Guided by Whales

Native Northwest cultures have long believed whales to be spiritual guides, capable of leading humans to the meaning of life. These ancient and intelligent giants of the sea do, in fact, instill many with an awe so deep that it changes their life’s direction. That is what happened to the twenty-two individuals featured in this book. Guided by Whales is an exploration of career paths and passion projects undertaken by people who saw a whale…and were never again the same. Here are the stories of artists, activists, authors, filmmakers, marine biologists, naturalists, nonprofit administrators, and more who have dedicated their lives to advocating for cetaceans. Their inspirational stories segue into messages of conservation, education, and Native wisdom. Collectively, these stories demonstrate what Native cultures have known all along: whales have a lot to teach us about how to be better human beings.