A dead killer whale calf was discovered near Nootka Island on Wednesday.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada took DNA samples of the animal, which could identify whether the killer whale was a transient, northern resident or southern resident.

The whale was discovered in Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation Territory and about 60 of the Nationsa国际传媒檚 members participated in a ceremony to sa国际传媒渁llow the spirit of the whale to go home,sa国际传媒� on Thursday morning according to Mowachaht/Muchalaht administrator Kevin Kowalchuk.

sa国际传媒淭odaysa国际传媒檚 ceremony showed the respect that the Mowachaht/Muchalaht people have for all living creatures,sa国际传媒� the Nation said through a media release. sa国际传媒淭hey are the keepers of the land and are the best managers of the resources in their Territory, whether they be on land or in the waters.sa国际传媒�

Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation Chief Mike Maquinna has asked DFO for a report on the whalesa国际传媒檚 cause of death.

sa国际传媒淭his is very concerning to our people,sa国际传媒� Maquinna said through the release. sa国际传媒淲e ask DFO to report back to us as to the cause of death of this young whale so that we can understand what is happening in our waters.sa国际传媒�

The whale is expected to be transported to the provincial animal health care centre in Abbotsford to determine a cause of death.

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andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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