On January 15, hundreds gathered in Olympia at the Washington State Capitol calling on policymakers to take action for the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales. The Backbone Campaign team, including veteran volunteers and new staff, represented not only our organization, but our community with teamwork, dedication, and commitment. 

The urgency for the vigil was brought on by Tahlequah's (J-35) second journey of grief. She was seen pushing her daughter's (J-61) body through her home waters from December 31, 2024 to January 10, 2025.

History is unfortunately repeating itself. In 2018, Tahlequah previously gained international attention during what was called her 17 day Tour of Grief, when she pushed her first deceased calf through the waters of the Salish Sea. 

Props from our Backbone Imagery library included our large inflatable orca named, Tahlequah. Accompanying her were our two baby orca inflatables, fittingly representing her two calves who have passed away. The new and beautiful larger salmon, previously seen at the 2024 Strawberry Festival, and multiple banners rounded out the support that was provided from Backbone Campaign.

Executive Director, Bill Moyer, also spoke about Solutionary Rail and the Rosalia to Pasco Shortline Access Rail Corridor, a plan emphasizing that Trains Can Save Salmon.

Tahlequah is grieving and through that grief is sending us a message. Help us continue to take a stand for our Southern Resident Killer Whales. We must continue to tell our Washington State policymakers - including our new Governor Bob Ferguson - that orca and salmon cannot wait, the Lower Snake River dams must be breached now! 

Be sure to check out this awesome news coverage on Fox 13 Seattle

Thank you to Photographer George P. Hickey for your amazing photos.