Overview

Follow the story of Sk'aliCh'elh-tenaut, the orca also known as Tokitae or Lolita. Stolen from her family in 1970, this Puget Sound orca was sold to the Miami Aquarium where she performed for over 50 years. The Lummi people, a Native tribe in Northwestern Washington State, consider the local orcas to be part of their human family. Members of Lummi Nation worked to bring their relation back home, and succeeded in bringing tribes, politicians, corporations, philanthropists, and activists together for common cause. Sk'aliCh'elht-tenaut was on the verge of homecoming when she suddenly died in captivity.This book tells her story in a way that honors the legacy of Sk'aliCh'elh-tenaut, encourages readers of all ages to stand up to protect all our relations, and demonstrates the power of inclusivity and collaboration.This book's creative team includes members from the Lummi Nation. It was designed to be part of a school curriculum as well as a home bookshelf that aims to include and honor Native stories, values, and perspectives. Written by Tah-Mahs Ellie Kinley and Julie Trimingham, art by Sienum Jason LaClair, translated by Na-tak-ul-tan Tino Kurtz.

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9780999527887

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Julie Trimingham is a writer who lives with her son on traditional Lhaq'temish territory on the shores of the Salish Sea. She has dreamed about killer whales all of her life, and is happy to work with her friend Tah-Mahs at the Sacred Lands Conservancy / Sacred Sea. Julie believes in the power of kids to love and protect the killer whales, the Salish Sea, Mother Earth, and one another. Sienum Jason LaClair is a Lummi/Nooksack artist who has worked in both Northern Formline and Coast Salish traditions, and in many different media, including carving, jewelry, and painting, His murals can be seen throughoutWhatcom County and in many area public schools. Jason lives in Lummi Nation with his family, and sometimes likes to go clam digging late at night, when he can feel the presence of his ancestors. Tah-Mahs Ellie Kinley comes from a family where every generation since time immemorial has fished on the Salish Sea. Tah-Mahs started fishing with her dad, then she fished with her husband (the late Larry Kinley), and now she fishes with her sons. She feels most at home when she's on the water. She has often been close to qwe'lhol'mechen (orcas) when she's out fishing; after all, she and the orcas are both chasing salmon! Tah-Mahs was one of the leaders in the work to bring Sk'aliCh'elh-tenaut back home. She likes to say that it's never too late to do the right thing.

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