Members of the Mowachaat-Muchalaat First Nation of British Columbia continued to follow a friendly orca they believe is the spiritual embodiment of a late tribal chief.

Grand Chief Mike Maquinna said the tribe is not protesting the attempted capture of Luna, also known as Tsuxit. He has offered to lead Luna back to his pod but federal scientists say that is too dangerous.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is trying to capture Luna but has had little success. Tribal members have been singing and drumming to the killer whale in an attempt to keep him from being caught.

Maquinna's father, the late Chief Ambrose Maquinna, said before he died that he would come back as a killer whale. Luna appeared in Nootka Sound shortly after.

Get the Story:
Luna still out at sea (CBC 6/17)
Whale Luna sparks tussle (CP 6/18)
Luna still eluding would-be captors (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 6/18)

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

Related Stories:
British Columbia First Nations thwart move of orca (6/17)