April marks the 50th anniversary of the fishing industry being shut down in Grassy Narrows due to mercury contamination of the river system.
Between 1962 and 1970, a paper mill dumped 9,000 kg of mercury into the Wabigoon River upstream from Grassy Narrows, with the Province’s permission. No one told Grassy Narrows about this poison until 1970. In April 1970 the Ontario government shut down the local fishing industry. Within a year, unemployment rates in Grassy Narrows skyrocketed from 5% to 95%. This is because most people worked as commercial fishers, fishing guides, or in other work related to fishing tourism.
Since then, it has been found that many people suffer from mercury poisoning.
Yesterday evening Grassy Narrows First Nation secured a signed contract from Canada to provide the full funding required to build a Mercury Care Home in the community following Grassy Narrows’ plan. Canada is also bound to provide long-term funding for operations and maintenance, including federally funded services, although the amount is not yet specified. The agreement is an important step to implement promises made by Canada since 2017 on the facility. However, Grassy Narrows continues to seek secure long-term funding for the full services required at the facility for people suffering from the debilitating impacts of mercury poisoning.
(Kitchenuhmaykoosib lnninuwug, Big Trout Lake, ON – January 23, 2020) On January 22, 2020 the Chiefs of Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek (“ANA” or “Grassy Narrows”), Wapekeka First Nation, and Kitchenuhmaykoosib lnninuwug (“Kl”) marked a milestone in their relations by signing a Mutual Cooperation Protocol. The First Nations have agreed to work together in protecting their lands and waters from industrial extraction that threatens the health of their Homelands and their way of life. The Nations stand strong and united, committed to protecting their lands and waters through the establishment of Indigenous Protected Areas over large parts of their Traditional Territories.
Justin Trudeau has announced his new cabinet, naming Marc Miller the new Indigenous Services Minister. There is no time to waste. Let’s immediately demand that Trudeau and the new minister take action on Grassy Narrows now!
Despite a 2017 commitment by the Government of Canada to build a much-needed Mercury Home in Grassy Narrows, the promised funds were not delivered.
During federal election campaigning, there are four things you can do to support Grassy Narrows and help get commitments from federal parties to provide some basic support for this resilient community dealing with an ongoing mercury crisis.
