LUMMI NATION, Wash. – Plans are underway to bring the remains of Tokitae home to the Salish Sea, but not in the way some had hoped for.

The Seattle Times reports that the Southern Resident orca’s body was transported to the University of Georgia for a necropsy just hours after her death last Friday, August 18th.

Her body was cut into pieces and preserved with plans to make castings for displays of her skeleton.

It reportedly came as a shock to the Lummi Nation that they weren’t consulted.

But the Nation has since agreed that cremation would be the best way to bring Tokitae home.

Arrangements have been made for Lummi elder Raynell Morris to carry the ashes back with her on a plane.

Once she arrives in Washington, cultural leaders will decide how to put her to rest.

A complete timeline for the process has not yet been determined.