Jewell James and the House of Tears Carvers of the Lummi Nation have a tradition of gifting totem poles to communities in need of hope or healing. Three such gifts commemorated the victims of 9/11. Since 2013, yearly journeys have visited communities impacted by fossil fuel extraction and transport. For the Lummi, the health of the Salish Sea is of critical importance.
This year's journey addresses that mission through a campaign to bring an orca whale unlawfully taken from the Salish Sea in 1970, home to her native pod in the Salish Sea. Tokitae, also known as Lolita, is a 50 year old orca whale held in captivity at the Seaquarium in Miami for the last 48 years. She is the only surviving whale left of the 60 captured in 1970. In this interview, Jewell James tells Tokitae's story, the significance of the Lummi's desire to bring her home, and how they propose reintroducing her into her native environment. In the process, Jewell James shares poignant, even heartbreaking stories of the history of treatment of Native Americans by the governments of both the U.S. and Canada, reflections on how our world views differ, and makes a strong case for how we need to change course if humans, as well as whales, are to survive on earth.
To follow the journey see: https://www.facebook.com/totempolejourney/
Events will be held in the following places. For more specific information see the Facebook page above:
Seattle, WA: Thursday, May 10
Tacoma, WA: Friday, May 11
Portland, OR: Saturday, May 12
San Diego, CA: Wednesday, May 16
Austin, TX: Saturday, May 19
Houston, TX: Sunday, May 20
Miami, FL: Two Events on Saturday, May 26
Miami, FL: Sunday, May 27
Visit our website Speak Up! Speak Out!