In Nuxalk culture, the orca, or killer whale, is a powerful symbol of strength, leadership, and family. Revered as a protector and a guardian of the sea, the orca is believed to hold deep spiritual significance, often representing wisdom and the interconnectedness of all beings. The orca’s role as a hunter and a member of a tight-knit pod mirrors the Nuxalk values of community, cooperation, and respect for the natural world. It is also seen as a symbol of transformation, with the ability to navigate both the physical and spiritual realms.