History of Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation
1800-1900
Signing of treaty 3 with Government of Canada, giving Asubpeeschoseewagong
First Nations land in Northwestern Ontario and Eastern Manitoba
First Nations community establishes along the Wabigoon-English River system
Resident Schools implemented
Relocation of the Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nations to Grassy Narrows
Dumping of large amounts of mercury into the Wabigoon-English River system by Dryden Chemicals
Government of Canada issued forest licensing for clear-cutting trees to Abitibi-Consolidated Inc.
1900-2000
2000s
Government intervention to provide safe and cleaning drinking water to Grassy Narrows
Government of Canada promising to install and pay for a by 2023
Effects of Mercury Poisoning on Asubpeeschoseewagong People
“We have eight hundred members who don’t have access to safe drinking water”
Simon F. Cheif
The community in Grassy Narrows in disproportionately affected compared to more southern communities. Mercury is more likely to accumulate in higher latitudes compared. The river system that provides the foundational element of culture has been contaminated by industrial practices. Today, 90 percent of the Grassy Narrows population suffers from symptoms of mercury poisoning.
Because of the contamination, safe and usable water is lacking from taps at home. The picture on the right showcases the degree of contamination in some homes in Grassy Narrows. Residents claim to experience itchy, red skin after exposure to these water sources.
Azraya Ackabee-Kokopenace, a 14-year old girl living in Grassy Narrows, wanted help. She was found dead 90 kilometres south of Grassy Narrows.
It is believed that her death was tied to her despair over the loss of her elder brother, Calvin, who passed away from mercury poisoning.
“Knowing that Calvin went through that, it makes everyone sad. Azraya took it the worst”, says Chayna Loon.
The effects of mercury poisoning go beyond physiological and physical effects, impacting whole families and the mental health of the community.
“We could all be dying. We probably are, already.”
Chayna Loon, Azraya’s Cousin
Sources
- https://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/children-of-the-poisoned-river-mercury-poisoning-grassy-narrows-first-nation/
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/30/canada-first-nations-justin-trudeau-drinking-water
- https://cshp.ca/company/roster/companyRosterDetails.html?companyId=47307&companyRosterId=68&fbclid=IwAR2eEPPF53ERRRGXtckp1NeAQzysHsVdY_Pwp8_W8zDgHKl0I5VamHrTn9Q
- https://teachforcanada.ca/en/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Grassy-Narrows-2019-update.pdf