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Heiltsuk Press Release -- 8 July, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HEILTSUK NATION TELLS WESTERN FOREST PRODUCTS "DEFER LOGGING OUR LAND"
Heiltsuk chiefs stand up to protect Ingram-Mooto rainforest and old-growth
In early April, 70 Heiltsuk representatives sailed to the Ingram-Mooto to request that Western Forest Products immediately stop logging the Ingram-Mooto. With support from community, the Hemas Council of hereditary chiefs asked for a one-year deferral on all new logging in Heiltsuk territory to allow the community to make informed decisions and develop sustainable short and long-term plans for all logging activities in their homeland. Although WFP stopped temporarily, they sent a roadbuilding crew in after 10 days without consultation with the community. Since then, WFP has continued road building and plans to log the pristine valleys using conventional clearcutting, despite concerns of the Hemas Council.
"We have watched our resources and economic opportunities being taken away and yet we depend on these for their food and survival. Our salmon, abalone, halibut, cod, urchins, sea cucumbers -and now our trees - are being removed," said Hemas spokesperson Harvey Humchitt. The Heiltsuk have been here since time began and will remain here until it ends. "We want the logging of the Ingram-Mooto and all removal of our resources to stop until we can have a voice in determining what happens in our homeland. We owe this to our future generations and to the land and sea which provide for us. We want the logging of old growth to stop for the sakes of all British Columbians."
Western Forest Products is one of the largest logging companies logging in Heiltsuk territory, removing huge amounts of timber every year, and yet providing only a few jobs to the Heiltsuk people. Recently, WFP has stated their wish to become certified as being an environmentally and socially responsible logging company under the Forest Stewardship Council. However, the FSC clearly states that indigenous peoples shall control forest management on their lands and territories unless they delegate control with free and informed consent to other agencies". The hereditary chiefs sent a letter to the FSC protesting WFP's activities.
"We do not support the clearcutting of old growth in the Ingram-Mooto. This is wrong," said Chief Harvey Humchitt. "WFP is ignoring our request for a one-year deferral, even though the Delgamuukw and Gladstone cases acknowledge that First Nations people have the right to financially share in the benefits of development in their homelands."
"We are not anti-logging: we support sustainable development which doesn't destroy the delicate balance and interconnectedness of life," said Chief Humchitt. "In the past, our voices were unheard - we are now exercising our responsibility to be stewards of this land. Our ancestors made decisions which all British Columbians now benefit from. We owe this much to future generations for the sake of our common good."
The ancient forest stands have been here for thousands of years - one year is a small fraction needed to review all options.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Chief Harvey Humchitt: 250-957-2319 or e-mail at brendah@bellabella.net
Photos and video of April demonstration are available by contacting Chief Humchitt.
Network,
Box 625
Bella Coola, BC
Canada V0T 1C0;
Bella Coola Phone: (250) 799-5800.
Fax: (250) 799-5830
Vancouver Phone:
(604) 739-4782
E-mail
fanbc@envirolink.org
Webmasters:
Dang Ngo
Deryk Wenaus
FAN works to replace industrial clearcutting
with community-based ecoforestry.