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A Writer's Connection to the Salish Sea with Rena Priest

Rena Priest is an award-winning poet and writer, a National Geographic Explorer and a member of the Lummi Nation.

In April, she was named Washington State Poet Laureate - the first time Washington has awarded this role to an indigenous poet.

Today, we discuss Rena’s calling to write about the Southern Resident Orca, whom the Lummi consider their "relatives under the sea."

Rena also honors us with indigenous storytelling and worldviews.

Call to Action: Join the campaign to free Tokitae and sign the petition here.

Intro music: “The Spaces Between,” by Scott Buckley.

Interstitial music: "Endeavor," by Stellardrone.

About the Podcast

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Sentient Planet
Giving voice to the species with whom we share the Earth and the humans dedicated to their urgent defense and preservation. Long-form stories included every season. Like what you hear? You can support our message on Patreon.

About your hosts

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Susan Woodward

Susan is a writer and journalist with strong ties to Australia and the West Coast, USA. She resists the corporate destruction of nature and is a passionate defender of our more-than-human animal kin. You will often find her hiking in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
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Liam Wilkinson

Liam is our sound engineer and podcast editor. When he isn't working on our audio, you'll often find him walking around the parks of England, cooking up a storm, or writing and performing nature-inspired music under the moniker "Salad Sage."
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Ari Simmons

Ari lives in Portland, Oregon and manages all our podcast's social media demands. She's an avid climate activist and solar energy specialist who is driven to foster a sustainable future inclusive of all living beings.
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Janet Grimwade

Janet has a strong background in graphic design, having built a career in Australia and the United States. Her passion lies in being active in nature.