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Call For Solidarity: Nuxalk Nation Evicts Juggernaut Exploration Ltd.
16/08/21
From: Nuskmata Jacinda Mack <jacinda.mack@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Aug 16, 2021 at 9:07 AM
Subject: Call For Solidarity: Nuxalk Nation Evicts Juggernaut Exploration Ltd.
To:
Date: Mon, Aug 16, 2021 at 9:07 AM
Subject: Call For Solidarity: Nuxalk Nation Evicts Juggernaut Exploration Ltd.
To:
Yaw Smatmcuks ( hello relatives )
I write to you today to ask you to stand with me and my people, the Nuxalk Nation. We are saying NO to mining in Nuxalkulmc (Nuxalk Territory), and we need your support. We are asking people to help share our action today, and speak up in solidarity with our efforts to protect ALL life against one of the most destructive extractive industries on earth, mining.
I have attached [see below] a few information documents for you, including:
1. Nuxalk Stataltmcilh (Nuxalk Ancestral Government) Letter to Canada Re: Human Rights Violations (Aug.16, 2021)
2. Nuxalk Sisawkilh (Workers of Nuxalk Stataltmcilh) Letter to Juggernaut Exploration Ltd. Re: Eviction from Nuxalkulmc (Aug.16, 2021)
3. Nuxalk Administration Media Release Re: Supporting Nuxalk Stataltmcilh on Juggernaut Eviction (Aug.16, 2021)
4. Mining Backgrounder (Aug.16, 2021)
5. Call to Action Information (Aug. 16, 2021)
Please take a few minutes to look at these documents for a better understanding of our the illegal mining and human rights violations that we are experiencing. There are many things you can do to support us! At this time, it mostly includes sharing our story and boosting social media content on Instagram: @ancientrootscollective. You can learn more about our actions to also PROTECT OLD GROWTH FORESTS in Nuxalkulmc. It is all connected, as are we!
If you can, we would REALLY appreciate a SOLIDARITY LETTER supporting our actions to defend ourselves. We look forward to building relationships and learning more about other actions in other territories as well. Please send letters to me at this email address.
Smaw ti slq'ilh (One heart, one mind)
Stutwniitscw (thank you),
Nuskmata
--
Norah Bowman, PhD
College Professor, Okanagan College
Unceded Syilx territory, Kelowna, B.C.
PRESS RELEASE:
August 16, 2021
Nuxalk Nation calls on Juggernaut Exploration to cease operations and leave Nuxalk territory
Bella Coola, BC – On behalf of Nuxalk Administration, the elected Chief and Council support the
Nuxalk Stataltmc (ancestral governance) in their eviction of unauthorized mining in Nuxalkulmc
(Nuxalk territory). Mining company Juggernaut Explorations must immediately cease its operations,
remove their equipment, return the core samples, and leave the area.
“Juggernaut Explorations does not have Nuxalk consent to operate in our territory,” said elected Chief
Samuel Schooner. “As Chief and Council, we support the actions of our Stataltmc, who have issued an
eviction order to the company.”
Juggernaut Explorations, a Vancouver-based mining exploration company, has been conducting test
drilling on two sites in Nuxalk territory for the past several weeks. They are looking for gold and other
precious metals and are breaking Nuxalk law.
“We understand the risks of industrial resource extraction in our territory, especially mining,” said
Schooner. “Any type of mining operation is extremely dangerous to the wellbeing of our territory and
our people.
“One only need to look at the Mt. Polley Mine disaster of 2014 in our neighbouring territory of the
Secwepemc to see the devastation mining can cause. We are united with our ancestral leadership and
do not support any mining operation in Nuxalk territory.”
The Nuxalk Nation has never ceded rights and title to its territory, nor has it entered into any treaty
negotiations with the Canadian government.
Nuxalk Stataltmc have appointed Nuskmata (Jacinda Mack), who has both Nuxalk and Secwepemc
ancestry, to speak on their behalf regarding this issue. She has extensive experience in community
advocacy regarding mining and was instrumental in the response to the Mt. Polley Mine tailings
breach in 2014, when more than 26 million liters of tailings effluent containing toxic copper and gold
mining waste flowed into Quesnel Lake.
