10 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" |
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"My mother has been arrested for protecting ISTA. My grandfather was arrested too," said Colette Schooner, a 16 year old Nuxalk Youth. "Now I am here for the youth and future generations to stop the clearcutting of this sacred forest." This historic action is being taken to stop logging in ISTA, and area of high cultural significance to the Nuxalk People. ISTA is where one of the First Nuxalk Woman descended. Today we have a song and dance called "ISTA." Strong words of encouragement and support came from Nuxalk Elders to our people
who are making this heroic stand to protect ISTA from destruction. We, the Nuxalk Nation, remain committed to stop clearcut logging by Interfor
at ISTA. We, The Nuxalk Nation Hereditary Chiefs maintain our position of sovereignty over all Nuxalk lands. We have never ceded, relinquished, or sold our lands to anyone, nor have we entered into any treaty ceding any of our Nation's Territory. We have not entered into any treaty negotiations with the B.C. Treaty Commission. We will continue to protect ISTA from Interfor's destructive clearcutting through the authority of our natural Nuxalk Law. For the future of our children, grandchildren and those yet to be born . . . Way! House of Smayusta |