Beneath the sky, a figure stands tall. This is A Salish Welcome. It is more than just a sculpture. It is a testament to Seattle’s history. It celebrates the bond between the Coast Salish people and the Pacific salmon.
A Salish Welcome is in the Salmon Bay Natural Area. This natural area sits near the Ballard Locks. The sculpture was created in 2010 by Marvin Oliver. He is an artist of Quinault and Isleta-Pueblo heritage. Oliver is a professor at the University of Washington. He also is a curator at the Burke Museum.
The statue stands 16 feet tall. It features bronze, aluminum, and glass. The face reflects traditional Coast Salish woodcarving. The statue wears traditional dress.
A Salish Welcome honors the life cycle of salmon. It also recognizes the importance of salmon. The salmon are important to the indigenous people. Oliver hopes it reminds us to protect this landscape. He wants us to respect all who dwell within it.
The sculpture features a 7-foot-tall bronze figure. It is draped in a Salish ceremonial robe. The figure holds an aluminum disk. This disk represents the life cycle of Pacific salmon. Two laser-cut salmon circle four glass salmon eggs on the disk. The disk shines when the sun is out.
The sculpture’s steel base has images of salmon. They face upstream from Salmon Bay. Even in the off-season you can see salmon. A Salish Welcome memorializes the first salmon of the year. This event is important to the Salish people.
A Salish Welcome sits in a small pocket park. It is owned by Seattle Public Utilities. The park has a stone-paved plaza. There are also two benches. A view platform juts out over the canal.
From here you can see the Salmon Bay Bridge. You can also watch boats go by. These boats range from fishing vessels to kayaks. Boat watching is best on good weather weekends. You might see the bridge go up for sailboats.
During winter months, waterfowl use the area. In spring and summer, great blue herons appear. You might see ospreys, bald eagles, or seals. They come looking for dinner when salmon are running.
The city restored the Salmon Bay Natural Area in 2010. The goal was to improve the habitat for salmon. A Salish Welcome welcomes all to the site. It reminds us to preserve this evolving landscape. The sculpture was funded by Seattle Public Utilities.
Take a moment to appreciate A Salish Welcome. Consider the art. Think about the message. Remember the importance of preserving our natural world. A Salish Welcome stands as a beacon. It guides us toward respect and preservation.