For more information or to arrange interviews:
Caitlin Thompson
Communications Director
communications@nuxalknation.ca
250 799 5368
PO BOX 65, Bella Coola, BC V0T 1C0
Phone: (250)799-5368 Fax: (250)799-5426
Nuxalk Nation calls on Juggernaut Exploration to cease operations and leave Nuxalk territory
Bella Coola, BC – On behalf of Nuxalk Administration, the elected Chief and Council support the
Nuxalk Stataltmc (ancestral governance) in their eviction of unauthorized mining in Nuxalkulmc
(Nuxalk territory). Mining company Juggernaut Explorations must immediately cease its operations,
remove their equipment, return the core samples, and leave the area.
“Juggernaut Explorations does not have Nuxalk consent to operate in our territory,” said elected Chief
Samuel Schooner. “As Chief and Council, we support the actions of our Stataltmc, who have issued an
eviction order to the company.”
Juggernaut Explorations, a Vancouver-based mining exploration company, has been conducting test
drilling on two sites in Nuxalk territory for the past several weeks. They are looking for gold and other
precious metals and are breaking Nuxalk law.
“We understand the risks of industrial resource extraction in our territory, especially mining,” said
Schooner. “Any type of mining operation is extremely dangerous to the wellbeing of our territory and
our people.
“One only need to look at the Mt. Polley Mine disaster of 2014 in our neighbouring territory of the
Secwepemc to see the devastation mining can cause. We are united with our ancestral leadership and
do not support any mining operation in Nuxalk territory.”
The Nuxalk Nation has never ceded rights and title to its territory, nor has it entered into any treaty
negotiations with the Canadian government.
Nuxalk Stataltmc have appointed Nuskmata (Jacinda Mack), who has both Nuxalk and Secwepemc
ancestry, to speak on their behalf regarding this issue. She has extensive experience in community
advocacy regarding mining and was instrumental in the response to the Mt. Polley Mine tailings
breach in 2014, when more than 26 million liters of tailings effluent containing toxic copper and gold
mining waste flowed into Quesnel Lake.
For more information or to arrange interviews:
Caitlin Thompson
Communications Director
communications@nuxalknation.ca
250 799 5368
PO BOX 65, Bella Coola, BC V0T 1C0
Phone: (250)799-5368 Fax: (250)799-5426
MINING BACKGROUNDER:
Media Backgrounder:
Juggernaut Exploration work in Nuxalkulmc (Bella Coola, B.C.)
August 16, 2021
Juggernaut Exploration is a Vancouver-based mining company. They are looking for GOLD and other precious metals in
Nuxalkulmc (Sovereign Unceded Nuxalk territory)
Juggernaut Exploration has been granted exploration permits from the Province of B.C. for two sites in Nuxalkulmc. They
are drilling on the top of Qw’miixw (Mt. Pootlass) above the Nutcicts’kwani (Necleetsconnay) River, which leads into the
Bella Coola River and estuary. Juggernaut calls this their Goldstandard Property. The second site is located in the vicinity
of South Bentinck. Juggernaut calls this their Goldstar Property.
Nuxalkmc Stataltmc (ancestral governance), speaking on behalf of their families, have said NO to mining. Mining without
consent is a human rights violation. They are supported by the elected Nuxalk Chief and Council.
The Nuxalk Nation has never ceded rights and title to its territory, nor has it entered into any treaty negotiations with the
Canadian government.
The eviction notice to Juggernaut Exploration was issued by the Nuskmata on behalf of the Nuxalk in Nukits’ (Hagensborg)
on Monday, August 16, 2021 at 7am. Juggernaut has been given until August 18th at 11pm to leave the territory.
Nuxalk Stataltmc have appointed Nuskmata (Jacinda Mack) to be their spokesperson regarding this issue. Nuskmata will be
accepting requests for interviews.
Nuskmata (Jacinda Mack) Staltmc Nuximlayc (Noel Pootlass)
Nuskmata is a community advocate with a focus on mining. She was
instrumental in the response to the Mt. Polley tailings breach in 2014,
when more than eight million cubic metres of tailings effluent containing
toxic copper and gold mining waste flowed into Quesnel Lake.
Staltmc Nuximlayc (Noel Pootlass) is the Hereditary leader of the village
of Q’umk’uts, upon which most members of the Nuxalk Nation now
reside and he carries on traditional responsibilities for the land.
