Vanishing Tribes

Southern Resident orcas – arguably the most studied killer whales in the world – are vanishing before us. Despite recovery efforts by the federal government, our endangered Southern Resident population is in an alarming slump. Only 81 whales remain in J, K, and L Pods -- the lowest number since 2001.
 
What afflicts our precious Salish Sea orcas, and what can we do to ensure their survival? Join us, Odin and Orca Annie of the Vashon Hydrophone Project (VHP), to explore a course of action. The VHP presents "Kéet Shuká: Killer Whales in Peril," on Tuesday, November 12 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, at the Vashon Theatre. Our special guest is renowned local orca researcher and VHP associate Mark Sears.
 
The program features Mark’s spectacular slides of whales in Puget Sound. We will discuss local research and conservation issues pertaining to Southern Resident orca recovery. Through a distinctive blend of natural history, Native science, culture and art, Kéet Shuká examines the value of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in mainstream orca protection.
 
Mark Sears has not presented to a Vashon audience for five years. Historically, his whale talks fill the room. Do not miss this rare opportunity. General admission is an affordable $8.00 or $7.00 for seniors/students – no more than a movie! Advance tickets are available at the Vashon Bookshop, the Vashon Theatre, or by contacting the VHP at 206-463-9041. We are grateful to Island Greentech and the Vashon Theatre for sponsoring this event.
 
November is Native American Heritage Month. To Coastal Native peoples, Killer Whales are esteemed relatives, venerated teachers, and fellow First Nations. In many ways, the plight of Pacific Northwest orcas parallels the plight of Indigenous inhabitants of the Americas. A sacred icon is disappearing. We must intensify efforts to preserve Southern Residents for the next seven generations.
 
Please support the work of the Vashon Hydrophone Project (VHP): REPORT LOCAL WHALE SIGHTINGS ASAP TO 463-9041, as well as seal pups and sick, injured, or dead marine mammals on Island beaches. Prompt reports to the VHP expedite vital data collection efforts by Mark Sears and other researchers, and sustain an accurate record of whale sightings for Vashon-Maury initiated three decades ago. Check for updates at Vashonorcas.org and send photos to Orca Annie at Vashonorcas@aol.com