The Mowachaat-Muchalaat First Nation of British Columbia is calling on the Canadian government to fire an official over the botched move of an orca revered as the spiritual embodiment of a late tribal leader.

Marilyn Joyce, director general of aboriginal policy for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, has been coordinating the capture and relocation of Tsux'iit, also known as Luna. But Mowachaat-Muchalaat Chief Mike Maquinna says she has failed to consult with his people over the killer whale's future.

Tribal members believe the whale is the reincarnation of late chief Ambrose Maquinna, Mike Maquinna's father. They have been luring Tsux'iit away from government scientists trying to capture him.

DFO rejected the First Nation's proposal to lead Tsux'iit back to his family's pod. Scientists say the plan is too dangerous.

Get the Story:
Fight over killer whale gets personal (CBC 6/24)
Luna capture on hold, again (CBC 6/24)

Relevant Links:
Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation - http://www.yuquot.ca
Reunite Luna, pro-move campaign - http://www.reuniteluna.com

Related Stories:
First Nation boaters prevent capture of killer whale (6/24)
First Nation boaters try again to stop capture of whale (6/23)
Scientists delay capture of orca for First Nation (6/21)
First Nation continues to sing to killer whale (6/18)
British Columbia First Nations thwart move of orca (6/17)