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Update on Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut

from Squil-le-he-le (Raynell Morris) and Tah-Mahs (Ellie Kinley)

To our dear friends and supporters,

It has been a year since Lummi Nation went into lock-down because of the pandemic, but we have continued to work with our partners at Earth Law Center and Whale Sanctuary Project on a plan to bring Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut home. It is part of our Xa xalh Xechnging (sacred obligation) to Xw’ullemy (the Salish Sea bioregion), and to our Lhaqtemish (Lummi) family, of which Sk’aliCh’elh (the southern resident orcas) are a part. Your love and support have allowed us to keep working throughout the pandemic. Estitem-sen (we are trying our best)!

We are pleased to share a few developments with you here:

• Honoring Lummi’s call to repatriate Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut is connected to the larger work of upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples as outlined by the United Nations. Indigenous Leaders from around the world are signing on to our Statement of Support, and Indigenous cultural practitioners continue to hold Ceremonies for Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut.

• The Whale Sanctuary Project, in collaboration with scientists, veterinarians, and other experts, is in the final stages of drafting a detailed and holistic plan for Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut’s eventual transport, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. The science clearly shows that she can safely and responsibly be brought back home. The plan also provides for her emotional, cultural, and spiritual support by Lhaq’temish caretakers.

• While we believe our familial, cultural, and spiritual connection to Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut, as well as her own inherent rights to freedom, should be enough to bring her out of captivity, we understand that we must also engage with the United States governmental and legal systems. We remain hopeful that Miami Seaquarium and its parent companies might work with us. This, rather than litigation, would be the fastest way to release Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut from captivity and bring her home. Our representatives at the Earth Law Center are in communication with Miami Seaquarium and its parent companies, and have developed legal and corporate strategies based on a range of possible responses.

• As a result of the letter sent by Earth Law Center to the Mayor of Miami, the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department will conduct an on-site visit to Miami Seaquarium to ensure adherence to SARS-Covid health and safety protocols.

• Public and Governmental Proclamations are in the works! Netse Mot for Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut / One heart, one mind for Tokitae/Lolita. More about this in our next newsletter.

Ways to help:

• Sign our petition and encourage others to do the same

• Write letters to Miami Seaquarium asking for them to work with us. They can be heroes, and help us bring her safely and responsibly home to the Salish Sea. Please cc your letters to us at info@sacredsea.org

• Hold and share a ceremony for Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut

• Help get qwe’lhol’mechen (orcas) and Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut on the radar of your governmental representatives. Write your electeds about Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut; you may want to share the letter to the Miami mayor (below) as a recent concern and action.

• Share Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut’s story with family, friends, and on social media

• If you are, or know, leaders of Native, First Nations, or international Indigenous Nations, tribes, bands, groups, and/or non-profits, please consider signing on to the Indigenous Leaders Statement of Solidarity. Contact info@sacredsea.org for more details.

Your financial and moral support is critical to this work. Hy’shqe!

As always, but especially as we emerge from this past difficult year and move into the future, we send you our hopes and prayers for your peace and good health!