It's another example of the myth of the eternal return. Another form of the circle of life. Yes, another example of what comes around goes around. As such, it fits neatly into the mythology of the tribe trying valiantly return an orca to it's original home...it's indigenous waters.
Have you heard about an orca named Lolita? She was taken from Washington to Florida over 50 years ago. In a round-up of orcas in 1970, Lolita ended up at the Miami Seaquarium, where she has performed for decades to the delight of children of all ages on the other side of the country.
The Lummi tribe of the Pacific Northwest see the orca as a spiritual entity. The name translates to "people who live under the water." They want this "person" back.
This is a heartfelt belief that seems almost impossible, but the move is gaining strength and financial support. Of course to transport this elderly animal back across the country would be very risky. Nevertheless, the Lummi elders agree that it can be done and is definitely worth any risk.
And what a powerful story it would be. In this current era of climate deniers and the trashing of much tradition, what a welcome relief.
Above all the move would give much needed credibility to the power of Indian mythology. Now far from where I live, on the Columbia River, there is a spot called Sililo Falls. It was a Native American fishing spot where for generations, salmon were taken from the river for the needs of the people living there. When the Columbia was dammed for hydroelectric power back in the 1930s, the falls was lost. According to engineers and river-keepers, the spot is still there. So underneath the water the rock formations that formed the falls lie in tact on the bottom of the river. Perhaps I should say the lake that used to be the river.
If all goes according to the plans of some, the Columbia's may lose many of it's dams. As we look at other sustainable forms of energy, this likelihood becomes ever more possible. Probably not in my lifetime, but to see Lolita swimming by the falls where the relatives of the original inhabitants are again fishing for salmon would be more entertaining than watching a trained whale show in Florida.
Have you heard about an orca named Lolita? She was taken from Washington to Florida over 50 years ago. In a round-up of orcas in 1970, Lolita ended up at the Miami Seaquarium, where she has performed for decades to the delight of children of all ages on the other side of the country.
The Lummi tribe of the Pacific Northwest see the orca as a spiritual entity. The name translates to "people who live under the water." They want this "person" back.
This is a heartfelt belief that seems almost impossible, but the move is gaining strength and financial support. Of course to transport this elderly animal back across the country would be very risky. Nevertheless, the Lummi elders agree that it can be done and is definitely worth any risk.
And what a powerful story it would be. In this current era of climate deniers and the trashing of much tradition, what a welcome relief.
Above all the move would give much needed credibility to the power of Indian mythology. Now far from where I live, on the Columbia River, there is a spot called Sililo Falls. It was a Native American fishing spot where for generations, salmon were taken from the river for the needs of the people living there. When the Columbia was dammed for hydroelectric power back in the 1930s, the falls was lost. According to engineers and river-keepers, the spot is still there. So underneath the water the rock formations that formed the falls lie in tact on the bottom of the river. Perhaps I should say the lake that used to be the river.
If all goes according to the plans of some, the Columbia's may lose many of it's dams. As we look at other sustainable forms of energy, this likelihood becomes ever more possible. Probably not in my lifetime, but to see Lolita swimming by the falls where the relatives of the original inhabitants are again fishing for salmon would be more entertaining than watching a trained whale show in Florida.
Comments