Blackfish
Orca / killer whale orignating from Native American culture / Northwest Coast tribes and often found carved on totem poles.
Name taken from Tlingit legend of "Natsilane" a sea lion hunter betrayed by his brothers-in-law but saved by a Chief of the sea lions he had been hunting. In response to them saving him, Natsilane carved a great black fish from cedar wood and when launched it came to life and swam out to sea.
He called the blackfish to find his brothers-in-law when they returned from their hunting, destroy them and their boat but spare the youngest boy. The blackfish set out and found them, capsized the boat and drowned the brothers by keeping them from shore. The youngest made it back safely along with his story of the great blackfish and his brothers’ treachery.
Natsilane instructed it never again to harm humans but instead, to help them and legend states following this, a large strange blackfish with teeth was seen near the shore and at times would leave a freshly killed seal or halibut for the villagers. The villagers agreed to show mutual respect by never hunting nor harming the blackfish and taking it for their crest.
Tribes with Orca / Blackfish clans include the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Kwakiutl. It is still highly revered and considered a spiritual, powerful animal which must be respected and protected.
The name was given to the movie documentary based on its name and the legend / cautionary tale against hunting or harming.
Name taken from Tlingit legend of "Natsilane" a sea lion hunter betrayed by his brothers-in-law but saved by a Chief of the sea lions he had been hunting. In response to them saving him, Natsilane carved a great black fish from cedar wood and when launched it came to life and swam out to sea.
He called the blackfish to find his brothers-in-law when they returned from their hunting, destroy them and their boat but spare the youngest boy. The blackfish set out and found them, capsized the boat and drowned the brothers by keeping them from shore. The youngest made it back safely along with his story of the great blackfish and his brothers’ treachery.
Natsilane instructed it never again to harm humans but instead, to help them and legend states following this, a large strange blackfish with teeth was seen near the shore and at times would leave a freshly killed seal or halibut for the villagers. The villagers agreed to show mutual respect by never hunting nor harming the blackfish and taking it for their crest.
Tribes with Orca / Blackfish clans include the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Kwakiutl. It is still highly revered and considered a spiritual, powerful animal which must be respected and protected.
The name was given to the movie documentary based on its name and the legend / cautionary tale against hunting or harming.
"You're fishing? OK but you know the drill about the Blackfish. Leave well alone they're good to us if we leave well alone!!!"
Blackfish by MumsGloriousOrca February 6, 2022
