Salmon is ‘candy to Natives’ in Pacific Northwest

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — When you think of salmon, you probably don’t think of candy. But you should.

Salmon “is like candy to Natives,” said Christina White, the co-owner of Native Candy. She and her husband, William Spoonhunter, began the business in 2014 after he “was called back to the land and he started fishing. He knew that was his calling.”

Spoonhunter uses a traditional way to fish called dip netting. They also wind dry the salmon, “a traditional way to dry the salmon that they’ve been doing for thousands of years,” she said.

Salmon, of course, is an iconic fish of the Pacific Northwest. White said their retail business at the Portland State University Farmer’s Market is “a gem” for people in downtown to “come and show their respect and support and to eat some good salmon, to eat the best salmon.”

She noted salmon is high in healthy omega fatty acids “and it’s hyperlocal.”

Their daughters, Demi, 11, and 8-year-old Hope, also have a business where they share some of the traditions of their Yakima and Creole heritage through storytelling and weaving.

Native Candy does tribal fishing and sells tribal cod, salmon and smoked salmon. They can be found at the PSU Farmer’s Market and they also take pre-orders online.