Orcas (killer whales) are the largest of the dolphin family species, very intelligent marine mammals who live in matrilineal family pods. At the Whale Interpretative Centre Haley learns about the behaviour of oricinus orcas, and Malong Dawson says they regard orcas as protectors. Jared Towers studies the orcas’ distinctive sounds and social structures which differ from one pod to the next. Orcas are significant to west coast Indigenous peoples who often sang songs and communicated with them. K’ómoks Indigenous artist Andy Everson describes the connection they feel to the killer whale, their ancestors. Doc concludes by reading a tale, Txu’xiit, one of the many indigenous legends about orcas, sometimes called blackfish or sea wolves.