‘Until Lolita is Home’ hosted 16 cities around the world standing in solidarity with the Lummi Nation
July 27th 2019, ‘Until Lolita is Home’ hosted 16 cities around the world standing in solidarity with the Lummi Nation as they held a press conference at the Stommish Grounds at Lummi, announcing the notice of intention to sue the Miami Seaquarium to return Lolita/Tokitae to her native waters, as a kidnapped relation under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
The London event marched from Soho Square along Oxford Street to Piccadilly, through Trafalgar Square ending in Leicester Square for speeches.
SPEAKERS
Hannah Testa – Hannah4Change / Animal Hero Kids
Madison O’Connell – Media by Mads
L. Roberts on behalf of Howard Garrett – Orca Network
Jo Phillips on behalf of the Lummi Nation Business Council
Campaign Work
- Designed merchandise, posters, banners and annual badge.
- Secured an article in the Independent.
- Organised an inspiring & educational march through London with L. Roberts and D. Terry.
- Created videos and promotional graphics for worldwide events.
- Filmed and photographed the London event.
Worldwide Until Lolita is Home events, including excerpts from the Lummi Business Council’s notice of intention to sue the Seaquarium.
Press Articles
Independent | Komo News | La Sexta | Publico | Seattle Times |
W.Week| WPLG Local 10 News | Lewis & Clark Law
‘Free Lolita’ protests continue at Miami Seaquarium in Virginia Key – WPLG Local 10
Read The Speeches
Howard Garrett
Orca Network President
To introduce the following letter, written by the Lummi Indian Business Council for this days’ “Until Lolita Is Home” events, I’d like to say a few things about the critical importance of the Lummi dedication to returning her home to her, and their, ancestral waters.
Our role has always been to tell her story, including telling about her family and their unique and compelling natural history, which makes the case that she should return home to be rescued from the horrific conditions she’s forced to live in. We’ve also tried to make the case that she can be transported and rehabilitated or retired safely if it’s done scientifically, professionally, and with respect for her.
So we were hugely grateful when the Lummi Nation announced their unanimous resolve and sacred obligation to bring home their relation who lives under the sea, who was stolen from her family almost 50 years ago.
The Lummi’s mission to bring her home and to help her family is profound, far-reaching, and inspirational, and the Lummi Nation not only has the administrative capacity to accomplish the logistics of her transport and potential long-term care, but they also have the authentic voice as her ancient relations to confirm they will bring her home and take care of her.
Since August 8, 2017, when the Lummi Council and hereditary chief came to Penn Cove, the site of her capture and the site of their ancient villages, to announce their Resolution, we at Orca Network have contributed to their strategies and plans, in addition to continuing to tell the world of the long and painful ordeals Sk’aliCh’et – tenaut has endured for so many long years, and her family’s stories, and how she can come home safely.
On this day, July 27, they are announcing in the letter that follows, a new and unprecedented initiative from Lummi Tribal Members regarding legal action against Seaquarium.
The Lummi dedication to her as a family member is powerful and hopeful, and we want to join in celebrating their dedication to her and express our deep thanks for their work to bring her home.
Speeches photo (c) JoJo Ewing, Header (c) C. Kempen
Two Lummi women have sent a letter of intent to sue Miami Seaquarium for the repatriation of Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut (Tokitae/Lolita)
Two Lummi women, Squil-le-he-le (RaynellMorris) and Tah-mahs (Ellie Kinley), have sent a letter of intent to sue Miami Seaquarium for the repatriation of qwe’lhol’mechen (orca relation) Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut (Tokitae/Lolita). Since the orca’s violent capture in 1970, individuals and organizations around the world have called for the orca’s release, and Miami Seaquarium has refused. Squil-le-he-le and Tah-mahs are prayerful, open and willing to work with Miami Seaquarium on a plan for Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut’s timely repatriation. But they also are willing to go to court if Miami Seaquarium refuses to respond and/or allow Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut to go back home. The letter of intent, attached here, gives Miami Seaquarium 90 days to respond favourably.
”Orcas continue to lead us- Tokitae, a whale in captivity in an illegal tank in Florida has been communicating with many of us through dreams, whispers, singing, and our imagination. We try to listen. In the spirit of learning, witnessing and reflecting, this painting brings us together to reflect and love our waters.
M. Schambach
Tokitae Mural and Blackhawk Singers by Julie Trimingham.
sacredsea.org
