National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The riveting heartbreak of an endangered orca that carried her dead calf for 17 days and more than 1,500 kilometres in B.C. waters in July 2018 captured the world’s attention.

The extended mourning of the mother orca, J35, also known as Tahlequah, illustrated endangered southern resident killer whales are at a dangerous tipping point, and further catalyzed two young filmmakers to explore what is necessary to save the iconic orcas, which frequent the Salish Sea along the U.S. and Canadian coast.