9 June 1997 - Vancouver, BC
| "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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About sixty people including the Nuxalk Nation Hereditary Chiefs and Nuxalk People, as well as the Forest Action Network, Greenpeace, Bearwatch, and Path environmental groups stopped logging at ISTA (Fog Creek, King Island). The workers for Interfor were stopped at the bottom of the road near the ocean, where a banner had been placed. At approximately 9:30 am on Friday, 6 June 1997, Interfor served us with an injunction to stop our blockade. This was the same Court ordered injunction that was earlier used by Interfor in 1995. The Nuxalkmc Chiefs and People, as well as environmental groups, remain committed to stop logging at ISTA. ISTA is an area of the greatest cultural value to the Nuxalkmc. It is a Sacred area known as the place where the first lady of the Nuxalk people descended down to Nuxalk Territory from Nusmata; Heaven. A respected Elder, Skuclikwana (Lucy Mack) name originated from ISTA. Her name comes from two islands, one of which is Nuxalknalus (King Island). The Nuxalk Hereditary leadership and people were put in jail for protecting ISTA in 1995. Interfor was once again given notice on 29 May 1997 from Head Hereditary Chief Nuximlayc who stated: "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 Hereditary Chiefs and Elders are under our own traditional Nuxalk laws. Each Nuxalk family has their own Smayusta as to how their first Ancestors descended to Earth. Smayusta means Origin Stories: traditional names, territory, songs dances, and language/dialect. These must be respected. Nuxalk traditional law is not under the Indian Act. The elected band council is governed by the Indian Act in its administration of government funding. The elected band council does not have the authority to deal with issues affecting Nuxalkmc traditional law. 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 |