FROM: CFUV Radio, Victoria, Canada
DATE: May 3, 1994
SUBJECT: BRIEF UPDATE ON LIL'WAT
Yesterday, May 2, Harold 'Chub' Pascal appeared in the
British Columbia Court to set a trial date for the charges
against him for protecting Lil'Wat lands from clearcut logging.
Pascal, the Lil'Wat traditional watchman, is being convicted
for carrying out his role as protector of the land -- in a court
that has no legal jurisdiction on unceded Lil'Wat territory,
according to Pascal and his lawyer, Dr. Bruce Clark.
Clark was on route to the May 2 court date, but was slowed
down in Ontario Friday, April 29 when a judge ordered him
detained for protesting the court's disrespect for native
jurisdiction. He is still in Ontario.
The details of Clark's arrest are sketchy, and updates will
follow.
In Vancouver, the Lil'Wat were supported by a member of the
Pacheenaht Nation, who said "There is no justice for us in their
courts."
Pascal goes to trial on June 13, along with some non-native
road blockaders of the Forest Action Network. Meanwhile,
International Forest Products continues its logging on Lil'Wat
territory (which includes ancient bruial grounds), and the local
RCMP officers continue to carry out there duties without any
investigation into allegations of racism and assault.
- end -