I have some very clear recollections about fishing…a lot of it was coming of age stuff. I suppose it had to be considering I come from a family of some of the best fisherman on the west coast…part of my genetic make up. The aboriginal men in my family for generations were many of the top producing commercial salmon fishermen…I suspect in the history of the industry – my grandfather in particular an iconic figure (at least to me anyway). The thing about it is…I think fishing became a way of life to replace our displaced culture of being Indian…the antidote to the pain and trauma of the crimes of colonialism. Fishing was the sanctuary that validated their purpose and confirmed their worth, and it also allowed them to rage and struggle as good men – warriors – providing for their families and communities. Whatever the social and cultural dynamics at play…I became a man fishing with the men in my family. I inherited the pride of this calling and found the serenity in it…and like all of them yearned for the season to start, the smell and taste sea water, the thrill of the hunt and the brotherhood of fishermen. Sadly my time in this brotherhood was short…each year the fish became less and less with eventually its demise imminent…our lineage broken yet again. To my fathers credit he insisted I go to university and pursue other things…going so far as to ensure my annual termination at the end of the summer season with whomever I fished! Still it was here that I found some common ground with my father – a place of comfort and reconciliation, where we both could witness my emergence as a young man – for him relief and pride…and for me proof. I so very much value this history of my life and while my intent is not to over romanticize its impact on my life…it was a time and place that I glimpsed the hearts and souls of Fishermen- and I came to understand and respect the men of my family.
Photo: Lawrence Lewis
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Lawrence Lewis
“There are two types of fisherman – those who fish for sport and those who fish for fish.” ~Author Unknown
About Lawrence Lewis
I do a number of things professionally...but most of all and the true purpose of what I do through "my work" is to provide for my family, be a good husband and great father, and try to make a difference as a world citizen...I guess it's not much more complicated than that 🙂