Source: The Christian Science Monitor

http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/1004/p09s01-coop.html?s=hns

On October 4, 2004 The Christian Science Monitor ran an opinion piece by Rondi Adamson on a clash between government scientists and native peoples over a trapped killer whale off the coast of British Columbia. Adamson writes, "It is said that your right to swing your arm ends where your arm meets someone else's nose. And, I might add, your right to believe your late relative has been reincarnated as a killer whale ends where you prevent that whale from being returned to his pod. Science and animal welfare concerns are clashing with political correctness off the coast of British Columbia, where an orca named Luna is making the news. Rubbing up against boats, alternately victimized and revered, he is stuck and hapless as humans try to help - provided it doesn't offend anyone... the Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nations people, a native Canadian tribe, raised concerns about moving Luna, whom they call Tsuux-iit. Their late chief had said he would return in the form of a whale. Shortly after his death, Luna appeared... The inability of so many of us to recognize animals as beings worthy of respect is at the heart of Luna's struggle. He is not a thing. And not only is he vulnerable where he is, he is endangering the people around him."