Justice for Grassy Narrows

The people of Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation (also known as Grassy Narrows) have been fighting for justice for decades while governments deny claims and refuse compensation.

 

Their land was poisoned when the Dryden Paper Mill dumped tonnes of mercury into the Wabigoon-English river system that the community relies on for food and water. The corporate polluters have been able to not only delay providing any compensation for the community but have now been allowed to continue to contaminate the area.

 

The pollution has had a devastating impact on the people and the natural environment. The community relies heavily on fishing for their main food source yet the fish themselves are contaminated. Due to financial constraints people have forced many to rely on a food source they know is harmful.

 

“Every day mothers in Grassy Narrows must choose between hunger and feeding their families our traditional fish diet,” said Judy Da Silva, Grassy Narrows mother and activist.

 

The result is widespread disease and shortened life spans. Many reports have concluded that there is a direct link between the mercury dumping and negative health impacts. A report by the Mercury Disability Board commissioned in 2009 confirmed, “There is no doubt that at these levels of exposure many persons were suffering from mercury-related neurologic disorders. Following the results of exposure and effects in 1975, as well as earlier mercury in blood monitoring study conducted by Health Canada since 1970, there should have been extensive examinations and followup of these communities from that time forward, and assistance with respect to health and nutrition.”

 

The corporate polluters have continued to press for more industrial activity in the community.

 

Grassy Narrows responded with what has become the longest Indigenous led blockade in history. In 2002 they were able to kick out one logging company – Abitibi – to protect their land.

 

But the Ford government is calling on ever more polluting industrial development in the area including clearcut logging and more mining operations.

 

Both Ford and PM Carney have refused to stop the destruction of the land and have denied compensation for the contamination that has occurred.

 

But their resistance is continuing. Community members have traveled to Toronto to confront the Ford government many times over the years and have organized massive marches through the streets of Toronto. Thousands of community members and supporters have made the annual River Run demonstration a key front in the fight for Indigenous Sovereignty and against the destruction of the environment.

 

Their demands are clear:

This year, the Grassy Narrows River Run will happen on Wednesday, September 23rd. Join the rally and demand Justice for Grassy Narrows.

 

Find info at: Freegrassy.net