Miami, FL-- 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. The Lummi Nation’s Totem Pole Journey begins with a rally in Miami,Florida, and will make its way to Seattle, Washington to call for the release of Tokitae-- an orca whale captured from the Puget Sound and in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium. The Lummi Nation recognizes 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 plight of her pod, and the urgent need to protect and restore the Salish Sea. The totem pole will be on display at events in four states as it travels across the country from Miami back to the Lummi Nation.
When: Friday, May 31, 2019 at 2 p.m. ET
Where: Miami Circle, 465 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131-2556, United States, Google Map
Who:
Speakers include: representatives from organizations like the Sierra Club and representatives with the Lummi National
Background:
Tokitae is the last living killer whale taken from Penn Cove in the Salish Sea 48 years ago, and remains in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium. The gathering is also dedicated to the survival and revival of her imperiled extended family—the Southern Resident Killer Whale population that live in the Salish Sea (Puget Sound) and rely on California coastal waters. It is ultimately a vision of resilience, truth, belonging, and healing for the orca and for us all in a troubled time from which we shall rise again.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.