By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
For generations, fishing, hunting, and gathering have been essential to sustaining Indigenous communities throughout the seasons. The coastal natives of the Salish Sea, for instance, mastered the art of smoking meats, extending their food supply while preserving traditional practices.
What was once a natural aspect of daily life transformed into a struggle as Indigenous peoples fought for their fundamental rights to fish in the waters that have nourished them for generations. The Boldt Decision in 1974 marked a significant turning point, restoring rights for Tulalip and many other tribes to reclaim their cherished fishing and hunting locations.
In the spirit of collaboration and community, tribal elder Kirk Jones, a lifelong fisherman and advocate for the Tulalip Tribes, is partnering with the Board of Directors and a select group of Tulalip small businesses. Together, they are creating unique offerings for upcoming General Council gifts, reflecting their shared commitment to the community.
Join Tulalip News as we explore the stories behind these small businesses in a six-part series that highlights the work enriching their lives and strengthening the broader community.
Becoming a small business owner is no trivial pursuit. While transitioning from a 9-to-5 job to owning your own business may seem to mean working around the clock, the freedom to provide for yourself and your family brings genuine joy, especially as you see your dreams materialize.
Kirk learned the art of smoking salmon at a young age by observing his relatives. “When I was young, I would watch my uncles hang the fish to smoke after chum season. Around age 10-12, I gained a true appreciation for fishing and what it takes to curate the fish,” said Jones. He recalls, “Back then, all anyone used was salt or rock salt, which made everything salty and dry like jerky, almost like leather.”
As a young adult, he took on more responsibilities and experimented with different flavors and styles of smoking through trial and error, incorporating technological advancements like the Big Chief Smoker. He used honey, brown sugar, lemon, and homemade brines, a mixture of salt water. Today, Kirk uses a smoke shack, a small shed with a fire pit on the floor. He brines and coats his salmon before hanging them up to be smoked.
Living off the land has been an essential aspect of Kirk’s life, shaping his existence through berry picking, hunting, and fishing. He says, “I have my boat and crew, and we fish whenever we can, smoking the fish we catch. I find other sellers to keep my stock up when I’m low. I truly enjoy the life I’ve built; doing what you love hardly feels like work.” Kirk’s expertise in smoking salmon and his dedication to his craft exemplify the hard work and passion in the Tulalip community.
This dedication extends beyond Kirk’s work to other Tulalip artisans whose creations reflect tradition, creativity, and innovation. Explore the creative world of Amoreena Anderson’s enchanting sugar scrubs, elevating self-care. Discover Elishia Stewart’s vibrant jams that tell sweet stories. Experience the beauty of Jen Tracy’s majestic orca paintings. Enjoy Bibianna Ancheta’s nourishing homemade chapstick, and the rhythmic elegance of Walter Moses’s Cedar Clappers, blending tradition and innovation.
This year’s General Council gifts are more than mere gestures—they are a showcase of Tulalip craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit. Designed to celebrate the resilience and creativity of the community’s artisans, these offerings provide a unique connection to locally made products. The gifts will be distributed at the General Council meeting on April 12, ensuring that each recipient takes home a piece of Tulalip tradition and artistry.
If you would like to enjoy some of Kirk’s smoked salmon, you can purchase it from him on his Facebook or call him at (425) 346-1769.