Call to Participate
Dear Editor: ‘‘Preserving the Lingít Connection with Killer Whales: A Call for Participation,’’
The Lingít people of Sitka share a profound and spiritual connection with orcas (kéet), the rulers of the ocean realm. However, I wonder if this relationship has evolved in response to climate change, mass tourism, and the increasing demands of the fishing industry.
It is essential to research and understand this relationship to seek a better balance with nature—both for the well-being of the orcas and our collective future as humans. That’s why I am in Sitka until Nov. 5, working to deepen my understanding of these challenges and to better comprehend life in Sitka in the 21st century.
If you would like to participate in my anthropological research, feel free to reach out to me at anna.niechcicki@student.kuleuven.be or visit me at the Sitka Sound Science Center. Together, we can explore the Lingít cultural heritage and learn how to approach an ever-changing future with respect for tradition and the environment. This research will contribute to my masters of art thesis in the program “Social and Cultural Anthropology” at KU Leuven University (Belgium). The final work may potentially be made publicly accessible, but participants can request anonymity if desired. Gunalchéesh!
Anna Niechcicki,
Sitka Sound Science Center
