The Salmon's life cycle was - and is - highly respected, and in the native world proper honoring brought prosperity to native communities. The primary food source of tribal peoples, many legends refer to its importance in both the real and ritual life of human communities where the bones of the first salmon of every season are, to this day, respectfully returned to the river.

According to Tsimshian legend, salmon were originally salmon people living in 5 villages. These five species of salmon represented the 5 villages - Iyai (spring salmon), Mesaw (sockeye), Werh (coho), Stemawn (pink), and Qanees (dog salmon). In early spring, they changed into their fish form and started on their journey, but each group at different times. Salmon was a major food source for all the Northwest Coast peoples, and therefore a major part of their cultures.