Orca Network’s commemoration of the Penn Cove orca captures of 1970 includes an on the water ceremony as well as a special screening of the documentary Lolita: Spirit in the Water with guest appearances by the creators of the film.
Forty six years ago over 100 Southern Resident orcas were herded into Penn Cove off Whidbey Island, Wash. Seven of the young whales were netted and delivered to marine parks around the world. All but one had died by 1987. Originally named Tokitae, they now call her Lolita. In memory of the nearly 40 Southern Resident orcas captured in Washington State, and the 13 orcas killed during the captures, and in honor of Tokitae, the sole survivor, Orca Network is sponsoring two events on Saturday August sixth to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the 1970 Penn Cove Orca Capture.
From 11 am till 2:30 p.m. an event is planned at the Coupeville Wharf including educational displays and a waterside ceremony. A limited number of tickets for a ceremonial boat trip in Penn Cove will be available. At noon please join us on Penn Cove in your kayak, row boat, or any kind of vessel, for a ceremonial paddle/sail/motor around the perimeter of the capture site on Penn Cove. Kayaks and small boats can be launched from Capt. Coupe Park in Coupeville, Monroe’s Landing, or the DNR access on Madrona Way (note: parking permits are required for the use of DNR parking/beach access areas). We’ll travel to the capture site in Penn Cove for a wreath ceremony to remember the orcas killed in the capture, and those who have died in captivity. We’ll provide flowers and cedar sprigs to toss into the water, or you may bring your own flower or other eco-friendly offering to toss in the water during the ceremony. In addition to the on-the-water events, there will be a blessing and salmon offering from Rosie Cayou and Bill Bailey of the Samish Nation, music, and a reading by Sandra Pollard from her book Puget Sound Whales for Sale. The event on the Wharf is free to the public, though contributions to support Orca Network’s educational programs and work on orca captivity issues are appreciated.
From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. we will meet at the Nordic Lodge in Coupeville for food, drink, a silent auction, and a special screening of the 1998 film Lolita: Spirit in the Water featuring the late Kathi Goertzen from KOMO 4 news. Kathi’s husband and photographer Rick Jewett, photographer/editor Mike Rosen, and the film’s producer Sharon Howard will be present to introduce the film and for a Q&A following the screening. Tickets to the event are $20 (includes appetizers and wine).
Check our website www.orcanetwork.org for more information and updates. Registration for the afternoon event at Nordic Lodge is available at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=r5jgwzbab&oeidk=a07ecxz0pvnc0c7798d
To reserve your space on one of the sailing vessels please contact Cindy Hansen at cindy@orcanetwork.org.
