We Will Rise Again:
Lummi Nation qwe lhol mechen Totem Pole Journey
In 1970, over 40 orcas were brutally captured from the Salish Sea in Washington State, one of the world’s richest and most biologically diverse inland seas. They were taken to marine parks around the world. Tokitae is the sole surviving orca in captivity. Now, the Southern Resident orca population is teetering on the verge of extinction with only 75 individuals in the wild.
This month, the Lummi Nation invites you to participate in gatherings across our region dedicated to the qwe lhol mechen, the “killer whale people that live under the water.”
The Lummi Nation House of Tears Carvers’ 2019 Totem Pole Journey offers a vision of resilience, truth, belonging, and healing for qwe lhol mechen – and for us all in a troubled time from which we shall rise again. We hope you can join us as we stand in solidarity with the Lummi Nation to acknowledge those most impacted by pollution and the crisis in our waters, exacerbated by fossil fuel pipelines, tanker traffic, and other injustices.
Lummi leaders are traveling from Miami to the Pacific Northwest with a totem pole, holding gatherings along the way to raise awareness of the plight of Southern Resident orcas and call for the release of Tokitae, who is held captive at the Miami Seaquarium. You can read more in this letter from the Lummi Indian Business Council.
All are welcome at the Totem Pole Journey stops across the Pacific Northwest, which are being supported by many in our coalitions. Click through the link on each location for more event information and to help spread the word.
- Portland, OR – June 11, 6-8 p.m.
- Tacoma, WA – June 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (hosted by the Puyallup Tribe)
- Bellingham, WA – June 13, 6-8 p.m.
- Coupeville, WA – June 14, 5-7 p.m.
- Seattle, WA – June 15, 1-3 p.m.
Thank you,
Jessica Zimmerle, Earth Ministry
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