Petition of Support for Grassy Narrows and Surrounding Communities Affected by Mercury and Other Contamination in their call for a National Inquiry
This Inquiry is necessary as a result of continued pressure on the Grassy Narrows community from industrial forestry, the devastation of their traditional economy and livelihood, and continuing health impacts. The health of community members in Grassy Narrows and nearby mercury-affected communities continues to deteriorate. Two generations after the Dryden pulp mill released pollution into the English-Wabigoon river system, children are still being born with health problems from mercury and other contamination.
As we find ourselves upon the 8th anniversary of the blockade against clearcutting in Grassy Narrows’ territory, and following upon AFN Resolution No. 04/2010, Support for Grassy Narrows and Other Mercury Impacted Communities,
1. WE CALL ON the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario to hold a National Inquiry to assess the historic and continuing impact of mercury and other contamination in Grassy Narrows and the surrounding communities, to evaluate the success of efforts to date to address this issue, and make recommendations on effective next steps. We urge Canada and Ontario to each take responsibility, under their respective jurisdictions, by calling this inquiry by March 1, 2011
2. WE RESOLVE THAT, should Canada and Ontario fail to take their responsibility, the responsibility for holding this inquiry will fall upon First Nation governments and we will meet that responsibility. With the support of the Assembly of First Nations, a national inquiry would then be held under the jurisdiction of Grand Council Treaty #3 and Grassy Narrows First Nation.
Updates
March 2, 2011
We hit five hundred signatures today. It is exhausting work to keep pushing for an inquiry while the community continues to suffer but seeing this level of support helps me keep going.
Reached 500 supporters
February 28, 2011
February 4, 2011
The weight of this situation is heavy and my inbox is full of stories from people who are just as tired of the silence as I am. I am spending my hours trying to get the right people to acknowledge that this trauma is ongoing rather than a thing of the past. We keep pushing forward because the health of these communities cannot be ignored any longer.
February 3, 2011
The momentum we are seeing now is heavy and necessary although the road ahead still looks long. I am drained but seeing this level of backing reminds me why we cannot stop pushing for this inquiry.
Reached 100 supporters
January 31, 2011
15 Comments
This isn't some third-world wasteland. This is Canada. If we put as much effort into ensuring the health and safety of Grassy Narrows as we do in welcoming refugees and sending billions in aid around the world, this horrid problem would have been solved long ago. As a nation, as a Canadian people, what are our priorities?
How much longer must this truly long-suffering community wait for concrete action? The same situation in any other Canadian municipality is, quite simply, unimaginable. This is 2016 !
We Canadians must support the efforts by native Canadians to right the wrongs of industry who showed disregard to the enviroment and the health of our populations. Act and clean the mercury from the waters. Give the land back to the people in the original condition.
We need to protect our would, our trees and our waters, so our children can live in a better world away from toxins. I want my children and their children and my neighbors children to all live happy and healthy lives and at this rate, they will only have wastelands to live in.
I have urged Cross Country Checkup (CBC) to do a phone in program about the decision this Sunday instead of devoting it to the World Cup. We can't eat or drink soccer.
Prevent all mining and logging licences or claims on their land.
Go and never stop go fight.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
Petition of Support for Grassy Narrows and Surrounding Communities Affected by Mercury and Other Contamination in their call for a National Inquiry
This Inquiry is necessary as a result of continued pressure on the Grassy Narrows community from industrial forestry, the devastation of their traditional economy and livelihood, and continuing health impacts. The health of community members in Grassy Narrows and nearby mercury-affected communities continues to deteriorate. Two generations after the Dryden pulp mill released pollution into the English-Wabigoon river system, children are still being born with health problems from mercury and other contamination.
As we find ourselves upon the 8th anniversary of the blockade against clearcutting in Grassy Narrows’ territory, and following upon AFN Resolution No. 04/2010, Support for Grassy Narrows and Other Mercury Impacted Communities,
1. WE CALL ON the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario to hold a National Inquiry to assess the historic and continuing impact of mercury and other contamination in Grassy Narrows and the surrounding communities, to evaluate the success of efforts to date to address this issue, and make recommendations on effective next steps. We urge Canada and Ontario to each take responsibility, under their respective jurisdictions, by calling this inquiry by March 1, 2011
2. WE RESOLVE THAT, should Canada and Ontario fail to take their responsibility, the responsibility for holding this inquiry will fall upon First Nation governments and we will meet that responsibility. With the support of the Assembly of First Nations, a national inquiry would then be held under the jurisdiction of Grand Council Treaty #3 and Grassy Narrows First Nation.
Updates
March 2, 2011
We hit five hundred signatures today. It is exhausting work to keep pushing for an inquiry while the community continues to suffer but seeing this level of support helps me keep going.
Reached 500 supporters
February 28, 2011
February 4, 2011
The weight of this situation is heavy and my inbox is full of stories from people who are just as tired of the silence as I am. I am spending my hours trying to get the right people to acknowledge that this trauma is ongoing rather than a thing of the past. We keep pushing forward because the health of these communities cannot be ignored any longer.
February 3, 2011
The momentum we are seeing now is heavy and necessary although the road ahead still looks long. I am drained but seeing this level of backing reminds me why we cannot stop pushing for this inquiry.
Reached 100 supporters
January 31, 2011
15 Comments
Prime Minister Carney - "I can out last them." Shocking and something Poilievre would say.
This isn't some third-world wasteland. This is Canada. If we put as much effort into ensuring the health and safety of Grassy Narrows as we do in welcoming refugees and sending billions in aid around the world, this horrid problem would have been solved long ago. As a nation, as a Canadian people, what are our priorities?
How much longer must this truly long-suffering community wait for concrete action? The same situation in any other Canadian municipality is, quite simply, unimaginable. This is 2016 !
We Canadians must support the efforts by native Canadians to right the wrongs of industry who showed disregard to the enviroment and the health of our populations. Act and clean the mercury from the waters. Give the land back to the people in the original condition.
We need to protect our would, our trees and our waters, so our children can live in a better world away from toxins. I want my children and their children and my neighbors children to all live happy and healthy lives and at this rate, they will only have wastelands to live in.
I have urged Cross Country Checkup (CBC) to do a phone in program about the decision this Sunday instead of devoting it to the World Cup. We can't eat or drink soccer.
Prevent all mining and logging licences or claims on their land.
Go and never stop go fight.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 1,000 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
Prime Minister Carney - "I can out last them." Shocking and something Poilievre would say.