"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"

Statement by Hereditary Chief Qwatsinas: The reoccupation, asserting and reaffirming of Nuxalk sovereignty protects the rainforests in the mid-coast of British Columbia. Other methods stall the clearcut destruction of the rainforests but only temporarily. Reoccupation is a long term strategy which draws public attention to the destruction of Nuxalk lands. The reoccupation of Scw7cwlk by Suncw (Jesse Oud) and Alecia (his partner) is a courageous action that demands respect and recognition from all peoples. The "Land of the Nuxalk" has been lost for a long time, but a rebirth is happening: the Nuxalk are returning home to their traditional lands. You have our support. Statement by Head Hereditary Chief Nuximlayc: The Nuxalkmc must recognize and use their "Smayustas" (stories of origin) again. Through our smayustas, we must bring back our family chiefs and names and claim our watersheds that belong to them. We must recognize our homelands where our names come from, and our history originates. When these watersheds are destroyed, our family heritage, and our way of life is destroyed also. I say thanks to Suncw and Alecia for taking that step to protect the Scw7cwlk. Nuxalk life and heritage is a treasure to the world. For the future of our children, grandchildren and those yet to be born, ... Way! Statement by Suncw (Jesse Oud): Yaw Smatmc; Hello Friends, First I would like to acknowledge the Creator for this day. We ask all First Nations, and all other supporters to write to the authorities to stop the proposed destruction of the Scw7cwlk which is a unique place of beauty in this world. We ask you to stand strong with us in defense of the Scw7cwlk and Nuxalk Sovereignty. My English name is Jesse Oud, my Nuxalk name is Suncw. I am a young Nuxalkmc who is dedicated to keeping our culture and heritage strong. As a Nuxalk sovereigntist I have broken away from the governments reserve boundaries and have re-occupied a traditional village located in the Scw7cwlk (Skowquiltz) Valley. This is a village which once provided for thousands of our people, and could sustain all Nuxalkmc today. Since the beginning of time, the Scw7cwlk has provided an incredible abundance of salmon (4 species), mountain goat, moose, deer, wolves, black and grizzly bear, eagles, ravens, as well as countless other species of animals and birds; all of which hold the identity of our people. It is from all these we get our names, songs, dances; and are provided with the incredible gifts of food and medicine from the Creator. Without these our Nuxalkmc way of life would not exist. I am writing to all who share the same heart and dedication in preserving this land from the destruction of corporate clearcut logging practices. The Scw7cwlk Valley, my home, where I have constructed a traditional pithouse, is the place I will remain throughout the winter and continually hereafter. The Scw7cwlk is slated to be roaded next spring, 1998. These roads are preparing access to 55 proposed clearcuts. Permits granted by the Ministry of Forests allowing this destruction by logging companies are illegal. We, as Nuxalkmc people, have never ceded our territory, never entered any co-management or interim agreements, or signed any treaties concerning our traditional territories. The Nuxalk Nation is the First Nation in the Bella Coola area on the mainland coast of what is known as British Columbia. I am asking First Nations, Canadian and international supporters to write to the Ministry of Forests to stand strong in defense of Nuxalk sovereignty and and our Scw7cwlk village.