Tradition provides for a brief time for the fish to spawn in the river before the camp heads authorize the beginning of the fishery. Fishing activities usually last for a week or so, after which the camp activities shift to preparing for the grease making. While the fish age in the bins on shore, crews spend time gathering and splitting firewood, preparing the boilers and working on their camps. Crews work long hours making the grease, doing two or three boils a day. By early April, the grease making is usually complete, and the camps are closed up for another year.

Acknowledgements

I would like thank Cecil Paul Sr., and Dan Paul Sr. and the members of their fishing camps for allowing me to observe and photograph their fishing and grease making activities over the past several years. Cecil Paul Jr., and Daniela and Darrin Maitland were very helpful in welcoming me into the camps and explaining the ancient process of grease making. Daniela and Darrin also facilitated the review and captioning of the photographs with Bea and John Wilson Sr. and Dan Paul Sr.

All photos were taken by, and are copyright of, Dave Gordon.

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