David Powell
Updated on: October 12, 2024 8:24 pm GMT
The call for environmental justice echoed this week in Toronto, as members of the Grassy Narrows First Nation, along with their supporters, gathered at Queen’s Park to demand the permanent shutdown of the Dryden pulp and paper mill. For nearly 60 years, this facility has been linked to toxic pollution that has severely harmed the health of the community and their traditional waters. This protest is not just about a single mill; it represents a broader fight against industrial pollution and the ongoing impact on Indigenous rights and health.
Mercury Pollution’s Long Shadow
The roots of this struggle trace back to the 1960s, when the former Reed paper mill in Dryden, Ontario, dumped nearly 10 metric tonnes of mercury into the English-Wabigoon River system. This tragedy poisoned the local water supply and devastated the fish populations that have historically supported the community’s livelihood. Today, up to 90 percent of residents grapple with serious health issues linked to mercury exposure, including neurological and developmental disorders.
Chrissy Isaacs, a lead organizer of the caravan and a long-time activist for Grassy Narrows, reflected on the community’s ongoing trauma. “We want everybody to be compensated. We want the mill to shut down, and we don’t want any mining or logging in our territory,” she asserted. Isaacs, who has been at the forefront of environmental protests for over two decades, emphasized that the fight is not only for the present generation but also for future ones.
Health Impacts on the Community
The health fallout from mercury contamination is profound and far-reaching. The symptoms are not merely an individual concern; they are intergenerational and cumulative.
- Neurological Issues: Residents experience a range of problems, including memory loss and difficulty in motor functions.
- Long-term Consequences: Children of affected parents are showing symptoms similar to those seen in adults, highlighting the urgency of addressing this public health crisis.
Isaacs poignantly noted, “I pray – I pray – that their grandchildren don’t have to be doing this work. It’s sad that my grandchildren are standing up too when it shouldn’t even be that way.”
A History of Pledges and Inaction
The hazardous legacy of the mercury spill has often been met with governmental promises and inadequate responses. Grassy Narrows Chief Rudy Turtle recalls the indifference he felt as a child when tested for mercury exposure. “It made me wonder why people weren’t alarmed,” he stated, outlining his disappointment with the lack of action from both provincial and federal representatives over the decades.
In recent months, studies have revealed that instead of decreasing, mercury levels are increasing due to ongoing pollution from the Dryden mill. A key report showed that substances released into the river are exacerbating the methylmercury levels rather than improving them, intensifying community fears.
Legal Actions and Community Resolve
Addressing these ongoing challenges, Grassy Narrows community leaders have taken legal action to seek justice. The First Nation filed lawsuits against both the provincial and federal governments, arguing that the continued pollution of their waters is a violation of their treaty rights and a breach of governmental responsibilities.
“The government has been lying to us,” claimed Chief Turtle, indicating the trust that remains broken between the community and authorities. He highlighted how promises about water safety have not translated into tangible change on the ground.
- Community members are calling for:
- The permanent shutdown of the Dryden pulp and paper mill.
- Full compensation for the affected community members.
- Morrally repairing the poisoned waters and ecosystem.
The Path Ahead
Despite the dire circumstances, community leaders maintain a hopeful outlook. Both Chief Turtle and Chrissy Isaacs stress the importance of cleaning the river and restoring the health of their land for future generations. Turtle stated, “My preference is just cleaning it up… if you could remove 80 percent or 90 percent of it, at least it’s cleaner than it is.”
Current initiatives from the government, including a planned long-term care facility for those affected by mercury-related conditions, have been met with skepticism. Construction has stalled, leading many to believe that the priorities are misaligned.
Community Support and Solidarity
The spirit of solidarity was palpable at the protest in Toronto, with supporters from various Indigenous communities joining the rally. They echoed the call for reliable action and recognition of Indigenous rights in managing resources. “The people of Grassy Narrows deserve immediate action,” one supporter stated. “It’s time for the government to uphold its promises.”
In this ongoing struggle, both leaders and community members are determined to press for accountability and change. They aim to see a future where such an environmental disaster is not just acknowledged but becomes a catalyst for healing and justice.
Conclusion
The story of the Grassy Narrows First Nation and the Dryden mill shows a important battle against pollution and the need to protect the rights and health of Indigenous people. Activists and community members are working hard to get justice. They want to see clear information, help to heal their land, and an end to the pollution that has hurt their lives for many years. The struggle isn’t finished yet, but the determination is strong among those who are fighting for their communities and their future.
