Yaw Smatmc; Hello Friends,

First I would like to acknowledge the Creator for this day.

My English name is Jesse Oud, my Nuxalk name is Suncw. I am a young Nuxalkmc who is dedicated to keeping our culture and heritage strong. As a Nuxalk sovereigntist I have broken away from the government's reserve boundaries and have re-occupied a traditional village located in the Scw7cwlk (Skowquiltz, on a map) valley. This is a village which once provided for thousands of our people, and could sustain all Nuxalkmc today. Since the beginning of time, the Scw7cwlk has provided an incredible abundance of salmon (4 species), mountain goat, moose, deer, wolves, black and grizzly bear, eagles, ravens, as well as countless other species of animals and birds; all of which hold the identity of our people. It is from all these we get our names, songs, dances; and are provided with the incredible gifts of food and medicine from the Creator. Without these our Nuxalkmc way of life would not exist.

I am writing to all who share the same heart and dedication in preserving this land from the destruction of corporate clear-cut logging practices. The Scw7cwlk valley, my home, where I have constructed a traditional pithouse, is the place I will remain throughout the winter and continually hereafter. The Scw7cwlk is slated to be roaded next spring, 1998. These roads are preparing access to 55 proposed clear-cuts. Permits granted by the Ministry of Forests allowing this destruction by logging companies are illegal. We, as Nuxalkmc people, have never ceded our territory, never entered any co-management or interim agreements, or signed any treaties concerning our traditional territories.

*The Nuxalk Nation is the First Nation in the Bella Coola area on the mainland coast of what is known as British Columbia. I am asking First Nations, Canadian and international supporters to write to the Ministry of Forests to stand strong in defense of Nuxalk sovereignty and and our Scw7cwlk village.

Otto Pflanz, District Manager
Ministry of Forests, Mid Coast Forest District
Box 190
Hagensborg, B.C.
V0T 1H0 Canadab
Tel: (250) 982-2000
Fax: (250) 982-2090


Contact: Melvina Mack (250) 982-2152.