The Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation in British Columbia held a funeral on Monday in honor of Luna, an orphan killer whale who died last week. Known as Tsux'iit, the whale died on Friday when he got sucked into a tugboat's propellers. He had been living in Gold River after being separated from his pod. The Canadian government tried to remove Luna from the river but the tribe protested. Many believed Tsux'iit was the spiritual embodiment of the late Chief Ambrose Maquinna, who said shortly before he died that he would come back as a killer whale. Chief Mike Maquinna said the community is now being blamed for Luna's death by opposing the move. He said it was the right decision now to relocate the whale with his pod. Get the Story:
Vancouver Island town mourns Luna (CP 3/14)
Island First Nation marks whale's death (CBC 3/13)
Local natives deny blame in B.C. orca's death (CTV 3/13)
B.C. native group to honour orca said to embody late chief's spirit (CanWest News Service 3/13) Relevant Links:
Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation - http://www.yuquot.ca
Reunite Luna, pro-move campaign - http://www.reuniteluna.com Related Stories:
First Nation to have role in killer whale's future (07/29)
Scientists support First Nation plan for moving orca (07/01)
First Nation wants official fired over orca move (6/25)
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)