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CLEAN UP MERCURY CONTAMINATION IN THE INDIGENOUS ANISHINAABE COMMUNITY OF GRASSY NARROWS

Toxic mercury has poisoned rivers and fish vital to the Indigenous Anishinaabe community of Grassy Narrows in Canada. The government promised to deal with the mercury crisis “once and for all.” The community’s youth are determined to get them to keep their promises.

The people of Grassy Narrows have been hard-hit by mercury poisoning, after the government allowed a pulp mill to dump 10 tons of waste into a river in the 1960s. The damaging effects are still seen today. Rodney Bruce, 25, says, "I've always been taught that if you do something wrong, you have to fix it.”

Fishing is an essential part of their way of life. But for over 50 years, mercury has contaminated the fish.

In 2017, the government promised to deal with the crisis “once and for all.” This requires cleaning-up the river, providing specialized health care and compensating the community. The youth of Grassy Narrows won’t give up their fight until the government keeps its promises. Canada must help restore what mercury has taken from the people of Grassy Narrows.

Take Action: Demand a healthy future for Grassy Narrows youth.