You probably saw or heard the news. Or watched the viral video on Twitter.

On March 27, Grassy Narrows leaders and allies demonstrated outside a swanky Toronto hotel as Justin Trudeau regaled his supporters at a fundraising event for $1,500+ donors.

Two of our members made it inside. One stood directly in front of Trudeau, held up a banner, and asked the Prime Minister when he plans to deliver on his government’s commitment to address the mercury crisis in Grassy Narrows.

As security dragged the Free Grassy activist away, Trudeau chirped smugly, “Thank you for your donation!”

The audience of rich supporters clapped and cheered.

The condemnation was swift. More than 400,000 viewers watched the video and people from all political backgrounds spoke out against Trudeau’s flippant and disrespectful remark. By the following morning, Trudeau had to apologize, saying he had not shown respect.

The media coverage was immense – from the major National media outlets to hundreds of local newspapers.  Journalists wrote op-eds on the incident for weeks after. The news even travelled internationally. Trudeau’s rhetoric about respecting Indigenous rights was again exposed to be just that, rhetoric.

On the heels of the action and media outrage, there is a unique opportunity to press Trudeau to deliver on his commitment to reconciliation and specifically on his government’s promise to build a Mercury Home in Grassy Narrows.

Check out our post for the Many Ways to Support Grassy Narrows Right Now!