ADVOCACY FROM ASUBPEESCHOSE
BY JOANNE FORMANEK GUSTAFSON O
n September 18, 2024, more than 8,000 people marched from Toronto’s Grange Park to Queen’s Park in solidarity with
members of Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows) First Nation. Called the River Run, this long-standing event raises aware- ness of the mercury contamination of the English-Wabigoon River in northwestern Ontario and advocates for compensation and cleanup, and for a future free of mercury. Te event is intended to lobby the govern- ment about ongoing mercury poisoning, to educate the public, and to invite support and allyship. Te community has been fighting for clean water in Grassy Narrows since the 1970s, with mercury poisoning contaminat- ing the water supply for generations. I’m from neighbouring Couchiching First
Nation, an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) communi- ty on Treaty 3 territory. Since 2010, Couchi- ching has been advocating for cleanup of a site contaminated by sawmill operations nearly 100 years ago. I hear similar stories from reserves across Canada, where people are struggling with the impacts of environ- mental destruction. Tough I only learned the term environ-
mental racism in recent years, I realize that I have spent a lifetime living with and learn- ing about it. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, environmental racism happens when development, policies or practices in- tentionally or unintentionally result in more pollution or health risks in Indigenous and racialized communities. It also includes pat- terns of unequal access to environmental benefits like clean water and air and proxim- ity to parks. Environmental racism has seri- ous impacts on health, well-bring and com- munity outcomes. As an educator, I ensure that I integrate this concept into to my teach-
16 ETFO VOICE | SPRING 2025
ing about climate and environmental justice. As a member of a First Nation and a person whose history has been marginalized and misrepresented, I understand why it is es- sential when talking about communities that have been affected by environmental racism that we centre their activism and resistance. About 100 people from Grassy Narrows
led this year’s demonstration to Queen’s Park, carrying signs made at an art build held in preparation for the rally. Te impacts of mer- cury poisoning make the walk nearly impos- sible for some, but that didn’t stop people from travelling for the important act of ad- vocating for their community. Some of the activists have been fighting for clean water for their community for decades; others are youth who were there for the first time. All of their lives have been profoundly impacted.
TRAVELLING FROM GRASSY NARROWS TO TORONTO
In early September, Grassy Narrows mem- ber Chrissy Isaacs loaded her van for the journey ahead of her. Isaacs remembered her own beginnings in activism and knew how important this trip was for young people. Along with a dozen youth from the community, Isaacs was headed toward To- ronto, stopping at towns and cities along the way to educate the public about the mercu- ry poisoning that had been impacting their families for generations. Each stop was a rally, where youth spoke
about their experiences with the effects of mercury poisoning. Tey carried flags, ban- ners and signs, and sang traditional songs for the water and the people. Teir purpose was to educate people about what was hap- pening in their community and to express their frustration and anger at being ignored by the government and industry leaders for decades. Youth are an essential voice in
RICHARD LAUTENS/TORONTO STAR VIA GETTY IMAGES
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