A Mother’s Love: A Killer Whale Commemoration
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
The waters around Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites are part of the critical habitat for endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales. Along with several other organizations, Parks Canada shares the responsibility for the protection and recovery of this species at risk.
J35 Tahlequah’s Tour of Grief
In 2018, J35 Tahlequah gave birth. Her calf died minutes later. Instead of letting the calf sink, she carried it for 17 days and over 1,600 kilometres, passing through the waters near Fisgard Lighthouse. Her “Tour of Grief” made headlines worldwide. She shone a light on an urgent environmental problem.
J35 Tahlequah became a mother again in 2024, but this calf lived for only a few days. Surrounded by her family, including her sons J47 Notch and J57 Phoenix, Tahlequah again carried her dead calf. Of her four pregnancies in the last 15 years, only two have survived.
Without enough salmon to eat, Southern Resident Killer Whales face extinction. Less than a hundred individuals remain. More calves die than survive. We have overfished, destroyed their habitat, and changed the climate.
By commemorating J35 Tahlequah’s story, Parks Canada ensures that this mother’s love will continue to inspire us to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales.
“This art installation of the two Orca whales was inspired by the true story of the female Killer Whale, referred to as J35 Tahlequah. In such grief she carried her stillborn calf on her head for 17 days. This tragedy opened people’s minds to learn that the Orca whales, locally, are in decline. It gave rise to knowledge of how grief can affect any mother. My Indigenous community has a close connection to the Orca whale. They are revered for telling us when and where the Salmon are. Finished in silver, I wanted to capture the sunlight to remind us how connected we all are to the oceans.” Darlene Gait was born in Victoria in 1969. Her family roots are with the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) People of the Esquimalt Nation. Darlene began painting at the age of 10 and decided to pursue a career in the arts when she was 15 years old. Her passion for art and her cultural ties to her community are evident in her designs, which are exhibited locally, nationally and internationally. You can see Darlene’s designs throughout the city of Victoria. You will find them in many forms: murals, kiosks, information panels, metal installations on buildings, copper installations along the waterfront, glass installations in resorts, ferry wraps, original paintings, limited-edition prints and book illustrations. Darlene’s traditional designs and paintings represent the unity of humanity. She believes in promoting positive change and being environmentally and socially responsible.Darlene Gait: the artist and her story
What Darlene Gait says about her sculpture, “A Mother’s Love”:
Darlene Gait’s Story:
We want to hear from you
Let us know what part of this story you relate to – email fort.rodd@pc.gc.ca. Parks Canada may use your response in an annual social media campaign to remember J35 Tahlequah’s Tour of Grief.
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