Along with many here in the Pacific Northwest and around the world, we were greatly saddened to hear that Tokitae (stage name Lolita), known to the Lummi Nation as Sk’aliCh’elh’tenaut, passed away on August 18th at the age of 57. Affectionately know as Toki, she was a Southern Resident killer whale and member of L-pod. She spent 53 years in the tank at the Miami Seaquarium. For years, Lummi Nation, Friends of Toki, Orca Network, and others fought for her release and return to the Salish Sea. Earlier this year an agreement was reached and plans were underway for her to return to her native waters. However, in August she passed from what was believed to be a renal condition.
To the Lummi Nation, the Southern Resident killer whales are their “relatives under the waves”. Lummi tribal members traveled to Georgia to pick up Toki’s remains. In accordance with tradition, her remains were “taken by boat to a sacred spot to be spread in a traditional water ceremony,” according to a Lummi Nation statement.
The day before Toki died, all three pods (J, K and L) were socializing in a Superpod off the west side of San Juan Island. This type of gathering has been rare in recent years, and is often thought to be a social ritual that marks a significant event in their community. Many believe that the whales were welcoming Toki home.
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