Lummi Nations statement on the passing of our whale relative “Tokitae” Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut
BELLINGHAM, Wash– The Lummi Nation released the following statement from Tony Hillaire, Chairman of the Lummi Nation upon learning of the death of Tokitae, a captive southern resident orca from the northwest who lived in a concrete tank in the Miami Seaquarium for the last 53 years.
Tokitae, pictured in her hotel-pool- sized living place at the Miami Seaquarium. Photo courtesy of Miami Seaquarium
.The Lummi Nation is saddened by the news that our beloved Orca relative has passed away at the estimated age of 57 years old. Our hearts are with all those impacted by this news; our hearts are with her family.
We stand in solidarity with our Lummi members whom poured their hearts and souls into bringing Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut home. We will do all we can to start healing from this news and will begin talking about what needs to happen next.