Three Interfor workers showed up this morning on the beach at Ista (Fog Creek). They informed that they will be leaving the area, and removing their equipment at high tide. The Interfor workers will be removing dynamite and related supplies, and 3000 gallons of fuel at high tide when regulations allow it. They will also be doing cleanup. Interfor will be leaving the Ista (Fog Creek) watershed intact. Before they remove equipment they will be putting a cross culverage as part of the ministry's requirement for abandoning a road.

The Nuxalk will continue to defend and protect the site and they will also develop & occupy the watershed.

Events leading up to Interfor's visit this morning are as follows:

-The Nuxalk Nation Hereditary Chiefs, Elders and Nuxalkmc with the support of the Forest Action Network (FAN) demanded that the dynamite, detonators and equipment be removed from Ista (Fog Creek). Forty-eight hours notice was given to Interfor.

-Six Interfor workers also came to do an inventory of all the dynamite and equipment. They said that they would convey Nuxalk Nation demands to their superiors.

-Phone calls were made to Heltsiuk Nation for support and assistance.

-In response to this request, the Heiltsuk Nation Hereditary Chief Reggie Moody, Dean Wilson, Don Vickers, and Mitchell Vickers arrived at Ista (Fog Creek) Friday, September 15, 1995 at approximately l:00 pm. Heiltsuk Nation pledged their support to the blockade and brought food to help the Nuxalkmc.

-Nuxalk Nation Elders Amanda Siwallace, 76 years old, and Lucy Mack 86 years old, made every effort to greet the Heiltsuk people. Elder Lucy Mack walked a full 1 and 1/2 kilometre hill and as did Elder Amanda Siwallace but was carried by 8 young men the last 100 metres.

-A precedent was set when FAN environmental group joined the Nuxalk Nation sovereign people in a blockade. Another precedent was set when the sovereign people of Nuxalk Nation and Heiltsuk Nation joined in forces to oppose the logging at Ista (Fog Creek).

-The Nuxalkmc received the Heiltsuk with honor. Nuxalk Nation Hereditary Chief Nuximlayc (Lawrence Pootlass) danced the welcome honor dance and Agnes Edgar dance with Chief Liciw7mutusayc (Taylor King).

-An exchange of speeches between Heiltsuk Nation and Nuxalk Nation occurred. These discussions came to the recognition of sovereignty and the protection of Ista (Fog Creek) as well as the other watersheds in their territory's. There was also a call for each sovereign nation to work together with each other. During their visit the RCMP arrived at 3:30 p.m.

-The RCMP discussed the situation of the blockade and also inspected Interfor equipment. Upon the request of Chief Nuximlayc (Lawrence Pootlass) the RCMP left their side arms in their boats. Statements were made to the RCMP that this is not an enforcement issue but a political and environmental issue. Helicopter surveillance occurred during the RCMP visit. The RCMP left shortly.

-Shortly after, the Nuxalk neighbours, the Heiltsuk departed. As the Heiltsuk representative left, their Hereditary Chief Reggie Moody danced on the bow of his boat to say farewell to the Nuxalk song of "Ahiyala". There will be additional support coming from Heiltsuk Nation sovereign people.

We are calling upon all our brother and sister "sovereignists" to come together to protect our lands and we also call upon them to support the Gustafsen Lake issue.

The issues for the mid coast area is highly political and environmental and is not an enforcement issue. The sovereignty stance taking at Ista at Fog Creek is in no way part of the BC Treaty Commission process.