For more information, or to arrange interviews:
Nuskmata (Jacinda Mack)
e: nuskmata@protonmail.com
p: 250 302 9323
Links & Resources
www.ancientrootscollective.com
www.juggernautexploration.com
www.fairmining.ca
~ Smaw ti sq’ilh ~
“one heart, one mind”
Email:communications@nuxalknation.ca
Juggernaut Exploration work in Nuxalkulmc (Bella Coola, B.C.)
August 16, 2021
Juggernaut Exploration is a Vancouver-based mining company. They are looking for GOLD and other precious metals in
Nuxalkulmc (Sovereign Unceded Nuxalk territory)
Juggernaut Exploration has been granted exploration permits from the Province of B.C. for two sites in Nuxalkulmc. They
are drilling on the top of Qw’miixw (Mt. Pootlass) above the Nutcicts’kwani (Necleetsconnay) River, which leads into the
Bella Coola River and estuary. Juggernaut calls this their Goldstandard Property. The second site is located in the vicinity
of South Bentinck. Juggernaut calls this their Goldstar Property.
Nuxalkmc Stataltmc (ancestral governance), speaking on behalf of their families, have said NO to mining. Mining without
consent is a human rights violation. They are supported by the elected Nuxalk Chief and Council.
The Nuxalk Nation has never ceded rights and title to its territory, nor has it entered into any treaty negotiations with the
Canadian government.
The eviction notice to Juggernaut Exploration was issued by the Nuskmata on behalf of the Nuxalk in Nukits’ (Hagensborg)
on Monday, August 16, 2021 at 7am. Juggernaut has been given until August 18th at 11pm to leave the territory.
Nuxalk Stataltmc have appointed Nuskmata (Jacinda Mack) to be their spokesperson regarding this issue. Nuskmata will be
accepting requests for interviews.
Nuskmata (Jacinda Mack) Staltmc Nuximlayc (Noel Pootlass)
Nuskmata is a community advocate with a focus on mining. She was
instrumental in the response to the Mt. Polley tailings breach in 2014,
when more than eight million cubic metres of tailings effluent containing
toxic copper and gold mining waste flowed into Quesnel Lake.
Staltmc Nuximlayc (Noel Pootlass) is the Hereditary leader of the village
of Q’umk’uts, upon which most members of the Nuxalk Nation now
reside and he carries on traditional responsibilities for the land.
For more information, or to arrange interviews:
Nuskmata (Jacinda Mack)
e: nuskmata@protonmail.com
p: 250 302 9323
Links & Resources
www.ancientrootscollective.com
www.juggernautexploration.com
www.fairmining.ca
~ Smaw ti sq’ilh ~
“one heart, one mind”
Email:communications@nuxalknation.ca
CALL FOR SOLIDARITY AGAINST MINING IN NUXALKULMC:
NO MINING IN NUXALKULMC
→ WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ←
Who is mining and what are they looking for?
Juggernaut Exploration is drilling for GOLD and has a large crew in Bella Coola
until September. You have probably seen the helicopters carrying pipes and other drill
gear. At this time, it is not a mine, but they are looking for an area to create a mine.
Now is the best time to stop the project.
Where are they
drilling?
One of the areas the company
is drilling is on the top of
Qw’miixw (Mt. Pootlass) above
the Nutcicts’kwani
(Necleetsconnay) River, which
leads into the Bella Coola River
and estuary. Another area is in
the mountain above the Rock
Carvings on Thorsen Creek.
These places are sacred and
spiritually important to
Nuxalkmc as told in our
Smayusta (creation stories).
Why does it matter?
Nuxalkmc Stataltmc, speaking on behalf of our families and Nation, have said NO to
mining. Mining without consent is a human rights violation.
What are some long-term impacts of mining?
• Removal of mountains to create waste dumps that fail over time
For example, Mount Polley Mine Disaster, 2014
• Rock acid and heavy metal contamination (linked to cancers)
• Extreme dust and noise from dynamite blasting
• Loss of tourism due to mine pollution
• Spikes and crashes in property values (homes & businesses)
Calls to ACTION - What you can do
1. Make your voice heard – support human rights and SAY NO to mining and talk about it to
friends and family to help educate others.
2. Local businesses can stop providing services to the miners that enable operations to
continue (transportation, accommodation, fuel, building materials, etc.)
