Alex Craven, Alex.Craven@sierraclub.org
Seattle, WA-- This weekend, advocates across Washington gathered in several places to protest the Miami Seaquarium’s capture of the orca Tokitae, who is native to the Salish Sea and sacred to the Lummi Nation. The Lummi finalized their Totem Pole Journey with stops across the state-- a 23-day trip from Miami to Seattle to raise awareness about Tokitae’s situation. Tokitae is the only Salish orca who survived a cruel and massive capture of 40 whales in these waters years ago for sea circuses and parks. The Lummi Nation is calling on the Miami Seaquarium to release Tokitae so she can return to the wild and the comfort of her native habitat and family.
In response, Fred Lane, Councilmember of the Lummi Nation released the following statement:
"Tokitae was ruthlessly taken from her family that lives in our traditional territory. She must return home to strengthen healing-- in body and spirit--for her and all of us and for the sacred and endangered waters of the Salish Sea. It is our sacred obligation to make this happen.
“Caring for our waters compels each of us to actively challenge the fossil fuel industry. This industry jeopardizes the future of our waters, lands, and livelihoods - so we must draw the line.
“Tokitae is family to the Lummi Nation. She deserves to be in her wild waters and with her family in the Salish Sea. We have been working with partners for years to preserve the quality of these waters for our sacred orcas. The Miami Seaquarium must return Tokitae.”
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.