NUXALK NATION PRESS RELEASE

Nuxalk Chiefs call upon Chiefs and Councils of the Heiltsuk, Oweekeno, and Kitasoo bands to protect Indian lands

5 June 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."

"Ista" (Fogg Creek), is a sacred site to the Nuxalkmc. This site is being desecrated by Interfor logging Corporation.

The logging done at "Ista" is illegal because they are trespassing on Nuxalk land. We have not consented or negotiated away our forestry rights at "Ista" so the timber is being "stolen".

We have continually requested for sensible logging practices but "Ista" is still being CLEARCUT under the BC Forest Practices Code. We call upon an end to the industrial clearcut logging in the mid coast.

We invite F.A.N., Greenpeace, Bearwatch, and P.A.T.H. to stand together with us to protect "Ista" and the ancient rain forests of the Nuxalk Territory.

The political position of the Nuxalk has always been in place and has not changed at all.

We call upon support from the Chief and Councils of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo and Oweekeno to protect Indian land in the Nuxalk Territory.

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