QENTOL, YEN Holiday Cheer

T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the Salish Sea, not a creature was stirring,

not even a Sea Lion. Our boat tied up by the dock with care, in hopes that no storm would soon

appear.

QENTOL, YEN Staff nestled all snug at their desk,
while visions of baby orcas would soon appear.
When out on the water there arose such a clatter,
they all sprang from their seats to see what the
matter was! Away in the distance they could see
orcas in a flash. I jumped from my seat and ran for
our boat. I jumped in the front seat and threw it in
full throttle, all happy and glee.

The sun continued to sparkle and gave the lustre of
mid-day I could see. When, what to my wondering
eyes should appear on Sidney Island shores I see, a
Black-tailed Deer, and eight tiny
Oystercatchers I believe.

With little white’s legs, so lively and quick, I knew
in a moment these species were quite quick. Faster
than the bold eagle above, the QENTOL, YEN team
whistled, and shouted, and counted out ten more!

The day continued as the Direct of Operations said “Now Marine Use Planner! Now Community Engagement! Now, Policy/Negotiations Team! Now Referrals Manager and now QENTOL, YEN Team too! To home we go! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

Staff sprang from their chairs, as they gave a whistle, and away they all went before night fall. BUT, before staff could leave, they all heard a fade chatter out on the Salish Sea.

I stood on the bow of our boat and SCREAMED with delight.
“HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL, and TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!” ©
By: David (SÉMÁ, t) Dick
Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW)
Senior Manager