SALMON ARE IN MY DNA: A CONNECTION THROUGH GENERATIONS

This blog post was written by Reconnection Vision Fellow and Communications Team Member Carissa Waugh.

Salmon are in my DNA

They have always been a part of me. My mom’s side is Taku River Tlingit First Nation, and my dad’s side is Kwanlin Dün First Nation. Dad’s side has had a fish camp along the Yukon River that has been part of our lives for generations.

But in recent years, as salmon populations have declined, our family no longer sets our net in the river. With that loss, we’re losing more than a food source — we’re losing traditions, stories, and the way our families once gathered.

And it’s not just us. Many families along the Yukon River are facing the same struggles.

The late John McGundy with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sitting on his bench at our camp (Croucher Creek right behind us).

To Swim and Speak with Salmon

Over the past year, I’ve been part of the To Swim and Speak with Salmon Training and Advocacy Program, where incredible youth are doing amazing things — pursuing education, attending conferences, sitting on panels, and advocating for our salmon and our communities.

Today we’re heading to British Columbia for the International Indigenous Peoples Salmon Gathering, where some of our youth will have the opportunity to share their voices on a panel.

The Beginning of My Artivism

In 2021, I was asked to design a logo for the Reconnection Vision. I had never created a logo before, especially one that had to tell a story. That project pushed me far out of my comfort zone — but it also marked the beginning of my artivism (art + activism).

Through that piece, I was able to tell the story of our first year together as a group. (You can find that story here!) With encouragement from my peers, I grew more confident in both my artwork and my storytelling.

Beaded Salmon Pins: Every Salmon is Unique

Soon after, I began making beaded salmon pins, inspired by a young artist, Adanchilla Pauls, who was creating beautiful keychains. (You should check out their work — it’s amazing!)

I sold my first salmon pin to my cousin in BC, and from there, I just kept going. Each salmon I make is unique — no two are ever the same, just like the salmon that swim through the Yukon River.

Honouring Salmon and Family Through Art

This past fall, I was honoured to spend two weeks in an Artist Residency at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Center. During that time, I created a piece to honour salmon, my late Grandma Linda Waugh, her children, and the future seven generations to come.

Using my small beaded salmon pins, I created one large salmon — something I had never done before.

You can see this piece, along with the work of other artists, at the KDCC’s Hudę Njú Kú Gallery between November 10, 2025, and January 23, 2026.

Celebrating Salmon Art and Youth Creativity

I also want to highlight some incredible salmon art created by youth! Through To Swim and Speak with Salmon, we held a youth art callout this past year — and the submissions blew me away. Sitting on the committee and helping select pieces was one of the hardest things I’ve done.

These young artists inspired me deeply and continue to inspire my own salmon art.

Check out their amazing work here: Youth Salmon Art on Substack

Art as Healing, Connection, and Resistance

Art is powerful — it connects us, heals us, and helps us remember who we are.

And just like our salmon, art takes many forms, each with its own journey, meaning, and spirit.