“It is common sense,” Willie continued. “Even the government of British Columbia recognizes that and has designated nearly twenty-nine million acres of protected lands where no forestry, mining, or industrial development of any kind is allowed.”

At the mention of protected lands, several of the logging company employees shook their head in disapproval.

“In addition, the province has wisely set aside another thirty-two million acres for special management, which means that wildlife habitats, or scenic vistas take precedence over logging.”

Willie raised his right arm and gestured to the forest behind him. “The area which these men wish to harvest is unremarkable in that its fish and wildlife are as plentiful and diverse as in many other parts of this great land. And while it is beautiful, it is no more or no less beautiful than any other land the Earth Mother has blessed with her gifts.”

Willie paused for a dramatic moment, and in the silence several of the protesters were looking at each other with confused expressions on their faces. He seemed to be making a strong case for the loggers.

“What’s going on?” one of them said.

“What’s he getting at?” asked another.

“I thought he was on our side.”

Like a true professional, Willie’s timing was perfect, picking up his speech just as the crowd began to grow noisy.

“But the government of this province is wise and realizes that not all lands requiring protection are extraordinary in terms of their beauty or their wildlife habitats. Some lands must be protected because of their cultural value and importance to the people who call that land their home. These lands…” He slowly spread his arms, “…are home to the spirits of long-dead hunters and warriors. They hunt alongside the spirits of the bear and the wolf, all the spirits of the animals who have lived and died in these woods through the ages.”

A few of the loggers snickered. Noble had to admit that Willie was laying it on a little thick, but it still sounded pretty convincing. Besides, the loggers weren’t the ones Willie needed to convince. He needed to get the word out to people all over the province and across the country, especially those in the big cities and centers of government. Who knew what Willie would sound like to them?

“If these lands are violated…if the spirits’ existence on these lands is disturbed in any way, they will become angry and the peace and harmony of this place will be turned upside down.”

Willie nodded, as if he were finished.

One of the loggers stepped forward and shouted. “Is that a threat? Are you threatening us?”

Willie shook his head. “I make no threats. I am only a messenger and my message is this: This land is sacred to my people. It is the home of the spirits of my ancestors. Anger them, and suffer the consequences.”