Clearcutting is still taking place there. Can you define variable retention?
The Scientific Panel Report gives it much leeway, how much needs to be
retained and whose definition is valid? At present, huge swathes are being
cleared, streams are running mud, salmon smolts are washed out and
smothered, landslides are prevalent,,,the earth is bleeding. If one tree is
left standing, that is variable retention. Interfor is continuing its
intrusion into these ancient forests, quietly, steadily, patiently. Are
people paying attention? All is not well. Do not go to sleep, don't be
pacified, stay awake, stay aware. The land holds ancient knowledge,,,as each
species is destroyed, so goes our instinct, we are all interconnected.
People have been led to believe that there is no more clearcutting in
Clayoquot Sound. This is a fallacy. In fact it is becoming a patchwork of
clearcuts while plans continue to be made for logging the pristine areas,
which are very few. There is little that hasn't had inroads into it. Three
valleys where the rivers run amongst the huge trees and the wildlife feed on
plentiful and stable food sources are being eyed for cutting. These valleys
are some of the wonders of the world, of balance and beauty.
While some areas have been set aside for the present, and some logging has
slowed a bit, Interfor has moved into the area with large offices and bought
up homes for workers, many of whom are brought in. The native leaders are in
meetings constantly and pressured with the tactics of big corporate business
and the ever-present big payoff. As the land is eroded the connections with
the land are lost little by little, and piece by piece, with bits of
rational logic but little heart we lose what is most precious.
Nuxalk chiefs and leaders from Bella Coola on the mainland coast are
fighting to stop Interfor's ongoing destruction of their hereditary
territory on King Island. Three hereditary chiefs spent nearly a month in
prison in B.C. without even having been heard in court before they were
forced to sign papers for their release which acknowledged Interfor's right
to destroy the forests. They would have been in prison for over two months
awaiting their trial, but the tragic loss of one of the chiefs wives while
they were in prison forced them to reconsider signing the release forms.
When they appeared before the judge on December 6th in Vancouver, after the
judge refused to recognize their hereditary responsibility to protect the
land for their people and future generations, the chiefs and defendants as
well as the rest of the Nuxalk people in the courtroom all walked out.
A new trial date has been set for the l5th of January. As these people have
never signed any treaty with the government of British Columbia, their
aboriginal rights have not been extinguished. It is important at this time
to express concern for the rights of these hereditary chiefs and people. As
two governments square off over jurisdiction over the land, those people who
have maintained care and protection of the earth and an hereditary
responsibility for long term futures must be supported. The short-term
resource grab by multinationals and short sighted governments cannot
continue, particularily in light of public awareness and attention. Make
your concerns known by sending the government of B.C. and Interfor a message
and send a copy to your local media.
The Nuxalk Chiefs can be reached at:
The House of Smayusta
P.O. Box 8
Bella Coola, B.C. VOT ICO
Phone: (604) 799-5376
Fax: (604) 799-5707
This information has been put out by C.I.R.C.L.E
COUNCIL FOR INDIGENOUS RIGHTS AND CARE FOR LIFE ON EARTH