/* Written 7:20 AM Dec 7, 1995 by nfnena in igc:nfn.tempforest */
/* ---------- "BC Trial Update:COURTROOM WALKOUT!" ---------- */
From: Native Forest Network-ENA <nfnena@igc.apc.org>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday 5th December 1995
JUDGE RULES NUXALK PEOPLE HAVE NO JURISDICTION OVER THEIR
TRADITIONAL TERRITORY CHIEFS & SUPPORTERS WALK OUT IN
DISGUST
Supreme court, Vancouver: The Nuxalk chiefs, elders &
supporters walked out of supreme court today in protest at the
judges ruling that they have no jurisdiction over their traditional
territory. The 22 Ista (Fog Creek) defenders, being charged for
disregarding an injunction which prohibited them from protecting
their land, built their legal defense on the fact that the court
has no jurisdiction over Nuxalk territory and therefore has no right
to impose it's values on the Nuxalk people and their guests.
"I see as a result of what we did to protect the land &
forests that there was an assumed jurisdiction. We have never given
up that land," stated Chief Qwatsinas (Ed Moody) to the Supreme
court judge.
Paul Hundel, lawyer for the defendants called upon the crown
to produce extinguishment papers for Nuxalk territory in order to
prove the courts assumed jurisdiction. No such papers could be
provided.
The judge subsequently ruled that the Nuxalk people have no
jurisdiction over their land. The Nuxalk hereditary chiefs,
followed by all supporters subsequently walked out of the court
house in disgust at this genocidal ruling.
"We don't fit in the court system" cried Chief Qwatsinas
outside. "No matter what they say or do,we will continue to help and
protect our people, our forests our water, our land and our territory.
These blanket policies are wrong. Every nation has different beliefs,
different views. We are going the sovereign way"
"To witness a supreme court judge effectively extinguish a
distinct culture, in the 1990's, is absolutely appalling.
Genocide is the only way to describe it," stated FAN spokesperson
Robin Green.
For more information call Robin Green @ (604) 739 4782
Forest Action Network (FAN)--email: fan@alternatives.com
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