The Life and Death of the Orca Toki/Tokitae/Lolita/Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut & The Tragedy at the Miami Seaquarium
Skaana Host Mark Leiren talks with Howard Garrett (Orca Network) about a captive killer whale who changed the world
Toki in her tank at the Miami Seaquarium. This image is from a lovely story in The Guardian.
Howard Garrett: On the Life and Death of the Orca Toki/Tokitae/Lolita/Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut
When the Miami Seaquarium publicly agreed to work with a group called “Friends of Toki” and the Lummi Nation to return this orca to her home in the Salish Sea, Howard Garrett was my first call.
Howard has been fighting to bring this orca home to the Salish Sea from her tiny tank since 1995.
I wanted his take on how real these plans were. And, much to my surprise, Howard was optimistic. He was set to fly out to see Toki.
I said we should delay our interview and talk after his visit so that he could share his observations and then… she died… as suddenly and shockingly as an elderly orca can.
We spoke the next day…
Howard was in Friday Harbour, Washington still in shock, still heartbroken and still determined to share her story.
As soon as we were done with our interview he was off to host a memorial.
And what came through most in our conversation was Howard’s love for Toki.
It’s an honour to be able to share his passion - and his hope for this amazing orca’s legacy - in our latest episode.
Howard Garrett and Skaana host Mark Leiren-Young: Happier times at a conference in Vancouver.
And my next live events in Vancouver:
CHANGING THE WORLD WITH (CHILDREN’S) NON-FICTION
Saturday, September 16, 2023
10:00 AM 11:00 AM
UBC Robson Square
800 Robson StreetVancouver, BC, V5S 0G4Canada (map)
https://www.wordvancouver.ca/ubc-robson-events/changing-the-world-with-childrens-non-fiction
And I’ll be launching Big Sharks: Small World on Vancouver transit at…
POETRY BUS! CELEBRATING THE 27TH YEAR OF POETRY IN TRANSIT
Now celebrating its 27th year, this beloved community-engagement project displays the work of ten BC poets on public transit vehicles throughout the province. Join us to hear a selection of the featured 2023–24 poets read from their work, followed by a short discussion and Q&A. Engage with the poets over your love of the written verse!
12:45 PM 2:15 PM
UBC Robson Square: In the poetry tent!
Missing Maui and Sending Love to Lahaina
In my latest personal Substack I share memories of Maui - my home for six years - and links to places where you can help the people recover from their horrific fires.
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And my documentary about the southern resident orcas - dedicated to Ocean Sun. Winner of the Writers Guild of Canada Award for Best Documentary.
And in Other Ocean News…
If you’re not in Canada, you may not realize that you may no longer be seeing Canadian news online… Google and Facebook are at war with the Canadian government and our news sites aren’t being shared and/or are actively being blocked, so we are sharing links to Canadian stories/sites.
I hope you’ll also share our stories and episodes because our stories are also being disappeared from search engines and social media.
Toki
Lummi Nation, state officials release statements on the passing of Tokitae
Celebrating the life of Tokitae the orca on San Juan Island
Ocean politics
At Skaana we’re working with the organization Legal Rights for the Salish Sea. Here’s the case for Legal Rights for the Fraser River. Opinion: Rights of the river: Could granting legal personhood for the Fraser River estuary spur its protection?
14 whales, 1 dolphin have died at Marineland since 2019: ministry documents | CBC News
Awesome orcas
Video shows orcas putting on a show in Port Alberni
Sciencing the oceans
The Hakai on barnacles: What Whale Barnacles Know
Humpback accidents in BC
From CHEK: Researchers, First Nations call for change after multiple humpbacks hit along B.C. coast
Global News: ‘Disturbing’: Second whale struck by BC Ferries vessel this summer - BC