In 2001, the small town of Gold River was adopted by a baby orca. Over the next five years, Luna the Whale would both unite and spark debate amongst the previously segregated town. And he would put this isolated Vancouver Island community on the map and at the forefront of an even bigger conversation about what happens when conservation and humanity collide. This week's guests: Donna Schneider: Donna was a chef on the Uchuck, a regional cruise ship based in Gold River. Donna was one of the first people to encounter Luna and, against all odds, developed a friendship with the orphaned whale. // Eugene Amos: Eugene is a member of the Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nation tribe. He moved to Gold River after the passing of his grandmother and almost immediately encountered another tragedy. But through a strange prophecy and the arrival of Luna, his views of the world and his relationships changed.  // Michael Parfit & Suzanne Chisholm: Michael and Suzanne were sent to Gold River, by Smithsonian, to cover the story of Luna. They stayed on through multiple attempts at rescuing and relocating him, and later turned Luna's story into a documentary, The Whale.  // Our Americana is produced & hosted by Josh Hallmark. Learn more at www.ouramericanapodcast.com // Sponsor Our Americana at www.patreon.com/ouramericana -or- www.ouramericanapodcast.com // Featured Music: Dave Depper - Perspective; Lee Rosevere - Watching Whales on the Moon; Cloudjumper - Orca; Sergey Cheremisinov - Forgotten Stars; Aaron Mist - Wait for Me; Aaron Mist - Whales Inside // Music available at: www.freemusicarchive.com