3. Stay updated on Nuxalk social media accounts & share content:
Ancient Roots Collective Website: ancientrootscollective.com
Instagram: @ancientrootscollective @nusqlst_village
4. Comment on Juggernaut social media accounts to not invest in the project due to
human rights violations. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn.
Find links at: https://juggernautexploration.com/
5. Call & write local leaders, the BC and Canadian government and the company to let them
know that you DO NOT SUPPORT MINING in Nuxalkulmc due to:
• Human Rights violations against Nuxalkmc
• Lack of public consultation
• Threat to our water, salmon, forests and way of life
• Threat to the local tourism economy
• Threat to long term value of local homes and businesses
• Threat of mine workers preying on local women and youth
• Threat of increased alcohol & drug abuse and violence
Þ John Horgan, BC Premier
john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca Telephone: 250-391-2801
Þ Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation
Email: IRR.Minister@gov.bc.ca
Þ BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon
Minister Bruce Ralston Email: EMPR.Minister@gov.bc.ca
Þ Jennifer Rice, BC Member of the Legislative Assembly (NDP rep for Bella Coola) Toll
Free: 1-866-624-7734 Email: jennifer.rice.mla@leg.bc.ca
Þ Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada 1-866-842-4422 (toll-free in Canada and the
U.S.) Email: citadelle@gg.ca
Þ Taylor Bachrach, Member of Parliament Tel: 1 250 615-5339
Email: Taylor.Bachrach@parl.gc.ca
Þ Dan Stuart, Juggernaut Exploration Tel: (604) 559-8028 (Vancouver)
Email:info@juggernautexploration.com
→ WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ←
Who is mining and what are they looking for?
Juggernaut Exploration is drilling for GOLD and has a large crew in Bella Coola
until September. You have probably seen the helicopters carrying pipes and other drill
gear. At this time, it is not a mine, but they are looking for an area to create a mine.
Now is the best time to stop the project.
Where are they
drilling?
One of the areas the company
is drilling is on the top of
Qw’miixw (Mt. Pootlass) above
the Nutcicts’kwani
(Necleetsconnay) River, which
leads into the Bella Coola River
and estuary. Another area is in
the mountain above the Rock
Carvings on Thorsen Creek.
These places are sacred and
spiritually important to
Nuxalkmc as told in our
Smayusta (creation stories).
Why does it matter?
Nuxalkmc Stataltmc, speaking on behalf of our families and Nation, have said NO to
mining. Mining without consent is a human rights violation.
What are some long-term impacts of mining?
• Removal of mountains to create waste dumps that fail over time
For example, Mount Polley Mine Disaster, 2014
• Rock acid and heavy metal contamination (linked to cancers)
• Extreme dust and noise from dynamite blasting
• Loss of tourism due to mine pollution
• Spikes and crashes in property values (homes & businesses)
Calls to ACTION - What you can do
1. Make your voice heard – support human rights and SAY NO to mining and talk about it to
friends and family to help educate others.
2. Local businesses can stop providing services to the miners that enable operations to
continue (transportation, accommodation, fuel, building materials, etc.)
3. Stay updated on Nuxalk social media accounts & share content:
Ancient Roots Collective Website: ancientrootscollective.com
Instagram: @ancientrootscollective @nusqlst_village
4. Comment on Juggernaut social media accounts to not invest in the project due to
human rights violations. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn.
Find links at: https://juggernautexploration.com/
5. Call & write local leaders, the BC and Canadian government and the company to let them
know that you DO NOT SUPPORT MINING in Nuxalkulmc due to:
• Human Rights violations against Nuxalkmc
• Lack of public consultation
• Threat to our water, salmon, forests and way of life
• Threat to the local tourism economy
• Threat to long term value of local homes and businesses
• Threat of mine workers preying on local women and youth
• Threat of increased alcohol & drug abuse and violence
Þ John Horgan, BC Premier
john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca Telephone: 250-391-2801
Þ Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation
Email: IRR.Minister@gov.bc.ca
Þ BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon
Minister Bruce Ralston Email: EMPR.Minister@gov.bc.ca
Þ Jennifer Rice, BC Member of the Legislative Assembly (NDP rep for Bella Coola) Toll
Free: 1-866-624-7734 Email: jennifer.rice.mla@leg.bc.ca
Þ Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada 1-866-842-4422 (toll-free in Canada and the
U.S.) Email: citadelle@gg.ca
Þ Taylor Bachrach, Member of Parliament Tel: 1 250 615-5339
Email: Taylor.Bachrach@parl.gc.ca
Þ Dan Stuart, Juggernaut Exploration Tel: (604) 559-8028 (Vancouver)
Email:info@juggernautexploration.com
SISAWKTIMUT STATEMENT MINING COMPANY AUGUST 16, 2021:
SISAWKILH
Lhmayctmcwilh ala Nuxalkulmcilh ats
We deliver this notice from Nuxalkulmc.
