About 60 protesters, mainly from Kwakiutl First Nation, angered over logging they say is happening on their lands, marched about four-km from the Hwy. 19 Port McNeill junction to Western Forest Products' log sorting yard in Port McNeill Wednesday.
A larger group of protesters, including several teams of paddlers in traditional canoes, returned to Port McNeill Thursday to continue with protests at the BC Ferries terminal and at the Ministry of Forests office.
Marchers, wearing traditional garb and carrying several large banners, blocked vehicle access to the ferry for about one hour Thursday morning while singing, dancing and making speeches. The paddlers joined the group, which then marched up Campbell Way with an RCMP escort before arriving at the Ministry of Forests office on Mine Road for lunch and more singing and speeches.
Pick up the next issue of the North Island Gazette for the full story.