We, the women of Grassy Narrows, make a statement on behalf of our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren on resource extraction on our traditional harvesting lands since time immemorial.
We are carriers of life and nation keepers of the Anishinabek peoples.
We will not allow resource extraction that destroys the habitat of our harvesting lands and waters…
Thoughts on children of Grassy Narrows to commemorate the National Child Day
In Grassy Narrows we have children and youth that outnumber the adults in our total on reserve population of 800. These children and youth are true survivors as they inherit the legacy of a land devoured by consumerism – namely from the logging industry. This industry is also what dumped 9,000 kgs of mercury into the English Wabigoon river system effectively poisoning a water that is supposed to be life giving and is now life taking.
The Chiefs of Treaty #3 First Nations in assembly voted unanimously to support Grassy Narrows First Nation in their demands for mercury justice and an end to clear cut logging on their Homeland. United as one, the Grand Council of Treaty 3 is calling on the government of Ontario to cancel the part of the Whiskey Jack Forest Management Plan specific to Grassy Narrows Homeland.
In late August a team of Japanese scientists returned to Grassy Narrows to investigate the mercury poisoning. This is their fifth visit since the late Dr. Harada first came to Grassy Narrows in 1975. Their investigation is by far the longest running and most comprehensive study of mercury in Grassy Narrows, a topic that the government has been negligent in failing to monitor in detail.
August 19, 2014
Anishinabe Youth joined by On-to-Ottawa Caravan protesters at Kenora Mill
Kenora, Ontario—A delegation of youth from Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation), joined by nearly two dozen Anishinabe and non-Indigenous supporters carrying protest signs and banners, delivered today a letter and a set of demands to Weyerhaeuser at the Kenora Timberstrand Trus Joist Mill.
