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Grassy Narrows Fights For Clean River, Justice
24 Sep
Summary
- Grassy Narrows demands justice for mercury poisoning from 1960s-70s.
- Approximately 90% of Grassy Narrows population affected by mercury.
- A Mercury Care Home is expected to open by November 2027.
Chrissy Isaacs of Grassy Narrows First Nation faces daily struggles due to mercury poisoning, a consequence of historical industrial pollution. She joined about 9,000 others at the River Run Rally in Toronto, demanding government action. The English-Wabigoon River System was contaminated by the Dryden Paper Mill in the 1960s and '70s, leading to severe health issues for affected First Nations communities.
Nearly 90% of Grassy Narrows' population has been impacted, primarily through consuming contaminated fish. Symptoms include tremors, insomnia, memory loss, and cognitive dysfunction. The First Nations are calling for river cleanup, compensation for those affected, and the mill's shutdown. Dryden Fibre Canada stated they comply with all environmental regulations.
The Ontario government pledged $85 million in 2017 for remediation, a process described as complex and ongoing. A recent study indicates contamination is worsening. Community members feel the paper mill lacks empathy and attribute the slow progress to racism.
A Mercury Care Home, promised in 2017, is now slated for completion by November 2027, with federal funding supporting its construction and operations, allowing elders to return home.
