We, Squil-le-he-le (Raynell Morris) and Tah-Mahs (Ellie Kinley) have come to Miami this week to bring a message to Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut (Tokitae/Lolita) and to honor our friends in Miami who have been fighting so long for her return.

Today in a ceremony just outside of Miami Seaquarium, we prayed for our qwe’lhol’mechen (relation under the water), we called out to her with our hearts. We asked for her forgiveness, we let her know that we hear her, that we love her, and that we are working hard to bring her home. We are preparing a Salish Sea sanctuary for her arrival, and we will be ready to receive her. 

Sit Ki Kadem (Doug James) traveled with us from Lummi to sing, drum, and pray for Sk'aliCh'elh-tenaut. This ceremony was witnessed by friends who for years have been fighting for Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut’s freedom. We honor Sylvia Grimaldi Gomez, Alejandro Ariel Dentino, Larry Curtis, Louis Aguirre, and Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut’s Miami community. Hy’shqe! (Thank you!)

We urge the Miami Seaquarium to put their love for orcas into action by working with us to bring Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut home to the Salish Sea. By joining us, Miami Seaquarium would be part of the healing work for our sister and her mother, their L-pod family, the larger community of resident Salish Sea qwe’lhol’mechen, and our own Lummi people.

We are hopeful that Miami Seaquarium will choose to join us. But one way or another, we will bring our relation home. Hy’shqe.

Our hands go up to you and all of our supporters, friends,  and partners. Contributions to the Tokitae Fund can be made at www.SacredSea.org; all donations are tax-deductible and directly fund our work to free Sk'aliCh'elh-tenaut.