[The following is forwarded from FAN and David Goldman. Please contact them directly for further information. Thank you. -Michele]
Trial of Defenders of Nuxalk Land - 12/4/95

Nuxalk Summary
By: David Goldman

FIGHT HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN CANADA AND
PROTECT THE GREAT COAST FOREST -- December 4, 1995

December 4, 1995 21 Defenders of Nuxalk land and the Great Coast Forest will be tried by the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Protests will take place in Bonn, Germany; Munich, Germany; Berlin, Germany; London, England; Bern, Switzerland; Brussels, Belgium; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Winnipeg, Canada; Ottowa, Canada; Toronto, Canada; Pittsberg, USA; New York, USA; Los Angeles, USA; San Francisco, USA; Seattle, USA. If you would like to be involved, please contact:

Bella Coola: The House of Smayusta,
PO Box 8, Bella Coola B.C., VOT-1CO,
Canada
Tel (604-799-5376
fax (604) 799-5707

Vancouver: Forest Action Network
Tel (604) 739-ISTA
fax (604) 736-7115
FAN@alternatives.com

Seattle: Forest Action Network
Phone: (206) 522-7793
dgoldman@u.washington.edu

As a member of the Forest Action Network (FAN) in Seattle, I was asked to write an article concerning this issue to inform people of some past and upcoming events. I do not claim to represent the Nuxalk Nation, I have been invited by Nuxalkmc to help protect the forests in Nuxalk territory. Information on sovereignty comes from documents given to me by Nuxalk Hereditary Chief Qwatsinas (Edward Moody) and others at the House of Smayusta.

The devastation of the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest coast of Canada as well as human rights violations against First Nations people is nothing new. However, in this case, the Nuxalk Nation, a sovereign First Nation in Bella Coola British Columbia and the Forest Action Network (FAN), an experienced environmental organization have joined together and are non-violently forcing the Canadian government to address the issue. In the upcoming week of 4-December-1995, the British Columbia supreme court will hear a case that will decide the future of Canadian policy of First Nations Sovereignty and clearcutting on Fist Nations land.

The Nuxalk Nation has never made treaty, ceded, or sold their territory to the British Colombian and/or Canadian Governments. According to the Royal Proclamation (1763) of King George III the rights of sovereign First Nations in British Columbia are protected from outside parties trespassing on and destroying their territories. The Constitution Act (1982) of Canada, recognizes the Royal Proclamation and, in section 35.1, confirms existing aboriginal rights. On 4-Dec.-1995, the British Columbia Supreme Court will be forced to address this issue.

In early September, Nuxalk Hereditary Chiefs, elders, and others as well as many FAN activists formed a blockade at Ista, a traditional village site on King Island. The blockaders succeeded in forcing the International Forest Products corporation (INTERFOR) to pull out their equipment from the area. The British Colombian court issued an injunction against anyone blocking the building of a road at Ista. Since the Nuxalk Nation does not fall under the authority of British Columbia, the Nuxalk and their invited guests did not recognize the injunction as valid. On the 26th of September, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) moved in on the blockade and arrested 21 people. On December 4, 1995, all of those who were arrested will appear in front of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver.

David Goldman
dgoldman@u.washington.edu
Information provided by:
Michele Lord
Member of:
The Moccasin Telegraph Network

Return to The People's Paths

Return to The People's Home Page