At Andalusia Speech Therapy, we are dedicated to uplifting our community, especially those who often go unheard. Today, we turn our focus to a critical issue that has persisted for decades: the devastating impact of mercury poisoning on the Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows) and Wabaseemoong Independent Nations (Whitedog First Nations).
The Legacy of Mercury Poisoning
Between 1962 and 1970, Dryden Chemicals Ltd. dumped mercury into the English-Wabigoon River system, contaminating the environment and affecting countless lives. Despite an Ontario government order to cease operations, the company continued to pollute the air with mercury until 1975.
The consequences have been dire. Mercury poisoning has afflicted 90% of the Grassy Narrows and Whitedog communities, leading to severe neurological symptoms including impairments in speech, hearing, and vision, convulsions, loss of balance, and heightened psychological stress. This toxic legacy is not confined to those who lived through it; mercury bioaccumulates, meaning it transfers from parent to child through the placenta, affecting generations yet unborn.
Beyond health impacts, the poisoning has disrupted a way of life. Fish, a cornerstone of the diet, culture, and economy of Grassy Narrows, became unsafe to consume. The closure of the commercial fishery by the Ontario government in the 1970s led to widespread unemployment and economic hardship.
Resistance and Government Response
Since the onset of the pollution, the Grassy Narrows and Whitedog communities have tirelessly advocated for their rights and safety. Their efforts include direct appeals to federal and provincial governments, public demonstrations, and even a hunger strike. Notably, Grassy Narrows has maintained a road blockade since 2002—the longest in Canadian history—to prevent further logging and environmental degradation on their lands.
Although the federal and provincial governments have committed to remediation efforts since 1986, including a mercury disability fund and a remediation plan for the river system, these measures have fallen short. Many claims for assistance are denied, and some initiatives seem inadequate in addressing the community’s comprehensive needs.
Grassy Narrows continues to push for meaningful support and justice. On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, community members and leaders will undertake a 1,700-kilometer journey from Grassy Narrows to Toronto for the Grassy Narrows River Run. This event is a crucial opportunity to advocate for:
Fair compensation for all affected individuals
Protection of the Grassy Narrows Indigenous Protected Area (cease mining and logging plans)
Support for community restoration and recovery from mercury damage
How You Can Support
For those in or near Toronto:
Join the River Run: Attend the event on September 18th at 12 PM, at Grange Park in downtown Toronto. Find more details and RSVP here.
Spread the Word: Invite friends, family, and colleagues to join. Consider attending as a group to show solidarity.
For everyone, regardless of location:
Sign Petitions: Support the cause by signing petitions directed at the federal and provincial governments. Access the Action Toolkit here.
Raise Awareness: Share information about Grassy Narrows and the River Run on social media, and discuss it with your network.
Host a Movie Night: Watch "As Long as the Rivers Flow: The Story of the Grassy Narrows Blockade," available for free on YouTube here.
Donate: Contribute to the River Run through e-transfer at solidarity@freegrassy.net (Include “River Run” in the comments section).
Stay Informed: Learn more and sign up for updates by visiting Free Grassy.
Your support is vital in amplifying the voices of Grassy Narrows and ensuring their fight for justice is heard. Join us in standing together for a cause that truly matters.
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