Michelle Pinon (562-445-6568) michelle.pinon@sierraclub.org
Matt Fuller (206-605-8967) mattfu@hollowearthradio.org
Hundreds will gather in support of the Lummi Nation’s mission to bring their beloved orca, Tokitae, back to her native waters and family in the Salish Sea. Tokitae is the last living killer whale taken from Penn Cove in the Salish Sea 47 years ago, and remains in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium. The Totem Pole Journey that begins at the Lummi Nation in Bellingham, Washington, will travel to Miami, Florida to call on the Seaquarium to take action now in planning the release of Tokitae to the Lummi Nation. The Lummi Nation recognizes that it is their sacred obligation to bring her home to the Pacific Northwest.
What: A rally in support of the Lummi Nation’s Tokitae Journey to call for the safe return of the killer whale, Tokitae, to the Salish Sea, where she was abducted. Lummi tribal member, Jewell James, has carved a 16-foot-long killer whale totem, in honor of Tokitae, to draw attention to her plight. The totem will be on display at events in five states as it travels across the country from the Lummi reservation to four major public events in Miami.
When: Friday, May 11th – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Tacoma First Methodist Church – 621 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma
Who:
Speakers include: Puyallup Tribe (Bill Streud and Connie McCloud), Ramona Bennett (Puyallup Tribe), Na’akw Tlingit Dance Group
Organizations include: Lummi Nation, Sierra Club
Website: www.sacredsea.org
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.