PRESS RELEASE
June 10, 1997
"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,
sixty people remain committed to protect Ista (Fogg Creek, King
Island) from Interfor's destructive logging practices. The Supreme
Court of British Columbia today issued Interfor a civil court
injunction and enforcement order that allows the Royal Canadian
Mounted Police (RCMP) to begin their arrests.
"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. "Have strong minds on the road you are walking today. We thank you for being there. It is enough now that the trees have been taken from us. Be strong. I hold my hands up to you. Call on the Creator to comfort you." "I am just thankful that you took another stand for our land. It's a big sacrifice for you. I know the Lord will bless you. And I thank the Lord for the love he gave us for one another. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Love to you all."
We, the Nuxalk Nation remain committed to stop clearcut logging by Interfor at Ista. We, the Nuxalk People will continue to protect our sacred Nuxalk areas from being desecrated by multi-national corporations.
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
P.O. Box 8, Bella Coola, BC V0T 1C0
Telephone: (250) 799-5376 FAX: (250) 799-5707