What are the native American words for Orca or killer whale?

There is no single, universal Native American word for Orca or killer whale. Different tribes and language families across the continent have their own unique names for these magnificent creatures.

Here are a few examples:

Salish languages:

* Lushootseed (Puget Sound Salish): *q̓ʷə́lxʷ* (pronounced "kwulkw")

* Squamish: *q̓ʷə́lxʷ* (pronounced "kwulkw")

* Halkomelem (Fraser River Salish): *q̓ʷə́lxʷ* (pronounced "kwulkw")

Chinook Jargon:

* Kłiklát: This term was widely used in the Pacific Northwest during the fur trade era.

Other examples:

* Tlingit: *q'aq' aay*

* Haida: *xaa.tl*

It's important to remember that there are many more languages and tribes across North America, each with their own unique names for Orcas. The words above are just a few examples to illustrate the diversity of native language.

When researching specific terms, it's crucial to specify the language family or tribe you are interested in. You can find more information about specific Native American languages and their words for Orca through online resources like the FirstVoices website or by consulting with tribal language experts.