Nuxalk Timber Theft

After clear cutting Clayquot Sound (British Columbia, Canada), the tree butchers are moving up the coast onto Nuxalk Nation territory. The indigenous peoples’ temperate rainforest land is being cut illegally by timber multinationals including Interfor and MacMillen Bloedel. The Nuxalk Nation have never sold their lands to the Canadian Government, nor signed lands away by treaty, nor lost lands in battle. Timber will be made into essentials such as garden furniture and quilted toilet paper. For the first time since the 1800’s tribal people have left their territory to protest throughout Europe. Forty Manchester EF!ers and Forest Action Network activists joined Chief Qwatsinas and people from the Nuxalk Nation to protest at a timber yard in Trafford Park, Manchester. Demonstrators ethically shoplifted Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, logged from Nuxalk Nation lands. Whilst the roof was occupied for a banner drop the site owners over reacted, closing the gates and stopping all work for an hour. Despite a large police presence no-one was arrested and the action moved to the local police station. The police were asked to keep the shoplifted timber until a court has decided who is the rightful owner.

For information about the issues and future campaigns contact the Forest Action Network c/o 4 Kingsley House, Avonmore Place, London W14 8RY. Tel: 0171 602 5889