"First of all we would like to acknowledge Tatau, the Creator, through Manakays, the Great Spirit, for all he has provided us since the beginning of time and still provides today."
Today,
Nuxalk Nation Hereditary Chiefs and People arrived in Ista, (Fogg
Creek) to stop INTERFOR from clear cutting 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, Head Hereditary Chief Nuximlayc's (Lawrence Pootlass) wife died. Under duress Head Hereditary Chief signed out of jail to be at his wife's side to mourn.
Interfor was once again given notice by a letter dated May 29, 1997 from Head Hereditary Chief Nuximlayc stating, "we are not involved or negotiating under the B.C. 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 IAND Chief & Council: Nuxalk band council, Heiltsuk (Bella Bella) band council, Kitasoo band council and Oweekeno band council to stand together and protect Indian Land at Ista.
A large number of friends of the Nuxalk Nation (Forest Action Network, Bear Watch, Greenpeace and P.A.T.H.) are also presently at Ista to assist in this stand against clear cut logging.
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 clearcut logging.
For the future of our children, grandchildren and those yet to be born,...
Way!