There are many stories of the Whale and it's relationship to the northwest coast people. Some nations say that the Orca whale is the spirit of ancestors who have passed into the great mystery. There are stories of the whale who took care of a man and carried him back to his village.
For others the Whale is one of the four main crest of each village along with Eagle, Raven, and Wolf.
For the people of Tofino and the visitors from around the world, the whale is one of the greatest experiences in the wild. Thousands go out to see them on guided tours by local people to experience encounters with many species of whales. For myself, I am a member of the Fireweed Whale Clan of Kispiox in the House of Qeel, the head chief of the village of Kispiox.