Poisoning a national shame

Children of Grassy Narrows have higher reported rates of health problems, learning disabilities, Dec. 5

Once again, researchers like Dr. Donna Mergler and award-winning investigative reporter David Bruser have clearly exposed the many alarming effects of mercury poisoning (Minimata disease) on Grassy Narrows, where thousands suffer and have died, including the late Chief Steve Fobister, from this disabling, grotesque and life-threatening neuromuscular disorder.

In the mid-1960s, the Reed pulp and paper mill irresponsibly dumped 10 tonnes of industrial mercury into the English-Wabigoon River that poisoned virtually all the fish, poisoned the water and land, poisoned and thousands of Indigenous children and adults who eat fish in their regular diet.

The Ontario government’s repeated claim that it will “clean up” the poisoned waters and soil on Grassy Narrow is a lie. It has failed to take “remedial” action since the 1970s, when it first became aware of this crisis. The Ontario and Canadian governments are guilty of committing genocide on Grassy Narrows and all other First Nation reserves where Indigenous people are forced to live in conditions that have caused a national epidemic of addiction, child suicide and early death.

No more studies, they’re a delay tactic. Class-action lawsuits may get long-delayed action, a national crime, a national shame.