AMERICAS

Nuxalks and Supporters Arrested

Bella Coola, B.C., Canada. On 21 March 1996, 14 Nuxalks and supporters from the Forest Action Network (FAN) were arrested for their roles in a month-long reoccupation of traditional, unceded Nuxalk lands on King Island, last September. The Nuxalk reoccupation had the objective of protecting Ista (Fog Creek) from a road-building operation of International Forest Products (INTERFOR), which is logging the Great Coast Rainforest.

On 26 September 1995, 22 Nuxalks and FAN supporters were arrested, ending the reoccupation. However, when they were brought to trial, on 22 January 1996, the defendants argued that the Canadian government had no jurisdiction on unceded Nuxalk territory, and they walked out of court. The court then issued arrest warrants to bring the defendants back for trial. Those arrested on 21 March have been ordered held without bail, in Vancouver. Their new trial is now scheduled for 29 April.

For more information contact:

Nuxalk Nation Consulate (604) 730-4831

House of Smayusta (604) 799-5376

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fourth World Bulletin • Spring/Summer 1996