Today, Nuxalk Nation Hereditary Chiefs and People arrived at ISTA (Fog Creek) on King Island to stop INTERFOR from clearcutting our sacred area. ISTA is known as the place where the first lady of the Nuxalk people descended down to Nuxalk Territory from Nusmata, Heaven. In September 1995 Nuxalk Nation Hereditary Chiefs and People were arrested for protecting ISTA from clearcutting. While they were in jail, the wife of Head Hereditary Chief Nuximlayc (Lawrence Pootlass) became ill and died. Under duress, he signed out of jail to be at his wife's side to mourn. Interfor was once again given notice by a letter dated 29 May 1997 from Head Hereditary Chief Nuximlayc stating: "we are not involved or negotiating under the BC Treaty Process" and "You must consider this as a notice to your company to leave our forests alone." The Nuxalk Hereditary leadership also invited the elected Nuxalk band council, the Heiltsuk (Bella Bella) band council, the Kitasoo band council and the Oweekeno band council to stand together and protect Indian Land at ISTA. A large number of friends of the Nuxalk Nation are also presently at ISTA to assist in this stand against clearcut logging including Forest Action Network, Bear Watch, Greenpeace and PATH. We will keep you informed, and if you have any questions someone will be at the above address to provide answers. We ask for your prayers and support in protecting ISTA from further destruction by Interfor. For the future of our children, grandchildren and those yet to be born . . . Way! House of Smayusta Bella Coola, BC