A BC Ferry killed Notcho the humpback. The Squamish Nation is laying him to rest
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) says Notcho, a male humpback whale, was hit and killed by a BC Ferry on October 18. His remains were found near Gambier Island on October 26 and brought to Squamish Nation territory. A team is harvesting what is usable, and a burial ceremony will be held at a later date.
What changesThe Squamish Nation says a burial ceremony for Notcho will be held at a later date and asks people to check its website for updates.
What happened
In a November 3 update, Squamish Nation Chairperson Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams shared news about Notcho, a male humpback whale. The Nation understands he was hit and killed by a BC Ferry on October 18. His remains were found near Gambier Island on October 26.
In recent months, the Nation's Ta na wa Yúus ta Stitúyntsam̓ (Rights and Title) Department has been building ties with the Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. That work included sharing knowledge about the importance of whales in Squamish history and culture. Because of those ties, Notcho was brought to Squamish Nation territory so his remains could be cared for under the Nation's laws.
The Nation says receiving a whale in its territory is something its people have not known for many generations.
Who helped
Several teams were put together quickly. The Nation thanked:
- Its Knowledge Keepers and Elders, and a Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nation Elder who travelled to guide the process
- Squamish Nation staff from Rights and Title, Language and Culture, Intergovernmental Relations and Strategic Partnerships, Public Safety, and Nch'ḵay̓ Development Corporation
- Community members who came out to help
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, CN and CN Police
- The City of Vancouver, including Councillor Sean Orr and Park Board Commissioner Tʼuyʼtʼtanat-Cease Wyss
- Metro Vancouver, Seaspan and Paladin Security
What happens to the remains
A team has been working around the clock to harvest what is usable for the Nation's people. Everything harvested will be catalogued, stored and shared through the community according to the Nation's laws and teachings. The Nation plans to use Notcho's skeleton for educational and cultural purposes.
What comes next
The work is ongoing. The Nation says it will share more in the coming weeks and months. A ceremony to mark Notcho's final burial on Squamish Nation territory will be held at a later date. No date has been announced.
Read the full update on the Squamish Nation website.