Devastating news. Members of the Nuxalk First Nation and their friends
are remembering Nuxalk hereditary chief Qwatsinas (Edward Moody). He
passed away August 31 in Bella Coola hospital from a malignant cancer
that was diagnosed only ten days earlier. He was 59 years old and
spent decades fighting to defend the coastal rainforest. He is a great
spirit who is loved and respected by thousands.

Qwatsinas' daughter Megan Moody writes: "His funeral will take place
in Bella Coola BC, at 10am on Saturday September 4th at the Nuxalk
Hall. Please pass this message on to his many friends around the
world. I know I will be unable to contact everyone who has known and
loved my father."

In tribute, I'm dedicating a presentation to chief Qwatsinas at the
Victoria Anarchist Bookfair at 5 pm Sunday, Sept 12 in the hall of St.
Andrews, 680 Courtney St. in Victoria. The interactive talk is about
"The Forces of Destruction" and how to take direct action for change.
Forest Action Network is hosting the Info Cafe with kick-ass coffee,
tea, cocoa, and info Sept 11-12 at the bookfair. I'm inviting all past
and future tree-sitters, tree-huggers, FANsters, and Wild Earthlings
to join me there. All of you, please come!

This reminds me how important it is to stay in touch with our friends
and comrades and loved ones. When I visited Qwatsinas in the hospital
Saturday, I told him we would carry on his work, especially sharing
the knowledge and experience with young people. So please drop a line
- it would be great to hear from you.