Grassy Narrows First Nation sees start of mercury treatment facility — decades after the river was poisoned

Grassy Narrows First Nation in northwestern Ontario has been dealing with the devastating effects of mercury poisoning for decades. The community has been fighting for justice and support for those impacted by the poisoning, and finally, their efforts are starting to pay off.

Robert Williamson, a resident of Grassy Narrows, has seen the toll that mercury poisoning has taken on his community. Watching his parents lose their only source of income as his neighbors began to fall ill was a heartbreaking experience. Now, Williamson is sick himself, but he holds onto hope that his grandchildren won’t have to suffer the same fate.

The mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows dates back to the 1960s and ’70s when the Dryden Paper Mill dumped nine tonnes of the toxin into the English-Wabigoon River System. Nearly 90 per cent of the community has been impacted by the poisoning, which is mainly transmitted through the consumption of contaminated fish.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the long-awaited Mercury Care Home in Grassy Narrows was a momentous occasion for the community. The facility will provide in-patient services for 22 people and out-patient services for all affected community members. Shaped like a sturgeon, the state-of-the-art facility is expected to be ready in two to three years.

The federal government is investing $82 million in the construction of the care home and $68.9 million in a community trust to support ongoing operations. This investment is crucial for a community that has been fighting for support and recognition for so long.

Chief Sherry Ackabee emphasized the importance of having health-care services in the community, allowing mercury sufferers who have sought treatment elsewhere to come back home. The impact of the river’s contamination goes beyond physical health, affecting the social well-being of the community and leading to issues like alcoholism and suicide.

Studies have shown a link between mercury exposure and premature mortality, as well as an increased risk of suicide among young people in Grassy Narrows. The symptoms of mercury poisoning are severe, including tremors, memory loss, headaches, and cognitive dysfunction.

Activists like Chrissy Isaacs have been fighting for justice and recognition for the community. She shared the heartbreaking story of an 11-year-old family member who died by suicide, highlighting the urgent need for better health-care outcomes and community-led solutions.

The Mercury Care Home is expected to create over 100 jobs in the community, providing opportunities for residents to be trained and employed in the facility. This community-led approach is essential in addressing the unique needs and challenges of those affected by mercury poisoning.

While the construction of the care home is a significant step forward, the fight is far from over. Grassy Narrows continues to push for the remediation of the river and compensation for all affected community members. The community has taken legal action against both the provincial and federal governments and has held demonstrations to demand justice.

Despite the challenges ahead, residents like Robert Williamson remain hopeful for a better future. The Mercury Care Home represents a beacon of hope for a community that has long been fighting for recognition and support. The road ahead may be difficult, but with the care and dedication of the community, better days are on the horizon.