https://www.kenoraonline.com/local/fish-mercury-consumption-linked-to-lifespan-at-grassy

A study in a British scientific journal found higher long-term mercury exposures had a detrimental impact on members at Grassy Narrows First Nation. Findings in the study also questioned the continued consumption of freshwater fish. 

The study in the Lancet Planetary Health Journal found there were few members of the First Nation over the age of 60, and the risk of dying before the age of 60 rose in proportion to long-term mercury exposure. 

“The consistent findings between our different analyses support an association between long-term mercury exposure from freshwater fish consumption and premature mortality in this First Nation community. There is a need to do risk-benefit analyses of freshwater fish consumption in environmentally contaminated regions,” said the authors in their study released earlier this month.

The First Nation has under 1,000 members living on-reserve, but a total membership of about 1,600. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry issues game fish consumption guidelines for the area around Grassy Narrows. 

“Risk to benefit analyses from marine fish consumption might not apply to freshwater fish, which have fewer beneficial nutrients,” the authors continued in their findings.

“For the community of Grassy Narrows, premature death also means that there are fewer elders to pass on traditional teachings and knowledge. Studies on avoidable mortality in First Nation communities should be encouraged to address environmental contaminants,” the authors added.

Walleye is often a part of the diet in northwestern Ontario, including traditional feasts in Treaty 3 territory.