Statement to the Press
By Head Hereditary Chief Nuximlayc
June 9, 1997
Vancouver, BC
"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."
About sixty people including the Nuxalk Nation Hereditary Chiefs and Nuxalk People, as well as the Forest Action Network, Greenpeace, Bearwatch, and Path environmentalist groups stopped logging at Ista (Fogg Creek, King Island). The workers for Interfor were stopped at the bottom of the road near the ocean where a banner was placed. At approximately 9:30 am, Friday June 6, 1997. Interfor served an injunction to stop this blockade. This was the same injunction that was used by Interfor in September 1995.
The Nuxalkmc Chiefs and People, as well as environmentalist groups remain committed to stop the logging in 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 highly respected Elder, Skuclikwana (Lucy Mack) name originated from Ista. Her name came from two islands, one of which is Nuxalknalus (King Island). The Nuxalk hereditary leadership and people were put in jail for protecting their sacred site in September 1995,
Interfor was once again given notice on 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 Hereditary Chiefs and Elders have stated that we 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. This must be respected.
The 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!