9 June 1997

"First of all; we acknowledge and recognize Tatau, the Creator through Manakays, the Great Spirit for all that is provided for us since the beginning of time and still is today"

The peaceful stand taken by the Nuxalk Nation Hereditary Chiefs, Elders, and Nuxalkmc to protect ISTA, a sacred site within Nuxalk Territory now enters into Day Four. The area of concern lies in what is known as Fog Creek on King Island central coast in B.C. There are approximately 60 people who are continuing to protect ISTA from further desecration. This group not only includes Nuxalkmc but also representatives from Greenpeace, Forest Action Network (FAN), Bear Watch and Peoples Action for Threaten Habitat (PATH) environmental groups This historic action is being taken to stop logging in an area, ISTA, of high cultural significance to the Nuxalk People. This area is where the first Nuxalk Woman descended within Nuxalk Territory. ISTA is also the name of the first woman. This land is as sacred to the Nuxalkmc as a church, temple or synagogue is to any religion. It is also part of the last remaining pristine rainforests in BC. Logging as well as other development activities along the coast of BC has destroyed most northwest coast rainforests. Those areas that remain uncut such as ISTA represent a small fraction of the once great coastal forest. The loss of this signifies not only a loss of culture to the Nuxalkmc but also a loss to all humankind. On Saturday, 7 June 1997 at about 1:00 pm, Interfor attempted to serve a notice that they were going to file a second injunction to the people protecting ISTA. The RCMP have also visited the site on several occasions. The Nuxalk Head Hereditary Chief, Nuximlayc, served Interfor notice that their corporation is trespassing on Nuxalk Nation Territory and desecrating a sacred site, ISTA. This notice was delivered by Hereditary Chief, Slicxwliqw', today, 9 June 1997. Nuximlayc informed Interfor that the Nuxalk have their own natural laws since time immemorial. It is these laws that give the Hereditary Chiefs the responsibility to protect all Nuxalk lands and resources from any forms of destruction. Nuxalk elders have instructed the young people that; "in the past and still today our people have specific areas within their territory to protect. This includes all sacred sites, trees, rivers, streams and wildlife. We, as people, must take care of our land because it is a part of our obligations to Tatau, the Creator, not to any foreign government. We must maintain our obligations to Tatau, the Creator, in order that the forests will provide for us." The Nuxalk Hereditary Chiefs are asking for your prayers and support. For the future of our children, grandchildren and those yet to be born . . . Way! House of Smayusta Bella Coola, BC