Not Just About Old Growth: Defending the Sacred at Ada’itsx

from July 2021 Issue 152

July Forecasts by Georgia Nicols

The beginning I know is standing underneath Grandmother Cedar on a weekend afternoon in early fall. I remember staring up at her and taking in her wide trunk and outstretched limbs draped with Usnea, while feeling the springy softness of the mossladen earth gathered between her roots. Grandmother Cedar lives near River Camp, which is one of the first camps created by forest defenders in Ada’itsx (Fairy Creek) on unceded Pacheedaht territory. Flash forward, and the movement to end old growth logging on Vancouver Island is no longer just a few people camping out on a logging road. Now, there are many more camps with many more people witnessing the majesty of these ancient trees as the movement to end old growth logging continues to change and grow. Elder Bill Jones from the Pacheedaht First Nation shares that “The Fairy Creek watershed is a sacred place for many reasons. I have many stories about this area, from my own experiences as a child and a young man and also stories that were told to me by my elders. It breaks my heart in half when I see these last remaining stands being ravaged so a few people can have jobs for a few more months.” Although the Government of B.C. announced that they will defer logging in the Fairy Creek and Central Walbran Valley following the Hišuk ma c’awak (“Everything is connected”) declaration from the Huuy-ay-aht, Ditidaht, and

Image courtesy Jenny Ann Holden

Not Just About Old Growth: DEFENDING THE SACRED AT ADA’ITSX/FAIRY CREEK

Pacheedaht First Nations, forest defenders are still advocating for the protection of areas that are not included in the proposed deferral. These areas include Edinburgh Mountain, Bugaboo Creek, the Central Walbran, Caycuse, Camper Creek and the Upper Walbran watershed. Many have said that this is not just about old growth. And yes, while it is about old growth, it is also about the ecosystems that have formed and continue to evolve around these trees. It is also about the ecosystem of humanity that is uniting with a common vision and trying to evolve together with the complexities of colonialism. It is also about the wisdom of the Elders being passed down to younger generations; wisdom that sees the need for the preservation of these sacred places. Tree-sitters, musicians, poets, cooks, strategists, builders, photographers, healers, and so many others are showing up alongside Indigenous land defenders to protect what they know needs protecting. If there is any part of you that is curious about what is happening on the ground, please visit Fairy Creek and the trees as an invited guest of Bill Jones! There are many ways for you to legally protest and observe what is going on at the various sites. Try connecting with a few friends to go together! Or, if you know anyone who is there, maybe offer them a meal or a massage. Everyone is needed!

For more information, go to laststandforforests.com and follow @FairyCreekBlockade on Instagram and Facebook. Consider following @ dreamsincoastal, @ auntie.katigeorgejim, @ coastalindigenousalliance, @wetsuweten_checkpoint, @colinsmithtakespics, @marniereckerphoto, @indiginews, @ indigenouspeoplesmovement, @indigenousclimateaction, @ mikegraeme, and @stand.earth on Instagram for more news about what is happening on the ground.

Hanna Elise (she/ they)