Salmon Cake
With Sage Aioli
Salmon is an important traditional resource for Indigenous peoples and it continues to be an important part of cultural traditions, social practices, and the economy. As part of its spiritual and cultural significance, salmon is believed to give you positive energy and strength when consumed. Numerous river systems in the Lower Mainland have fall runs of salmon. Chilliwack, Harrison and Capilano, to name a few. Learn more about the significance of salmon from Indigenous Tourism BC here.
Salmon is prepared in a variety of ways: it is cooked on cedar planks, candied, made into jerky, made into strips, smoked, canned or cooked on the open fire. Salmon is preserved by drying, smoking, canning or freezing. Smoked salmon is hung on poles and racks inside a smokehouse for 2-3 days. Canned salmon is cut into pieces, washed, salted and then canned. Salmon can be roasted, boiled or steamed.
Sage has a long history of use as a spice and for health purposes. It can be eaten whole or ground and has a strong, slightly minty taste. Sage is considered sacred to Indigenous people. White sage is often used for meditation, smudging, and cleansing the spirit. Indigenous people believe that desert sage is a healing plant, a claim that has been verified by scientific analysis—learn more here. A natural sage that grows in BC is sagebrush.
TEETL'IT GWICH’IN LANGUAGE LESSON
Fish | Tuk
“One of my favourite ways to enjoy salmon is candied salmon. First you cure the salmon strips. Then you rinse the salmon strips, pat dry and smoke. Delicious way that travels well.
Salmon is common where I live now in BC, but growing up near the Peel River we ate a lot of white fish. I had the opportunity to visit Alice (72) and Ernest (80) Vittrekwa of Fort McPherson, NT, who have spent their life fishing, processing and making delicious fish strips, half smoked fish and dried fish. Alice started at the age of 7. When off school in the summer she was at her parents' fish camp. Learning the traditional ways of working with fish, and being sure to use everything that the fish provides. I was so proud getting the opportunity to visit their fish camp and see all the skilled work done with so much pride as they carry on fishing traditions. “
- Chef Steph
Meet The Chef
Steph Baryluk
Chef Steph Baryluk, a proud Teetl’it Gwich’in from Teetl’it Zheh (Fort McPherson), Treaty 11 Territory, draws deep inspiration from her Arctic upbringing, where hunting, fishing, and land stewardship shaped her connection to food and cultural heritage.
With more than 10 years of experience as a Red Seal Indigenous Chef, Steph is passionate about preserving and sharing Indigenous culinary traditions through education, culinary training, and community engagement.
Named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2024 and a recipient of the WXN Food Industry Award, Chef Steph is a leader in advancing Indigenous food systems. From community kitchens to the global stage, she combines her culinary expertise with advocacy to inspire future generations while promoting sustainability and celebrating Indigenous cultural heritage.
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