August 16, 2021
[159-08-25]
TO: JUGGERNAUT EXPLORATION LTD.
CC: Canada & Province of British Columbia
RE: EVICTION FROM NUXALKULMC
Yaw!
We first acknowledge Alhkw’ntam for all that has been provided since the beginning
of time and is still provided today. We are the People of Nuxalk, human beings
placed by Alhkw'ntam. We are the lawful authority with jurisdiction here.
Juggernaut has never received consent through our Ancestral Government to operate
here in Nuxalkulmc (Sovereign Nuxalk Territory). Tenures and permits issued by
Canada or British Columbia are in violation of our human rights. You have been
exploring here despite our opposition to your work. You are violating Nuxalk
Protocols and Laws.
It is our responsibility as Nuxalkmc to uphold Nuxalk Law and to maintain the
integrity of these lands for those yet to be born. It is our right to determine
access to Nuxalkulmc and to prevent trespass.
Juggernaut staff & contractors are trespassing and must stop work immediately.
You are responsible to notify your staff and contractors to stop exploration work
immediately, to remove your equipment from the sites you refer to as “Goldstandard
Property” and “Goldstar Property” and to return any and all “samples” you have
taken.
Please ensure all of your equipment, staff and contractors are no longer in
Nuxalkulmc by 11 pm Wednesday August 18, 2021. To ignore this order and to
continue your activities is to knowingly and willingly violate our human rights.
It is time for our human rights to be respected.
Way! .
____________________
Nuskmata, Sisawktimut
(on behalf of Nuxalkmc for our Putl’lt)
Please communicate with Nuskmata by email (nuskmata@protonmail.com) to confirm
your receipt of and compliance with this order and to arrange the return
of “samples” that may have been removed from Nuxalkulmc.
Lhmayctmcwilh ala Nuxalkulmcilh ats
We deliver this notice from Nuxalkulmc.
August 16, 2021
[159-08-25]
TO: JUGGERNAUT EXPLORATION LTD.
CC: Canada & Province of British Columbia
RE: EVICTION FROM NUXALKULMC
Yaw!
We first acknowledge Alhkw’ntam for all that has been provided since the beginning
of time and is still provided today. We are the People of Nuxalk, human beings
placed by Alhkw'ntam. We are the lawful authority with jurisdiction here.
Juggernaut has never received consent through our Ancestral Government to operate
here in Nuxalkulmc (Sovereign Nuxalk Territory). Tenures and permits issued by
Canada or British Columbia are in violation of our human rights. You have been
exploring here despite our opposition to your work. You are violating Nuxalk
Protocols and Laws.
It is our responsibility as Nuxalkmc to uphold Nuxalk Law and to maintain the
integrity of these lands for those yet to be born. It is our right to determine
access to Nuxalkulmc and to prevent trespass.
Juggernaut staff & contractors are trespassing and must stop work immediately.
You are responsible to notify your staff and contractors to stop exploration work
immediately, to remove your equipment from the sites you refer to as “Goldstandard
Property” and “Goldstar Property” and to return any and all “samples” you have
taken.
Please ensure all of your equipment, staff and contractors are no longer in
Nuxalkulmc by 11 pm Wednesday August 18, 2021. To ignore this order and to
continue your activities is to knowingly and willingly violate our human rights.
It is time for our human rights to be respected.
Way! .
____________________
Nuskmata, Sisawktimut
(on behalf of Nuxalkmc for our Putl’lt)
Please communicate with Nuskmata by email (nuskmata@protonmail.com) to confirm
your receipt of and compliance with this order and to arrange the return
of “samples” that may have been removed from Nuxalkulmc.
