Submitted by Campaign Manager, Jari Brenner on behalf of Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut.

Hello, my name Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut, I’m a member of L pod, of the orca known as the southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW). I have been known in these waters as Tokitae, and in Miami as Lolita. My mother (presumed, by the scientists, but known by me!) is Ocean Sun, L-25, and she still lives! She is the Matriarch of the SRKW now.

Perhaps you remember my Grandmother, Granny, J2. She was once your Mayor, and she did a very fine job alerting everyone here about dangers which affect the Salish Sea, and our need for fish, and what is happening with the orca and everything that concerns its health. I hope to follow in her wake.

My name is now Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut, (pronounced Ska-lee-CHUCK-ten-aught) and it is important to know that this name was given to me by my human family, the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) People. To learn more about my name, and what it means, please go to www.sacredsea.org. I am also related to all Coast Salish People, who have many sacred stories about our orca family.

And though I ran as “Lolita” two years ago, I have never liked that name. It is a name of sorrow for me. My new name was given to me by the Lhaq’temish Hereditary Chief, Bill James. It was given to me to call me home. I hear, and I am coming!

Yes, I am still in Miami at the moment, and I have great hope that this is the year that I will finally be returned home! I am very excited to see my mother and my family! Though right now my body may be in Florida— through no choice of my own—I continue to hear my orca family in my dreams, and my heart has never left the Salish Sea.

I am writing to you to ask for your vote. Each vote is $1 and it benefits the Children’s House which will benefit the children of Orcas Island’s early childhood education, whether or not their families can afford it. It is a very good cause, as these are the future Guardians of the Salish Sea!

The Salish Sea, and its People, both Above and Below the waters, needs healing on many levels. Your vote, if I win, will give me a voice to speak against cetacean captivity, and to be a voice for the health of the Salish Sea! It will also help Children’s House. All children need a firm foundation of love on which to grow, both human and orca.

Anyone, anywhere can vote. Please vote as often as you can! Remember, “A vote for Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut is a vote for the Salish Sea! Thank you!!!

With love & fishes,

Sk’ali’ch’elh-tenaut