Siletz Tribe Uses Material From Deceased Whale For Education and Cultral Purposes

A juvenile humpback whale was found stranded near San Marine, north of Yachats,

on Nov. 15. After days of community and marine rescue efforts were unsuccessful, it was determined by professionals, that the whale should be euthanized on Nov. 17. This action was under the direction of Oregon State Police and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) using their Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Team.

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI) received authorization to collect materials for educational and cultural purposes, following necropsy testing being conducted by Oregon State University and the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network on Nov. 18.

A carefully selected group of tribal hunters, staff, and members coordinated together to harvest the bones, baleen, blubber and the skull. No parts were taken for human consumption. The collected materials will be processed for use in cultural education and traditional practices. The whale’s bones and baleen will be made to be incorporated into regalia and ceremonial items. The blubber may be rendered for non-consumptive uses in cultural programming, pending toxicology results. These practices are part of the overall effort to preserve and teach traditional lifeways.

The mission was coordinated with Oregon State Parks, NOAA, Oregon State University, and other partners. Equipment and logistical support were provided by Tru-North Construction LLC. The whale was respected in cultural ways, and the remaining materials were buried on-site in accordance with environmental guidelines and under the guidance of marine mammal specialists. The tribe would like to extend appreciation to all organizations and the community who assisted in the response, including NOAA, Oregon State Police, Oregon State University, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Oregon State Parks, Tru-North Construction LLC, as well as tribal and local community members.