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What is Grassy Narrows?

Location of grassy narrows in Western Ontario

Grassy Narrows lies about 120 miles east of Winnipeg, with an approximate population of 1500 people. The English-Wabigoon river system runs through this area and supplies the community with basic necessities for their “culture, identity and livelihood.”

Compared to more southern communities, the north of Canada is more likely to be impacted by mercury poisoning. This is the direct result of industrial activity: Mercury from coal combustion and gold mining released into the oceans and atmosphere travels long distances and accumulates at higher latitudes. The Grassy Narrows First Nations community in Northwestern Ontario is one example of a population impacted by methylmercury intoxication.

Sign located in Grassy Narrows informing residents about the polluted river. CBC

Between 1962 and 1970, Dryden Chemicals pulp and paper mill dumped approximately 9000 kilograms of mercury into their river system, inoculating fish, soil and wildlife with elevated levels of mercury. A few years later, the Weyerhauser logging company deposited cancer-causing toxins into the English-Wabigoon River system. As a result, the Grassy Narrows First Nations community continues to be exposed to mercury to this day.

The Story of Grassy Narrows (PSAC-AFPC)

The Youth Rising Up Against Canada’s Mercury Crisis (Amnesty International)

Sources