6th July 1998
NUXALK RE-OCCUPATION OF SCW7CWLK VALLEY
Yaw smatmc.
Firstly, we would like to thank the Creator for this day and all that has been provided since the begining of time and is still provided today.
The winter out here for the two of us and our two cats was very peaceful and laidback, to say the least. A pit house afterall, is a winter dwelling; warm and cozy. We did a alot of reading, relearning the art of cedar bark weaving, softening etc, and writing in our journals. We also removed ribbons and blazes left on trees. Aside from those activities we enjoyed the food which we, family and friends preserved; jarred fruit, fish, wild meat, dried fruit and veggies which we stored in our root cellar. We really felt at times as if we were hibernating or that we were hobbits because of there being no windows. We both had never been away from the "civilized world for such a long period of time: four months, or, had gone without other human company. A small group of friends and family made surprise visit in the last week of January bringing us fresh fruit and other treats. Wow! What a surprise and a kinda shock to see other people! They came for just the day, but what a treat!
October 27th/97 to January 26th/98 being totaly alone, together with two cats, we all really had undivided attention; to really get to know ourselves and each other so, very well.
The last week of February we returned to Bella Coola, which was so overwhelming, total culture shock; so many people, cars, lights, plumbing, tv, big lit up house! It was a happy time, however; chaotic and also very depressing. This, I believe, needs no elaboration.
During our three months at Bella Coola, we fished, planted our garden and shared with many curious people; our experiences and personal insights at Scw7cwlk.
Now we are back to our home, back to our element..
This summer we are adding to the community; a cousin Ray will be completing his pithouse which is situtated across the river from us.
The village of Scw7cwlk reborn!
We would like to thank all those who wrote letters of support and to those who donated their time to help in any way they could in the building of our home. We also extend our appreciated and thanks to those who have donated financially to help with expenses for fuel for boats to get out here and to purchase food.
We, Alecia and I have been back in the Scw7cwlk now for three weeks and we are just slowly getting back into the swing of things. The first task; cleaning the pit house, which in our absence; mold and midew moved in!
Many thanks Alecia and Suncw
PRESS RELEASE
December 1, 1997
BELLA COOLA:
NUXALK TERRITORY RE-OCCUPIED
*Nuxalk re-occupies Scw7cwlk valley to protect it from clearcut logging
Yaw Smatmc; Hello Friends,
First I would like to acknowledge the Creator for this day.
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, on a map) 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 clear-cut 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 clear-cuts. 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.
Contact: Melvina Mack (250) 982-2152 Bella
Coola, B.C.
Email: mmack@envirolink.org