OBJECTIVE

The limited edition L98 / Tsuxiit T-shirt promotes awareness for the young killer whale (kakawin) Luna (Tsuxiit). We hope to promote respect and by doing so also acknowledge the Mowachaht / Muchalaht connection to Luna. Luna's Mowachaht / Muchalaht name is Tsuxiit. Luna was named after the late Chief Ambrose Maquinna who passed away just before Luna appeared in Mooyah Bay near Gold River. It is believed that Tsuxiit is the former Chief reincarnated into a killer whale (kakawin) as he told his people he would return as one to help protect the sound from fish farms. For the past 3 years, the Luna Stewardship Project (LSP) and partners has been monitoring and educating about Luna's situation.

"We have consistently told people to remember to have high respect for the whale" - Chief Maquinna of the Mowachaht / Muchalaht people.

By continuing to carry the important message of respect, we hope to inspire more people to learn more about wildlife and how to live in harmony with such magnificent creatures without disrupting their lives. This is a reminder to all people to respect Luna, and to do so, requires cooperation from us all.

Luna was born in 1999 to the endangered Southern Resident Orca population. In July of 2001 Luna was identified living alone in Nootka Sound. No matter where Luna roams, whether it be Nootka Sound, Puget Sound or else where, we must remember not interfere with his existence.

By purchasing and wearing this shirt, you promote care, safety and education for Luna. He will require monitoring and care for his future to ensure he live as a wild whale. We will continue to keep these tshirts in print for the best interest of Tsuxiit.

LSP consists of Canadian Marine Mammal Monitoring (M3) and American Whale Museum / Soundwatch stewardship groups and individuals. We will continue to work together to ensure respect as the Muchalaht have demonstrated throughout their history. It is important to respect the needs of the Mowachaht / Muchalaht people in reguards to Tsuxiit.

http://www.yuquot.ca - learn more about the Mowachaht / Muchalaht people of Nootka Sound.
http://www.westcoastaquatic.ca/helpLuna.htm - Mowachaht / Muchalaht Tsuxiit Stewardship site

NOTE : L98 is the whale's scientific name, Luna his nick name and Tsuxiit is his Mowachaht / Muchalaht name.

Thank you from all of us at LSP

Special thank you to Mary B for the donation, Chief Mike Maquinna for his guidance, The Muchalaht elders for their proofing / providing the correct spellings, Old Nicks Tshirts for their great service & sensitivity of cost, Marine Adventure Gallery and Whale Museum for supporting the shirts, and everyone one else who has supported this project. Volunteer tshirt campaign design and development by Chantelle Tucker.

BE WHALE WISE