The First Nations Student Union club of Central Oregon Community College hosted its annual Salmon Bake on Saturday, May 18. Approximately 400 students and community members attended the festive gathering at the college’s Bend campus, where they enjoyed traditionally cooked salmon, tribal dances and music, vendor shopping and an auction.

The 2024 Salmon Bake, organized by Jeremiah Rector, Native American student program coordinator at COCC, was a continuation of a long-held event at the college. “It has been running 24 years consecutively since 2000,” said Rector.

What was originally created for Native American students to celebrate their culture without the financial burden of travel became an opportunity to build connections within the community. “This is a celebration for the Native American students, but at the same time, what Native American means is community,” said Rector.

The food preparation and performances were conducted by local Native American community members. Sandra Greene, Austin Greene Jr., and other Warm Springs community members prepared the salmon in Wasco and Warm Springs tribal fashion by skewering the fillets, then baking them over an open fire. Following a blessing ceremony by Austin Greene Jr., the attendees feasted and enjoyed the performances.
Mexica Tiahui, an Aztec dance group, started the performances with traditional dances and music. Following the Aztec dances was James

Edmund Greeley, a Warm Springs community member and award-winning musician who played traditional flute music, said the final performance was by the Quartz Creek pow wow dancers and drummers. Both Quartz Creek and Mexica Tiahui invited audience members to join in their last dances to close the event.

Those interested in further educating themselves in Native American culture can find a welcoming resource at COCC.
“You can connect with me, and my door is always open,” said Rector.